Author Topic: First Pistol?  (Read 2224 times)

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Offline stork

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First Pistol?
« on: November 10, 2003, 04:35:06 PM »
I got to shoot my mom's pistol, a Rossi .38 special with 2 inch barrel, forthe first time a few days ago and i was immediatly hooked.  Now I want a pistol of my own, but i am only fourteen so it is illegal for me own a handgun, so i am just wanting suggestions for a good reliable first handgun.  I want a revolver in .357 mag, and i will use this gun for plinking and i might use it for deer hunting.

So, what is a good first pistol?

Offline Duffy

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« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2003, 10:46:15 PM »
Actually a Ruger single six in 22/22 mag would be a good choice for a first pistol. Ammo is cheap and with the less recoil it's easier to learn good shooting techniques. In a 357 would probably go with a GP100, dependable, accurate and affordable. You've got some time to figure out your collection anyway. :)

Offline kciH

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« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2003, 02:40:56 AM »
I was 14 when I got my first handgun, it was a Ruger Mark II Target with 6 7/8" tapered bull barrel and adjustable sights.  I was advised to get one because they are more accurate than a Single Six, and it's the truth.  I would still be a good choice for someone familiar with firearm operation and safety.  Isn't it amazing that this was OK 17 years ago, now you'd probably be jailed as a parent for buying one for your kid to use.

Offline Questor

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« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2003, 03:56:59 AM »
KciH:

I'm looking at the Browning Challenge 22 auto for my kids (so lock me up).  It's made for shooters with smaller hands.
Safety first

Offline billmaly

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If it's a .357 you want...
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2003, 04:26:36 AM »
Ruger GP100. Avail. blue or steel, 4 or 6" barrel. Well made, easy to shoot and maintain. If you'll be hunting deer with it, opt for the 6" barrel and use bullets with enough stopping power to get the job done quickly.

GP100 is my first, and to date only, handgun, and I have NO complaints!

Offline bobg

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« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2003, 05:12:13 AM »
I agree with billmaly. You can't go wrong with a Rugar GP100.

Offline jcsabolt2

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First Pistol?
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2003, 06:54:57 AM »
So, you want a handgun....  My first handgun was a Ruger P90 in 45ACP.  While it shot great, I did not.  It took me a little while to learn not to flinch.

Many hunters and shooters will tell you to start with a 22 Rim Fire.  Yes, it's a whimpy cartridge compared to everything else, but they are cheap and fun!  Two things youg hunters want.

Since you mentioned you wanted to use it to hunt deer, get yourself a used Thompson Center Contender or a new G2.  You could shoot 22's and then switch the barrels out to your 357 Mag for deer.  Yes, they are single shots, but this is a good thing for beginners and older hunters too.  It makes you think twice before pulling the trigger at game.  You may only get one shot...make it count!  Whatever you decide on getting, make sure it fits you, is comfortable, and functions properly.  Enjoy!
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Offline Will

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« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2003, 03:48:57 PM »
I was fortunate enough to have parents who wanted me to get into shooting at an early age, and who didn't mind to have their name on "my" pistols. When I was old enough and responsible, Dad bought me a Ruger Single Six to call my own. Of course, I shot it when I was with him, and legally, it was his gun. But it was just the fact that I could go shooting or hunting with him and call that gun mine that made it so nice. That Ruger is still with me and it has never failed to do its duty. It is a fine choice for a first handgun. Very reliable, very safe and it teaches ammo conservation.
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Offline 1GLOCK

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« Reply #8 on: November 12, 2003, 08:59:49 AM »
The Ruger Single Six is a fine pistol and cheap to shoot is 22lr. I have several handguns but the 22 single six is still one of the funnest shooters I own and least expensive. It still gets squirel duty from time to time. I also have a snub 38spl and a Security six 357 mag, both fine guns they dont make the security six anymore so if i had to buy a new one it would be the GP100. Just beware, if you go too big to begin with you'll develope some bad habbits and flinches that are not easy to get rid of once youve got them. Oh yeah, full house 357 mags can get a little expensive to shoot a lot of unless you handload.

