Good beginner gun?

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 05:41 PM

Hey everyone. I'm new here and recently started getting into guns because my roommate has several and we've going out shooting. I'm trying to decide what kind of gun to buy because I'm new at the whole thing. I"m looking for something compact but not small that would be good for target practice.

Thanks

Tom

kozak6 · August 20, 2006, 05:53 PM

Give us a price range, and that would help.

A revolver would be a good choice for a beginner. Do you plan on using your gun for home defense as well, or just for shooting with your friend?

If it's just for range work and plinking, a .22 revolver would be good since the recoil and noise would be extremely low, and ammo would be cheap.

A .357 Magnum revolver would also be a good choice. You can safely fire .38 special from a .357 Magnum revolver for training, and then .357's when you are ready for them.

However, are you sure you don't want a rifle instead? Rifles are easier to learn how to shoot.

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 06:04 PM

Price isn't really an issue but lets just say less than $1000.

It would be for home defense if needed but come on, how many people actually have used their guns in defense. I prefer some sort of automatic but that's just so I don't have to reload as much.

Rifles are fun and I'm pretty good with them but I really like handguns. Beside, my roommate has about 10 rifles I can borrow at any time. He's a little more pretective about his handguns and won't let me take them out therefore I need to get my own.

ride-a-aug · August 20, 2006, 06:13 PM

For starters get youself a Browning Buckmark 22 and start plinking away.
Then after you get familar with shooting go with the 1911's and it goes on from there.
my2cents

aug

hoghunting · August 20, 2006, 06:15 PM

Try Ruger's 22 auto, the new Mark lll. Great starter pistol as there is no recoil, you can learn how to shoot without developing a flinch or jerking the trigger. The 22 is also cheaper to shoot, so you will shoot more often.

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 06:27 PM

I'm not a big fan of the 22. I've been using a Wather P22 and the grip is a little too short. It just doesn't feel right. Are there any 22's that are a little larger than the P22?

As far as ammo goes, what is the price difference per round for say a 9mm, 380, and 22?

I'd ask my friend but he's out of town and I usually just give him a few bucks everytime we head to the range.

D-Bak · August 20, 2006, 07:06 PM

you can get 550 rounds of .22 for under 10 bucks....

100 rounds of 9mm (the cheapest centerfire round) is usually around 12 bucks for the very cheapest there is....

If you get high quality ammo it can be 20 bucks or more for 50 rounds....

thealadar · August 20, 2006, 09:05 PM

You can get WWB (JHP) for around 12/13$ (50 rds), as with any ammo, test it before you carry it. If it does it's job & you do yours (lots of pratice) you should be good. As for guns you have too many to choose from.. Anything in mind? Rent before you buy

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 09:37 PM

Ok guys, I think I have it narrowed down to either a 9mm or a 40 Cal. Stinger has one of each I really like the feel of. Stinger also has a 45 cal I really like but I think it might be a little more than I need.

I've used several different brands and I don't really know which brands are better than the other. I did just get back from the gun shop and while they are helpful they are only just trying to close a sale. I'm looking for some firsthand experience on which brands are better and which you would recommend, the 9mm or the 40 cal.

Mark54g · August 20, 2006, 09:43 PM

Pfunk,

Do not discredit a .22 as a good gun. However, that being said, you mentioned that you want a "larger" gun to start out. Therefore, you can get both, so to speak.

The CZ 75 series are one of the tops that you can own. If you don't plan on carrying concealed, the CZ 75B or BD would be a great gun to learn on. They are very ergonomical, have steel construction and are good at absorbing recoil and are not hard on the eyes

. They also do this at a good price point of about $400-500.

If you do want to carry, you may want to look at the CZ 75 PCR or P-01. They are slightly smaller, though have aluminum alloy frames that will weigh less and are slightly smaller.

Either way you go you can get them with an add-on called the "Kadet kit" which will let you swap slides and magazines out to fire .22LR. The kit is about $250. You have the option of a .40 or 9mm and .22LR being the same gun. They are accurate workhorse guns that will fall well below your $1000 limit and allow you to work out the kinks of shooting with .22LR and move up to a service caliber with ease.

