Any info appreciated. First handgun purchase.

Raven007

Raven007

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I am pretty excited about my first handgun purchase. Having done a lot of reading here and elsewhere, I think I have 3 solid possible options. I am going to start with a .22LR semi-auto(I would rather discipline myself to shoot slowly rather than reload each time) I am not a revolver fan. If any of you have used these or have other suggestions or know of any issues I would appreciate reading them. Of course I plan on getting my hands on them if possible prior to buying.
1. Ruger 22/45 Lite (23 oz)
2. Walther P22 Q (18.7oz.)
3. S&W Model 22a (32ish oz)

My priorities are : 1. Accuracy 2. Reliability( I plan on putting a lot of rounds through) 3. Reasonably lightweight and not huge grip size. 4. Ease of slide action 5. Lb. of trigger pull
The Ruger is aluminum, is there any problem with that vs. steel? Thanks kindly.
 
If you get a chance, try some of the heavier semi's, like a CZ Kadet or Ruger MKIII. You might like them better. I know I do.
 
I would go for the CZ Kadet but their scarce and fairly expensive.The second choice for me would be the Ruger Marklll in the 22/45 version.I prefer the 22/45 version because I feel the grip angle is most similar to other firearms I use....
 
I have a ruger MK I and its great. But, I would suggest getting involved in a local club. Most of my fellow members and I welcome "newbies" fo come out and try the guns we have. You can get the true feel for them and make an educated decision
 
Take the Walther off your list; it is a plinker and not very accurate. The S&W 22a has good accuracy and has a nicer trigger than the Ruger 22/45. The frame of the 22a is questionable.

For reliability you should check out the Ruger Mark III. What's your budget? As noted above a S&W Model 41 has all of these beat.
 
I have a Ruger MK2 and I owned a Walther the walther is very tiny its good for small people with small hands it was almost toyish I have owned the ruger for a long time and i dont see myself selling it I also own a Browning Buckmark and it feels good as well both very accurate and very fun to shoot
 
ammo is important. I think cci mini mags should be used in any semi .22lr. I have a friend that has a buckmark, he had multiple jams at the range recently.
 
But having said that:
buy all of them, try all of them, keep the one you like the best, sell the rest, one fellow on here said and I quote " I only own one or two guns but I rent hundreds" that is the only way you will find what fits you unless you have friend with a lot of options but i am guessing if you did you wouldn't be here asking opinions :)
 
HammerliSP20 said:
Take the Walther off your list; it is a plinker and not very accurate. The S&W 22a has good accuracy and has a nicer trigger than the Ruger 22/45. The frame of the 22a is questionable.

For reliability you should check out the Ruger Mark III. What's your budget? As noted above a S&W Model 41 has all of these beat.
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Budget is pretty good at this point, and have checked out all that have been mentioned so far. List is getting longer. Thank you all very much. Not sure if I should spend a ton on a .22LR (model 41 not cheap) as I am sure I will move up to a 9mm. Really like the idea of finding someone at the gun club willing to let me handle/fire. :)
 
Glock 17, in 9mm. Yep, thats what i said. Then buy a conversion kit (for about $500) for .22 cal. It worked for me, and i am keeping it for my kid.

You could even buy 40 cal or 45 cal. whichever you think you will like.

btw, when you buy ammo for the 9mm, use 147 gr., just a bit more tame. also, but it now! will save you money in the long run.
 
I got the 22/45 lite. Alum barrel has no issue. I cleaned then ran 500 rounds of mini mag and no failure. Then no cleaning and put another 525 of federal bulk with 4 failure. Cleaned and another 525 of federal with no failure. I love my 22/45 and it was $470 all in.
 
.22 will be a complete disappointment as soon as you try something better. I feel my air gun is as much fun as a .22. I would go to a range that rent guns and try a few out first. My fisrt gun is a 9mm and i love it. shooting beside the .22"s seems a bit underwhelminging at the least. The 9mm has the "fun and wow" factor, without being intimidating. Just my 2 cents worth but might be worth the rental fee:)
 
I'm obviously a fan of the Ruger platform. MkI, II, III, doesn't really matter but for details, the guns all shoot great. I like the weight of the bull barrel, the balance does good things for me and I get a calming sense of energy absorption from the added weight that makes me at least FEEL like I'm shooting better. Haven't shot the 22/45 but if the angle feels like a 1911 like it's supposed to, well there's nothing wrong with that.

The best way to find out what you like is to buy as many as possible, shoot them all extensively then sell the ones you don't like on the EE as NIB for higher than retail price. Win win! (that's a joke BTW, if EE police are lurking:dancingbanana:)
 
I have the Ruger Mark III with the bull BBl. and I love it. I just got it and only shot it once but was surprised how accurate it is. I have a GSG1911 and it is a good gun but the Ruger is better I think, about the same $$.
 
stones93 said:
.22 will be a complete disappointment as soon as you try something better. I feel my air gun is as much fun as a .22. I would go to a range that rent guns and try a few out first. My fisrt gun is a 9mm and i love it. shooting beside the .22"s seems a bit underwhelminging at the least. The 9mm has the "fun and wow" factor, without being intimidating. Just my 2 cents worth but might be worth the rental fee:)
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Are you new to guns? The OP is bang on the money wanting to start with a .22. It will teach much more in the long run. The best shooters I know still shoot .22 by far the most.
22's are sometimes like a bell curve. People start out with them, gradually move away, then return to them after realizing their intrinsic value.
 
OP- I have pretty much owned every 22 out there and always return to the excellent Ruger Mark series. Truly awesome guns in whichever flavor you prefer.
 
bollox said:
Are you new to guns? The OP is bang on the money wanting to start with a .22. It will teach much more in the long run. The best shooters I know still shoot .22 by far the most.
22's are sometimes like a bell curve. People start out with them, gradually move away, then return to them after realizing their intrinsic value.
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Ty all again, yes, I am pretty committed to being patient and learning good habits slowly, through much repetition, with something that doesn't take my wrist off. I want something I can enjoy shooting for a long time, using a lot of ammo without taking out a bank loan. I will move up in caliber, but will probably always love the .22.
I am a bit concerned about the weight of some of the suggestions, but weight and accuracy seem to be a bit linked so might have to get used to something more solid.
 
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