Offline John

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« Reply #9 on: November 12, 2003, 05:53:29 PM »
Good advice being given here, and I would agree on your first pistol being a 22. I've had 9mm, 45 auto, 44 mag, and 22, and the 22 gets way more use than anything else.

It's too bad the way society has began to look at young folks and guns, hell ya don't even see kids playing cowboys and indians, cops and robbers, army, or any of the fun play gun stuff that it seems like all the young boys did way back in the good old days.
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Offline ingwenya

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« Reply #10 on: November 23, 2003, 11:30:38 PM »
If you are already hooked on shooting after your first outing, don't get a .22LR or a .22 Mag. You'll be tired of em before your through the first 500 rounds. My honest opinion is to get that .357 Mag with a 4"-6" barrel. As you are learning to shoot, use .38 Spec. ammunition. The .38 Spec. is anemic enough that when fired out of a decent sized gun it won't kick enough to cause a flinch. Then when you get comfortable shooting that load, you can advance to the stronger .357 Mag load. See my logic? At that point, you have a decent sidearm for a hunt as well and you won't even have had to ask your mum to buy another gun. I don't want anybody to mistake my opinion of the .22. Its a good caliber for practice. It just has very limited practical uses and really no uses that a .38 Spec couldnt fill. And no, squirrel hunting is not a practical use.

On a side note...Its good to see youth involved in one of our nation's pasttimes.

Enjoy yourself Safely,
"Too many freaks, not enough circuses."

Offline Buck

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« Reply #11 on: January 02, 2004, 02:23:00 PM »
My first gun is one I still own, a S&W Model 66.  I'm not a S&W fan (the gun was in great shape at a good price), but a .357 Magnum loaded with .38 Specials is not a bad place to start.  I've fired almost nothing but .38 Specials in mine.  I think any good .357 loaded with .38s is easy to learn with, and maintaining a revolver is simple.

Offline hillbill

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first pistol
« Reply #12 on: January 11, 2004, 01:20:52 PM »
yu want a 357? get a ruger blackhawk single action! yu will never tire of it! they are had fairly cheap roun here for an older one with a few blemishes and are good hunting and plinking gun! oh if yur tight like me yu will soon be over on the reloading forum!

Offline 44 Man

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« Reply #13 on: January 12, 2004, 01:07:41 PM »
Your idea of a .357 is a good one, but work your way up to it.  I started with a CO2 bb pistol.  My parents allowed it and I demonstrated that I was responsible and safe with it.  Then we moved to a Ruger single six .22.  I enjoyed that very much and did a lot of shooting as it was cheap to feed.  That's important when you are young.  My third pistol was a .357 Magnum.  I shot a lot of .38 reloads for practice and hunted with it with magnums.  So I suggest an air gun to start with.  Prove to your parents that you are safe, then work up.  44 Man
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Offline Buckskinner

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« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2004, 03:46:15 PM »
I always like to recommend a good .22 lr handgun as a "first" handgun. Like some others, I lean towards the Ruger single-six, and have recently purchased one for my son who is 7.

Personally, I prefer to use the Ruger auto-pistols in .22lr and have used about every configuration that they have ever offered! Currently, I use a 6 inch std model that is equipped with fixed sights(cleaned up with the front sight filed down to sight-in)It is also equipped with a Clark trigger, 2 1/4 pound pull and a full action job. It helps to improve the action and triggers on a handgun so that any amount of accuracy that is inherent in the handgun can be more readily utilized.

