Revolver as a first handgun?
- Thread starter sparq
- Start date
So before anyone says it, I've done my share of searching - the engine on this site inexplicably omits the word "first" as being too common, so my results are vast and unsortable.
Anyway, I've been bouncing around on what I should get as a first pistol for a couple years, from GSG 1911 in .22LR to S&W M&P 9mm or .40 to Baby Eagle/Jericho, etc. I have never fired a pistol aside from .177 airguns and .22 single shots, and the only other I've handled outside of the relics at the RPAL course was the M&P9 (no one in Ottawa sells handguns any more). As of now, and for an unprecedented time now, my sights have been set on a Ruger GP100. I like the idea of a wheelgun as I've always had a love for the aesthetics of the Colt Python (if not the price), and I like the opportunity to shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special with one platform. I'm interested in IDPA in the future, once I have some target experience under my belt - I'm not that competetive, so I don't need to win - but I like "dynamic" shooting.
Can anyone give me any particular reason why I'm making a mistake here? This can include ammo price...I've seen .38 to be almost as cheap as 9mm, but someone with experience might correct me if that's unusual. I have no capacity to reload my own at the moment, but hope to start in the future.
One caveat -I'll not be swayed by any recommendation that I get a Glock or Hi-Standard. They just don't agree with me
First handgun: Revolver selection & Caliber
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I've been to all three, though not all for this reason. I didn't realise Sport Action carried pistols though...interesting. I handled an M&P at another store in Gatineau last year, but I believe they've closed up shop.
Thanks for the links Wendell. Good reading there. Plan certainly includes 9mm or .40 pistol as well, just not right away.
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
As of now, and for an unprecedented time now, my sights have been set on a Ruger GP100. I like the idea of a wheelgun as I've always had a love for the aesthetics of the Colt Python (if not the price), and I like the opportunity to shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special with one platform. I'm interested in IDPA in the future, once I have some target experience under my belt - I'm not that competetive, so I don't need to win - but I like "dynamic" shooting.
Can anyone give me any particular reason why I'm making a mistake here? This can include ammo price...I've seen .38 to be almost as cheap as 9mm, but someone with experience might correct me if that's unusual. I have no capacity to reload my own at the moment, but hope to start in the future.
One caveat -I'll not be swayed by any recommendation that I get a Glock or Hi-Standard. They just don't agree with me
If you like revolvers, great. There is no better platform to learn handgun shooting technique, IMHO.
If you like the Ruger GP100, go for it. IMO, the GP100 and the 686 are as good as it gets for .357 revolvers. If a sweet trigger is a must, go 686. If shooting a steady diet of full load magnums, GP100. For looks, it's a personal thing and I love the looks of the S&Ws above all other revolvers, even above the revered Pythons.
In my own experience, I shoot S&Ws and Rugers about as well and I might even give the edge to the GP100 at the 25 meter range. But we're splitting hairs at this point. Choose the GP100 now, if you stay in the sport long enough, you'll probably buy a 686 down the road.
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With handguns, like musical instruments, buying better sooner will make you a much better player, with less stress and mechanical issues. Buy the best you can afford, or a bit better, and you won't cry about it later. Buy once, cry once, like the saying goes.
Revolvers are more accurate than autos, for the same money. No question. My 4.2" Smith .357 holds a better group shooting double action at 25 meters than autos costing twice as much shooting single action. The only exception so far has been the CZ7B Omega, which shoots as well (but not better) at any distance.
I won't torment you by telling you that the most accurate revolvers I own are prohibited 9mm Smith 547s. That just wouldn't be nice... and those out shoot everything else I own, no matter what the price.
Revolvers are more accurate than autos, for the same money. No question. My 4.2" Smith .357 holds a better group shooting double action at 25 meters than autos costing twice as much shooting single action. The only exception so far has been the CZ7B Omega, which shoots as well (but not better) at any distance.
I won't torment you by telling you that the most accurate revolvers I own are prohibited 9mm Smith 547s. That just wouldn't be nice... and those out shoot everything else I own, no matter what the price.
Another option for you is get a Ruger Convertable. I have ordered a 9mm/357 Magnum convertable that I suspect will shoot 38 special as well. I have a GP100 and love it. I could have bought used S&W 686 for the same money as the GP100 new so I went new on that one. The convertable I ordered is a SA revolver so you can't flip open the wheel to load it so the SA is a bit slower. For what it's worth I shoot the GP100 SA as I am not used to pulling the trigger that far. In SA the trigger is feather light, hair trigger. My new gun will be blue but I would have bought stainless if it was available. My convertable has been on order for over 2 months now, no idea when it will arrive. Ruger is kind of bad that way. Again, my experience is I shoot revolvers much better than semi autos. I flat out can't hit the side of a barn with my 9mm HiPower but my 1911 in .45 is much better. I'm interested to see how I shoot the revolver with 9mm in it. I am new at shooting and not very good at it. I do think it is worthwhile to have a .22LR handgun to plink with as well. Best of luck with your purchase and enjoy the hell out of this sport!
JimmieA.
JimmieA.
vagrantviking
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
The GP100's are a very nice gun and one that is easy to shoot well for a lot of people.
I would say that its a good a choice as anything and better than most for a first center-fire handgun.
I would say that its a good a choice as anything and better than most for a first center-fire handgun.
winnipegger
CGN frequent flyer
I bought a 9mm HK p2000 as my first gun, I dont regret it at all in fact i love it, maybe check out hk's they are pricey but you can't beat that made in germany stamp I needed the 9mm as a secondary for tactical shooting me and some buddies do (including some competitions) so that was a must and Now i'm looking at getting a gp100 or a .22 auto , i think u'll end up getting one of each style in the end so maybe start with whatever you think is coolest(i know not too scientific)
My first handgun was a S&W 686 6'' that I got off the used rack at Wholesale Sports Calgary about 11 years ago for $360, and I still have it today. My daughter was 11 at the time and we put a pile of .38 special through it.
Not a bad choice for a first handgun. My first handgun was also a S&W Model 19. I don't think I'll ever get rid of her.
It's what I did get
Smith & Wesson M&P9 will likely be my second handgun once I've played with this'un.
Good man.
You just wait... soon enough, as long as whoever lives with you will let you, you will have dozens of guns.
Trust me... it sort of creeps up on you as you deny it, but before long, you will realize that you are creeping up on that magical 50- 100 gun number.