CrustyFN · August 20, 2006, 10:00 PM

CZ makes a great gun. I have a CZ 75BD Police. It has a great grip and is very accurate. This is what mine looks like.

DietCola · August 20, 2006, 10:10 PM

Handgun - Walther P99. Mine is chambered in 9mm but it can also come in .40S&W.

Rifle (plinking) - Ruger 10/22. Yeah I know you don't want a rifle or .22 but I'm telling you this thing is addicting.

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 10:15 PM

Mark,

It's not that I think the 22 is a bad gun, it's just the one I've been using doesn't feel right. The grip isn't long enough for my hand. When I use it my pinky doesn't grip anything. There were a few CZ's that I liked as well so I'm not putting them out of the picture. I won't be carrying the gun conceled because I'm living in CA and it's damn near impossible to get the license.

What is everyones opinion on the CZ vs Stingers?

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 10:18 PM

Dietcola,

Don't get me wrong, I love shooting rifles. I just want a gun that I can have fun with and use for home defense if needed. I'll probably be getting some sort of rifle in a few months as well.

I'm also still up for a 22 if I can find one that has a larger grip than the Wather P22 has.

glockopop · August 20, 2006, 10:27 PM

I don't mean to be stupid, but what is a "Stinger"?

Pfunk · August 20, 2006, 10:37 PM

Stinger is a gun maker.

thealadar · August 20, 2006, 10:44 PM

Stinger also has a 45 cal I really like but I think it might be a little more than I need.

If you ''really'' want a .45.. Get one. Since, you may find yourself buying several guns before you realize what you actually want. 10mm & .45 ACP are often overlooked, you can purchase ammo cheaper online. As for concealment, so you do a harder job with a full-size gun, but it's possible (don't base your purchase purely on smaller guns).

2ndamd · August 20, 2006, 10:44 PM

Pfunk, given your criteria
an auto that is 9mm or .40 cal
used for defense so, reliable and durable?

I would opt for any of the following (all in 9mm) Please get the 9mm it is easier and more importantly CHEAPER to shoot than the .40 cal.

Ruger P95, P89
Glock 17, 19
Beretta Px4, 92
Walther P99
CZ-75
HK usp 9

These are all premium guns that will serve you well.

Many will say SIG. They lost my business because they cost $800 and they rust....or mine did.

I would go with a $500-600 gun and buy a holster , good belt and lots of ammo with the rest of your $1000.

thealadar · August 20, 2006, 10:45 PM

Does anyone know how I ''quote''?

Mark54g · August 20, 2006, 10:48 PM

See if anybody in your area will be willing to let you try something out. I still think a CZ 75 would be a nice gun, you would also be OK with getting a used Ruger Mark II for about $200 and any nice 9mm/.40 that strikes you as comfortable.

I would go with major players in the market for safety and reliability's sake.

Another "vanilla .22" (as in, not a conversion) is the Beretta Neos. They are probably the easiest .22 to strip down and reassmble.

22-rimfire · August 20, 2006, 10:55 PM

Ruger Mark II or III with 5.5" bull barrel 22 is hard to beat no matter what age you are. It is a full sized handgun.

Kimber makes a 22LR in the full sized 1911 frame. Real nice handgun!

I like to shoot the Glocks. My preference is the G23 in 40S&W. Hard to go wrong with a Glock when you are new as you are not very finicky about cleaning. You do have to get used to the fact that there is no traditional safety.

Hans · August 20, 2006, 10:56 PM

Since I haven't seen a reply to this part of your responses so far Pfunk:

A larger .22 than the Walther P22 would probably be the Browning Buckmark or the Ruger MK II or III. Try them out at a gun store and see which you like the most. You may also want to try the Sig Mosquito, which is designed a bit more like the defensive handguns out there, or the Beretta Neos.

As far as a 9mm goes, which is what I would go with in your case, being cheaper and easier to shoot than the .40S&W, you almost can't go wrong with a Glock, Sig, H&K, Beretta, Walther, CZ, or Kahr. Go to a local gun shop or gun show and handle everything you can.

To tell you the truth, after you buy one, you will want many, many more. They are tremendously addicting. Welcome to our world

.

gfen · August 20, 2006, 10:57 PM

I'm going to echo everyone else by suggesting a .22, however, as I understand your feelings as to wanting something bigger, I'll follow it up by suggesting either a CZ Kadet, or a CZ-75 and the Kadet conversion.

The Kadet is a .22 conversion, available either as an add-on to your CZ-75, or as a complete pistol (without the ability to use the 9mm ammo, ie, no converting a Kadet to a CZ-75).

Considering 550 rounds of .22 will cost as much as a 100 9mm, there's something to be said for the smaller caliber. You can shoot more. No handgun collection is complete without at least one .22.

Furthermore, the Funk is its own reward.

gfen, maggotbrain.

hot sauce · August 20, 2006, 11:04 PM

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=54390104

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=54425076

If I had some extra cash right now I'd own both of these. Most of the handguns I like have been discontinued. I'm sure most people will tell you to get a Glock or an Hk but nothing beat's the look of stainless steel.

Socrates · August 20, 2006, 11:08 PM

Kimber makes a 9mm 1911. I'd go with that. No recoil, cheap ammo, and a great gun. You could also use the Marvel, super accurate conversion on the gun, and have a 22lr, or use Kimbers' 22lr conversion.

That would be close to your 1000 dollar area.

CZ is a good idea as well.

The first guns I used were all SUPER accurate. This made it REALLY fun to shoot. I would not skimp on a first gun, and make sure I get as accurate a gun as I can. Also, it's nice to have something that isn't a joke caliber. 9mm or up, as far as I'm concerned.

There are MANY 38/357 revolvers you could also purchase that would fit the bill, and, 45 ACP, in a full size gun is not all that bad, recoil wise. Still, the 9mm 1911 is a decent caliber, with hardly any reccoil in that heavy a gun.

S

August 20, 2006, 05:41 PM	#1
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	Good beginner gun? Hey everyone. I'm new here and recently started getting into guns because my roommate has several and we've going out shooting. I'm trying to decide what kind of gun to buy because I'm new at the whole thing. I"m looking for something compact but not small that would be good for target practice. Thanks Tom

August 20, 2006, 09:43 PM	#10
Mark54g Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 1,265	Pfunk, Do not discredit a .22 as a good gun. However, that being said, you mentioned that you want a "larger" gun to start out. Therefore, you can get both, so to speak. The CZ 75 series are one of the tops that you can own. If you don't plan on carrying concealed, the CZ 75B or BD would be a great gun to learn on. They are very ergonomical, have steel construction and are good at absorbing recoil and are not hard on the eyes . They also do this at a good price point of about $400-500. If you do want to carry, you may want to look at the CZ 75 PCR or P-01. They are slightly smaller, though have aluminum alloy frames that will weigh less and are slightly smaller. Either way you go you can get them with an add-on called the "Kadet kit" which will let you swap slides and magazines out to fire .22LR. The kit is about $250. You have the option of a .40 or 9mm and .22LR being the same gun. They are accurate workhorse guns that will fall well below your $1000 limit and allow you to work out the kinks of shooting with .22LR and move up to a service caliber with ease. __________________ CZ 75B Stainless Beretta PX4 F Series 9mm & U22 Neos 6" black S&W Shield 9mm

August 20, 2006, 10:27 PM	#15
glockopop Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 922	I don't mean to be stupid, but what is a "Stinger"? __________________ I've only got two hands, but I've been known to carry three Glocks. RZA

August 20, 2006, 10:44 PM	#18
2ndamd Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Posts: 594	Pfunk, given your criteria an auto that is 9mm or .40 cal used for defense so, reliable and durable? I would opt for any of the following (all in 9mm) Please get the 9mm it is easier and more importantly CHEAPER to shoot than the .40 cal. Ruger P95, P89 Glock 17, 19 Beretta Px4, 92 Walther P99 CZ-75 HK usp 9 These are all premium guns that will serve you well. Many will say SIG. They lost my business because they cost $800 and they rust....or mine did. I would go with a $500-600 gun and buy a holster , good belt and lots of ammo with the rest of your $1000. __________________ Molon Labe

August 20, 2006, 10:48 PM	#20
Mark54g Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 1,265	See if anybody in your area will be willing to let you try something out. I still think a CZ 75 would be a nice gun, you would also be OK with getting a used Ruger Mark II for about $200 and any nice 9mm/.40 that strikes you as comfortable. I would go with major players in the market for safety and reliability's sake. Another "vanilla .22" (as in, not a conversion) is the Beretta Neos. They are probably the easiest .22 to strip down and reassmble. __________________ CZ 75B Stainless Beretta PX4 F Series 9mm & U22 Neos 6" black S&W Shield 9mm

August 20, 2006, 05:53 PM	#2
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,281	Give us a price range, and that would help. A revolver would be a good choice for a beginner. Do you plan on using your gun for home defense as well, or just for shooting with your friend? If it's just for range work and plinking, a .22 revolver would be good since the recoil and noise would be extremely low, and ammo would be cheap. A .357 Magnum revolver would also be a good choice. You can safely fire .38 special from a .357 Magnum revolver for training, and then .357's when you are ready for them. However, are you sure you don't want a rifle instead? Rifles are easier to learn how to shoot.

August 20, 2006, 06:04 PM	#3
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	Price isn't really an issue but lets just say less than $1000. It would be for home defense if needed but come on, how many people actually have used their guns in defense. I prefer some sort of automatic but that's just so I don't have to reload as much. Rifles are fun and I'm pretty good with them but I really like handguns. Beside, my roommate has about 10 rifles I can borrow at any time. He's a little more pretective about his handguns and won't let me take them out therefore I need to get my own.

August 20, 2006, 06:13 PM	#4
ride-a-aug Member Join Date: July 10, 2005 Posts: 85	For starters get youself a Browning Buckmark 22 and start plinking away. Then after you get familar with shooting go with the 1911's and it goes on from there. my2cents aug

August 20, 2006, 06:15 PM	#5
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2006 Posts: 1,253	Try Ruger's 22 auto, the new Mark lll. Great starter pistol as there is no recoil, you can learn how to shoot without developing a flinch or jerking the trigger. The 22 is also cheaper to shoot, so you will shoot more often.

August 20, 2006, 06:27 PM	#6
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	I'm not a big fan of the 22. I've been using a Wather P22 and the grip is a little too short. It just doesn't feel right. Are there any 22's that are a little larger than the P22? As far as ammo goes, what is the price difference per round for say a 9mm, 380, and 22? I'd ask my friend but he's out of town and I usually just give him a few bucks everytime we head to the range.

August 20, 2006, 07:06 PM	#7
D-Bak Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 143	you can get 550 rounds of .22 for under 10 bucks.... 100 rounds of 9mm (the cheapest centerfire round) is usually around 12 bucks for the very cheapest there is.... If you get high quality ammo it can be 20 bucks or more for 50 rounds....

August 20, 2006, 09:05 PM	#8
thealadar Member Join Date: August 7, 2006 Posts: 27	You can get WWB (JHP) for around 12/13$ (50 rds), as with any ammo, test it before you carry it. If it does it's job & you do yours (lots of pratice) you should be good. As for guns you have too many to choose from.. Anything in mind? Rent before you buy

August 20, 2006, 09:37 PM	#9
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	Ok guys, I think I have it narrowed down to either a 9mm or a 40 Cal. Stinger has one of each I really like the feel of. Stinger also has a 45 cal I really like but I think it might be a little more than I need. I've used several different brands and I don't really know which brands are better than the other. I did just get back from the gun shop and while they are helpful they are only just trying to close a sale. I'm looking for some firsthand experience on which brands are better and which you would recommend, the 9mm or the 40 cal.

August 20, 2006, 10:10 PM	#12
DietCola Member Join Date: May 30, 2006 Location: Pittsfield, MA Posts: 29	Handgun - Walther P99. Mine is chambered in 9mm but it can also come in .40S&W. Rifle (plinking) - Ruger 10/22. Yeah I know you don't want a rifle or .22 but I'm telling you this thing is addicting.

