What would be a good first handgun

Capecrusader

Capecrusader

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Cape Breton
I am going to wright my rpal soon and was wondering what would be a good first handgun? I am thinking about a tokarev mainlly because of the price and low recoil. I was also thinking of something in 22lr because I allready have several 22lr rifles and it's would be nice to use the same ammo, but I'm not convinced of the quality of the guns in my price range. The main reason I am applying for my rpal is to exercise my right to apply. The gun will only be used at the range and I won't need anything hard hitting or with a lot of stopping power. This will be my first and probably only handgun so I thought it would be interesting to hear some knowledgeable info.
 
Great question, and a hard one to answer. I just went through the exact same thing. I recently got my RPAL, but for weeks before it came, I researched daily. I think you have the right idea looking at a .22 pistol, if only for getting some cheaper trigger time. Handguns are a very personal choice, it has to feel right, fit right and be something you are comfortable with. Some are easy to take apart, some are more difficult. Truly, nobody can make a better decision than you, just going to take some time looking. Which in itself can be informative and fun!! I suggest youtubing some video reviews, which tend to be very informative. I would say that you might want to think about 2 handguns, which is what I am going with. a 9mm and a .22lr the 9mm to start getting into competitive shooting, and the 22 for practice. For me, the M&P9 and M&P22 were the way to go. Both guns are identical in size, so shooting the 22, will give me similar experience and shooting angles as my 9. Good luck with your search!! Let us know what you go with!

Sonny
 
What is your price range? Most .22s can be had in the sub $500 range. Ruger and Browning top the list. Smith and Wesson makes the 22A and M&P22. GSG 1911-22. All fairly low cost, all good options. This is by no means an exhaustive list of what's out there.
 
Sunman said:
Great question, and a hard one to answer. I just went through the exact same thing. I recently got my RPAL, but for weeks before it came, I researched daily. I think you have the right idea looking at a .22 pistol, if only for getting some cheaper trigger time. Handguns are a very personal choice, it has to feel right, fit right and be something you are comfortable with. Some are easy to take apart, some are more difficult. Truly, nobody can make a better decision than you, just going to take some time looking. Which in itself can be informative and fun!! I suggest youtubing some video reviews, which tend to be very informative. I would say that you might want to think about 2 handguns, which is what I am going with. a 9mm and a .22lr the 9mm to start getting into competitive shooting, and the 22 for practice. For me, the M&P9 and M&P22 were the way to go. Both guns are identical in size, so shooting the 22, will give me similar experience and shooting angles as my 9. Good luck with your search!! Let us know what you go with!

Sonny
Click to expand...

great advise, exactly what I think about choice, however I personaly don't like the MP's....., 9mm is really popular, ammo is not too expensive and easy to find, in 22lr I like my two Ruger Mark III (Target bull barrell & Target Hunter fluted barrell), I also have 5 tokarevs..... they are fun to shoot, the recoil is particular, be aware that military ammo with core steel is not accepted in most of interior ranges.
 
Personally I don't see the point of a .22 pistol.

If you have the money for a range membership and a handgun you can probably afford 9mm ammo too.

And if i were only going to have one handgun I would want something that actually goes BANG not a .22.
 
If you're not sure about what you'll end up doing, I think the GSG 1911-22 is a great gun. All the features of a "real" gun, with the cost and ammo expense of a 22. If you get hooked from there, it's an easy step up into a 9mm 1911. Any gear that you buy in a 'weak' moment (mag pouch, holster, etc.) will translate nicely to the 'big gun'. Frankly though, if you go this route, it'll be a slippery slope - you'll shoot the GSG and love it, then it'll be a 9mm, then it'll be a 45. The nice thing is you'll be able to stretch your shooting with either one, by using the GSG.

Re the Tok - yes, they're cheap BUT there's a long list of reasons that you might want to look twice at them, firstly ammo is cheap now - that wasn't always the case and no one can guarantee that it always will be. Second, the gun has really crappy sights. Third, the gun is missing something that virtually every pistol ever made has been equipped with - a safety (yes, I know, safety is in your head, but a short trigger, a new shooter, and a moment of inattention could spell tragedy, and it's avoidable - I'm no newbie shooter, and my choice of gun has no applied safety, and I've done things with that handgun that you may never try, but the Tok has a bad combination of features). Finally the 762 Tok is a snappy, snarly little round, with a big loud bark, I've seen new shooters flinch badly when shooting it.
 
Last edited:
desert eagle .50 for the bling bling x)

no seriously a gun in .22lr (dont touch the pot metal gun like mosquito) to practice accuracy and to stop the flinch
A 9mm or .45 to follow up something like
glock, cz shadow or p226 for 9mm
1911 for 45 ;) the classic
 
charlesquik said:
desert eagle .50 for the bling bling x)

no seriously a gun in .22lr (dont touch the pot metal gun like mosquito) to practice accuracy and to stop the flinch
A 9mm or .45 to follow up something like
glock, cz shadow or p226 for 9mm
1911 for 45 ;) the classic
Click to expand...

