starter pistol for me

M

Mr YODA

Joined
Nov 12, 2001
Messages
790
Hi guys,

I don't usually post in this section but I know you will have the best info for me.

I will be 21 soon, and was thinking about getting a pistol for target training down at the range and home defense, etc. A friend of mine's father owns a shooting range and gun club, so I think I will end up joining that, but basically I am wondering what you guys feel is a good starter pistol for me.

I won't be carrying it, so concealment isn't an issue, but I am leaning toward a Glock (I forget the number) or similar pistol.

Thanks for the help.

Matt
 
This is just my opinion, but I think that the Ruger Mk2, .22cal pistol is a great starter pistol. A .22 is a great cal. to start with. Cheap to shoot, so you can get tons of firing in for small money. Also, the .22 has basically no recoil, so your learning can concentrate on the important basics of shooting without dealing with recoil yet. That is how I have helped teach my friends that have wanted to get into shooting, and eventually CCW. I alswys start them with a 22 pistol or revolver. It is fun, cheaper to buy the gun and the ammo then with the bigger calibers. Then when you are fully trained and comfortable with that, you can take your time and pick a large bore for carry if that is your plan. Plus you will have spent enough time at the range that you will have seen lots of other larger guns, maybe even get to try them and decide what else you mightwant as your next firearm. Good luck choosing.
 
Good advice.
My Ruger is still one of my favorites to shoot.
 
I tend to agree with the advice to get a .22. Learn the fundamentals of trigger control, sight alignment and breathing control. Once you have the basics, you can go to a centerfire handgun without worrying about the annoying habits that can develeop if your first handgun is a larger caliber.

If you really must have a larger caliber handgun, and are leaning towards a Glock, the G17 in 9mm is a soft shooter, and is a good platform to start.

Once you are more experienced, you will see that all you really need is a 1911 in .45. ;)
 
Another vote for the Ruger MKII. I would opt for the 5.5" bull barrel. Currently, this is the only pistol I own(temporary situation), and I cannot be more pleased with it. I am not the best shot with any pistol, but this one is so easy to shoot and so accurate, that I can make a soda can dance at 25 yards shooting offhand.
 
I agree with the others on this thread. The Ruger Mark II is an excellent pistol to learn marksmanship. However, if you are also looking for a self-defense handgun, I recommend a Glock 19 because it is very reliable, accurate, simple to use and has mild recoil. Secondly, 9mm ammo is relatively cheap for target shooting. There are lots of excellent self-defense loads for 9mm, too.
 
While I wholly endorse the idea of starting out with a .22, and most of my guns are Rugers, I like the Browning Buckmark for a starter .22. I feel that the fit and finish is a little nicer than what a basic MK II offers. I have a basic 4.5" model and have tought several gun shy folks to shoot with it. It's accurate and comfy.

With either gun you can't go wrong. Less than $200.00 and ton's of fun.

Don't underestimate the value of having a gun that you can shoot cheaply as the cost of ammo for most people becomes prohibitive when shooting large bore pistols. Consider this, 50 rounds of 9mm on sale at Big 5 is around $13.00 whereas 500 rounds of .22 is around $12.00.

Accuracy comes through practice and muscle memory, so shooting more helps you to shoot better.

If you're determined to get something stronger than a .22, I'd reccommend a 4" .357 magnum. Personally, I like the Ruger GP100, but there are several choices both new and used. The versatility of a 4" .357 to me is unmatched. With 1450 fps 125 grain JHP ammo it's about the best chance you have to end a confrontation in one shot (tremendous ballistics, even better than .45ACP). You can also load it with light .38 Special wadcutter rounds for cheap and reduced recoil target shooting. There's a whole range of ammo available suitable for almost any application. It's also a revolver so it's less complicated to operate.

Glocks are great guns ( I have an old hi-cap model 21 w/ Trijicons), but I think any of the above mentioned recommendations make more sense for a newbie. The .357 might even make more sense as the .22s will have fairly light triggers and present a greater chance of an accidental discharge.

Just my opinion

jmx
 
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