have to agree somewhat. my ATT course was 2 days where we shot revolvers on day 1 and semis on day 2. never had a gun in my hands before but the 22s were pretty pussy. the only advantage I found was that after moving up to a 9mm and not doing very well I went back to the 22 and figured it out. started back up with the 9 and pounded the target. I currently own a 45, haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but I don't expect any issues after what I learned. I'm sure that I could always borrow a 22 at the range if I thought it was necessary but I have no plans to ever buy one (cost of ammo is irrelevant, I reload). my next gun will almost certainly be a 9mm.
Looking to buy first handgun
- Thread starter Burglecut83
- Start date
have to agree somewhat. my ATT course was 2 days where we shot revolvers on day 1 and semis on day 2. never had a gun in my hands before but the 22s were pretty pussy. the only advantage I found was that after moving up to a 9mm and not doing very well I went back to the 22 and figured it out. started back up with the 9 and pounded the target. I currently own a 45, haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but I don't expect any issues after what I learned. I'm sure that I could always borrow a 22 at the range if I thought it was necessary but I have no plans to ever buy one (cost of ammo is irrelevant, I reload). my next gun will almost certainly be a 9mm.
Tongarirohiker
CGN Regular
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
My first pistols were a CZ 75 SP-01, and a GSG 1911-22, in that order. A large part of your decision should be based on what your goals are.
Blow off some steam, put holes in a target, leave with a big grin? Go to your local range and try out a bunch of pistols in 9mm. I shot a lot of them before I settled on the CZ SP-01 and the Springfield XD. The reason I bought the CZ over the Springfield? Availability. Most shooters agree the CZ's are great pistols. They may look like a Volvo to some, but they're dependable and shoot anything. A lot of shooters I know hate the Springfield XD cause of the trigger pull. Personally? I love it, and would happily shoot it all day. The thing with these two pistols, is that they minimized my faults when shooting at a target. I could pick them up, put 3" groups on a target at 7m and leave happy. Focus on 9mm cause it's dirt cheap.
Become a more accurate shooter? Again, go to your local range and try out a bunch of pistols. Find something that's comfortable, that you like, and then supplement it with a .22LR. Don't listen to these guys who says .22 is boring. Of the people I shoot with, the ones who care about being a better shot, have a .22. You remove a lot of variables with a .22 so that you can focus on steady sights, grip, and a steady trigger press. Once you have that down pat, those skills will translate to any other pistol. If I start getting trigger happy with my 9mm, and start spraying my shots, I calm myself down with the .22. It's called getting back to fundamentals. Guess what? Pro athletes return to fundamentals all the time.
Those who say .22 is boring are probably saying that because they're not finding a way to challenge themselves. I shot a Steel Challenge last weekend with my 1911-22 and had a ton of fun with it. In my squad, there were 3 other guys shooting .22LR. They all had fun. Two of those guys also shot 9mm in the Steel Challenge. Why did they pay the extra money to shoot .22 in addition to their 9mm's? Cause they find .22 fun. I'm not saying that you're going to find .22 shooting fun. I'm saying, it's cheap, it's a good way to work on fundamentals, and you should find out for yourself if you like it.
Also, there's the fact that after you put 100 rounds of .22 down range, your 9mm will feel like a cannon
Blow off some steam, put holes in a target, leave with a big grin? Go to your local range and try out a bunch of pistols in 9mm. I shot a lot of them before I settled on the CZ SP-01 and the Springfield XD. The reason I bought the CZ over the Springfield? Availability. Most shooters agree the CZ's are great pistols. They may look like a Volvo to some, but they're dependable and shoot anything. A lot of shooters I know hate the Springfield XD cause of the trigger pull. Personally? I love it, and would happily shoot it all day. The thing with these two pistols, is that they minimized my faults when shooting at a target. I could pick them up, put 3" groups on a target at 7m and leave happy. Focus on 9mm cause it's dirt cheap.
Become a more accurate shooter? Again, go to your local range and try out a bunch of pistols. Find something that's comfortable, that you like, and then supplement it with a .22LR. Don't listen to these guys who says .22 is boring. Of the people I shoot with, the ones who care about being a better shot, have a .22. You remove a lot of variables with a .22 so that you can focus on steady sights, grip, and a steady trigger press. Once you have that down pat, those skills will translate to any other pistol. If I start getting trigger happy with my 9mm, and start spraying my shots, I calm myself down with the .22. It's called getting back to fundamentals. Guess what? Pro athletes return to fundamentals all the time.
Those who say .22 is boring are probably saying that because they're not finding a way to challenge themselves. I shot a Steel Challenge last weekend with my 1911-22 and had a ton of fun with it. In my squad, there were 3 other guys shooting .22LR. They all had fun. Two of those guys also shot 9mm in the Steel Challenge. Why did they pay the extra money to shoot .22 in addition to their 9mm's? Cause they find .22 fun. I'm not saying that you're going to find .22 shooting fun. I'm saying, it's cheap, it's a good way to work on fundamentals, and you should find out for yourself if you like it.
