Need some Advice

[RuggedRadios]

Hey all! My name is Andy and I am in the market for my first handgun. I am 21 and have been shooting my buddies .22 at the range a little but now am wanting my own. I'm just looking for a easy to clean, easy to use no hassle hand gun... are my hopes too high? I'm pretty much a noob when it come to gun specs so i hope to learn some new info!

[THT]

There're plenty that fit those criteria. I suggest you go to a range and rent as many guns as you can and buy what you shoot well.

[SCMA-1]

Whereabouts are you in CA? If you are in the SoCal, LA area, a great range with very large rental selection is Insight Range in Artesia:

http://insightrangeinc.com/

Range fee is a very reasonable $15 for all day and handgun rental is $10 which entitles you to shoot EVERY handgun in their collection! Go there and try out all the 22's to decide which one you like best.

SCMA-1

[Greg-Dawg]

The best advice is to sign up to your local range that rents out various guns.

[Iknownot]

/\/\/\ Agreed. Find a range with a good selection. Rent as many as possible. Find one you like that fits you well, that you shoot well.

That really is the best way to go about it.

[IGOTDIRT4U]

Agree with all the suggestions above. After shooting a .22 handgun, you are NOT ready to make any decision regarding your own purchase. .22 is great for first timers, and certain segments of target shooting, but if you plan to use the gun for self defense and any mroe than basic training classes, you need to shoot at least half a dozen different guns before making a purchase.

But, help us out here. Do you want a revolver or a semi auto? What is your body build? What do you intend to use it for mainly? What is your budget? Where do you plan to shoot? What is your ammo budget going to look like?

It would be easy to say so and so gun is the best and then have twenty other posts disagree and offer 20 other suggestions.

Based upon your criteria and experience, I would try semi auto, 9mm guns first, like the Beretta 92 or Glocks in 9mm.

[liketoshoot]

First off, Wellcome glad you stopped by.
^^^^^^^^^second, what they said before me^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
there is a lot to think about when buying a gun, so try them and find what you like then buy it.

[Rivers]

I'd first figure out what caliber I wanted. If on a very limited budget, maybe start with a .22, if a bigger budget, 9mm, then .40, then .45 (ascending prices.)

Keep in mind that not all handguns in a specific caliber like eating all ammo in that caliber. For example, my Browning Buckmark pistol isn't happy with some bulk 550-round boxes with those commonly bent rounds frequently jamming. My Buckmark will eat CCI ammo all day long but it's slightly more expensive to shoot. (Far more satisfying though!) So don't budget for the cheapest ammo you can find as that may not be what your chosen handgun likes to shoot. Revolvers are more tolerant on ammo quality than pistols though.

One thing I learned a long time ago is that certain brands in ANY product line seem to rise to the top. Certain models in each brand will be better than other models. There is a reason why reputations get established. Excellence (or conversely, crappiness) is rewarded with word-of-mouth reviews. The premium lines will cost more but typically last longer, have fewer issues and be a better longterm purchase. In cameras, you'd see Canon and Nikon at the top. Pistols would be HK and SIG. Revolvers would be Smith & Wesson and Ruger. You'll find many other excellent models in other lineups in each category so pay attention to what feels best, shoots best, and fits your budget.

Stay away from "race guns" that have been tweaked beyond reliability. Buying (a good condition) used in the premium lineups is not as big concern as a used lower grade gun. Go to each brand's forum to read the good, bad and ugly about each gun that interests you. That may help with your decision.

Good luck!

[Vacaville]

Unless money is no object, I'd stick with a .22lr for a first gun. The ammo is far, far cheaper than any other round out there. Cheaper ammo = more practice = better marksmanship + the bonus of all the fun. Even though I've got quite a few guns now, I still always run a few hundred rounds through my .22 every time I go to the range.

At the very least, look around at the various prices of ammo in the calibers you are considering, and the availability. Take that into consideration when choosing your new gun. It may be your largest ongoing cost of picking up shooting as a hobby (I probably shoot $50 - $100 worth of ammo every time I go to the range).

[Sheepdog1968]

In the SF Bay Area, Reeds in Santa Clara has the best rental selection I have ever seen.

