The question my first handgun. - The Firearms Forum

Rugermanws · 12-16-2009, 08:45 PM

I am from the old school that you need to crawl before you can walk. Why would anyone not start off with a 22 rimfire? Practice makes perfect and what better choice than a .22 rimfire. It's the only cost effective cartridge left these days. What used to cost 2 cents a shot is now close to a nickel and you still can shoot most of the day for under $100 dollars. The decision is whether one is ok with a semi auto for their first gun. What I mean is just because you remove the clip doesn't mean the gun is empty, that mistake doesn't have a minimum or maximum age limit to it. Used guns in this caliber are very affordable and rarely abused. My biggest regret was trading in my 22 Colt Diamondback on a 44 mag Super Blackhawk because I was bored shooting it. The Colt was one of three 22's I had and the one I got the most money for on the trade. It would have looked good next to my 6 inch Python in Royal blue. Talk about a discussion, "boy I wish I still had my ........ "

CampingJosh · 12-16-2009, 09:11 PM

My first handgun was a .22 SIG Mosquito. I still have it, and I still like it. It's still the one I shoot the most.

hogger129 · 12-17-2009, 04:44 AM

First gun I ever shot was a Smith & Wesson 629 .44 Magnum. First gun I ever owned was an RIA 1911 .45. But yes, .22's are good starters.

pinecone70 · 12-17-2009, 06:42 AM

My first handgun was a Smith & Wesson 422. I still enjoy it and used it in pistol league last summer, with excellent results (not bad even at 50 yards).

LDBennett · 12-17-2009, 07:16 AM

My first handgun was a Ruger MK II 5 1/2 inch bull barreled target model. I too sold it but I missed it after a few years. It got passed (sold) around between a couple of co-worker and disappeared in time to another state. I then bought a better replacement: The Ruger Government Model MK II. Its better than my original and satisfies my need to return to the beginning.

I have many handguns now, both rimfire and centerfire. Now if I could just find my JC Higgins single shot, bottom of the line, 22 rifle my dad and I bought at Sears in the 1950's. Mine disappeared years ago with no one in the family knowing where it went. A replacement would be fine... but it would only be nostalgia as I have many rifles too.

LDBennett

Helix_FR · 12-17-2009, 01:37 PM

My first .22 handgun is a Walther P22. Still got it. The lady friends love to shoot it, except my wife, nnnooooo she has to shoot my S&W 14-2, my actual first handgun. Most .22 handguns are good. There are some problematic ones also like the Beretta Neos, never shot one that didn't jamb or eject right, therefore I never bought one.

woolleyworm · 12-17-2009, 01:59 PM

My first handgun was a Ruger SecuritySix with 6" barrel. It was sold to make way for some new guns. I'm not too sentimental about many firearms, just my Sigs and the the first gun I ever bought, my .410 H&R when I was 10.

Jim K · 12-17-2009, 03:37 PM

Most folks today don't think of learning in stages. They want to get a driver's license and enter the Monte Carlo Gran Prix the next day. And they want to imitate the latest movie or TV gunsel, and you never see a super macho movie hero using a .22.

So they start with a great beginner's gun like a .500 S&W and wonder why they develop a lifetime flinch.

Jim

hogger129 · 12-17-2009, 04:03 PM

Semi auto is okay for a first gun. I mean with ANY gun you have to know what you are doing. I just say learn about them before getting one. That's what I did. Took a handgun training course, and at least it will teach you the basics on how to handle it, safety, etc. First gun and only gun I currently own is a 1911 .45. Doesn't matter what you start with, just stress safety and knowledge above ALL else.

Oneida Steve · 12-17-2009, 04:41 PM

I'm in favor of starting with a .22 handgun for all the usual reasons .... lower cost, low ammo prices, low recoil. I'm torn between auto or revolver since there are some very good .22 automatics on the market.

Jim K - good comment !

LDBennett · 12-17-2009, 05:22 PM

I say start with a good target 22. Then on to a mild recoiling centerfire like a 38SPL/357. Once you have mastered those two you'll be ready for almost anything else.

But if you really want to learn to shoot, then buy a book on how to do it right and practice every day. Every day? How do you do that? Think air guns.