Be safe and use good common sense and you will enjoy a long and satisfying handgun shooting career!
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Offline ButlerFord45

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« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2004, 04:25:55 PM »
I'm still a youngster compared tome of the folks around here, I only started shooting a little over four decades ago; but, I really believe every shooter needs a 22 rimfire long gun, hand gun or both.  It really is easier to learn good habits than trying to modify bad habits picked up from trying to learn overgunned.  The 22 is a mandatory arsonal piece for good reason.  Don't try to get by "on the cheap" either, chose it just as carefully as you would your home defense weapon, if you start with a good quality auto, single or double action revolver, you'll never have to replace it with something better.  Personally, I'm a Ruger 22 fan, Single six and Mark.  Damn the politics, old Smith & Wesson's are EXCELLENT pistols.  I don't know anything at all about Dan Wesson's and my limited experience with Tarus would try and guide you away from them.  There are many others I'm sure that would do as well, but these will serve you for a lifetime with just a little care.
So, now if we can just convience Mom that SHE needs a good 22 hand gun that you can learn and practice with,  when the time comes for you to pick your first gun, you can go about it with knowledge and experience.
Butler Ford
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Offline OTTOMATIC

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« Reply #16 on: February 10, 2004, 11:24:34 AM »
I would start with a Mod 17 or 617 S&W 22.  After  REALLy becoming accurate , developing good habits , etc I would get Mod 19 or 586 it is almost the exact same weight but in .357.  Unless you hand load you can't beat a .22.........................................

BTW That is exactly how I started out, first a Mod 17 THEN a Mod 19.  Over the years my 17 was shot and carried alot more than my Mod 19. But that was in 1970 when I got my  MOD 17 I was 18.   Course things have changed.since then.  Today most are starting out with a 44mag {but they can't hit a clay pigion at 100yrds with open sites}.........OTTO

Offline bdutton

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Re: First Pistol?
« Reply #17 on: February 22, 2004, 04:39:16 AM »
Quote from: stork
I got to shoot my mom's pistol, a Rossi .38 special with 2 inch barrel, forthe first time a few days ago and i was immediatly hooked.  Now I want a pistol of my own, but i am only fourteen so it is illegal for me own a handgun, so i am just wanting suggestions for a good reliable first handgun.  I want a revolver in .357 mag, and i will use this gun for plinking and i might use it for deer hunting.

So, what is a good first pistol?


While you are too young to own, you are not too young to shoot.  The best method to prepare youself for shooting handguns is with a .22 target pistol.  A Smith and Wesson 41, or Ruger Mark II or a high standard are good guns to start with.  

Check with your local gun clubs to see if they have bullseye matches.  Clubs with a bullseye team are very helpful to young shooters.  Many shooters will let you try thier pistols to find out what model you are most comfortable with.  Also, most teams will have a club gun that people who do not have their own gun can shoot.

Offline BlkHawk73

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« Reply #18 on: February 22, 2004, 06:04:37 AM »
Gotta follow suit here and recommend a good .22 pistol.  While you may want a larger caliber gun, starting and getting plenty of practice with the .22 will greatly aid you'r shoting skillsa dn give a boost to your confidance level.  it's much easier to get rid of bad shooting techniques and habits now with a .22 than with a larger caliber.   A Ruger Single Six is an excellant model as is any of thier .22 rimfires.  Also, their autoloaders can be upgraded with an almost endless array of aftermarket parts.  This can make the sport even funner by building up a pistol to specifically fit your changeing wants/needs.  
   proberly not what you want to hear, you know start with a .22, but it's proberly the best idea.
"Never Surrender, Just Carry On."  - G.S.

Offline jgalar

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« Reply #19 on: February 22, 2004, 07:31:11 AM »
Stork, we had a similar discussion on Joe's forum. The only thing I would add is to get something with adjustable sights and a longer barrel.

