First time shooting choices

[AetiusAbove]

Hi guys, I looking a for a small 9mm or .380 pistol preferably with the option for a .22lr conversion.

I want to introduce my girlfriend and her female friend to shooting, but I don't want to expose them to my 45's or my .357mag just yet. I want to avoid the flinch reaction that I know some newbies tend to develop.

Semiauto or revolver...I just want it to be fun and easy for them.

I could use .38 special on the 686p revolver but the gun may be a bit intimidating for them. The girls have never touched a gun in their lives.

I appreciate your suggestions.

[Cyc Wid It]

This gets brought up from time to time... my following suggestions are for a rental (unless you're planning on buying specifically to introduce them - do not recommend).

I would start with some sort of dedicated .22. If you rent a Sig Mosquito (they're pink!) don't cheap out on the ammo or you'll have a bad time. After that, I would consider renting a full sized 9mm or a METAL framed semi-compact 9mm. Single stack is probably best, but it may be easier to find something like a Stainless Sig P226. There is a pretty noticeable difference between .40 and 9mm. Full sized steel 1911's are relatively mild as far as .45 goes. They also benefit from the slim single stack grip.

A lot of times people who are shopping for guns for the wives/daughters/girlfriends/whatever assume the gun must be small. Many people immediately turn toward the small lightweight revolvers assuming that "ease of operation" and "small/light" are big pluses. In my experience both from renting and reading how these threads tend to turn out over the years, this is a big mistake. Small and light are not conducive toward managing recoil, and members often grossly underestimate the motor skills of their female companions/family members. The DA pull on some revolvers is not very newbie friendly either.

[den888]

Yep, start with a .22 and move up. Less intimidating.

[NikePenguin]

Renting a .22 is a good recommendation. Of course everyone should own a .22 so this could be a good excuse to get one. I have a lot of experience with the Ruger Mk II(III) so that is one I would recommend. They are usually availble to rent as well.

686 might be troublesome for nervous first timers. You won't want them shooting DA but cocking the hammer might be "scary" for the very skittish.

[stevec223]

22

a 22 auto with shoot and see targets (or cans ,clay pigeons ect. ) is probably the best for newbs.... much more fun seeing your hits.... and not a real turn off as for recoil... they will want to come back and shoot again... you have plenty of time down the road to move up when they are ready.... make it a fun and safe experience !!!!!!.... cheers...

[rsmorgan]

I've found the best starting place for new shooters is a .22 rifle then transitioning those skills to a single-action .22 revolver. A SA revolver is "friendlier" to most folks than a serious defensive handgun. Next "step" is a full-size .38/.357 revolver shooting powder-puff CAS or wadcutter loads. I use a revolver rather than an automatic since "all the bits flying around" can be intimidating to a lot of new shooters

[stix213]

Introducing female shooters to "small" 9mm pistols is a bad idea. The same with the small .380's. Small pistols have considerably more recoil and muzzle flip compared to larger pistols in the same caliber. My brother's wife actually swore off shooting handguns after I let her shoot my Glock 26 because it scared the crap out of her. Later after I bought my Glock 17C she absolutely loves shooting it, even though they are the same caliber and practically the same gun.

I'd suggest getting them started on a FULL sized 9mm pistol if you are going for pistols in centerfire calibers.

[IPSICK]

I've found the best starting place for new shooters is a .22 rifle ...

I agree.

[Fenr1r]

I agree with some of the above posters with renting a dedicated .22 handgun. Something like a ruger mkiii or buckmark would be perfect. I tend to notice that new shooters don't like the idea of the entire top half of the gun sliding back at them when they shoot at first so one of the two above choices would be best.