what cal. and gun?

[brian24]

first post. new too handguns. wanted to start shooting again with handguns and get the girlfriend and her 11 year old son involved. was thinking of going w/ a .22 or 9mm auto. like the size/feel of p22 but scared of the mixed reviews. i also like the s&w mp and the sigs in 9mm.

do you guys think a 9mm would be too much for them to start with?

what other recommendations do you have, don't want to spend more than $700 on a 9mm and $350 on a .22

thanks
Brian

[apbrian112]

lot of pistols in that price range... i suggest going to your local range and trying out several pistols. what feels good in my hand (i'm talking about guns, sicko's) may not feel good in yours. also if the gf and kid are gonna shoot, i'd go with the .22. for the $700 you're willing to spend for the 9mm, you could get a slightly used 9mm and a .22 and have the best of both worlds.

[mymonkeyman]

Mmm Sig P6 (while they still last) and look around for a used Ruger Mk2 or Mk3. If you really lovethe feel of Sigs, the Sig Mosquito isn't as bad as most people say it is.

[Gisray]

Used...Find a nice used .22 that fits your hand ans that you like. Same with the 9mm. Whatever you like is the best choice. Me I prefer Glocks, but I use my guns for more than just going out to the range.

For the smaller hands (GF and GF's son) the Glock 19 is a good size. Most of the big gunmakers make a compact version. S&W makes a 3913 9+1?? or 8+1....it has a slimmer grip that may fit smaller hands. A full size model has a couple of advantages over a compact type weapon. Longer sight radius, heavier (reduces recoil), and more ammo in the magazine (does not apply because of CA law).

Do you want a safety on your gun?
Prefer polymer over steel?
add ons? i.e. light rail attachment? aftermarket grips?
Double action/single action vs. single action vs. striker fired?

If your plan is to take the weapon out only 3/4 times per year and not get any formal training my personal recommendation would be to get a .357 mag revolver (i say this w/o any knowledge of your level of competence). You can shoot .38 special ammo (cheaper, less recoil).

Sorry if I have raised more questions than answers......Go to a good range that rents guns and try a few out. Have fun and good luck! And be safe!

[brian24]

don't care about having a safety.
i do like the polymer look and feel
i would like to dress up the 9mm w/ sights, light
i would like the 9mm to be dbl action
i plan on shooting a couple times a month

a bit about me, i've been shooting guns mostly hunting and shotgun sports for about 25 years. i was an all american skeet shooter when i was younger, had a few sponsers (beretta, ammo, gun range). most of my experience is w/ shotguns and rifles. after a few months of shooting a .22/9mm w/ the girlfriend/son and see how much they enjoy it, i plan on going up to .45 cal for myself.

[5968]

I would look at the Ruger MK II or MK III. They are fun guns and easy to use. My daughter has been shooting my MK III since she was 7.

[Fjold]

Buy a 22 first and get everyone confident and practiced with it first.

[Gisray]

don't care about having a safety.
i do like the polymer look and feel
i would like to dress up the 9mm w/ sights, light
i would like the 9mm to be dbl action
i plan on shooting a couple times a month

a bit about me, i've been shooting guns mostly hunting and shotgun sports for about 25 years. i was an all american skeet shooter when i was younger, had a few sponsers (beretta, ammo, gun range). most of my experience is w/ shotguns and rifles. after a few months of shooting a .22/9mm w/ the girlfriend/son and see how much they enjoy it, i plan on going up to .45 cal for myself.

Hearing all of that I would say you have made a good choice in going with the Sig....they have the double action only models. Any of the polymers (glock, springfield, S&W) are also good.

For .22's i have a ruger Mk II without the CA approved accuments (mag disconnect). Buckmark, Ruger, are good options. If you get a glcok you can always order a .22 slide for it. Then you will have a pistol that allows you to change from the bigger caliber to the smaller.

http://advantagearms.com/conversion_kit.html

Made right here in Santa Clarita CA.

[RaceDay]

I'd get a Buckmark/Ruger/Beretta instead of the P22. There are just too many reviews of the P22 (and Mosquito) being finicky IMO. If I'm trying to get the girlfriend/son involved and interested, I'd want something reliable so that they don't get discouraged.

Lots of 9mm in your price range, just find one that everybody likes.

[saxman]

For a .22, purchase a browning buck mark or a ruger mkII/III if you want a gun in that price range that will work well, last, be reliable, etc.

Buy a P22/mosquito/etc if you want a gun that looks cool in pictures.


Shoot those for a while. Once you're used to it, buying a 9mm will be much easier as you'll be more familiar with what you need, etc.

[CrippledPidgeon]

I recommend the Browning Buckmark. I've read good things about the Beretta Neos, but I haven't personally shot it (don't care for the glock-like grip angle)

[Wizard99]

I would recommend a ruger mark II/III or browning buckmark possibly even a ruger 10/22 for the GF and son. If you like the feel of the glocks I would recommend a 40 caliber model. You can just swap out the barrel, recoil spring and magazine to convert to 9MM.

[dgey]

browning buckmark is the way to go... aftermarket options if you choose to go that way...

[CSACANNONEER]

You can not go wrong with a good .22lr! I'd also suggest a good .38 sp over a 9mm. It is easier to load revolvers extra light to get less recoil. Only after you have one of each, would I suggest getting a 9mm or a .45acp. Also, depending on where you are located, you might just want to go to a range and rent some different handguns first or find someone here that will get with you and let you shoot a variety of handguns to help you decide which will be best for you. Yes, if you are near me, I will let you, your GF and her son shoot anything I have. PM me if this might work for you. I hope other here will offer you the same oppertunity.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

Get a .22. Not the Walther P22 most are not reliable.