I would definately rent or borrow from a friend and try whatever you are thinking of buying. In terms of money, I have learned over the years that it's better to delay the purchase a bit and save and get what you want. If you really like your firearm you will use it much more. At least that's true for me.

If home defense is NOT part of your criteria then I'd go with a .22 and I'd choose either a used Ruger Mk II or a new Ruger Mk III. They are very good 22's and you won't be disappointed. I also find 22 rifles very fun to shoot and my personal preference is the Ruger 10-22. Marlin also makes some nice models as well.

If you want a centerfire pistol cartridge and again, home defense isn't a main priority (shotgun best home defense IMO w a pistol as a back up) then I'd choose a 9 mm as ammo is the cheapest of the centerfires ($20 per 100 rnds vs $24 and $30 for respective 40 and 45s). I'd try a variety and see what you like. Sigs, Glocks, Springfield XDs. HK, Beretta are all going to be fine quality pistols. It really comes down to personal preference.

If you want a centerfire pistol and home defense IS a priority, then I'd go with either 40 or 45 caliber. Try a variety and get what you like.

Keep in mind many used pistols haven't been shot much so you can often find a good deal by going used.

I'd advise keeping it stock and maybe consider changing the sights at some point. The most important thing is then to spend time shooting it and improving your skill. Consider taking some local classes as well.

I hope this helps. Let us know what you choose.

[Sheepdog1968]

Unless money is no object, I'd stick with a .22lr for a first gun. The ammo is far, far cheaper than any other round out there. Cheaper ammo = more practice = better marksmanship + the bonus of all the fun. Even though I've got quite a few guns now, I still always run a few hundred rounds through my .22 every time I go to the range.

At the very least, look around at the various prices of ammo in the calibers you are considering, and the availability. Take that into consideration when choosing your new gun. It may be your largest ongoing cost of picking up shooting as a hobby (I probably shoot $50 - $100 worth of ammo every time I go to the range).

I totally agree with this. The cost of the gun quickly becomes the least expensive part of shooting. It's very easy to spend $50 to $100 per range session in ammo - even if you buy it at Walmart (cheapest source of ammo if I had one place to choose to go to).

[RuggedRadios]

But, help us out here. Do you want a revolver or a semi auto? What is your body build? What do you intend to use it for mainly? What is your budget? Where do you plan to shoot? What is your ammo budget going to look like?

A semi auto (i was looking at glocks but only cause the name popped in my head) I am 6'3" 160 and i plan to use it mainly for the range but of course i would like to have something good for self defense just in case. Id say i don't wanna pay more than about $600 for the gun and im not sure about an ammo budget.

Thanks all for your input ... ill let you know how its going!

[Big Jake]

The best thing to do is go to your local range and Fire several guns that are rentals. Fire a few semi-automatics and then a few revolvers and see what "fits".

Generally speaking, revolvers are better first guns because they are easier to clean, operate, etc. Everybody is different so try out a few rentals and see what works for you!

Good luck!

[Iknownot]

BTW, if you decide on what you like, don't be afraid to keep and eye on the For Sale forum here. A lot of stuff comes up and it's generally in pretty good condition.

You could end up getting a very nice used firearm for less $ than you were expecting to pay new.

[Sheepdog1968]

A semi auto (i was looking at glocks but only cause the name popped in my head) I am 6'3" 160 and i plan to use it mainly for the range but of course i would like to have something good for self defense just in case. Id say i don't wanna pay more than about $600 for the gun and im not sure about an ammo budget.

Thanks all for your input ... ill let you know how its going!

Based on these parameters, I'd (again, my personal opinion) go with either a 40 or 45 cal. I would NOT go with a 9 mm. There is plenty of debate re 9 mm concerning if it effective or not as a manstopper. Anything is better than nothing but a 9 mm wouldn't be my first choice. There is a trend in law enforcement moving away from 9 mm and to 40's. There is a reason for this.

For $600, you should be able to find a Glock or Springfield XD. Getting a gently used one can also save you some money. Both are fine guns. Try it and see what you like. Since we are not talking about CCW's here, I'd go with a larger size one as they will have just a little less recoil and will likely be just a little more accurate.

You first gun is a fun moment. Enjoy it.