Best first handgun?

[stud40111]

Hello.

What would you guys recommend as a first hand gun for a man who has never owned or operated one before?

Bear in mind that this should be a gun that I will use to get comfortable with shooting, handling, cleaning, disassembling, etc. This is in many ways a "trainer" gun.

A few people have recommend some gun that takes a .22 round.

What are your thoughts, opinions, insights, and suggestions?

[normanvin]

There are several .22's that will serve your purposes. Browning Buckmark, Ruger MarkII, Beretta Neos.

I would also suggest that you get some training, or at least hook up with other people from your area that post on this forum.

[algoesfast]

If the plan is to carry a gun someday I personally wouldn't get a 22. What I would recommend is going to a range that rents guns. And go to town trying them out. As far as caliber (again if carry is an option) I would be looking at in auto 9mm, 40, 45. In revolver 357mag because you can always shot 38's.

Others will be along shortly.

[tdyoung58]

For someone who has never owned, used, cleaned, handled a gun before.... just because this is the easiest to do all the above with. I'd probably choose a Ruger SP 101 in .357 magnum, it also can shoot .38 specials without any additional modification. Or some similar revolver in the same configuration

Because in either caliber, it makes a adequate defensive weapon for either carry or home protection, ease of operation, cleaning, and relatively low cost comapared to auto's initially and in ammo. Resale is also better IMHO than Auto's if you would decide shoting isn't for you.

I wouldn't choose a .22 because of the caliber which kinda limits it to the range only in most configurations. If you feel like driving up to Leb County, I'd be willing to let you try a few different guns to see what feels good for you. (send me a PM) If you have some free time on Saturday we're having a picnic at Jonestown F&G (check the Leb County Section) feel free to stop by I'll be there as well as others and youd be free to try anything I have with me

[marks]

Echoing some of the thoughts of others to be sure, I'd recommend you go to a range that has a reasonable selection to rent. If at all possible, I'd go with someone with some experience. I'd fire a revolver and a pistol. Some ranges will require that you first shoot a .22, which probably isn't a bad idea. See which you prefer. On that trip to the range or the next, I'd move up to a larger caliber gun, and see what you think, how it feels, etc.

If you can't go with someone with some experience, I'd suggest making your first trip a lesson as well. It's well worth the money, and will ensure you start off on the right foot, and stay safe.

And, personally, whatever your preference, I'd do tons of research. Read reviews, watch YouTube videos, and ultimately choose a gun that you truly believe you'll trust to defend you, as well as provide lots of fun at the range. Go for something you'll want to hold onto like a merchant's first dollar bill.

For me, that's my CZ-75B. I suspect I'll buy and sell plenty more over time, but that's a keeper. I'll bet you'll hear the same from a lot of people here, though each will have their own preference/favorite.

Keep us posted on how things progress!

[QuackXP]

I would first go to a range get some basic instruction and shoot a couple different calibers.

I would say a .22 as your first gun. Most of the models mentioned are more target type guns. The Sig Mosquito and Walter P22 have similar design to higher caliber defensive pistols.

The reason I say .22 is because of the price of ammo. It will encourage you to shoot more. The more you shoot the more comfortable and accurate you will get.

.22 are mostly for target and not very suitable for defense purposes.

Unless price is no object for you then get whatever you are comfortable with.

[Mity2]

I'd normaly recommend ruger MKIII, but since it's a bitch to disassemble and reassemble, I guess that's out.

Used wheel gun in 38special or 22 is my recommendation.
DA wheel gun will teach you how to work the trigger better then any semiauto's

[brian]

. If you feel like driving up to Leb County, I'd be willing to let you try a few different guns to see what feels good for you. (send me a PM) If you have some free time on Saturday we're having a picnic at Jonestown F&G (check the Leb County Section) feel free to stop by I'll be there as well as others and youd be free to try anything I have with me

there might be a few a handguns present.

[ksig1869]

After starting with a 9mm and eventually getting a .22. I would definitely recommend getting a .22 first. They are a blast to shoot, cheap to shoot and did I mention fun? They wouldn't be a first choice for HD but they are relatively cheap so you can start saving up for a bigger caliber that will suit your needs better. I got a Browning Buckmark, but I heard Ruger makes a great .22 too. Hope that helps.

[24/7dude]

I'm going against the majority and would recommend a Glock or similar pistol. Much simpler/easier to clean than a revolver in my opinion.

If you go this route with an auto pistol I'd recommend starting out with a 9mm. I don't think a 9mm is too strong of a round for a beginner unless you weigh 70 lbs and have a tooth pick like body structure.

And since you're in York, if you ever have 10 seconds to spare I'll show you how to disassemble and clean it.