Good handgun/pistol for a beginner?

[sgrandjean]

Afternoon, folks. I'm thinking about buying a handgun to use at a firing range. About the only think I know about them is that there are umpteen different brands, calibers, etc. I qualified with a Beretta 92FS at Lackland AFB while in AFROTC a number of years back. Can't seem to remember much else.

Cheers.

[Oldrem]

If you're just looking for a plinker, 9mm is ok. If you want to invest in a semi-auto that may save your life/family someday with real stopping power my suggestion is a 45ACP. My favorite there is my Kimber.

Most indoor shooting ranges have guns you can rent - lets you get an idea of what you may be more comfortable with.

[ddmoit]

I don't have near the gun experience as most of the other enthusiasts here, but I'm of the opinion that if you're only gonna have one pistol, make it a revolver. It's far less likely to ever jam on you, making it more reliable than an automatic. This isn't really much of an issue for plinking, but if it's your only gun, then it's your only defensive firearm as well.

[Oldrem]

I do love my revolvers more that my autos, but for accuracy reasons. The only auto I ever had jam was when I screwed up a reload on a 9mm and blew the barrel which wedged tight inside the slide

For dead accuracy, my 7-1/2 inch Remingtons in 45 Colt will tear out the 1" black on a target with 6 shots.

[Shooter]

For range stuff and general plinking there are several good .22 handguns. Ammo is very cheap and you can shoot until your sick of it without breaking the bank. Easy to learn with and very forgiving. Good way to learn fundamentals.

9mm is also fairly reasonable in price. While it is not a harsh round to shoot, I do not put it into the plinking category.

As mentioned, I do agree with the statements made in regards to revolvers and a couple of my favorite guns are revolvers. I am not some caliber snob that might say, never go into a gunfight with a caliber that doesn't start with a 4, but my personal choice for a combat gun would be .45 ACP. I too am fond of Kimbers but an Ed Brown or Les Baer would top my list.

Sorry getting side tracked. I also agree that you should find a place that you can rent or that has weapons available to shoot. Find one that fits you well.

[MHI]

Some say that you don't learn to shoot until you learn to shoot a .22

I would suggest that you get a big gun first, and get a .22 for a second. A big gun will put a smile on your face even when your not shooting it.

My all time favorite stock gun of my collection is my Kimber gold match stainless .45.

Target shooters use both .22's and .45's.

.9mm? Good luck hitting something with it, unless its close.

[opiethetileman]

yeah a 1991 colt 4 1/4 barel is a good size 45 to shoot and learn with. I have about 50 handguns from rev to semi. Now that I lost my left index finger I cant shoot left handle strong arm anymore. But my fav TOy to break out is 50 cal that puppie just makes ya smile when you slide that bolt back and see the shel come out. its better than ummm ya get the point.

[Oldrem]

Someone even makes a revolver for my 45/70 rounds now - but I value my wrists a bit more than that

[jjwq8]

Can I suggest that a good gun for an absolute novice is a super-soaker?

[sgrandjean]

Jeremy,
Thanks. I think I'll pass on the super soaker.
Cheers.

[Brad Denny]

Scott, I am amazed there aren't any Glock fans here. I wasn't until I purchased a 22 (.40 cal). Most of the ranges in my area exclusively rent Glocks to shoot. I'd check one out if you haven't.

[sgrandjean]

Thanks for the recommendations so far. A good friend of mine spent 29 years as a Navy MA, carrying a Glock for most of the last twelve years while she worked protective service detail.

There's a range not far from me that has a wide selection of rentals. I think I'll drop by this week and check them out.

Cheers.

[MHI]

I've got a model 22, but its just not my favorite. You can only have one favorite.

I got it as an all buisiness gun, and is the only one I have that doesn't have a special finish, or is tricked out in any way. I put a lasermax in it and got a streamlight.

It may not be my favorite, but it is my nightstand gun.

[Stu]

I just bought a Glock 27 .40 cal . Going to the range to shoot it for the first time friday.

[Brad Denny]

I can't have a favorite I like to many!