Beginner/Training handgun. Revolver or Semi?

[LogicTrigger]

Howdy folks,

I'm new to shooting myself and I am trying to introduce some friends to the art as well. I am really stumped as to what I should be shopping for in regards to my first handgun. I am in Massachusetts and I know that changes the playing field a bit.

I've heard maintenance on a wheel gun is alot simpler than a semi and my research seems to bear this out. I have read beginners manuals for both types and I feel pretty confident I could handle either as long as the semi were not especially difficult to field strip for cleaning.

I am unsure what caliber I should focus on. One of the folks I am trying to acclimate to shooting is an older woman and I don't want to get anything too powerful.. but that said I am hesitant to buy a .22 pistol just because it's such a small round I don't think it would really get someone ready for any higher caliber. I am open to suggestions on this.

Price is a factor but I'm gonna highball it at about $800~$1000 since I know whatever I get is going to see alot of action and I want something quality. I'm saving up right now but I won't have those kind of funds until the end of the month.

I really hope I am doing this right. This is my first thread and although I have done my best to follow proper etiquette I will apologize in advance for any mistakes I have made. I am here to learn and any advice or information you fine folks can provide will be greatly appreciated. I have read some articles online about starter pistols as well but the advice there seems to be all over the place, if anyone wants to link to an especially well-done article about such I would gladly read it.

Thank you for your time.

 

[HiggityHank]

Buy a .22 pistol. It's an invaluable teaching, as well as learning tool. The money you spend on a .22 pistol will come back to you 10x in your own training, as you won't be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars in ammo just to learn to put it on paper.

For the money you're talking, you can get a .22semi as well as a .38 revolver and have both. Don't be afraid to shop used, spending a bunch of extra money to be the first one to put a bullet down the pipe is silly, especially with guns you're going to learn and teach on.

 

[Keystone]

Buy a .22 pistol. It's an invaluable teaching, as well as learning tool. The money you spend on a .22 pistol will come back to you 10x in your own training, as you won't be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars in ammo just to learn to put it on paper.

For the money you're talking, you can get a .22semi as well as a .38 revolver and have both. Don't be afraid to shop used, spending a bunch of extra money to be the first one to put a bullet down the pipe is silly, especially with guns you're going to learn and teach on.

+1

Ruger MkIIs or MkIIIs are excellent guns, if a bit complex to break down. For the price you are talking, you could also get a S&W 617, either instead or along with the pistol. Both will last you forever if you take care of them.

For learning, you can't beat a .22 - they are super cheap to shoot, and you won't pick up any bad habits that heavy calibres could give you.

You say you are hesitant to buy a .22 because it is so small - what are you planning on doing with the gun? For target shooting, what it lacks in fun from the big bang, it makes up in fun from the extra shooting you can do.

Like HiggityHank said, you could get a .22 pistol like the MkIII along with a .38/.357 revolver like the Ruger GP100 for ~800+-

A well cared for used gun of quality make will last just as long as a new gun - don't flinch at purchasing a used gun.

 

[skiman305]

I actually went through this decision-making process fairly recently myself, so I figure I can share my thinking. I ended up buying a .22 semi-automatic pistol.

I already knew that I wanted a .22 pistol, for reasons already stated (namely, it's a cheap, low-recoil caliber that is fun to shoot).

In terms of whether to get a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol, I went with the semi for a couple of reasons. First, they're easier to find. Gun shops will probably have .22 revolvers, but they will also probably have a much better selection of semi-automatic .22s.

Also, being new to shooting, I wanted, first a foremost, to become comfortable with the safe handling of a firearm. This factored into the selection of a small caliber firearm, but it also contributed to my purchase of a semi. A revolver is pretty idiot-proof: you pull the trigger, it goes bang. A semi of any caliber has controls that are more complicated (e.g.: mag/slide release, safety, of a decock lever), and I wanted to be sure to become comfortable with those controls and with the inner workings of a semi.

The Ruger MkII/III is a good pistol. It's actually the first one I ever shot, and it got me hooked (a word to Sturm, Ruger & Co.: my wallet hates you). I ended up purchasing a Walther P22, though, for a variety of reasons, and I like it (although I really don't like the sights).

Hope this helps.

 

[appraiser]

I think the best gun for the new enthusiast us a .22LR wheel gun. My personal favorite was a K-22/Model 17 S&W.

For starters the ammo is dirt cheap.

A wheel gun is a lot easier to work with than say a Ruger MK1 ( and yes I own a Mk1 and I have never broken it down and there is a reason why!)

The principles of good marksmanship can be learned on a .22LR revolver ( or pistol) and then applied to larger calibers.

