9mm or .22?

[andy75]

i would say get a 22lr revolver like a sp101 or sw617, less recoil and you do not have to deal with jams. 22lr in semi auto jams. when you feel comfortable then get a 9mm.

[tamalpias]

Go to a gun range getting and rent both types of guns, see what you like and buy it and practice. My can but does not like shooting my 9mms due to recoil. That is why you should ask a friend who shoots to take you. If you buy a 22 and live in San Jose I will give you a 50rd box of cci minimags

[kygen]

Agreed. Best thing to really do here if you are unsure would be to get a pistol that can do multiple calibers. Advantage Arms does a upper for a Glock that will do 22lr. So you could drop that on a G17 and have a 9 and a .22 on the same frame. Great for target and saving money on ammo, and practice with the 9 and keep the 9 upper on while stored at home for Self Defense. CZ has this option as well, but the Kadet upper is about impossible to find these days.

If you really want to end up shooting both calibers, this is the way to go. Just be careful with the advantage arms conversion kit, they are picky as to what ammo they like (golden bullets run the best)

[dyson]

get a 9mm with a 22 conversion kit

[ElDub1950]

You're on the right track by taking a class then planning on renting as many as possible.

You said the primary purpose at first is target practice, BUT if a secondary purpose is home defense that should weigh on you decision also.

One option for consideration is buying a 9mm then buying a .22 conversion for it. With the kits you pop off one slide and stick on the other .. takes 10 seconds and they come with a mag. So if .22 is available you're set and if not, you're set .. AND you have a good home defense option.

The kit I had was essentially just as reliable a most .22 pistols. But some are a little picky what .22 ammo you use.

I had this one but there are others http://magills.com/pgroup_descrip/46_GLOCK+Accessories/6698_.22+LR+Conversion+Kit/return=%3ftpl%3Dindex%26category_id%3D46%26%26%26p age%3D8%26nothumbs%3D%26filter_1%3D%26filter_2%3D% 26filter_3%3D%26filter_4%3D

I jumped in before seeing all the other Advantage Arms suggestions so, seconding their recommendations

[morrcarr67]

Not sure where you are but if you are near Ontario and get a .22 I will sell you 1400 rounds for $80 to get you to the range as often as you can.

This offer only applies to the OP so please don't fill my in box with a bunch of requests for ammo.

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[tgunsmoke]

Thank you guys!

The problem with getting a conversion kit for a 9mm is that I'd rather spend the extra few hundred dollars and have two guns, since a lot of the time it will not just be me shooting (at least I hope!)

don_W I have heard good things about the P226.. From what I understand it goes for around $1000, is that correct? Budget is not too much of an issue but if I can get a gun for less that just means more money for ammo and range time

tamalpias Thank you so much for the offer it is greatly appreciated, but unfortunately I am about 3hrs from San Jose.. Bummer :/

morrcarr67 I would totally take you up on that but I am in the Central Valley area. Less than 6 cents a round would be such a steal considering our local gun stores are charging an arm and a leg for .22 if they even have it in stock...

[mievil]

Nice used Glock with advantage arms kit and a 22/45 will be less than a $1000 Sig. $450 + 275 +289.

[Squidward]

Based upon your post, I'll suggest a .22LR. for many of the reasons already noted. Additionally, if you find that handgun ownership isn't for you then your initial investment may be less than if you had purchased a 9mm to begin with.

A .22lr is a fine caliber for learning and casual target shooting, which is what you say that you want to do. Yes, you can do it with a 9mm but everyone has to begin somewhere. Many did so with a .22lr. As long as the training facility will let you use a .22lr, it'll be fine for your initial purposes.

BTW, having fun is also part of the learning process. A .22lr is hella fun!

[CALMark]

For target practice you're on the right track with .22lr, however prices are still highly inflated (think 4-5x the cost).

For a good all around shooting caliber 9mm is an excellent choice. Ammo is available for decent prices and there are a number of excellent guns to choose from. I'd suggest first looking at the Gen 4 Glock 19 or S&W M&P 9mm and if for some bizzare reason those don't jive, then branch out.

+1 what he said

Get the 22lr since you mention for now its just for practice.
My vote will be Baby Desert Eagle II (9mm) or Glock they seem to run almost the same price and your on the SSE route

[morrcarr67]

Thank you guys!


morrcarr67 I would totally take you up on that but I am in the Central Valley area. Less than 6 cents a round would be such a steal considering our local gun stores are charging an arm and a leg for .22 if they even have it in stock...

Good luck with your decision.

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[pastureofmuppets]

.22 to learn your fundamentals - taking a class is the best thing you can. That's solid thinking.

I would rather you had a .22 than nothing, so if defense is a concern look to getting a calibre over 9mm when you are ready. When you go to the range with your .22 you can hire different guns as you go and figure what you like and works for you.

But then... finding .22 makes it a hard choice. I wouldn't start anyone off with a 9mm by choice... but if needs must.

[CSACANNONEER]

Start with a .22lr. You'll meet people at the range who will let you try their guns and then, after you get some experience and are better informed, get a centerfire handgun.

[crosseyedshooter]

Smith & Wesson pretty much has your exact situation covered with the M&P 22. It's a full-size replica of their M&P series pistols but shoots the .22 LR round. Great for learning, training and target practice. Should you decide to continue with gun ownership, you can pick an M&P in any caliber 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP with essentially the same ergonomics and operation as the .22.

One difference, important if you have smaller hands, is the .22 version has the medium size grip and not the interchangeable backstrap of the centerfire M&Ps.

[sohappy]

Start with a .22lr. You'll meet people at the range who will let you try their guns and then, after you get some experience and are better informed, get a centerfire handgun.

Great advice! Also be sure to check out calguns community events and range meets near you:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/forumdisplay.php?f=287