Eagle 50AE was my 2nd gun & love it
 
My first gun was a 9mm, second (couple months later) was a .44mag. Finally bought a .22 a few guns later. .22 is a range equivalent of an appetizer when you're at a nice restaurant, you don't just start with steak :D

I had a Tokarev and was not impressed (bag ergos, snappy, bad rights and trigger also I found surplus ammo to be inconsistent in power), get yourself a GSG 1911 .22 lots of fun for a rimfire or if you must have a center fire; more modern gun in 9mm would be better to learn on. If you'll only have one get a good one!! Spend as much as you can, buying used will save you money if you sell later.
 
Last edited:
Great starting out handgun is a revolver in .22 rimfire for it's simplicity...Get the best quality piece you can afford and shoot the crap outta it knowing it can still last a life time...You will learn all the basics and not spend a fortune on ammo while you learn...My first was a H&R and then soon moved into the big stuff...35 years later I still crave high quality 22 revolvers, my favorite is the colt diamondback...

Handguns are like peanuts...There's no way you will end up only having one...Mark my words.
 
Last edited:
enefgee said:
If you're not sure about what you'll end up doing, I think the GSG 1911-22 is a great gun. All the features of a "real" gun, with the cost and ammo expense of a 22. If you get hooked from there, it's an easy step up into a 9mm 1911. Any gear that you buy in a 'weak' moment (mag pouch, holster, etc.) will translate nicely to the 'big gun'. Frankly though, if you go this route, it'll be a slippery slope - you'll shoot the GSG and love it, then it'll be a 9mm, then it'll be a 45. The nice thing is you'll be able to stretch your shooting with either one, by using the GSG.

Re the Tok - yes, they're cheap BUT there's a long list of reasons that you might want to look twice at them, firstly ammo is cheap now - that wasn't always the case and no one can guarantee that it always will be. Second, the gun has really crappy sights. Third, the gun is missing something that virtually every pistol ever made has been equipped with - a safety (yes, I know, safety is in your head, but a short trigger, a new shooter, and a moment of inattention could spell tragedy, and it's avoidable - I'm no newbie shooter, and my choice of gun has no applied safety, and I've done things with that handgun that you may never try, but the Tok has a bad combination of features). Finally the 762 Tok is a snappy, snarly little round, with a big loud bark, I've seen new shooters flinch badly when shooting it.
Click to expand...

If you look closely you'll find the Tok has a highly effective half #### safety. Still, it's a bit of an awkward gun, fun though. Most recommend a 22 for a first timer, but I wouldn't shy away from 9mm, I find it quite tame and the 22 gets a little boring from my perspective. As for which one, try em. No one gun is perfect for every shooter. Figure out what suits you, plenty of guns under 5-600 bucks these days.
 
something in .22LR. if you get a semi-auto, you'll get some felt recoil, so have to work hard on your accuracy. it's also hella cheap to shoot. $30 for 500 rounds, vs. 9mm's $300 for 1000 rounds.
 
First of all I would recommend looking at and handling a lot of different handguns.
Grips and ergonomics play a role in how well it works for you. Even if you don't know much, as long as you know how to properly hold a handgun, you can often tell what works for you and what not. Some grips are just too big, too small too awkward.

Even better if you can spend some time on the range with a friend and can try some handguns.

As for actauly recommendations, I would look at a 9mm Jericho, great affordable handgun.
The steel version is heavy but my personal preference.
 
For a first one, I would go .22
Easy to learn handgun basics and cheap.
My choice would be a Ruger Mark 3
But do expect to buy a second one soon. A 9mm would be great.
 
enefgee said:
Re the Tok - yes, they're cheap BUT there's a long list of reasons that you might want to look twice at them, firstly ammo is cheap now - that wasn't always the case and no one can guarantee that it always will be. Second, the gun has really crappy sights. Third, the gun is missing something that virtually every pistol ever made has been equipped with - a safety (yes, I know, safety is in your head, but a short trigger, a new shooter, and a moment of inattention could spell tragedy, and it's avoidable - I'm no newbie shooter, and my choice of gun has no applied safety, and I've done things with that handgun that you may never try, but the Tok has a bad combination of features). Finally the 762 Tok is a snappy, snarly little round, with a big loud bark, I've seen new shooters flinch badly when shooting it.
Click to expand...

As buying a handgun is a personal choice, you never know, he might like the Tok or not,

I love shooting my toks., and they do have a safety by the way...
 
charlesquik said:
desert eagle .50 for the bling bling x)

no seriously a gun in .22lr (dont touch the pot metal gun like mosquito) to practice accuracy and to stop the flinch
A 9mm or .45 to follow up something like
glock, cz shadow or p226 for 9mm
1911 for 45 ;) the classic
Click to expand...

This is a reasonable approach as far as I'm concerned leaving room for person choice
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom