Newbie Question

[kazmee]

Can anyone here can suggest which handguns can be the best gun to use for target practicing, I am planning to buy a gun and want it basic because of curiosity my friend have invited me to try target shooting.

[Whatisthis?]

I had issues reading that, but for target practice, go with a .22. If you really want something in a larger caliber, go with a 9mm glock.

[LloydXmas250]

If you're totally new and not sure if it's something you'll keep doing buy something like a .22. No point in spending a bunch of money on a nice gun if you don't like it. .22 is good at teaching the basics too. If your friends have something bigger try it but don't buy an expensive gun without knowing it's something you'll love to do. But if you do and hate it, you can sell it to me.

[Heiko]

"Basic" for someone new to firearms sounds to me like a revolver and perhaps a .22 caliber revolver by Smith & Wesson. I am a big fan of revolvers for new shooters and also believe that every gun owner should have a S&W revolver in their gun safe.

[esartori]

I agree with the above. A .22 will be cheaper and less recoil (and cheaper ammo) so it will be the best to get u started with the correct techniques, form, etc. You should also think about investing in handgun lesson if you are new to firearms. It will help A LOT to get you on target better. After that I would rent a 9mm at the local range to see how you like it. Prepare for a new addiction though...

[JagerTroop]

I think you're looking for something along the lines of a Ruger MKIII



If you want something in .22 that will get you ready for something bigger, maybe get a Sig Mosquito or a Walther 22


Both the Sig and the Walther have similar controls as their full sized counterparts. It will make you familiar with the operating procedure of most semi auto handguns.

For target shooting, I highly recommend the Ruger.

[Greg-Dawg]

Deagle.

But seriously, get a Glock or a Ruger Mark 2.

[Legasat]

I agree with with the others here. Buy a .22 to get started, and maybe think about taking a class at your local range.

I am a big fan of Ruger's Mk series of .22's (Mk I, II, or III).

[HowardW56]

Can anyone here can suggest which handguns can be the best gun to use for target practicing, I am planning to buy a gun and want it basic because of curiosity my friend have invited me to try target shooting.

Go to a range that rents guns and try several...

WHat everyone else recommends doesn't really matter. WHat matters is that you are comfortable with the gun and learn to shoot it accurately.

[shy 7th]

"Basic" for someone new to firearms sounds to me like a revolver and perhaps a .22 caliber revolver by Smith & Wesson. I am a big fan of revolvers for new shooters and also believe that every gun owner should have a S&W revolver in their gun safe.

I'll have to agree with this post.

There's more to gun ownership than just squeezing the trigger. While to most of us the ruger .22s are the epitome of practice handguns, they are a b****-and-a-half to dissassemble and clean.

Also with any semi-auto, operationally, you have know how to use the magazine and mag release, use the safety, chamber a cartridge before firing, manipulate the slide release after reloading...

A D/A revolver is about as simple as it gets: you have the cylinder release and the trigger. Thats it.

I know I'm oversimplifying it, but in my experience with new shooters, if I hand them a revolver they pretty much know how to operate it from the get go.

[HowardW56]

"Basic" for someone new to firearms sounds to me like a revolver and perhaps a .22 caliber revolver by Smith & Wesson. I am a big fan of revolvers for new shooters and also believe that every gun owner should have a S&W revolver in their gun safe.

I'll agree here, K-22, model 17, model 18 are great guns to teach with...

I have several, and always start new shooters on them.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

.22 is a good place to start, also a revolver or pistol that will give you the ability cock and fire the gun in single action would be a plus.

Also, for target shootings, I personally wouldn't prefer a gun with a barrel shorter than 4". Anything shorter will limit the distance you'll be able to shoot.

[Cuda440]

Go to a range that rents guns and try several...

WHat everyone else recommends doesn't really matter. WHat matters is that you are comfortable with the gun and learn to shoot it accurately.

I agree with above.

Dont just buy a gun to see if you like shooting, rent a bunch of different guns to see what you like shooting.

A 22 is great for target practice, but do you also want a gun for home defense? You might want something bigger, so try some 9's, 40's, 45's, revolvers, etc. You need to find out what feels the best and works the best for you.

[westcoast362]

For someone with no firearms experience I think a double action revolver is the safest way to go. They are easy to check to see if they are loaded. and there are no safeties. I would recommend a Smith & Wesson K or J frame to learn on. Just make safety first, no matter what!

[bsg]

one handgun that is still on my wish list for target shooting is an old Colt Woodsman.