I think every shooter should own a .22LR target plinker of some sort.

It also helps to have one if you want to take a non shooting friend to the range with you.

 

[seanc]

You have to buy a gun that is going to keep your interest. If you have no experience, then a .22 is probably the best way to go to start out.
As far as a semi vs revolver, it is personal preference. But, that being said, it has been said by more than a few really great shooters that if you can shoot a double action revolver, you will shoot any gun well.

So, my vote would be for a NICE .22 revolver, a lot of ammo and a club membership to shoot it at.

 

[M1911]

I'm an NRA certified instructor. NRA dogma is that a .22 is best for a first gun, and a revolver is better than a semi. With the cost of larger caliber ammo these days, there is something to be said for a .22.

That said, my first gun was a Glock 17. So I'm not going to push the dogma. And I understand that for many people, they want their first gun to be more appropriate for home defense than a .22. I wouldn't go with a larger caliber than 9mm or .357 Mag for a first gun, due to the increased recoil (and if you do get a .357 Mag, I strongly suggest shooting .38 Spcl out of it) and the impact that will have on learning to shoot.

In other words, buy what you want.

 

[jasons]

A used Ruger Mark I or II is probably a pretty good investment. If you decide to sell it a year from now you'll probably at least get your money back. You can find them used for around $200 - $250 all day long.

 

[TheRoland]

Some people, like myself, find shooting .22 pistols to be unbelievably boring. A full-steel (or heavy enough to be all steel, like a Sig) gun in 9mm is not likely to recoil enough to scare people off in most circumstances.

The choice between "revolver or semi-auto" is a personal one. Many modern semiautomatics have the same number of controls, or less, as a wheel-gun.

 

[pernox]

If it comes down to one gun, get something you can use to protect yourself with. That is the whole idea, after all. The training is important, the matches are fun, and teaching new people is a commendable thing - but you'll sleep a lot easier with a defensive round next to your bed rather than a .22.

That said, it would be very easy to have a reliable .22 and a good defensive caliber gun in your hands within your stated budget. My personal recommendations are the same as Keystone's; a Ruger MkI, II, or III accompanied by a Ruger (or S&W - but a Ruger will cost less) wheelgun in .357 mag. Both are reliable, easy to use, and will excel at their intended purpose. When you're good at shooting .38spl out of the revolver, you can step up to .357 and have one of the world's very best bad-guy-killin' handgun rounds at your disposal.

 

[Tim94gt]

Most people will tell you to get a .22 pistol. Personally, my first was a snubby .38 spcl, followed by a .357mag and 9mm. I eventually got a p22 to let new shooters use, but that's it's only purpose. I usually only put a few rounds downrange to demonstrate how it works.

My advice is to go to Manchester Firing Lane or AFS and rent a few different guns. That way YOU can decide the best pistol for you to start with.

 

[Bob J]

Lots of good advice so far..... Would also recommend that you try and attend a NES shoot..... Lots of different guns and folks are pretty comfortable with letting you try them out.... Great way to get a feel for the different guns/calibers and find something you are comfortable with......

 

[LogicTrigger]

Lots of good advice so far..... Would also recommend that you try and attend a NES shoot..... Lots of different guns and folks are pretty comfortable with letting you try them out.... Great way to get a feel for the different guns/calibers and find something you are comfortable with......

That is an interesting suggestion! How do I get in on something like that?

 

[LogicTrigger]

Most people will tell you to get a .22 pistol. Personally, my first was a snubby .38 spcl, followed by a .357mag and 9mm. I eventually got a p22 to let new shooters use, but that's it's only purpose. I usually only put a few rounds downrange to demonstrate how it works.

My advice is to go to Manchester Firing Lane or AFS and rent a few different guns. That way YOU can decide the best pistol for you to start with.

Manchester is about an hour away from me, I could make it there pretty easily on a day off.. but what is AFS?

 

[Bob J]

That is an interesting suggestion! How do I get in on something like that?

Just sign up..... I think the gunpowder pig up at Monadnock is the next one scheduled.... Fee is pretty reasonable and it is a very good time.... Do some research and when people post what they are bringing ask for someone who would be willing to bring the guns you are interested in.... That's how I got to shoot the S&W500 the first time.....

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...non-Festival-quot-IN-quot-thread-payment-open

 

[LogicTrigger]

Just sign up..... I think the gunpowder pig up at Monadnock is the next one scheduled.... Fee is pretty reasonable and it is a very good time.... Do some research and when people post what they are bringing ask for someone who would be willing to bring the guns you are interested in.... That's how I got to shoot the S&W500 the first time.....

