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Sidearms & Scatterguns first handgun suggestions

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unluckyjohn

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Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 7, 2011
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Houston Texas
i'm looking into getting my fist handgun. i am going to try to get my hands on a ruger 22/45 and a browning buckmark to see what works for me. i would like to stick with a handgun that shoots the 22lr and is semi auto.
should i be looking at any other handgun?
i have large hands. i'm 6'4"
i have never shot a handgun in my life so any tips you could give me would be great.
i would like to keep the price under 400.
any suggestions?
im getting this gun to learn the beginning steps to shooting with pistols.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

+1 for the ruger, it's fun and cheap to shoot. I've got the 5.5" bull barrel model.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Go with the Ruger MKIII.....I also went with the 5.5" barrel. Fluted MKIII Hunter is awesome!
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Should be a 9mm. .22 should be teh second handgun.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

I'm looking for my first handgun to be a 1911, though thats a personal thing. In the last week i've gotten to try a few handguns 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45acp. The 9mm was a S&W 6906, the 40 and the 45 were glocks. Honestly i liked the 45 the best. Just my experience so far. I've shot the ruger 22s also they're lots of fun and it's inexpensive.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

If you go with the Ruger MKii, make sure to get a model that has removable grips. Some of them have fixed grips and you will find yourself dreaming of all the grip options available that you cannot install.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

I'll hop on board with what a couple of the other guys suggested, Buckmark. Great, fun pistol. I love mine and so does just about everyone who shoots it.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking for my first handgun to be a 1911, though thats a personal thing. In the last week i've gotten to try a few handguns 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45acp. The 9mm was a S&W 6906, the 40 and the 45 were glocks. Honestly i liked the 45 the best. Just my experience so far. I've shot the ruger 22s also they're lots of fun and it's inexpensive. </div></div>

The 1911 platform will ruin you if you buy first! Can't go wrong with the 6909, I've got a 3913 that's the cat's meow! Glock would be another great choice for 9mm or .40. Stick with either for a 1st handgun, especially if you want to carry. Then you can save up for & custom order your 1st 1911 from Nighthawk/Wilson/Les Baer/etc. I'm a 1911 nut, but I'm VERY glad my 1st handgun was not a 1911. I've got a couple compact 4" bull bbls, and they pull my drawers down when I carry IWB or OWB. Even in the pocket, they are just heavy. Unless you get an aluminum frame 3".....but those can't stand up to the high round counts the stainless or steel frames can, and muzzle flip more with less accuracy. And you have to be careful what type of follower you use to not take chunks out of your aluminum feedramp after last round....

Don't let the 1911 trigger/accuracy/ergonomics/recoil ruin you right off the bat
blush.gif
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

You cant go wrong with a Ruger 22/45.
I have one i use as a trainer for new shooters.
Everyone who picks it up loves it!
I can ring 10" steel plates at 75 yards off hand with the thing all day long.
It doesnt require much tlc, and runs when dirty.
The only real issue is finding a quality holster for one.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Don't know if this helps or not, but:

My first pistol was an XD45. It's a shame that now that I've grown/matured in my pistol taste, that I have zero sentimental attachment to my first pistol. Buy something nice, that you can live and hold onto for a lifetime.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking for my first handgun to be a 1911, though thats a personal thing. In the last week i've gotten to try a few handguns 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45acp. The 9mm was a S&W 6906, the 40 and the 45 were glocks. Honestly i liked the 45 the best. Just my experience so far. I've shot the ruger 22s also they're lots of fun and it's inexpensive. </div></div>

The 1911 platform will ruin you if you buy first! Can't go wrong with the 6909, I've got a 3913 that's the cat's meow! Glock would be another great choice for 9mm or .40. Stick with either for a 1st handgun, especially if you want to carry. Then you can save up for & custom order your 1st 1911 from Nighthawk/Wilson/Les Baer/etc. I'm a 1911 nut, but I'm VERY glad my 1st handgun was not a 1911. I've got a couple compact 4" bull bbls, and they pull my drawers down when I carry IWB or OWB. Even in the pocket, they are just heavy. Unless you get an aluminum frame 3".....but those can't stand up to the high round counts the stainless or steel frames can, and muzzle flip more with less accuracy. And you have to be careful what type of follower you use to not take chunks out of your aluminum feedramp after last round....