August 20, 2006, 10:15 PM	#13
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	Mark, It's not that I think the 22 is a bad gun, it's just the one I've been using doesn't feel right. The grip isn't long enough for my hand. When I use it my pinky doesn't grip anything. There were a few CZ's that I liked as well so I'm not putting them out of the picture. I won't be carrying the gun conceled because I'm living in CA and it's damn near impossible to get the license. What is everyones opinion on the CZ vs Stingers?

August 20, 2006, 10:18 PM	#14
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	Dietcola, Don't get me wrong, I love shooting rifles. I just want a gun that I can have fun with and use for home defense if needed. I'll probably be getting some sort of rifle in a few months as well. I'm also still up for a 22 if I can find one that has a larger grip than the Wather P22 has.

August 20, 2006, 10:37 PM	#16
Pfunk Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2006 Posts: 10	Stinger is a gun maker.

August 20, 2006, 10:45 PM	#19
thealadar Member Join Date: August 7, 2006 Posts: 27	Does anyone know how I ''quote''?

August 20, 2006, 10:55 PM	#21
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 4,386	Ruger Mark II or III with 5.5" bull barrel 22 is hard to beat no matter what age you are. It is a full sized handgun. Kimber makes a 22LR in the full sized 1911 frame. Real nice handgun! I like to shoot the Glocks. My preference is the G23 in 40S&W. Hard to go wrong with a Glock when you are new as you are not very finicky about cleaning. You do have to get used to the fact that there is no traditional safety.

August 20, 2006, 10:56 PM	#22
Hans Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 404	Since I haven't seen a reply to this part of your responses so far Pfunk: A larger .22 than the Walther P22 would probably be the Browning Buckmark or the Ruger MK II or III. Try them out at a gun store and see which you like the most. You may also want to try the Sig Mosquito, which is designed a bit more like the defensive handguns out there, or the Beretta Neos. As far as a 9mm goes, which is what I would go with in your case, being cheaper and easier to shoot than the .40S&W, you almost can't go wrong with a Glock, Sig, H&K, Beretta, Walther, CZ, or Kahr. Go to a local gun shop or gun show and handle everything you can. To tell you the truth, after you buy one, you will want many, many more. They are tremendously addicting. Welcome to our world . __________________ G26, Ruger LCP Ruger 10/22 Savage 111 LWH .270 Win. Without the 2nd Amendment, none of the others would exist.

August 20, 2006, 10:57 PM	#23
gfen Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2005 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 808	I'm going to echo everyone else by suggesting a .22, however, as I understand your feelings as to wanting something bigger, I'll follow it up by suggesting either a CZ Kadet, or a CZ-75 and the Kadet conversion. The Kadet is a .22 conversion, available either as an add-on to your CZ-75, or as a complete pistol (without the ability to use the 9mm ammo, ie, no converting a Kadet to a CZ-75). Considering 550 rounds of .22 will cost as much as a 100 9mm, there's something to be said for the smaller caliber. You can shoot more. No handgun collection is complete without at least one .22. Furthermore, the Funk is its own reward. gfen, maggotbrain. __________________ infotainment.org / eighteenpercent.com

August 20, 2006, 11:04 PM	#24
hot sauce Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2006 Posts: 506	http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=54390104 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=54425076 If I had some extra cash right now I'd own both of these. Most of the handguns I like have been discontinued. I'm sure most people will tell you to get a Glock or an Hk but nothing beat's the look of stainless steel.

August 20, 2006, 11:08 PM	#25
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	Kimber makes a 9mm 1911. I'd go with that. No recoil, cheap ammo, and a great gun. You could also use the Marvel, super accurate conversion on the gun, and have a 22lr, or use Kimbers' 22lr conversion. That would be close to your 1000 dollar area. CZ is a good idea as well. The first guns I used were all SUPER accurate. This made it REALLY fun to shoot. I would not skimp on a first gun, and make sure I get as accurate a gun as I can. Also, it's nice to have something that isn't a joke caliber. 9mm or up, as far as I'm concerned. There are MANY 38/357 revolvers you could also purchase that would fit the bill, and, 45 ACP, in a full size gun is not all that bad, recoil wise. Still, the 9mm 1911 is a decent caliber, with hardly any reccoil in that heavy a gun. S