Buy a good adult air pistol of known accuracy (Like RWS, or any in the same price class) and shoot a little each day. You only need 10 meter (30 feet) and a pellet trap. That is easily doable in any garage. And if you never miss the trap, in your living room.

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/sh...&category_id=5

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Heavy_...etal_Trap/1026

It is an investment and it works, if you want to become an excellent target shooter. It worked for me many years ago. It took about a year of air guns and weekly trips to the indoor range but the results were real and very good indeed. Practice is the key.

LDBennett

BETH · 12-17-2009, 05:39 PM

love the walther p22 which is my 2nd gun 1st beretta short

johnlives4christ · 12-17-2009, 10:47 PM

my recommendation is to get advise from a shooter, not on what type of gun, but on how to hold it, how to stand, and so on. technique. if you know anyone into shooting ask them if they'll let you try out a few guns. try the 22 first then a 9mm or 38 special. then move up. if you are comfortable with it after trying it, then i say buy a centerfire and practice your stance and grip and dry firing it every day. dry firing of course is done with no bullets in the gun.

BobMilek · 12-19-2009, 10:16 AM

I think the first question to ask is what you want the first handgun for. If for general fun, plinking, or small game hunting, the .22 is a great choice. If the first, however, is for self defense or cc, it makes no sense whatsoever. The best part of the first handgun, though, no matter what cartridge it's chambered for, is that it leads to the second, which leads to the third, which leads.......
Bob Milek

Terry_P · 12-19-2009, 03:39 PM

My first handgun was a Security Six with a 6" BBL and the second one was a Single Six with the two cylinders. I traded off the security six but still have the 22.

cluznar · 04-26-2012, 03:23 PM

If you are really worried about Safety get a Bersa Thunder .380 they have a Mag Safety where the gun won't shoot without a mag in it.

Look on Bersa.com maybe their .22 has a mag safety also.

12-16-2009, 08:45 PM	#1
Rugermanws V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: White Oak Pa Posts: 225	The question my first handgun. I am from the old school that you need to crawl before you can walk. Why would anyone not start off with a 22 rimfire? Practice makes perfect and what better choice than a .22 rimfire. It's the only cost effective cartridge left these days. What used to cost 2 cents a shot is now close to a nickel and you still can shoot most of the day for under $100 dollars. The decision is whether one is ok with a semi auto for their first gun. What I mean is just because you remove the clip doesn't mean the gun is empty, that mistake doesn't have a minimum or maximum age limit to it. Used guns in this caliber are very affordable and rarely abused. My biggest regret was trading in my 22 Colt Diamondback on a 44 mag Super Blackhawk because I was bored shooting it. The Colt was one of three 22's I had and the one I got the most money for on the trade. It would have looked good next to my 6 inch Python in Royal blue. Talk about a discussion, "boy I wish I still had my ........ " -->

12-16-2009, 09:11 PM	#2
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,787	Re: The question my first handgun. My first handgun was a .22 SIG Mosquito. I still have it, and I still like it. It's still the one I shoot the most. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

12-17-2009, 04:44 AM	#3
hogger129 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,064	Re: The question my first handgun. First gun I ever shot was a Smith & Wesson 629 .44 Magnum. First gun I ever owned was an RIA 1911 .45. But yes, .22's are good starters.

12-17-2009, 06:42 AM	#4
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: The question my first handgun. My first handgun was a Smith & Wesson 422. I still enjoy it and used it in pistol league last summer, with excellent results (not bad even at 50 yards). __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

12-17-2009, 07:16 AM	#5
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,711	Re: The question my first handgun. My first handgun was a Ruger MK II 5 1/2 inch bull barreled target model. I too sold it but I missed it after a few years. It got passed (sold) around between a couple of co-worker and disappeared in time to another state. I then bought a better replacement: The Ruger Government Model MK II. Its better than my original and satisfies my need to return to the beginning. I have many handguns now, both rimfire and centerfire. Now if I could just find my JC Higgins single shot, bottom of the line, 22 rifle my dad and I bought at Sears in the 1950's. Mine disappeared years ago with no one in the family knowing where it went. A replacement would be fine... but it would only be nostalgia as I have many rifles too. LDBennett

12-17-2009, 01:37 PM	#6
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,618	Re: The question my first handgun. My first .22 handgun is a Walther P22. Still got it. The lady friends love to shoot it, except my wife, nnnooooo she has to shoot my S&W 14-2, my actual first handgun. Most .22 handguns are good. There are some problematic ones also like the Beretta Neos, never shot one that didn't jamb or eject right, therefore I never bought one.

