What's a good first pistol

Madmardigan

Madmardigan

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I finally took my restricted on the weekend. So now for the next 45 days I'll be ubsessing over what pistol(s) to buy.

I'd like to get good at shooting pistols. So I'm thinking a .22 would be good for getting me lots of trigger time. I've been looking into the Ruger 22/45. Is there any other .22 pistol I should consider?
I'd also like a get a 9mm as I already have a good supply of 9mm ammo.
I'm thinking either a P226 or HK P30. But I'm open to suggestions.
 
It kind of depends on your price range, and type of gun, whether a semi pistol or a revolver. And that can vary from under $300.00 up to $1000.00 There are many choices available.
 
In my most humble opinion, I'd suggest skipping the 22 and jump right into the 9mm. The 22 might help you get the most bare bones trigger control/sight alignment figured out, but it has no recoil. Once you start shooting something with a little pop to it like a 9mm, you'll find it's not much like shooting a 22 and you'll have to learn all over again anyway. Conversely, if you become proficient with a 9mm, you'll be a pro with a 22, that transition will be easy. Just something to consider, if you want a 22 for the inexpensive plinking, by all means go for it.
My first pistol was a Smith and Wesson M&P 40, and five handguns later, it's still my favourite. So I'd suggest checking out an M&P9. The P226 you mentioned is an excellent choice as well. I also like the CZ75 pistols and the Beretta 92FS.
 
Apologies in advance if I'm thread hi-jacking, but I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good .22LR revolver with 10 or 12 shot capacity. Preferably in the $3-400 range. I've tried to do some web searches but I can't find much but maybe that's because there isn't much like that. Can anyone recommend manufactures to look at?

Thanks in advance for any and all info.
 
I would go to a local gun shop and handle a few. Some pistols just fit your hand right. I found the HK P30 fit in my hand best. If you are looking at a 226 or P30 in that price range you will get a good pistol. See what you like when you handle a few.
 
What kind of shooting do you think you will be getting into over the next couple of years? If it's just plinking and target shooting, then I just love my Ruger 22/45's. A bit tricky to learn the re-assembly process, but once you have it, it's dead simple and quick to field strip and reassmble. It's also more accurate than any of my 9mm & 45acp hand-guns.

If you think you may be getting into any of the shooting sports like IPSC, then you should think about a pair of guns that are similar so you can get in some cheap trigger time and practice on .22 ammo. The CZ Kadet & SP01 combo would be great, but finding the Kadet would be challenging and probably expensive. Some people have liked the Glock G17 with a .22 conversion kit. You could also go for a 9mm 1911 with a .22 version like the GSG (the frame size are different though, so you can't reuse the same holster or mag holders). I went with a pair Grand Power handguns - K22 X-Trim and the X-Calibur. I can use the same holster CR Speed holster and mag holder setup. The feel and trigger pull are very similar, so I can practice the draw, target acquisition, DA trigger pull for the first shot, and SA trigger pull for the 2nd shot - all with pretty cheap .22 ammo.

Madmardigan said:
I finally took my restricted on the weekend. So now for the next 45 days I'll be ubsessing over what pistol(s) to buy.

I'd like to get good at shooting pistols. So I'm thinking a .22 would be good for getting me lots of trigger time. I've been looking into the Ruger 22/45. Is there any other .22 pistol I should consider?
I'd also like a get a 9mm as I already have a good supply of 9mm ammo.
I'm thinking either a P226 or HK P30. But I'm open to suggestions.
Click to expand...
 
.22 lr = Ruger MkII or Mk III or 22/45
9mm = whatever fits you best within your budget range [in my case BHP MKIII or CZ 75/85 series]
double action revolver = S&W or Ruger offering with 4.2" brl [l prefer the S&W]
single action revolver = Ruger Vaquero or Pietta SAA [leaning toward the Vaquero]

That would be the way I'd go.

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NAA.
 
netcon said:
get a 9mm sig with a .22 conversion kit, so your trigger time is not wasted adjusting by jumping between different trigger pulls..
Click to expand...

that's an old wise tale.

If you doing speed shooting then the different grip angles would mess you up abit, but for target shooting it really does not matter.
 
CZ-75 or Walther PPQ are my tax return plans.

To echo some others, I'd go straight to 9mm and learn on that, you get a fuller learning of the fundamentals of pistol shooting with recoil management. And it bring a bigger smile to your face when you pull the bang switch.
 
VanMan said:
What kind of shooting do you think you will be getting into over the next couple of years? If it's just plinking and target shooting, then I just love my Ruger 22/45's. A bit tricky to learn the re-assembly process, but once you have it, it's dead simple and quick to field strip and reassmble. It's also more accurate than any of my 9mm & 45acp hand-guns.

If you think you may be getting into any of the shooting sports like IPSC, then you should think about a pair of guns that are similar so you can get in some cheap trigger time and practice on .22 ammo. The CZ Kadet & SP01 combo would be great, but finding the Kadet would be challenging and probably expensive. Some people have liked the Glock G17 with a .22 conversion kit. You could also go for a 9mm 1911 with a .22 version like the GSG (the frame size are different though, so you can't reuse the same holster or mag holders). I went with a pair Grand Power handguns - K22 X-Trim and the X-Calibur. I can use the same holster CR Speed holster and mag holder setup. The feel and trigger pull are very similar, so I can practice the draw, target acquisition, DA trigger pull for the first shot, and SA trigger pull for the 2nd shot - all with pretty cheap .22 ammo.
Click to expand...

X2 on the MKIII 22/45 I had one and loved it. Very accurate.
 
I haven't thought much about IPSC, but then again, I never thought I'd get my restricted, so it could be a possibility.
I've been looking at the CZ 75, and that is a good contender too.
I still think I'll get a 22/45, if for no other reason than my wife will enjoy shooting it. But now I'm thinking I'll get my 9 first then a .22.
The Calgary gun show is coming up, so I hope to use that as an opertunity to handle as many pistols as possible to see what fits my hands.

Another thing that would be a huge bonous is if I could use .40 cal mags. I know that you can use Beretta 96 mags in a 92.
Can this be done with any 9mm pistol that has a .40cal version?
 
Madmardigan said:
I finally took my restricted on the weekend. So now for the next 45 days I'll be ubsessing over what pistol(s) to buy. I'd like to get good at shooting pistols. So I'm thinking a .22 would be good for getting me lots of trigger time. I've been looking into the Ruger 22/45. Is there any other .22 pistol I should consider? I'd also like a get a 9mm as I already have a good supply of 9mm ammo. I'm thinking either a P226 or HK P30. But I'm open to suggestions.
Click to expand...

A .22LR pistol is a good first choice. The Ruger will fit the bill very well, as would the Browning Buckmark.

There is so much variety in the 9x19mm market - and many of them being perfectly acceptable - that's it hardly fair to single one out.
 
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