first handgun

[dudley2112]

My dad and i are going for our restricted licenses this january. We both have experience with handguns as my dad used to do competition shooting in the 70's and 80's and i've shot some handguns at the range. I was figuring that i would start with a .22 my choices are the following: Ruger new Six, Browning Buckmark camper, Ruger Mark III target or 22/45. After that i was thinking of a Ruger Blackhawk in .357/38 special or a S&W model 60 in the same caliber.
Any comments or recomendadtions on these guns? Thanks for your feed back.

 

[ponts]

My first gun in 1990 was a 4" barrel 357 magnum, Smith & Wesson 686. Looking back and owning AT LEAST over 500 different handguns since then it still is my favorite. IMHO the model 60 in 5" configuration looks odd and would be tough to find speed loaders for a 5 shot. You would be better off with a 6 shot revolver if you are going the way of the wheel gun. A 686 with a 6" barrel would be an excellent choice.

You might want to also consider a Glock 17 and you can buy a very reliable .22 conversion for it by Advantage arms for around $400. The ruger 22/45 is a good choice too.

 

[COREY]

I shoot outside, so I can give an idea of waht I would recommend.

A 22 is almost manditory if you do not reload; they are accurate (usually), cheap to shoot, and there is no recoil. If you shoot outside during the winter, get one in a revolver to make it so you are not digging in the snow for the spent casings.

A good 9mm is nice to have; I shoot a Beretta 92, but it is a bit big for some. I would recommend trying out a few (ask range members) before buying one to see waht fits.

I am now shooting my S&W 28 for the winter so I am not digging for brass. A good revolver in 38/357 is great fun; load down in light 38 loads and up in 357 when you want to feel that punch. A used 686 is probably your best buy out there; I like my N frame, but they are not as common as they once were.

 

[sillymike]

Another interesting option in 22 is the MCM Margolin, there are a few of them floating around, should be about $275 for a new on with spare parts and accessories.

They are much easier to strip down for cleaning then a Ruger (I own both)

[/IMG]



There's nothing wrong with the Ruger revolvers (they are built like tanks, or so it seems), but I personnaly prefer the S&W revolver... and of those, I think the M60 5" looks the best...

 

[chemo]

get a 38/357 first.
my 2 cents

 

[dudley2112]

i reload currently for rifles and so i was planning on reloading for what ever handgun i buy which is why i was looking at a revolver. I've tried 9mm before (beretta 92, HiPower,glock 19 and a luger of some sort) but i tried a single action berretta and the range recently and fell in love have any of you tried the ruger single six?

 

[BCRider]

I think you've got a great list there and it sounds like you are on the path to having a few options to shoot for each trip to the range.

One bit of confusion though. You said "Ruger new Six" but I'm guessing you intended to say "Ruger Single Six" ?

There's some videos on YouTube on all your choices and I especially suggest you look up the one for the Single Six showing them eject the casings and loading the new rounds. To me it seems like a painfully long experience for a .22 although all the reports are that the gun is great to shoot. But I'll hang on for a double action S&W that flips the cylinder out to the side so it can be cleared and loaded more or less in bulk (two at a time is pretty easy with a bit of practice). On the .38/.357 loading through the usual SA gate isn't so bad since it slows down the consumption of this relatively expensive ammo (be it factory or reloads)...

I just can't see a list like that being complete without one center fire semi auto. Perhaps a classic 1911 in .45ACP? If you're reloading anyway it shouldn't be too bad on the budget and you just need to scoop up the brass. Some loses will occur but I'd think you can get MOST of it back with a bit of care and maybe some pre-planning about where the brass will fly.

And if you liked the feel of the Beretta then do yourself a favour and check out the Baby Eagle and any of the CZ 75B's or P-01 variants. I loved the Beretta at first too but the Baby Eagle nudged it out of first. Then I got to shoot a CZ Shadow and that nudged the Baby Eagle out by the same little bit.

 

[Jahred.F]

the ruger single six is alot of fun! slow reloading be damned, it's worth it, although the nostlalgia would probably wear off... single actions are just so darned cool! a plus here is you can have both 22LR and 22 win mag.

as far as semi auto, i'm sure you would be happy with a MKIII or 22/45. i'm sure that you are aware that the 22/45 has a polymer frame, some say it throws the balance off, and others say it balances well off hand. only one way to find out i suppose! i have also heard of some people have minor problems that are easily tuned up with the help of the aftermarket... kind of like the 10/22 i suppose!

are you looking to do friendly shooting, or actual competition? the answer could dictate what is best for you.

 

[dudley2112]

yes i meant single six lol,

 

[BCRider]

....are you looking to do friendly shooting, or actual competition? the answer could dictate what is best for you.

Excellent point. My first purchase was driven by the fact that it was IPSC, IDPA and other similar shooting options that pushed me to even bother with taking the R-PAL course. Otherwise I've got this nice commercial range that would let me go out a few times a year to push holes in paper while standing still without the need for all the legalities.

And don't forget about the "need" for a big flash/bang gun like a .44 Magnum or .460 or even a .500AE. Nothing gives you that craving for rare red meat and lots of it like a few rounds from a huge hand cannon just before you pack up for the day.....

 

[dudley2112]

lol ya im thinking more about just casual target shooting, i dont think im gonna need the massive hand cannon in 44 mag.

 

[Starscream]

Got a ruger 22/45. Haven't gotten around to shooting her yet but I will soon as my OMGWTFBBQ schedule calms down a bit.

Ruger seems to be in a bit of a hissy fit at the moment as I'm having a bit of difficulty locating some more magazines. I'm sure it'll pass and all, but I'm an impatient bugger.

 

[BCRider]

.... i dont think im gonna need the massive hand cannon in 44 mag.

You say that now but one day someone will have a big boomer at the range and maybe you'll be looking on with an expression of wonder and shock and he'll look at you, the corner of his mouth will twitch into the quickly damped beginnings of a feral grin and he'll utter those words that'll change your life.... " Wan'ta try a round?". A day later once you've recovered and realized that all your appendages are still intact and the initial shock has worn off you'll realize that you had a "Defining Moment" as opposed to just an "interesting experience".....

Seriously though the .22 is a great way to go as a first pistol. Ammo is cheap, you'll work on your style more and while you're doing this you can look around and see if you can try out some other pistols here and there and shop for used deals.

I bit the bullet and ordered up a Tanfoglio Force 22L which should be here in around another week. Not much on the web about it other than a glowing multipage thread by a fellow CGN'er to go by. It seems to be a closely held secret for all the lack of data out there about it.