Starting out...

R

r1dge69

New member
Hi!
I have fired a handgun in about 25 years. I will be going to the local range to rent some guns to get some practice in before deciding which gun to buy and conceal carry. My question is should I start out with a .22 or a higher caliber?
 
Everyone is different when I got my first gun I got a .380 because it conceals really well . The lcp was tiny hurt to shoot ... Color came off easy , didn't like it basicly : then I sold it and payed 100$ more for a .38 spl plus p 5 shot . I love it so much more fun to shoot and it thumps don't rip you hand apart . Bigger bullet also
 
Start with whatever feels comfortable to you and that you can shoot accurately. If it isn't comfortable, you won't carry it. If you can't hit the broad side of a barn, it won't do you any good. A .22 you can carry and use to hit something is much better than a .45 at home in the desk.
 
Start with a .22 to get started and work on technique/accuracy. Then as a totally separate bit of research, pick a larger caliber (like 9mm) and start trying all of the rentals they have to see what feels good in your hand. I suggest the 9mm as they will likely have a good selection, in my LGS .380 not so much. You can then move up to .40 and .45 and experiment. Try the Glocks, Rugers, M&P, and S&Ws. Try a 1911 and striker fired. If they have one also try a SIG.

Don't rush your self into picking something NOW. Take your time and enjoy the journey of discovery.
 
If I may beg to differ. If you are starting to carry I would start with the 9mm. The recoil is manageable for everyone and it is cheaper to practice with because ammo is cheaper than everything but the. 22 . The. 22 is ok for target practice if thats all you doing. I would not carry a .22 as a primary defense weapon. Yes they will kill but you have to place your shots well to do so. The 9 is minimum I would carry if I only had 1 gun. If you can buy more then yes look at the. 380s and. 38s and even the. 22s but if your starting out with one start with the 9mm there are all kinds of sizes and shapes and budgets but don't get cheap on your primary defense weapon. Welcome to the gun world. Pratice practice practice. And remember. Practice does not make perfect . Perfect practice makes perfect.
 
Happy picking what helped me out in picking out a revolver for carry is just watching YouTube videos and researching online : the little .380 hurt my hand this .38 is like a cannon it is a thump ... I like it lol
 
Since you have the base knowledge of having fired a handgun before, albeit 25 years ago, you can start with a larger caliber such as a 9mm. If you're more comfortable with a .22 to get your bearings then go with that. It has been said before in this thread enjoy the journey. Try all kinds and types then make your decision.
 
Looks like a lot's of self certified Instructors posting here in the Instructors corner. Please just ignore my advice, more knowledgeable voices have spoken.
 
I don't have a computer all I use is my iPhone for this application . I'm not firearms teacher anything even though it says that . I am a stay at home dad . That's it .
 
You should probably listen to the NRA instructor they know whats right and would not lead you astray. Some of us have never fired a gun or ever done any military time or even been to the range before. Like most folk some of us have jobs we go to daily and don't have time to worry about being instuctors. We also don't have unlimted wallets to spend to do things the perfect way. I did not realize this forum was instructors only. I guess there will be a lot less comments on here now with only NRA instructors on here but you should do what they say for sure.
 
hyundailarry said:
You should probably listen to the NRA instructor they know whats right and would not lead you astray. Some of us have never fired a gun or ever done any military time or even been to the range before. Like most folk some of us have jobs we go to daily and don't have time to worry about being instuctors. We also don't have unlimted wallets to spend to do things the perfect way. I did not realize this forum was instructors only. I guess there will be a lot less comments on here now with only NRA instructors on here but you should do what they say for sure.
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Forum: Instructors Corner

This forum is for you to ask a firearm instructor questions. To become a registered Instructor, Click Here.
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This of course will give you more time to teach others brain surgery, after all you have one so you must be qualified despite the lack of reading comprehension and that full time job at McDonalds.
 
r1dge69 said:
Hi!
I have fired a handgun in about 25 years. I will be going to the local range to rent some guns to get some practice in before deciding which gun to buy and conceal carry. My question is should I start out with a .22 or a higher caliber?
Click to expand...

I was going to post and answer your question, but most of the posters have answered it quite well so I'll just recap: enjoy the journey, choose the largest caliber you are comfortable firing and can still easily conceal, and perfect practice makes perfect. Enjoy!
 
hyundailarry said:
If I may beg to differ. If you are starting to carry I would start with the 9mm. The recoil is manageable for everyone and it is cheaper to practice with because ammo is cheaper than everything but the. 22 . The. 22 is ok for target practice if thats all you doing. I would not carry a .22 as a primary defense weapon. Yes they will kill but you have to place your shots well to do so. The 9 is minimum I would carry if I only had 1 gun. If you can buy more then yes look at the. 380s and. 38s and even the. 22s but if your starting out with one start with the 9mm there are all kinds of sizes and shapes and budgets but don't get cheap on your primary defense weapon. Welcome to the gun world. Pratice practice practice. And remember. Practice does not make perfect . Perfect practice makes perfect.
Click to expand...
The main purpose of the .22 is to learn/work the fundamentals without introducing recoil. It's also a fun plinker for a few cents per shot.
 
I understand that and appreciate that andI even said this in my first post (I should have stressed it more ) my point was since he has fired a gun before and is looking to purchase a self defense weapon he should start with the 9mm. But I do appreciate the respectful comment and I am constantly consulting with Instructors myself my brother is one. Thanks
 
Since it appears that you are some time away from actually carrying the gun outside your home, you might as well try several guns. Caliber isn't the issue as much as feel and control. Some .380's have a sharp recoil because they are light, small, and don't fit the hand well. The same can be said about the ultra light revolvers. The heavier the gun the lighter the felt recoil is the usual rule. I have a couple of .45's that feel lighter on recoil than my .380 but are so heave they are uncomfortable to carry.

Go to a range, hold a lot of guns to see how they feel, and rent a variety of guns that felt good. Chances are you will find one that feels and shoots better than the rest. Don't expect to be too proficient at the start. If you find a gun that you are comfortable with, a local instructor should be able to help you zero in on your target.

While carrying a .22 is not going to be on the preferred list by any instructor, I doubt you will get many volunteers to let you shoot them.
 
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