Don't let the 1911 trigger/accuracy/ergonomics/recoil ruin you right off the bat
blush.gif
</div></div>

Well it will be sometime before i can afford a 1911. But my father and I are going to pick up a glock 21 in a week so i'll have plenty of time to shoot hehe.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking for my first handgun to be a 1911, though thats a personal thing. In the last week i've gotten to try a few handguns 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45acp. The 9mm was a S&W 6906, the 40 and the 45 were glocks. Honestly i liked the 45 the best. Just my experience so far. I've shot the ruger 22s also they're lots of fun and it's inexpensive. </div></div>

The 1911 platform will ruin you if you buy first! Can't go wrong with the 6909, I've got a 3913 that's the cat's meow! Glock would be another great choice for 9mm or .40. Stick with either for a 1st handgun, especially if you want to carry. Then you can save up for & custom order your 1st 1911 from Nighthawk/Wilson/Les Baer/etc. I'm a 1911 nut, but I'm VERY glad my 1st handgun was not a 1911. I've got a couple compact 4" bull bbls, and they pull my drawers down when I carry IWB or OWB. Even in the pocket, they are just heavy. Unless you get an aluminum frame 3".....but those can't stand up to the high round counts the stainless or steel frames can, and muzzle flip more with less accuracy. And you have to be careful what type of follower you use to not take chunks out of your aluminum feedramp after last round....

Don't let the 1911 trigger/accuracy/ergonomics/recoil ruin you right off the bat
blush.gif
</div></div>

Well it will be sometime before i can afford a 1911. But my father and I are going to pick up a glock 21 in a week so i'll have plenty of time to shoot hehe. </div></div>

I am about to post a Glock 21C in the classifieds. PM me if interested. It is the compensated version.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A smith model 41 is a very fine 22. </div></div>
Yes..yes it is
grin.gif

A bit picky with the standard velocity ammo and all. Might be on the pricey side of options for a new shooter as well. But its out of the box accuracy can't really be argued against.
My dad's S&W 41 and 1911 45acp were the guns that introduced me to shooting.
The first pistol I ever shot was his 1911. I was 4, and 30+ years later it's still my favorite pistol and the one I used to teach my son to shoot.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

For a first handgun, go with the mouse gun. Much easier to learn proper habits than undo a flinch. Plus you can shoot 500 rounds for less than a box of centerfire. Get the stainless model. I prefer Ruger. The 5 inch or so barrel is much more useful than the longer barrel. JMHO
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

i do plan on going with a 22.
ok i got 3 votes for Ruger 22 45, 3 votes for Browning Buck mark, ruger mkIII, and s&w model 41
the reason im not going with a 9mm or .45 is i want to learn the proper way to use a pistol, train cheap and avoid flinching.
all right i'm gonna go to the gun range tomorrow and see if i can rent any of these and test them to see which ones i like.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Buckmark is a great gun can't go wrong with the Ruger either, sorry if I am not much help but one of these two pistols will work great. Also look at the Ruger super single six.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

hate to keep posting on this thread but what do ya'll think of the 1911 22lr guns? as a fist gun? sorry its gonna be my first handgun and i don't wanna screw it up.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Some of the dedicated .22lr 1911s are very nice firearms........but there is no question that most gun owners wind up with a Ruger MKiii or 22/45. There is a reason for it. I would still stick with one of the Rugers and come back for a .22lr 1911 in the future.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Get a SR1911 and throw a 22lr Marvel 22lr upper on it. Now you have a good plinker and a nice 1911.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

G17 +AA conversion kit.
One of the very few firearms I have abandoned was a Ruger MKIII slabside. Not a bad pistol by any means but made for a good trade for a Colt.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Glock 19 is a very good choice for a first, or last handgun.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

I have used the buckmark in a bunch of bullseye matches. It is a very accurate and reliable gun. Mine has the irons and a rail.