12-17-2009, 01:59 PM	#7
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,883	Re: The question my first handgun. My first handgun was a Ruger SecuritySix with 6" barrel. It was sold to make way for some new guns. I'm not too sentimental about many firearms, just my Sigs and the the first gun I ever bought, my .410 H&R when I was 10. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

12-17-2009, 03:37 PM	#8
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: The question my first handgun. Most folks today don't think of learning in stages. They want to get a driver's license and enter the Monte Carlo Gran Prix the next day. And they want to imitate the latest movie or TV gunsel, and you never see a super macho movie hero using a .22. So they start with a great beginner's gun like a .500 S&W and wonder why they develop a lifetime flinch. Jim

12-17-2009, 04:03 PM	#9
hogger129 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,064	Re: The question my first handgun. Semi auto is okay for a first gun. I mean with ANY gun you have to know what you are doing. I just say learn about them before getting one. That's what I did. Took a handgun training course, and at least it will teach you the basics on how to handle it, safety, etc. First gun and only gun I currently own is a 1911 .45. Doesn't matter what you start with, just stress safety and knowledge above ALL else. Last edited by hogger129; 12-17-2009 at 04:04 PM..

12-17-2009, 04:41 PM	#10
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,028	Re: The question my first handgun. I'm in favor of starting with a .22 handgun for all the usual reasons .... lower cost, low ammo prices, low recoil. I'm torn between auto or revolver since there are some very good .22 automatics on the market. Jim K - good comment !

12-17-2009, 05:22 PM	#11
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,711	Re: The question my first handgun. I say start with a good target 22. Then on to a mild recoiling centerfire like a 38SPL/357. Once you have mastered those two you'll be ready for almost anything else. But if you really want to learn to shoot, then buy a book on how to do it right and practice every day. Every day? How do you do that? Think air guns. Buy a good adult air pistol of known accuracy (Like RWS, or any in the same price class) and shoot a little each day. You only need 10 meter (30 feet) and a pellet trap. That is easily doable in any garage. And if you never miss the trap, in your living room. http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/sh...&category_id=5 http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Heavy_...etal_Trap/1026 It is an investment and it works, if you want to become an excellent target shooter. It worked for me many years ago. It took about a year of air guns and weekly trips to the indoor range but the results were real and very good indeed. Practice is the key. LDBennett

12-17-2009, 05:39 PM	#12
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,668	Re: The question my first handgun. love the walther p22 which is my 2nd gun 1st beretta short

12-17-2009, 10:47 PM	#13
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: The question my first handgun. my recommendation is to get advise from a shooter, not on what type of gun, but on how to hold it, how to stand, and so on. technique. if you know anyone into shooting ask them if they'll let you try out a few guns. try the 22 first then a 9mm or 38 special. then move up. if you are comfortable with it after trying it, then i say buy a centerfire and practice your stance and grip and dry firing it every day. dry firing of course is done with no bullets in the gun.

12-19-2009, 10:16 AM	#14
BobMilek Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Re: The question my first handgun. I think the first question to ask is what you want the first handgun for. If for general fun, plinking, or small game hunting, the .22 is a great choice. If the first, however, is for self defense or cc, it makes no sense whatsoever. The best part of the first handgun, though, no matter what cartridge it's chambered for, is that it leads to the second, which leads to the third, which leads....... Bob Milek

12-19-2009, 03:39 PM	#15
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: The question my first handgun. My first handgun was a Security Six with a 6" BBL and the second one was a Single Six with the two cylinders. I traded off the security six but still have the 22. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

04-26-2012, 03:23 PM	#16
cluznar Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 70	Re: The question my first handgun. If you are really worried about Safety get a Bersa Thunder .380 they have a Mag Safety where the gun won't shoot without a mag in it. Look on Bersa.com maybe their .22 has a mag safety also.