First Handgun

[cluznar]

I am at the point where I now tell people who ask me what their first handgun should be I say a .22lr or .22 mag possibly a pocket .22lr or maybe a Kel Tec P-32 .32 acp pocket gun. I tell them try a Ruger SR 22 if the want a full size pistol. I see no reason suggesting anything over a .32 acp for a first gun. They need to get used to shooting first. A pocket .22lr like the Taurus PT 22 or the Beretta Bobcat are great little guns that are easy to shoot. A Ruger SR22 on your nightstand beats yelling help.

:dirol:

 

[walknotinfear]

Sounds like good advice.

When I am asked I tell them get what they want and if they have never fired a handgun than get someone to teach them (instructor). Some new shooters want to start off crawling and some want to start off running. It's all up to them.

 

[telpinaro]

The first handgun I ever shot was in the Navy, so a 9mm Beretta that was way too big for my hands. Obviously, didn't like it. When I went to buy one... .357 magnum Chiappa Rhino. Loved it! Never shot .22 anything. To each their own.

 

[wolf_fire]

I don't tell them what caliber to get. I inform them what the different calibers will do and let them make an informed decision.

If I'm showing someone how to shoot for the first time, I let them practice dry firing with my handguns. I let them try different actions and try different triggers. I show them the proper technique for holding a handgun, trigger control, sight alignment etc. I let them tell me what feels best in their hands.

When we've narrowed it down to a few handguns, I bring them to the range and have them shoot the guns. Their comfort level tells me how to narrow down what firearm seems to suit them best.

I also don't post every month or two about how much I love the .32 and other small caliber handguns. Seriously? Why do you do this?

For the record, my first handgun was a 9mm Makarov copy (FEG PA-63). I then went to .40. I got a .38 special snubby, and so on and so on. Only now after many years of shooting am I contemplating about a .22.

I see no reason in telling a new person what caliber they should get. I do see lots of benefits in teaching proper gun handling technique, what the safety rules of gun handling are, how to pick a handgun that feels good in their hand (not mine), how to pick a handgun that will work well with the style of carry THEY wish to do, and how to pick a caliber based upon what they want that caliber to do.

 

[Bob R]

I end up helping a lady shooter now and again. As was said above I start them out dry firing.
When we go to live fire out comes the S&W 617 normally. Some times I also bring out the MK III Hunter.
When we go to centerfire it will be either my 686 SSR/Classic Revolver or my 64 SSR/Classic revolver. Both the 686-5 and my 64 are my match guns, and have really good triggers, and Fiber Optic front sights.
**
If the lady shooter is planning on concealed carry I will probably bring out a few more options.
To Start with my LCR22. Great Practice Snub.
I have a 442 Pro they can try out, as well as an SP101.
**
The Secretary at the Sheriff's Office was wanting to shoot a handgun when the Department qualified several years ago. The Sheriff asked me to help her out. She had never fired a handgun.
Dry Fire
Live Fire with my 617 22LR
Live Fire with my wifes 686-1 Power Custom Combat.
After about an hour working with her she put the wifes ladys holster on and shot the qualification course with a revolver.
**
How did she do? She out scored over half of the Department. Not bad for an hour working with her. Looked like I should have spent an hour with a few of the Road Deputys also. More realisticly I would have probably needed 3 hours with the Guys instead of an hour with someone with No Bad Habbits to get away from.
**
Bob The Revolver Guy

 

[POP CHARLIE]

I ask what they want the hand gun for, then we go to a gun range that rents hand guns and try several so they have a better idea of what they want and like before they buy.

 

[JCliff]

I always try to ascertain both why they want to learn to shoot and whether their budget will allow the purchase of additional firearms later on. A .22lr is both fun to shoot and great to learn on. While it beats having nothing for self-defense (I am not volunteering to stand in front of anyone's .22), it is not an optimum self-defense round and I wouldn't recommend it as such. If the reason is for self-defense and they can only afford one firearm, I recommend they try out as many firearms as they reasonably can, find one they're comfortable with and learn/train with that.

 

[FAS1]

My first handgun was bought for home defense and was a Glock 17 (gen 2) and it still is used in that role. I had no problem learning all I needed to know with 9mm. You make it sound like shooting something larger than .22 is like taming a bucking bronco or something :sarcastic: My .22's are just for good cheap fun and I bought them much later.

 

[RobbK]

Why would you suggest a semi automatic that by design jams. A 22 revolver is great but Semi Auto's barrels are just to short to have them work reliably with any thing but the hottest .22 LR loads. The best rounds to start are 9mm IMHO you can get low recoil ammo to help with the learning process. just my 2 cents YMMV

 

[jcreek]

Telling them to start with a .22 because of recoil is pretty pointless in my opinion. When I was teach my wife's 14 year old step-sister to shoot, the first thing she grabbed was my 1911 so that's what I started her on...Good ol' .45. After about 3 minutes of basic coaching, she handled the recoil just fine.

I know you have an affinity for small calibers, and some obsession with the .32 but suggesting someone to buy an uncommon caliber that's going to be more expensive to shoot, and harder to find than something like 9mm is just bad advice IMO. If you're teaching somebody how to shoot and they're uncomfortable with recoil, sure start em on a .22. But as a first handgun that they're possibly (hopefully) going to carry? C'mon..who actually thinks a .22 is a sufficient choice given the option?

 

[r1derbike]

9mm. Get the .22s later for plinking and cheap fun. I started with a small J-frame Charter Arms .38 special, when I was 14, 45 years ago. Quickly went to the .45 and never looked back.

I did buy a .22 Marlin rifle to plink with, long after all other purchases. .22s are great, cheap fun-guns.

AR, .38 special, 9mm, and .45acp fill the voids for me. Have no .22LR, but I'm lookin', as I can't tell my wife why I take a 100 dollar bill to Walmart and come-back with a small sack that weighs 10-15 pounds, and nothing more to show for the green.

 

[Pikastump]

I can only speak for myself since, as many have correctly pointed out, a first gun depends on the individual. I was 8 years old and was not legally able to carry a firearm so CC was not a concern. I also weighed 60 lbs so I needed something with light recoil. That Christmas morning I opened the box to my brand new Ruger Mark II target model (accompanied by a new 10/22, it was a good Christmas). For a first time shooter to get used to shooting mechanics and familiarize themselves with the function and care of a firearm, there is nothing better than a 22. After the learning phase, the needs and wants of the shooter can be carefully weighed and the correct firearm for CC or range or plinking or whatever strikes their fancy can be purchased.

 

[Stephenva]

I would recommend start with a 9mm for fell and then, after a few outings, work with a 22 to hone in on the skills without the kick.

 

[Sieg Aurich]

Not everyone has the $ to have a collection of guns. I bought my SIG P232 because of it's size and accuracy after trying out several guns at a range. I taught my wife how to shoot on it and am confident that it will do the job intended. Still love the gun, again because of its accuracy.