What would be a good first handgun
- Thread starter Capecrusader
- Start date
Caliber is entirely up to the shooter and everyone is going to have an opinion. As far as whats the best gun for you, you just have to go to gun shops and handle some firearms. Find out what fits you best and what catches your eye. Fact is you're going to spend a few bucks on one so get what you like and spend a bit extra if you have to. Don't settle because you wont be happy and it will be regretfull.
- Location
- Cape Breton
What is it?
Desert Eagle 50AE
Get a .22 for dozens of reasons...some of which...you will learn to shoot faster without dealing with recoil...you will be able to afford to shoot more and therefore improve faster..and if you can't hit the bullseye with a .22 you sure as h^ll won't be able to do it with any other calibre
onetwentyish
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Central AB (AKA Northern Texas)
^This.
Buy once, cry once.
I would say having a .22 is a must, but having a good example of metal gun like a 1911 and a good example of a tupper ware gun like a glock or M&P is also a must.
A little over a year ago I decided to jump in head first into handguns and chose a .45ACP Ruger SR1911. Really nice gun for the price. After making it to the range to get some decent trigger time on it, and learning some of the proper techniques I decided I needed a tupper ware 9mm as well, so I got an M&P 9 Range kit coming soon for $550 brand new from the dealer! I can't wait!
thenewbieglockguy
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Ontario (GTA)
Get what you like. Go try some out.
- Location
- Cape Breton
So far the Browning Buckmark, and the Ruger Mark iii are at the top of the list. If price was no object, it would be the Sig Sauer P226, and I would buy the .22 package. I'll keep everyone posted on any updates.
- Location
- British Canuckistan
you mentioned your wife likes Glock. while it's more than $500...you could get a Glock 17 in 9mm and buy a .22 conversion kit and then get two caliber's at one go. shoot .22 till you're comfortable and then try out some 9mm for size. 
just remember to buy more mags. you must have mags!
just remember to buy more mags. you must have mags!
Just bought my first hand gun a few weeks ago. Its the most basic gun you can buy, a 22 single action Chiappa. Cost was $230.00. Always wanted an old west cowboy gun. May not be the best gun in the world, but it does everything I need it to do, and fits my hand well. The only problem is, I only have one, and when I go to the range with family members, everyone wants to try it. So, I have ordered another gun, a Browning Buckmark. Both guns just feel good in my hand. Great guns to learn on, especially for my grand kids. Next gun will either be a 9mm or 357.
Stosh
Stosh
A few things you should do is find someone who has the pistol you would like to purchase, or go to a range that allows you can shoot a variety and try them all. Second you said you wanted to compete (IPSC or IDPA?) make sure it is on the sports approved list or money wasted.
I have shot many types of weapons and a variety of calibers. Some of the guns mentioned above are not cheap. Also take into consideration the accessories you require to purchase as well to compete.
Not all weapons will fit in in different peoples hand and you said your wife was interested in shooting the pistol as well, I like M&P due to the fact that you can change the back strap (other weapons available to do this as well) and they can be purchased everywhere. Before we start a debate on I like this better, it will be you and your wife who will be shooting so get something that fits both your hands (I have shot and owned a variety of pistols M&P, CZ 75, Tarsus .357, Browning 9mm mil issue, Sig 226/225 9mm mil issue not including rifles as well) it is a costly sport . The most important thing is proper hand placement/grip and if the pistol does not fit your hand you will have a hard time mastering the sport and you will get frustrated.
Types of actions, striker fired, single action, single action/double action, double action only. Safety or no safety, de cocking leaver etc. Take all items into consideration and be comfortable and confident with your choice.
9mm is cheaper and popular in the sporting community as an entry gun. Some guns you can by a .40 calibre and for cost effectiveness just buy a conversion kit (check youtube out). .22 is great for target practice, cheap on the wallet as well, keep in mind you will still need to practice a lot with the calibre you choose to be proficient with recoil. Later on when the bug hits you and your wife, other calibers will enter the picture then you will have to think about reloading (this is another discussion).