Also, there's the fact that after you put 100 rounds of .22 down range, your 9mm will feel like a cannon
Tongarirohiker
CGN Regular
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
I disagree. My father-in-law who served as a firearms and gunnery instructor in the military for almost 20 years gave me the following advice. Have fun with the 9mm. Become a real shooter with the .22. He'd taught hundreds of troops and when they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, he'd give 'em a .22. 100-200 rounds later, problem's solved, and they'd turn a BHP or a 1911 into a tack driver. Those of you who say that .22 is a waste, I'm guessing you think dryfire is a waste as well?
Hilarious thread, five stars.
To the OP, if you're concerned with ammo costs, nothing beats the .22 caliber pistols others have suggested. You can actually afford to learn to shoot well. Handguns require lots of practice time and rounds to become proficient with, so constantly worrying about burning through your ammunition budget won't help the process.
To the OP, if you're concerned with ammo costs, nothing beats the .22 caliber pistols others have suggested. You can actually afford to learn to shoot well. Handguns require lots of practice time and rounds to become proficient with, so constantly worrying about burning through your ammunition budget won't help the process.
I started out with revolvers, and branched into the semi's. have 3 SAA in 357, one 586, a 1911 and I reload. The problem is that reloading takes time, and still has costs. In a fit of a cheapskate mode, I bought a brand new Buckmark for $320. What a hoot to shoot and best of all....CHEAP to shoot.
Really?!? Cannot be used for anything except target shooting from a bench? I guess then I better put away my mobile targets as the .22 is not good for that. I have not used the bench either, so I guess in following your "advice", I may as well just the .22 pistol.
No flinch to conquer eh? When I was trained, we conquered flinch WITH a .22 LR and then moved up to the bigger stuff. The funny thing is, in shooting a half day, I can burn through $15 worth of 22 ammo and smoke targets all day long. With 38 ammo - that works out to about $210. .357 is about $280 and a stiff wrist .45ACP that is about $230.
Sounds like you need to mature a bit more with posts like that.
The .22 is the PERFECT start. I have been shooting for over 30 years and I still work with my .22s. I own several! Along with a nice bunch of hi caliber paper punchers as well. I am not a bad shot, but I really learned to shoot by joining my local IPSC club and learning some new skills. I suggest getting involved with your local club and talk to the members, one thing about us gunnutz is we enjoy sharing our knowledge and expertise with new shooters. There is nothing wrong with .22s, have a look at a S&W Model 41 or a Hi Standard Victor these are two of my favorites!
For the record, I have spent the last 7 years of my life working as full time photographer for a total or around 12 years where I wasn't doing it full time, perhaps that gave me an advantage over other shooters, with the benefit of having very good hand/eye coordination? I am just guessing, but it should be it...
I'll be totally honest now, I have started shooting pistol 2 months ago and I am one of the best shooters in my group (people from all different ages and with long shooting records). I can shoot anything, striker fired, revolver, DA/SA I don't care. I am good at it. That is why I never cared for the 22. I am sure it has something to do with my skills with the camera.
So the 22, not my cup of tea.
I am sorry if I hurt your/anybody feelings about the 22, I was speaking from a personal perspective, my bad. it is just that I didn't need to shoot that caliber to learn how to shoot pistol or trigger control.
I own a Sig, Hk, had MP9, I don't know, they only thing I know is that I do not find pistol shooting difficult and I can shoot them all very good.
Bottom line is, you guys are right just perhaps my personal situation was different, I guess it's going to be different for everyone and the 22 might be a good start and a very needed starting point for someone with no experience.
cheers
I'll be totally honest now, I have started shooting pistol 2 months ago and I am one of the best shooters in my group (people from all different ages and with long shooting records). I can shoot anything, striker fired, revolver, DA/SA I don't care. I am good at it. That is why I never cared for the 22. I am sure it has something to do with my skills with the camera.
So the 22, not my cup of tea.
I am sorry if I hurt your/anybody feelings about the 22, I was speaking from a personal perspective, my bad. it is just that I didn't need to shoot that caliber to learn how to shoot pistol or trigger control.
I own a Sig, Hk, had MP9, I don't know, they only thing I know is that I do not find pistol shooting difficult and I can shoot them all very good.
Bottom line is, you guys are right just perhaps my personal situation was different, I guess it's going to be different for everyone and the 22 might be a good start and a very needed starting point for someone with no experience.
cheers
Tongarirohiker
CGN Regular
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
Thanks for the clarification Avenida. I'd definitely say you're onto something here. I've photographed a few weddings and getting that shot of mom crying (it happens with every wedding) in a dark church without a flash requires a steady shutter press, being able to get the camera up on target quickly, and being able to steady yourself to take the shot. Most of my camera/lens combo's have the same OAL as my 1911, so you know how to deal with the short sight radius. Photographer skills translate well to shooting. So, I guess if you don't have a .22, take a lot of pictures with an SLR.
hahaha, exactly. the pulse needed, the composition, oh what else...without going off topic TOO MUCH, here is my website with some of my most recent work. I have been swamped lately and didn't update the blog, but some good stuff is coming from this season:
www.avenidagarcia.com
Again, my apologies for the wayyyy OFF topic comment, just wanted to make a point when it comes to my photography skills.