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...non-Festival-quot-IN-quot-thread-payment-open

I need more of a warning than that sadly. Feds got me working on the weekends so if I want some time off I need to plan ahead about 5-6 months.

Thanks for the link though, I'll keep an eye open.

 

[LogicTrigger]

You have to buy a gun that is going to keep your interest. If you have no experience, then a .22 is probably the best way to go to start out.
As far as a semi vs revolver, it is personal preference. But, that being said, it has been said by more than a few really great shooters that if you can shoot a double action revolver, you will shoot any gun well.

So, my vote would be for a NICE .22 revolver, a lot of ammo and a club membership to shoot it at.

What would you consider a "NICE" .22 revolver? I haven't seen more than one or two at the shops I have visited.

 

[FrugalFannie]

I would find someone to go to the range with who is willing to let you shoot their guns. I like my M&P9 and 40 but I love my 1911sc (45 ACP). The 1911 has less felt recoil than the M&P40 in my opinion. I wish it had been the first gun I bought. Then spend some money on taking a class and practice dry firing drills before you spend a ton of money on ammo.

 

[BradM]

I'd also say .22 semi or revolver. I just picked up a Ruger 22/45 MK III used from Four Seasons for under $230.
The best part of a .22 is you can learn proper trigger squeeze, sight alignment, and gun safety while minimizing your chances of developing a flinch; not to mention $19 for 550 rounds of ammo.
If you want something more potent a .38 wheelgun or 9mm semi would be next on my lists.

 

[Keystone]

Manchester is about an hour away from me, I could make it there pretty easily on a day off.. but what is AFS?

http://www.americanfirearmsschool.com/
Located in North Attleboro.

There is also S&W out in Springfield and Bob's up somewhere in the Northeast of the state.

My first gun was a 1911 in .45ACP - but I had shot a number of other guns before, mostly rentals. I picked up my MkIII shortly thereafter to save on ammo money and to have for new shooters, and I still enjoy shooting it (hoping to do so, this weekend!)

ETA: Check out the gunpowder pig thread in the member section to learn about the next shoot

 

[BossHarley]

What would you consider a "NICE" .22 revolver? I haven't seen more than one or two at the shops I have visited.

I would say the prototypical 'nice' 22 revolver is the S&W 617 (or 17) (difference is just the finish). I would recommend the 10 shot, but they make it in 6 shot as well. My and my buddies have kept S&W afloat with the purchases over the last few years - as it is THE revolver we all use for plate shooting (tons of fun if you haven't done it).

My opinion would be to get a nice revo and a Ruger Mk II or III. If you are also wanting to a handgun for self defense then the suggestion of a 38 or 9mm in addition to one 22 (pistol or revo) is a good one.

 

[Keystone]

I would say the prototypical 'nice' 22 revolver is the S&W 617 (or 17) (difference is just the finish). I would recommend the 10 shot, but they make it in 6 shot as well. My and my buddies have kept S&W afloat with the purchases over the last few years - as it is THE revolver we all use for plate shooting (tons of fun if you haven't done it).

My opinion would be to get a nice revo and a Ruger Mk II or III. If you are also wanting to a handgun for self defense then the suggestion of a 38 or 9mm in addition to one 22 (pistol or revo) is a good one.

+1, I'm hoping to get a 617 or 17 for myself, one of these days. There is also the S&W 317 (I think that is the model number) with the alloy frame, it'll be lighter, the 617 is your standard L frame revolver like the 686

 

[dwarven1]

LT,

My first gun was a S&W Model 19 (.357 revolver). Still have it. Second was a 10/22 .22 rifle. Still have it. Third was a Ruger Mark 1 standard. Traded that in several years ago on a Mark 1 Target, which I still have. Getting a picture here?

Today I went to the range with my shootin' buddy. Brought:
Ruger Mark 1
Ruger Mark II Target (yes, I have two - never bothered to sell the Mark 1; I don't think it's worth selling - it's nice to have extras around!)
S&W 617 (10-shot .22 revolver)
Ruger Bearcat (.22 Single Action revolver)
Beretta 21A (.22 SA/DA semi-auto mousegun)
Glock 22 (.40)
PPK (.380)

We shot about 1 box each of .380 and .40... and went through over half a brick of .22. She's been shooting for 3-4 years, I've been shooting for 30 years. A good .22 is just plain FUN. We shot some of the fun targets from Targetz.com.

Now, I just got the Bearcat because the NRA recommends you have a SA revolver so you can teach how it works, but I discovered to my surprise that it's just plain FUN to shoot. I'm thinking that a Single Six is going to find it's way into my safe some time, too...

What would you consider a "NICE" .22 revolver? I haven't seen more than one or two at the shops I have visited.

