Help a beginner choose a pistol...

mikeyb

mikeyb

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So I've decided to give handgunning a go after shooting rifles for almost 20 years. I was at my range yesterday and another member let me have a go with his .357, loaded with some .38sp practice loads. Big fun. I doubt I barely hit the paper but it was nice to give it a try. Luckily my club offers the restricted course and gives members a discount - so I think I'll be signing myself up for the next one.

I know it's important to handle a whole bunch of guns to see which ones fit best, but I'm at odds with which ones I'd like to try.

I like the idea of a medium frame revolver in .357/.38, that gives me the option of a .357 when needed but cheap .38 loads for practice.

I like the idea of a steel framed semi as well, like a 1911 or a 92fs. My preference would be for adjustable sights in either case since I would have the opportunity to shoot/sight-in from a bench for best accuracy.

I haven't found much in a polymer-framed pistol that I really like but must admit, I haven't really looked into them much.

I'm leaning towards the 92fs with an adjustable sight - I know you can buy them as accessories and a 9mm semi shouldn't be too far of a .38 sixgun in terms of recoil, but I really have no clue. The 92fs also seems to have decent aftermarket support, including a couple .22cal conversions which would be nice as I usually have a few bricks kicking around at any given time(have not heard a lot of good things though).

I do have a reloading press, so I'm thinking it should be no problem to pick up a die set and a few bags of brass and start reloading.

Any other options I should consider at this point?
 
This questions comes up about once a week. You should try the search function. Search string beginner. set date to 36 months and newer. search only in the Pistol revolver forum. This will give you the collective wisdom of CGN for the past 3 years.:) Which in my opinion is better than going by the 8 or so people who will respod to your question. Depending on the day. 4 of which will tell you get a dedicated 22lr, 2 will tell you get an auto with a 22 conversion. 3 will tell you the everyone is full of it that they started with a 9mm and the sky did not fall, and one will tell you not to listen to any of these wimps and get a dirty harry 44 Magnum.
 
You sound like you have a pretty good handle on what you want. I would suggest a S&W 686 or Ruger GP for your .357 wheelgun needs and since you already have you 'sights' set on the 92fs then go for it, great gun. Adjusting the sights on the 92 is a little more difficult than some others but can be done (I think you may need modification of slide if you want front sight to be adjustable.) Windage is adjustable only on rear no elevation (on stock guns)

Welcome to the R side!
 
when you hold 1911, you experience a different feeling from all other guns. I would look close at a s&w 1911, or a kimber 1911
 
waderow said:
when you hold 1911, you experience a different feeling from all other guns. I would look close at a s&w 1911, or a kimber 1911
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I second that. I have just a basic Norinco 1911A1, in 45acp, which I have done some mods to(new barrel, exotic wood grips, and a mag well on the way).... Super nice gun, relatively inexpensive. If you have $$, you can look at Kimbers and others along those lines. (I think SIG makes a really cool one, but that's my opinion)

I mean, if you have your heart set on the 92fs, well then go for it. It's a nice gun too. However, don't do so before trying out a 1911.
 
Dont forget the price difference in ammo!!!!!! .45 ACP is a hell of alot more expensive than 9mm, or .38 spl. Id vote for the 92fs or Glock 17 in a Semi, or the Ruger GP100, or S&W 686 in a revolver. You seem to already know what you want and its a good choice.
 
mikeyb said:
So I've decided to give handgunning a go after shooting rifles for almost 20 years. I was at my range yesterday and another member let me have a go with his .357, loaded with some .38sp practice loads. Big fun. I doubt I barely hit the paper but it was nice to give it a try. Luckily my club offers the restricted course and gives members a discount - so I think I'll be signing myself up for the next one.

I know it's important to handle a whole bunch of guns to see which ones fit best, but I'm at odds with which ones I'd like to try.

I like the idea of a medium frame revolver in .357/.38, that gives me the option of a .357 when needed but cheap .38 loads for practice.

I like the idea of a steel framed semi as well, like a 1911 or a 92fs. My preference would be for adjustable sights in either case since I would have the opportunity to shoot/sight-in from a bench for best accuracy.

I haven't found much in a polymer-framed pistol that I really like but must admit, I haven't really looked into them much.

I'm leaning towards the 92fs with an adjustable sight - I know you can buy them as accessories and a 9mm semi shouldn't be too far of a .38 sixgun in terms of recoil, but I really have no clue. The 92fs also seems to have decent aftermarket support, including a couple .22cal conversions which would be nice as I usually have a few bricks kicking around at any given time(have not heard a lot of good things though).

I do have a reloading press, so I'm thinking it should be no problem to pick up a die set and a few bags of brass and start reloading.

Any other options I should consider at this point?
Click to expand...

You are already step out a good move. The 92FS is the best choice if not, add S&W 686 and CZ75B into your stable and be a happy man. For another several years, you may not need to find any other guns to replace them.

Trigun
 
On that revolver list don't pass up a nice looking used S&W Model 19, 27 or 28 either. The 19 in particular is just plain lovable and a classic to boot.
 
jasonburnsdundee said:
This questions comes up about once a week. You should try the search function. Search string beginner. set date to 36 months and newer. search only in the Pistol revolver forum. This will give you the collective wisdom of CGN for the past 3 years.:) Which in my opinion is better than going by the 8 or so people who will respod to your question. Depending on the day. 4 of which will tell you get a dedicated 22lr, 2 will tell you get an auto with a 22 conversion. 3 will tell you the everyone is full of it that they started with a 9mm and the sky did not fall, and one will tell you not to listen to any of these wimps and get a dirty harry 44 Magnum.
Click to expand...

Yep, pretty much right on the money!!!
 
Sounds like you're going in the right direction. :)

Beretta would be a great choice for a first gun. Might spoil you tho! ;)
1911 - if you really want one I'd give Taurus 1911 a try. Very good gun for the money.
Revolver - Ruger GP100 .357mag with a 4.2" would be my choice
 
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