Offline dread

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« Reply #20 on: February 22, 2004, 05:40:42 PM »
I'd recomend the Ruger Single Six in .22 cal. and get the extra cylinder in .22 mag. That would give you a lifetime of service and you would be proud to own it and proud to shoot it. Then you could get a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 cal. mag. and take up reloading as a hobby. I got a Ruger Bearcat .22 cal. six gun then got a Ruger Blackhawk .357 mag. I took up reloading and I enjoyed all of it. I cast some bullets for the .357 and I can load it down or load it up. Very versatile. You can also shoot .38 Specials in the Blackhawk. And all of these revolvers are as safe as can be and are great for hunting.  Just my experience and  :money:  :-)

Offline jgalar

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« Reply #21 on: February 23, 2004, 02:25:13 AM »
Stork already reloads for his 30-06 so he shouldn't have any problem handling a 38 spl. I would get the Ruger Blackhawk 357 with the 9mm cylinder. You could shoot 38 spl, 9mm, or 357.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=318&return=Y

Offline New Hampshire

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« Reply #22 on: February 23, 2004, 12:07:30 PM »
My first handgun was a Sig 220ST in 45 ACP.  My second.......A GP100  :) .  If you plan on using it for deer get the 6" version.  You can get a B-Square mount that fits in the front and rear sight holes so you can mount a scope without any gunsmithing involved.  BUT its only available for the 6" version.  158gr XTPs over a proper charge of WW296 is good medicine for the soul, if not the hands  :-D  :-D !
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Offline S.S.

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« Reply #23 on: February 24, 2004, 08:16:42 AM »
Go ahead and go for the .357 Magnum,
that was my first handgun and I have never regreted
it. You can practice with .38 Wadcutters all day
without undo stress on yourself from recoil.
Ruger is a great choice!
My first .357 was a Dan Wesson with an 8 inch barrel,
and a 2 inch barrel. I still have it and hunt with it regularly.
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Offline Black Jaque Janaviac

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« Reply #24 on: February 27, 2004, 04:09:17 AM »
First - get whatever gun your parents will allow.  Even if you cough up the cash, you likely couldn't afford it if they were giving you free rent.

So whatever us guys here recommend doesn't amount to a hill of beans compared to your parents judgement.

If your parents allow, both options are sensible ones.  

I will write some considerations you and your parents can make to help you decide which option to choose.

It really boils down to if you think you can afford two guns or can only afford one gun.

Get the .22 if you are fairly certain that you can get a .357 later.  No doubt about it .22s are the best "first guns".  But they don't make good "only guns" or even "do anything guns".

However, if you think that buying a second handgun will be difficult - then a .357 with reloading equipment is a good choice.   A .357 revolver is more versatile in the long run.  Loaded with light .38s it is excellent for squirrels and bunnies.  Loaded with strong .357 mags it is a capable close-range deer gun.  And it really shines as a self-defense/home defense gun too.

A .22 has less recoil and ammo is really cheap.  A brick of 550 shells costs $9.45 at WalMart.  Packs of 50 cost up to $1.50 each.

If you reload - you can reload .38spl or mild .357s for $1.60 per box of 50 (that's if you cast your own bullets from free wheelweights).  So the .357 mag handgun can be shot for very cheap also.  

Reloading might have an advantage for a mature 14-yr-old.  I remember as a kid getting .22 ammo was getting difficult to do - so it's probably worse now.  You will depend on your parents to buy every box.  However, once you've accumulated the brass - you only have to reload 'em.  And you only have to inconvenience your parents when you need components.

One caution on the reloading - since your mom shoots a .38spl you may have to promise yourself that you would never EVER hotload a .38 spl case.  Some people can get away with this if they know that the only gun that will shoot the hotloads will be a .357mag.  But in your case it is a real possibility that a hotloaded .38 could accidently wind up in your mom's gun which is only capable of .38spl pressures.
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Offline charlesshort45

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« Reply #25 on: April 25, 2004, 03:12:49 PM »
My two cents:

First, what you and your family can agree on. No sneaking around; be trustworthy and you will be trusted.

