Looking for suggestions for a Family handgun
- Thread starter Pgabriele
- Start date
Bittereinder
CGN Regular
- Location
- Ontario (GTA)
Something in 22LR for sure. I suggest one of the semi-auto pistols like Ruger Mk IV, Browning Buckmark or Smith & Wesson Victory. I've owned a couple Buckmarks but prefer the new(ish) Ruger Mk IV because it's really easy to take it down for cleaning.
A revolver might also be good if you prefer. As a warning, I used to have a Ruger SP-101 22LR but found that it was hard for kids to use. 22LR needs a hard hammer stroke to fire, so the springs have to be strong, and kids or women with small hands could have a hard time with the double action trigger or even cocking the hammer to shoot it single-action. So, I would suggest one of the larger 22 revolvers like the Ruger GP100, but that might be a bit heavy. I love my Single Six (single action 22 revolver) but that might be a bit tedious for people who aren't into shooting. Probably a semi-auto like I mentioned above would be easier for the family to shoot.
A revolver might also be good if you prefer. As a warning, I used to have a Ruger SP-101 22LR but found that it was hard for kids to use. 22LR needs a hard hammer stroke to fire, so the springs have to be strong, and kids or women with small hands could have a hard time with the double action trigger or even cocking the hammer to shoot it single-action. So, I would suggest one of the larger 22 revolvers like the Ruger GP100, but that might be a bit heavy. I love my Single Six (single action 22 revolver) but that might be a bit tedious for people who aren't into shooting. Probably a semi-auto like I mentioned above would be easier for the family to shoot.
Midnight Rider
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ......the Vanishing Point .
Buy a Ruger Mk4 , you can't go wrong .
Yup defiantly something in .22lr check the ee for a good used ruger pistol don’t shy away from a good ruger mk1 or mk2 as there are some deals to be had used. A new ruger mk4 is a good choice also and is easier to field strip for cleaning. Don’t shy away from a good browning buckmark either I have had a couple I wish I still had can’t say for the other recommendations already mentioned as I have no experience with them
As already covered, probably go 22LR - It's cheaper to shoot and much better for learning fundamentals. Unless your kids are older and won't be interested without more blast, in which case probably go 9mm.
Revolvers are fun for many people, but relatively slow to load. If the whole family is coming and you're into the revolver option, you could always get multiple revolvers (e.g. one cheap Ruger Wrangler in a different colour for each).
You'll probably be better served with any of the most common current production autoloaders. Finding extra magazines can be difficult - Personally, I'd make the pistol choice based on magazine availability. Get AT LEAST one mag per person. Loading mags is tedious, especially for new shooters who might be more interested in a higher volume of fire.
In any case, reliability is critical - It's too easy to turn new shooters off if the firearm malfunctions regularly. This is pretty common with 22LR autoloaders, so go with something that has a reputation for reliability with bulk ammunition or "affordable premium" ammunition like CCI Minimags.
Revolvers are fun for many people, but relatively slow to load. If the whole family is coming and you're into the revolver option, you could always get multiple revolvers (e.g. one cheap Ruger Wrangler in a different colour for each).
You'll probably be better served with any of the most common current production autoloaders. Finding extra magazines can be difficult - Personally, I'd make the pistol choice based on magazine availability. Get AT LEAST one mag per person. Loading mags is tedious, especially for new shooters who might be more interested in a higher volume of fire.
In any case, reliability is critical - It's too easy to turn new shooters off if the firearm malfunctions regularly. This is pretty common with 22LR autoloaders, so go with something that has a reputation for reliability with bulk ammunition or "affordable premium" ammunition like CCI Minimags.
CZ Shooter
CGN frequent flyer
Deffinitelly a 22, as others already pointed out.
You very much need to consider the way it feels in their hands, as some grips might be too bulky.
If I were you, I would hit your local gun store and let the wife and kids handle all the 22's they have at their disposal and then settle on the one, which they can all agree on.
You very much need to consider the way it feels in their hands, as some grips might be too bulky.
If I were you, I would hit your local gun store and let the wife and kids handle all the 22's they have at their disposal and then settle on the one, which they can all agree on.
My suggestion would be to start with a 22LR revolver that has a 10 shot cylinder. Find a new S&W 617 or a Ruger GP100. Both are super reliable and not fussy when it comes to ammo. You can shoot the subsonic quiet ammo and there's basically no recoil and very little sound. Add a Speed Beez speedloader and loading block for quick and easy re-loading. Fun stuff in my books!
I hate recommitting, as I am in target guns.
But I would recommend as well a mid priced semi auto , ruger, smith .
A better idea is if you know some one with lots of guns, go with them to the range, take some ammo , and see what they like.
I started out on a SAA 22, and that was great, but slow reloads, than got a semi auto 22 and hardly ever shoot a single action.
If the kids are older, teenagers, they could handle a 9mm or a 38 special double action revolver, But start with a 22 of some kind, preferable US made out of steel
They will all shoot great and always work, if the mags are good, same can not always be said for cheap off shore stuff.
But I would recommend as well a mid priced semi auto , ruger, smith .
A better idea is if you know some one with lots of guns, go with them to the range, take some ammo , and see what they like.
I started out on a SAA 22, and that was great, but slow reloads, than got a semi auto 22 and hardly ever shoot a single action.
If the kids are older, teenagers, they could handle a 9mm or a 38 special double action revolver, But start with a 22 of some kind, preferable US made out of steel
They will all shoot great and always work, if the mags are good, same can not always be said for cheap off shore stuff.
Further to the .22 ammunition quality suggestion. Wildcat leads up my barrel something awful. CCI Minimags always work well.
Ruger 22/45 Mark 3 is a total pain to put back together. Mark 4 works very well. You can put 1911 grips on the 22/45 if you want to change it up a bit.
Ruger 22/45 Mark 3 is a total pain to put back together. Mark 4 works very well. You can put 1911 grips on the 22/45 if you want to change it up a bit.
Ruger mark IV is the gun to get. Lots of other 22lr firearms but nothing as easy to take down and clean. It also comes with a normal safety as well as a magazine safety so it can't fire while there is no magazine in the firearm. It's the perfect gun to teach shooting, as well as how to handle, and maintain a firearm. If they get the bug for more, you can all ways upgrade to other more complicated peaces in different calibers.
Taurus XT .22 cal is affordable, and an incredibly reliable and fun to shoot. Crazy accurate.
I know it's not all mainstream etc, but I've owned / shot most of the rest and think that Taurus is the best alternative to a Ruger MK4 which is lovely but a lot more $$.
Also check out the Glock 44 (which is .22) ... I'll have to find the thread on Glocks model number system...it's entertaining and confusing.
I know it's not all mainstream etc, but I've owned / shot most of the rest and think that Taurus is the best alternative to a Ruger MK4 which is lovely but a lot more $$.
Also check out the Glock 44 (which is .22) ... I'll have to find the thread on Glocks model number system...it's entertaining and confusing.
