Good first gun

[avdrummerboy]

Hey all, I still have like a year before I am even eligible to purchase a handgun (which is too bad with the country going communist on us and all economically speaking )

Anyway, when the time comes (and I know that this will be VERY opinionated) but what is a good first gun. I do plan on using it for self defense, I am a fan of Glocks and the 45 caliber, but just to hear your ideas.

Thanks in advance.

[goathead]

how about a ruger

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=122703

[CSACANNONEER]

For a first gun, you can't go wrong with a .22lr bolt action rifle with iron sights. Yes, I'm serious. That way you can cheaply develop good shooting techniques. For a first handgun, again I'd go with a .22lr, this time a revolver. As far as centerfire pistols go, look at 1911s. There's a reason the design has stood the test of time! You can pick up a slightly used Kimber Classic for about the same price as a new Glock 21 if you shop around a bit and you will be happier with the 1911!

[kalieracer]

Hey all, I still have like a year before I am even eligible to purchase a handgun (which is too bad with the country going communist on us and all economically speaking )

Anyway, when the time comes (and I know that this will be VERY opinionated) but what is a good first gun. I do plan on using it for self defense, I am a fan of Glocks and the 45 caliber, but just to hear your ideas.

Thanks in advance.

.45 for a First gun... Can you afford to feed it? CZ's are great. Glock is a good choice too.

[WhoDat]

I agree with the .22 comments. You get to blow-off a lot of rounds, and do it in laces where larger calibers wouldn't be appreciated.

I'd say go with a Ruger 10/22. I guess it could be a self-defense weapon in a pinch, but it's really about plinking and getting good with a gun.

[ontmark]

IMOP and $.02 worth
I am old school.

I really believe anyone’s first handgun should be
a wheel gun in 357 with a 3 to 4 inch barrel
3 to 4 inch good for the range, packing camping,
and home defense.

Why a wheel gun?
You take so much out of possibilities of error.
1. Very easy to unload when needed
2. A lot easier to clean for the new shooter.
3. Can practice both double action and single trigger pull.
4. A lot less malfunctions to deal with while shooting.

The semi auto issues for new shooter
1. Harder to clean
2. Time to shoot. Magazine in, pull slide back off slide stop and let slide forward to load, tries to shoot. Nothing happens. Slide did not go into full battery. So new shooter thinks ok pistol didn’t strip round from Magazine. Cycles slide to load pistol and finds live round being ejected from pistol. First response usually from new shooter is go pick up live round, Sets loaded pistol on shooting bench while looking for live round. This is a no-no.
3. Range officer calls cease fire, magazines out action locked open. New shooter drops magazine opens action and locks it open. Again there is a live round somewhere on the ground, New shooters first response usually is to find live round. Is it in front of the bench, on the bench, or on the ground? None of which is usually behind safety line away from the bench.
4. What do I do if I have a fail to eject (stove pipe)?
5. What do I do if I have a fail to feed?
6. New handgun shooter’s main concern should always be the full control of the loaded weapon that is why I feel it is best to start with a wheel gun!!
7. I have seen all of these through my years of shooting.

Why a 357? 38 special wad cutters can be bought pretty cheap. Practice, Practice, Practice. Wide range of loads to try 38 special, 38 special+P 357 Magnum. Get use to shooting a hand gun then lets through in the Semi Auto issues.

Sorry for the long replay.

[Snapping Twig]

Yeah, what he said...

My first firearm was a 10/22 that I bought in H.S., but my first pistol was a 6" S&W 586 .357 and for the reasons listed above.

I learned to reload and cast at the same time I bought it, so that brought the ammo price WAY down. Typically I shot magnums 5 to 1 over wadcutters, it's just that fun.

Find a nice .357 and go from there. Ammo anywhere you go, prices are low enough on it, easier maintenance over a semi auto, generally harder hitting round.

Something like this.

http://

[KimoBBZ]

go 1911!

...You can pick up a slightly used Kimber Classic for about the same price as a new Glock 21 if you shop around a bit and you will be happier with the 1911!...

Damn Spanky! I'll just add to pony up a few extra bucks for a nice .22LR kit for the 1911 so you can get in all that practice, with basically the same firearm.

[KimoBBZ]

how about a ruger
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=122703

[rkt88edmo]

Glock 21 with advantage arms .22 kit? or G17 or G19.

[avdrummerboy]

Already own a Ruger 1022 so was getting at first handgun, and many have said to get a 1911 style gun. Also are there any left-handed guns out there, or ambi that are good starters as well.

[Slayer]

Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. Done!

You don't want a .45 for your first gun, unless you got money coming out of your ears.

[CHS]

Hey all, I still have like a year before I am even eligible to purchase a handgun (which is too bad with the country going communist on us and all economically speaking )

Haven't you realised that you've been able to buy guns for two whole years now? Why are you waiting for 21 and a handgun???

I bought my first gun very soon after I turned 18, while I was still in high school.

[fusionstar]

Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. Done!

You don't want a .45 for your first gun, unless you got money coming out of your ears.

yea what he said.
But if you can afford the ammo. go for it.

on my short list are


XD-9
1911- Chambered for 9mm
Glock 17

as you can see i like all my guns to be one CHEAPer caliber.

[movie zombie]

this is so well stated it should be enshrined and quoted each and every time this question gets asked.

movie zombie