Depends on what you're looking for. DA, I'd go with a S&W 17 or 617. SA - Ruger Bearcat or Single Six (there was a guy with one at the range today that I was looking at - nice looking gun).



Oh, one more thing. While I'm still hunting for a job, I do take time off during the week to hit Harvard Sportsman's Club. You're welcome to meet me there sometime if you'd like to try some of the .22s. Just PM me and we can set up a time.

 

[seanc]

What would you consider a "NICE" .22 revolver? I haven't seen more than one or two at the shops I have visited.

There are TONS out there..
S&W, the older the better IMO.
Colt single actions, great guns, short money for used ones.
High standard made a ton of great 22 wheel guns.
Ruger, single/ double actions.
Dan Wesson, older guns, not sure about any newer CZ's..

On the Single action, a lot will have the ability to swap the cylinders and go 22 and 22mag...
there is a lot out there.

 

[LogicTrigger]

I want to thank everyone for their input! You've given me alot to research and think on and I really couldn't be happier with the response I got. I'm gonna be a bit incommunicado for the next few days but once I've browsed a couple of shops and perhaps made a purchase I'll return to give you guys a heads up.

I do promise to keep an eye on this thread though, I'd love to see it keep going if only so I get more fun guns to consider.

 

[LogicTrigger]

I would say the prototypical 'nice' 22 revolver is the S&W 617 (or 17) (difference is just the finish). I would recommend the 10 shot, but they make it in 6 shot as well. My and my buddies have kept S&W afloat with the purchases over the last few years - as it is THE revolver we all use for plate shooting (tons of fun if you haven't done it).

My opinion would be to get a nice revo and a Ruger Mk II or III. If you are also wanting to a handgun for self defense then the suggestion of a 38 or 9mm in addition to one 22 (pistol or revo) is a good one.

I haven't really gotten into anything beyond plain ol' target shooting. I'd like to get a bit more comfortable and accurate before I start complicating this whole enterprise with such frivolous things as fun.

 

[LogicTrigger]

LT,

My first gun was a S&W Model 19 (.357 revolver). Still have it. Second was a 10/22 .22 rifle. Still have it. Third was a Ruger Mark 1 standard. Traded that in several years ago on a Mark 1 Target, which I still have. Getting a picture here?

...

Already got the 10/22 covered. I'm debating removing the sight.

 

[LogicTrigger]

After reviewing the great information here and doing some more research by myself and with some friends I have sketched out a tentative plan for how to spend my gun funds in the coming months.

I think my first handgun purchase is going to be the Ruger MKII. I have heard the MKII is a little easier to break down and maintain than the MKIII, and both seem pretty accessible to just about anyone. It's simple and affordable and I think it's about the best training gun I can find after all my research. Along with taking at least a couple of handgun instruction courses I'll probably aim for between 1000 and 1500 rounds of technique practice with the .22 before I get serious about a larger caliber.

After that I'd really like to get a wheel gun, and the one that keeps calling out to me in the S&W 686, the newer 7 shot with the 6 inch barrel if I can get my hands on one. I know .357 mag is a heavy hitter but I figure it's also just about the most versatile caliber I can purchase. As long as I keep it clean I can fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P outta it, so that I can grow into the gun and have experience with a range of revolver calibers.

As for a larger caliber semi-automatic to work up to I'm leaning towards a S&W M&P, though I am not sure if I should go for .45 ACP or 9mm. I'd go for a Glock 21 or 17 but I'm really trying to buy American, call it a bad habit. The big thing I hear with the M&P is that you need an extra ~$100 for a trigger job.. but just browsing the classifieds here as well as visiting some local shops I see almost every used M&P already has the trigger smoothed. I've only fired .45 ACP once, and really it was just for the experience of it and I didn't get to judge my accuracy.. but I enjoyed it. That said perhaps I should wait until I have shot a few hundred rounds of 9mm before I get a .45?

I'm going to spend the next couple of months actually hunting down each of these guns so I can try them before I buy them. I've shot the Ruger and an M&P(.40) before but not the 686. I definitely need to work to broaden my pool of experience.

What do you folks think, though? As always I deeply appreciate any input provided. I just hope I didn't speak poorly or make any bad assumptions.

 

[M1911]

I'd go with the 4" 6 shot, rather than the 7 shot. That way you could compete in IDPA.

 

[eisenhow]

I'd go with the 4" 6 shot, rather than the 7 shot. That way you could compete in IDPA.

+1 The 4" is more practical and the 7-shot is tougher to get speedloaders for.

If you want a "high-cap" revolver get the 627 8-shot. You can shoot ICORE with it.