First Handgun...

Reloads- Another oft referenced statistical rarity. This is one of the most often repeated bits of conventional wisdom that is irrelevant. Statistically, lethal exchanges occur at distances of only a few feet, involve less than 2 shots total, and the chances of a hit are minute.

Aint nobody doing a reload. That's a Hollywood movie or a rarity in the realm of the North Hollywood shootout. Either way, what a lot of people see on the screen, they tend to take as the norm. The fight usually goes to the first guy to shoot- this puts the "home team" at a slight disadvantage- but he still has to hit what he's aiming at.

Revolvers are indeed a thicker width than any automatic in the CCW class, that's what makes them truly a negative for most CCW uses. Again, abilities factor in. How are your abilities at 3 a.m.? You want a "point and shoot" revolver or do you want a complex machine- some needing safeties manipulated, as well? Remember, most believe that this is what saved our President Jerry Ford's life- thank-you-Jesus - that the shooter was an idiot and didn't cock the 1911 (argue about whether it was technically unloaded or not on your own time). The other shit head- the one that was hot for Jodie Foster? He got real smart and used a .22 Revolver. An absolute dimwit took John Lenon from us using one of those primitive but effective revolvers. Can you remember Selena?

That's the headlines stuff. The day-to-day realities are in some ways, very similar. Statistically, though, there are fewer revolvers out on the streets, so you do hear more about interchanges involving "automatic weapons", which is what the pretty boy talking head on TV calls a semi-auto pistol.

97% of CCW holders believe they are "above average" shooters. :foot:

More high capacity guns, extra magazines (and +2 floorplates) are sold to guys who get this in their head. My CCW weapons hold 5 or 7 rounds, but that's just me. For home use or range fun, size is irrelevant- except to say, bigger (greater weight) is better. The gun recoils less- simple fact of physics.

I was out shooting last night with a young cop who I counseled when he was just starting out. He insisted that he wanted a hi-cap mini-Glock for off duty CCW. I didn't bother telling him that he was going to change his mind. He now carries a micro slim single stack auto- but this kid is a superb operator.

Here, watch him shoot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS3wNIvq6Og

Look at what happens on second # 00:35... Can you clear a FTF as well as he does? If not, you're a schlubb like me. (and 99.9% of all shooters)

If you do not become proficient with the manipulation of the tool, there is no amount of ammunition that will compensate for poor marksmanship.



Cheaper, maybe. Available? No way. There is still .38 bulk pack to be had at my MallWart last night before I went to the range- they had no 9, .45, or .40

Curiously, they also had .380 ammo available as well.

imho recoil does have a bit to do with the weight of the thing, but the calibre also has a bit to do with it, if that wasnt so my buds S&W 500 would recoil less than my kahr PM9 which aint quite how it is.
 
i actually asked a similiar question on BF earlier this year for my first handgun. i knew i wanted a revolver and i wanted versatility but pretty much everything else was up in the air. i got recommendations for the ruger and S&W .357 models while the majority said get a .22 first

i ended up with the .22 and feel like this was the best way to learn for me so i thank the BF crowd. i think next i would like to get a ruger vaquero to play with in .45LC then maybe that versatile .357:D guns can be as addictive as knives!
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Sweet! Love the 10-shot 617. Mine is 4". Someone makes pretty decent speed loaders for them, do a search for 'DS-10-Speed', I like mine.

As for people who say the .22 isn't cost effective if what you really want is just a home/self-defense gun- look at ammo cost. If you want to learn how to shoot (and you should), just a few range sessions firing .22 instead of centerfire whatever will save you enough money to pay for the .22. And .22 is FUN. :D
 
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I have a couple dozen guns. I shoot a good bit and use 1911's as my primary guns. That being said, I do not think they are for beginners. Glocks also need a good holster that ensures the trigger does not accidentally get engaged. For the first-time buyer, I recommend a revolver. I have a Ruger SP101 357 with a 3" that I love. The GP like in post #19 ia a great gun for HP. If 357's are too spicy a good 38+P will work just fine.

I do like shooting semi's for fun, but a revolver can be loaded and stuck in a sock drawer without concern. They are easy to use, reliable and value priced (well at least Rugers are). If you must get a semi, stick with 9mm, look at the XDs or CZs. Also look at CDNN for SIG police trade-ins.
 
i shot the sw .357 model 65 as a duty weapon, wonderful topnotch sidearm, in the early 90's i had a need for a off duty weapon and got a glock .40 model 23, it is a excellent weapon and like all guns if you pull the trigger it will fire.

wheel guns, semi's it takes practice to be proficient, if you get a glock you will not go wrong, love them, the low ramp on the glocks is a seller in itself, and you can get a used weapon in either and do fine with it.

enjoy your search and several more purchases will follow if your budget can withstand.
 
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