Cheers.
www.avenidagarcia.com
Again, my apologies for the wayyyy OFF topic comment, just wanted to make a point when it comes to my photography skills.
Cheers.
Thanks for the clarification Avenida. I'd definitely say you're onto something here. I've photographed a few weddings and getting that shot of mom crying (it happens with every wedding) in a dark church without a flash requires a steady shutter press, being able to get the camera up on target quickly, and being able to steady yourself to take the shot. Most of my camera/lens combo's have the same OAL as my 1911, so you know how to deal with the short sight radius. Photographer skills translate well to shooting. So, I guess if you don't have a .22, take a lot of pictures with an SLR.
OP: List your location, then maybe someone will offer to take you to the range.
I too have every popular cartridge from 22 to 50, luv them all. Only way to tell if the glove fits is to wear it. Some pick up a 22, put 10 bullets through same hole, move up to 9mm, 45ACP and onto 357, 44 and 50.
I too have every popular cartridge from 22 to 50, luv them all. Only way to tell if the glove fits is to wear it. Some pick up a 22, put 10 bullets through same hole, move up to 9mm, 45ACP and onto 357, 44 and 50.
Tongarirohiker
CGN Regular
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
Burgle, I'm in Edmonton too. PM me and you can try my GSG 1911-22 and my CZ 75 SP-01 9mm. I'm a member at Phoenix and they have an excellent selection at the range to try out in addition to my pistols.
- Location
- south of Detroit
It all depends on what you wanna do. Me? I thought about it for quite a while. Felt up as many as I could get my hands on. With all the different typrs of handguns available there are many variables. How it feels in your hand, do I wanna compete with it or just cut paper? Do I wanna shoot as much cheap ammo as I can or do I have to shell out $30+ for fifty rounds. Rimefire(cheap) or centerfire(not so much). Does it have to be ###y or just work reliably. New or used, milsurp or commercial, revolver or semi auto?
I started out with a .22 semi-auto and got to practice ALOT with it, I learned alot. However I did get bored with it. It also broke(Sig Sauer Mosquito->POS, stay away from them) but by that time I had already looked at centerfire options. I ended up with a STI Spartan in 9mm. Love the way it looks, feels and shoots. 1911's are awesome in any caliber and in 9mm I can afford to easily stock up on ammo so I can shoot regularly. That way I figure I am getting enjoyment out of my hobby. Also I know it is not the only handgun I will ever own, there will be others, muhahaha. Don't tell my old lady.
I started out with a .22 semi-auto and got to practice ALOT with it, I learned alot. However I did get bored with it. It also broke(Sig Sauer Mosquito->POS, stay away from them) but by that time I had already looked at centerfire options. I ended up with a STI Spartan in 9mm. Love the way it looks, feels and shoots. 1911's are awesome in any caliber and in 9mm I can afford to easily stock up on ammo so I can shoot regularly. That way I figure I am getting enjoyment out of my hobby. Also I know it is not the only handgun I will ever own, there will be others, muhahaha. Don't tell my old lady.
@ Avenida*** Great rebuttal, I was initially not impressed with you first response about .22's being a waste and replied about how funny I thought that was...
I too am a photographer that shoots MOSTLY with no flash even in dark situations and a very steady hand helps with higher F-stops and attaining sharp pictures (about the same as tight groups) the first Pistol I shot was an M&P 9mm and a .357 @ 7 yards I was in a decent group, pretty much even with my friend who owned them LOL.
but I have been looking into these 'New style ' .22 pistols that seem very nice like the GSG 1911 or a M&P22 (because I know I will own a 1911 and M&P9 later) but want to start of with being able to just run 100's of rounds though without it breaking the bank even though I'm used to the higher recoil.
I'm NOT going to reload, as I can't find the time to do it while I'm home after work as I have WAY too much going on and other hobbies other then firearms that take more time. (Photography and golf also take time to perfect *4 handicap at the moment* ) so the less recoil .22 may be the perfect fit to 'unload' on some targets and keep the 'photo finger' trained for those 'fast draw, low light, wedding crying mom situations'
cheers
I too am a photographer that shoots MOSTLY with no flash even in dark situations and a very steady hand helps with higher F-stops and attaining sharp pictures (about the same as tight groups) the first Pistol I shot was an M&P 9mm and a .357 @ 7 yards I was in a decent group, pretty much even with my friend who owned them LOL.
but I have been looking into these 'New style ' .22 pistols that seem very nice like the GSG 1911 or a M&P22 (because I know I will own a 1911 and M&P9 later) but want to start of with being able to just run 100's of rounds though without it breaking the bank even though I'm used to the higher recoil.
I'm NOT going to reload, as I can't find the time to do it while I'm home after work as I have WAY too much going on and other hobbies other then firearms that take more time. (Photography and golf also take time to perfect *4 handicap at the moment* ) so the less recoil .22 may be the perfect fit to 'unload' on some targets and keep the 'photo finger' trained for those 'fast draw, low light, wedding crying mom situations'
cheers
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