I have a Marvel that is my favorite. It allows me to use my 1911 lower for the full 2700.

For a first gun, a Buckmark or a Ruger Mk II would be a great choice.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Should be a 9mm. .22 should be teh second handgun. </div></div>

+1 for this, if you decide to still get the 22LR then the ruger.

Look into a G19 if you decide to do a 9mm
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

IF you dont have plans to put a suppressor on it yet how about the Browning Buckmark Contour URX 5.5 or 7.25 in .22lr
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

I have a Ruger 22/45 Mk III and a Silencerco Sparrow suppressor. It is a lot of fun to shoot. When shooting suppressed all you hear is the hammer dropping followed by the "ping" of the bullet hitting the steel backstop at the range.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 1911 platform will ruin you if you buy first!</div></div>

It will ruin you whenever you decide to take the plunge! As my 2 Nighthawks, 2 Kimbers and Wilson Combat can all attest to.
eek.gif
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Get a Glock, As a good friend of mine says..you'll end up with one anyway eventually. Might as well be now.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Ruger 22, great choice for first handgun.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fRed650</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ruger 22, great choice for first handgun. </div></div>

52 posts today...gee did you wake up and decide you suddenly had something to add? ...or perchance are you hoping to sell something??
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Holy Crap, a no brainer. I'm glad the OP has enough sense to insist on a .22. I'm taking a new shooter out tomorrow, and the MKII is the first one he'll shoot.
There is no question trigger time is imperative, nothing comes close to the .22 in cost, ease, and "learnability."
I like the heavy barrels on any of the bull Rugers. 22/45 is great, but I can't believe it actually prepares you for a 1911 better than anything else, and I doubt a 22/1911 does either.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

22/45 and pistol number 2 should be the 1911. Then, you'll want a 9mm so that's where the high power comes in. Everything else is just for shits and giggles
laugh.gif
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Any Ruger Mark III you like should make a great starter. The regular Mark III or the 22/45 should both work fine for large hands. I have one with the 5.5" target barrel and it is quite nice.

The Ruger does take a considerable amount of effort to completely disassemble. I have no experience taking down the Buck mark.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

22lr is fun to plink with but the ammo not the guns is the problem. Its not the most reliable loading by any stretch of the imagination. I would suggest saving up an extra $50 to get a Glock 17/19 in 9mm. That covers plinking, low cost ammo, accurate, reliable, easy to learn the weapon, and home defense. If your thinking of taking a CCW class I would advise the 19.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

I would say any Ruger MK2 or 3 with adjustable sights.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

Kudos to you for forgoing the suggestions of the typical gun counter guy and ego that calls out for a first gun to be a Desert Eagle .50.

I wonder how many people develope a lifetime flinch and a bunch of other bad habits because their first gun was something not suitable.

Lots of people use the two guns you mentioned for training and love them. I like to shoot a 50's era Smith & Wesson K22 a few times a week just for working on sight picture and trigger pulling. Great fun.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

i agree with the ruger mkII or some type of 22. that way its cheap to shoot and your less likely to develop some bad habits. when you step up to a 9mm or bigger i would suggest shooting in several IDPA matches as well
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

I have had the ruger 22/45 With the threaded barrel and it was OK
I. Have also had the buckmark, if u are not going to put a can on it I would get the buckmark, I liked the sights better. You may want to look at the new colt 1911 22's they are about the same money as a ruger but they are 12 rounds plus 1and the mags are drop-free unlike the ruger.
 
Re: first handgun suggestions

thanks ya'll i ended up going with the Buckmark stainless i think i think i did okay the first time shooting it.

out of 300 rounds of cci mini mag i had one dud.

i also noticed the rounds are getting dented on the side as they are getting fed into the chamber.
 
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