looking to get started in hand guns shooting

[foufas]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and the sport. I would like to get started shooting a hand gun. What are everyone's thoughts on best gun and caliber. That I should start with.

Thanks
Nick

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by foufas

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and the sport. I would like to get started shooting a hand gun. What are everyone's thoughts on best gun and caliber. That I should start with.

Thanks
Nick

You'll get plenty of advice, 80% of it good AND contradictory at the same time. A case could be made for a 9mm Glock such as a G19, but of course I would never venture such advice, as we now know.

All I'll say is, go to a range, rent some guns, get some instruction. In Bucks County, IMO head straight for:

http://www.classicpistol.com/

[Mike45]

Welcome new member foufas, you will never get a difinitive answer to those question so go to Ready, Aim, Fire in Bristol or Classic Pistol in Southampton and try them all. At both ranges you will be able to rent guns until your wallet keels over. Then pick the one you like. Simple! Both ranges will be very helpful. I shoot at RAF on Sunday mornings, free to join me there...Mike45

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by Mike45

Ready, Aim, Fire in Bristol

Their link:

http://www.rafire.com/

[Brick]

Renting different guns and trying them out is always a good option. But since you are looking to learn how to shoot, get a pistol that you can use to train with. You must learn right now that training with a hand gun is like the karate expert practicing forms, the practice does no good unless done correctly!

So get a first gun that will allow you to learn the basics, is inexpensive to shoot (so you can shoot it often), is accurate enough to be satisfying to shoot and will not be something that you'll outgrow.

With all that in mind I recommend a cal. .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic. Your choice of "which one" depends solely on the amount of money you want to spend. At the top of the list is: Ruger Mark II/III, Browning Buckmark, Walther P22, Beretta Neo. In any case be sure to pick the version with adjustable sights.

All the skills you learn with the .22 will be transferable to any other pistol. And you'll be able to practice that much more because you can buy 500 .22 cartridges for the cost of 50 of almost any centerfire caliber.

[itstock]

As a first handgun 9mm is nice and cheap to shoot, and will take a while to grow out of. A .22 is great to plink with and learn the extreme basics, but IMO it doesn't really prepare you for shooting even a 9mm.

Rent out all of the guns that you can, first gun or not. If you aren't comfortable with it, you won't learn correctly. Classic Pistol has a bunch of guns to rent, and they are great to deal with. If you are looking to shoot often, the membership there is a great deal! Mine paid for itself in under 1month.

[Sebastian]

You should really start with .22LR shooting handgun. Get the basic fundamentals of grip, stance, and aim out the way, then learn how to manage recoil. Plus, 22LR is cheap to practice with. Once you get good enough at .22LR, then take up larger calibers, and learn to deal with recoil.

If you can only afford to buy one gun, then I would suggest a 9mm. But I really do suggest that anyone who is serious about shooting to have at least one pistol and one long gun in .22LR. Good shooters in .22LR can be had for under $250 bucks.

[Sebastian]

I also agree with other posters here that Classic Pistol is a good place to start. Without a doubt the best indoor range in the area, and you can rent all manner of pistols. They also offer quality instruction.

[PisnNapalm]

I'd advise you to get a .22 long rifle pistol as well. +1 on the Ruger MKIII. I have the 22/45 version of that pistol and it gets by far the most range time of my 2 pistols.

My other pistol is a Taurus 24/7 Pro in .45acp. I would definitely not recommend a .45 for a new shooter.

If you have to start with a centerfire cartridge pistol then 9mm is the way to go. I'd suggest you start with a .22 and then when you're very comfortable and proficient with it move up to another caliber.

There's also the cost of ammo to consider. What is your main use for this pistol? Target shooting, concealed carry, plinking, etc... A brick (500 rounds) of bulk .22 ammo will cost you about $10-$13. A 100 round box of .45 costs me $29 at Walmart. Therefore I practice some with the .45 but shoot the hell outta my Ruger. 9mm ammo is cheaper than .45 but still more than .22 ammo.