Cost: keep it cheap (within you budget) for now and practice, save up to buy the Gucci weapon later or modify the one you have. I do not have an unlimited budget so I drool and save to buy the next weapon, collection still growing after 30+ years (wife and 2 kids shoot as well and have their own guns). A good reliable weapon is about $500-700 (Glock, Norenco and M&P to name a couple) you will want extra mags get a range kit that comes with extra mags and the basic items you need to compete (holster, mag carriers, mine came with 5 mags). You can buy some of the pistols above for $1200-3500 in a large calibre and then you will not have the money to go the range and enjoy the sport.
Good luck with choosing the right Pistol for you and your wife.
I have shot many types of weapons and a variety of calibers. Some of the guns mentioned above are not cheap. Also take into consideration the accessories you require to purchase as well to compete.
Not all weapons will fit in in different peoples hand and you said your wife was interested in shooting the pistol as well, I like M&P due to the fact that you can change the back strap (other weapons available to do this as well) and they can be purchased everywhere. Before we start a debate on I like this better, it will be you and your wife who will be shooting so get something that fits both your hands (I have shot and owned a variety of pistols M&P, CZ 75, Tarsus .357, Browning 9mm mil issue, Sig 226/225 9mm mil issue not including rifles as well) it is a costly sport . The most important thing is proper hand placement/grip and if the pistol does not fit your hand you will have a hard time mastering the sport and you will get frustrated.
Types of actions, striker fired, single action, single action/double action, double action only. Safety or no safety, de cocking leaver etc. Take all items into consideration and be comfortable and confident with your choice.
9mm is cheaper and popular in the sporting community as an entry gun. Some guns you can by a .40 calibre and for cost effectiveness just buy a conversion kit (check youtube out). .22 is great for target practice, cheap on the wallet as well, keep in mind you will still need to practice a lot with the calibre you choose to be proficient with recoil. Later on when the bug hits you and your wife, other calibers will enter the picture then you will have to think about reloading (this is another discussion).
Cost: keep it cheap (within you budget) for now and practice, save up to buy the Gucci weapon later or modify the one you have. I do not have an unlimited budget so I drool and save to buy the next weapon, collection still growing after 30+ years (wife and 2 kids shoot as well and have their own guns). A good reliable weapon is about $500-700 (Glock, Norenco and M&P to name a couple) you will want extra mags get a range kit that comes with extra mags and the basic items you need to compete (holster, mag carriers, mine came with 5 mags). You can buy some of the pistols above for $1200-3500 in a large calibre and then you will not have the money to go the range and enjoy the sport.
Good luck with choosing the right Pistol for you and your wife.
The 22 is a very good place to start. Cheap to buy, cheap to shoot, easy to shoot, just pain fun all around. Win/win! Buy the 9 later and have both.
I was gifted a Ruger Single Six here on CGN several yrs ago. Others came and went. That Ruger stayed and will stay. Just bought a Blackhawk in 45Colt to go with it. I think they will make a great pair for range blasting with the kids.
EXACTLY
22's are a great way to get people interested in shooting and getting outdoors. Just picked up my second .22 and can't wait to take it to the range with one of my grand kids. We also shoot 223's, but by far the 22's including an old Cooey Ranger get used the most. I really couldn't afford to go much if it weren't for .22s.
Stosh
22's are a great way to get people interested in shooting and getting outdoors. Just picked up my second .22 and can't wait to take it to the range with one of my grand kids. We also shoot 223's, but by far the 22's including an old Cooey Ranger get used the most. I really couldn't afford to go much if it weren't for .22s.
Stosh
- Location
- Cape Breton
I haven't gave a revolver much though.I didn't care much for the Ruger single we used in the rpal. But if anyone knows of a well balanced double action, in 22lr let me know please.