Second: walk before you can run. Get a decent air pistol with their approval and shoot it a LOT. Daisy Avanti 747, Baikal, or other single shot single-pump pneumatic. No CO2 cartrige guns. Pellets are cheap, and you can make the world's cheapest target backstop from a cardboard box filled with wadded-up newspaper. Shoot on the B-40 33' air pistol target from fifteen feet until you can hit reliably. Try shooting from the top of a table for steadiness. Move back slowly until you can shoot well at 33 feet. The air pistol will be clean, cheap, and quiet, so you will be able to shoot it a lot more, getting better a lot faster.

Third, find your friends. Ask your folks about your participating in youth shooting programs at your local clubs, or investigate other area clubs that have leagues or regular shoots. Scouts are a natural place to learn to shoot, and you get the coolest merit badge. Your folks would like the fact you will be under supervision, and that they will not have to buy equipment right away too! School programs, local parks and recreation programs, junior police programs: all are great places to start.

Finally, your time will come. Large caliber handguns, long range shooting, Olympic events, and etc all come. But learn your fundamentals of SAFETY, DISCIPLINE, and BASIC SKILLS first. And based on my twenty years of teaching people to shoot, I think you'd do just fine.

Best of luck. See you on the stand at Perry in ten years, or the Olympics in twelve. Don't laugh- work hard to make it happen.

Offline ShootnStr8

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« Reply #26 on: April 25, 2004, 04:47:29 PM »
Stork,

You have received a lot of excellent advice.  

I agree with kciH's recommendation of a target Ruger Mark II .22.  They are fantastic shooters and use inexpensive ammo.  

Blessings!

Jim
There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.
--Blaise Pascal

Offline The Shrink

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« Reply #27 on: April 30, 2004, 03:08:17 PM »
Stork

My advise is gonna depend on where you live and your shooting conditions.  Basically, get something you can shoot on your own, out in the back yard or in the basement, even if that's an air gun.  Get a quality one, and the practice is invaluable.  

If you're out in the country and can shoot in your back yard then get whatever the traffic will bear.  You can't buy it, an adult will have to, and technically it's theirs, but we all know how this works.  My SuperBlackhalk was "mine" but was and is my son's favorite, starting when he was nine shooting light loads.  

Your mom shoots, so you have an ally in her.  Get an adult to teach you safety, reasonable use, and proper ways to clean and care for the weapon.  

If you're gonna shoot centerfire, learn to re-load.  It cuts the costs considerably, teaches you safety, respect for what you are doing, and your mom will appreciate it if it lets her practice more, too.  I began at age 16, loading for my dad's 30-30 and my 16 gauge.  Again, find an adult who will teach you.  If you don't know anyone, ask around at your local gun shop.  

If you're stuck in the suburbs, don't despise a good quality spring air pistol or rifle.  Black powder Silouette shooters use them to practice with, so you can too!  It will teach you trigger control, aim, breath control, and a host of other things as well.  

It is likely that you will soon end up with something with which to practice (air or .22 or .17) and something else with which to hunt.  If you have supportive parents start with the practice piece and lobby hard for the hunting piece.

Anyway, that's my $.02.

Wayne the Shrink
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Offline tallpaul

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« Reply #28 on: May 06, 2004, 12:51:26 AM »
my first was a 6 INCH BLUE Colt Python... dad was a shooter and reloader and I loaded quite a few for it! i LOVE THAT GUN my second was a smith 41 22. I love my .22's and recomend the ruger bull barrell often. But if one reloads a .357 is so very versitle.  Mowin yards as a 15 year old had its perks... :grin: BTW a QUALITY airgun is worth having as a few have said! You can shoot it EVERY day. I would not have it as a replacement to a firearm but in addition too.
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Offline CornCod

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First Handgun
« Reply #29 on: March 05, 2005, 07:29:24 PM »
A good old-fashoned Smith and Wesson Model 10 with a four inch barrel is a fine choice since you like the .38 Special cartridge anyway.