My First Handgun... Opinions and Suggestions?

[Drachenblut]

Hello,

Well, the time is come to bite the bullet (pun intended) and decide on getting a handgun. I come from a military collector background, so I am slightly weighted towards older, used firearms of historical value. I also prefer revolvers over semi-autos as I can't get the semi's I'd like (Walther PPK would be my first choice, but it's a prohib. Next is a Luger, and even the restricted models are way out of my price range).

I was thinking something along the lines of a Webley Mk. IV or VI, or Enfield Mk.II top-break style revolvers. Also, considering a small frame revolver in 357 Magnum or an older or ex military semi auto like the TT-33.

I am not against semi-autos, I have small hands and find pistols like the 1911 are uncomfortable to hold and shoot for any duration. Smaller ones would be considered.

I've done some reading and research, but am looking here for experience and the human element. Budget would be about $500 or less, preferably less, as I have no issues buying used or milsurp, but for the right firearm, the price can go up.

So, have at it ladies and gents! What do you think would be a good starting point?

 

[gdawg]

I like it. Going for a military classic. Sound like you will just be doing the occasional plinking so a Webley will be fun. But just remember 455 ammo is $1 a round so if you plan on doing a little more shooting it will cost or you'll want to reload. not sure if you have held one but they are not that small. You can also get a classic S&W in that calibre too. it has a slightly smaller grip. I'd avoid an Enfield in 38 unless you reload. Ammo is ridiculously hard to find.

If you want to stick with the classics, you could check out a Walther P1/P4. Might be slightly above your range but nice guns, lots of surplus available and 9mm is cheap to shoot so you'd recoup cost quickly with any volume.

You should check out Trade-EX. They have some classic older guns, including the P1 and S&W M&P 38 (you might really like that one). They also have a bunch of S&W Model 14 38 specials for great prices. the Model 14s may be a little newer that what you are looking for and don't have the military pedigree but that are true classics.

I don't find the TT-33 that small in comparison to the 1911s. would be good if you could find a few to hold and compare.

 

[Mark-II]

Those model 14's at Tradeex look a bit foxed, but ought to do well for starting out. .38 special is also the least expensive revolver chambering (next to 9mm I suppose), and the 14 has a stellar reputation for accuracy.

You could splurge and go for the model 19, which is the .357 version of the 14, or that short barrel 586 that they have.

I've had TT-33's and sold them. It's a nasty pistol and ammo is not cheap like it once was. I've had parts break as well that were, at the time, hard to source. That also left a bad taste in my mouth. They are a blaster, and to me blasters are not interesting.

Also remember your ammo budget - if the gun budget is small, buying something with esoteric dietary requirements is perhaps not the best move

 

[Drachenblut]

Thanks for the info! What about some of the "Black powder copies" Tradex has from Pietta, in 357? Is that a black powder chambering or modern ammo but oldschool gunslinger look? As that might be an idea as well. I appreciate the user feedback, as I don't have the opportunity to hold any handguns at the moment to check them out.

I reload, so caliber is not as important, I used to help load 32 ACP a few years ago for my friend's grandfathered Walther PPK. I loved that little gun. Damn you Laws, I was born too late!

Does Smith and Wesson make a small frame, small grip .357?

EDIT: I'm looking for a .357, as I can shoot 38 Special in it, my friend who got me shooting years ago had a Smith and Wesson medium or large frame .357 he used to shoot 38 Special out of all the time, I got to try it once and while big in my hands, it was a nice practise shooter. Also, yes, I'm just interested in the occasional range paper shoot. Otherwise, I might try entry level oldschool PPPC (Police Practical Pistol Course training/sport).

 

[Mark-II]

There was a J-frame 357 on the EE last week, which would be tiny, otherwise a Model 19 or the new Model 66 for S&W, or the Ruger GP100, which to me seems to feel about in the middle between the K and L frames.

If you're going to buy a new Pietta I'd suggest Marstar, since they import them and have their "No BS" warranty, which I've used a few times and can attest to. I have one in 45 Colt. They seem to be pretty solid. A Ruger Blackhawk would give you adjustable sights, however. Watch the EE for them as they are usually reasonably priced.

You can adjust grip size plenty with after market grips. I love the VZ-grips square butt because they fill my hand perfectly, and reduce the feel of an N Frame to that of an L (wearing the same grip). I've just picked up some N Frame Magna-type stocks off ebay as well that I'm going to try tonight

 

[Drachenblut]

Thanks Mark-II, question, where do I find a legend and sizing chart for these different letters of frames/grips?

EDIT: I looked up Smith and Wesson's Sight for the Frames. Issue though... with only a restricted, what is the minimum legal barrel length I can own? As all the small frames seem to be snub nosed (under 4")?

 

[Mark-II]

Ah, well, most of the J frame guns are prohib up here. If they don't make it in a 4.25" barrel or longer, we're out of luck.

The sizing for them increases along J K/L N and X. L frames are not much bigger than a K - they are more a beefed-up K, and the grip frame is the same size.

You've also got round butt Vs square. Modern Smiths are all round butt now, I think, other than the Classic line guns. You can buy grips that make a round butt into more of a square butt feel, which gives you some options. I prefer square butt, myself.

Over all I gravitate towards the L frame as ideal (for me). Though the full-lug 6" barrel is a bit much. If I could find a 5" 586 I think that'd be perfect.

 

[Drachenblut]

I see, interesting. Looks like Smith and Wesson only offers two that would fit my bill, the Model 66 with a 4.5/5" Barrel, and a Model 686 in the same. But at 10" overall length, that's a bit of a hand cannon. If they made a shorter, smaller frame with a 4.5 or 5" barrel in .357 I might be interested. Anything older model they made that fits that bill?

Also, who else would make a nice, short, light but still restricted legal .357 Mag revolver? 5 round cap is fine, so is 6.