Suggestions on Handgun for a Beginner

[Pete-FWA]

Good info, thanks!

Yes, I plan to do a fair amount of shopping, hopefully with my fiance.

No big purchases yet

[Dave]

Don't just hold the gun. Shoot it if at all possible. Would you buy a car with out taking it on a test drive?

[Thickburger]

i don't suggest buying a .22 for anyone to learn on. almost anyone can get used to shooting a .22 after about 15 minutes. then what? you just bought a gun to train with that you know they won't carry because you should not carry a .22.

i start all my friends off with 9mm.

[PistolPete]

Originally Posted by Jay

I'd tell your lady to shop for a handgun just like she shops for shoes. Get her hands on all the handguns she can, and pursue the ones that feel "just right" (like shoes) to her. Do not get wrapped up in caliber or manufacturer conflicts. The caliber or who made it makes no difference if she's not proficient with it. If it doesn't "feel right" in HER hands she'll never shoot it enough to become proficient with it.

PM sent

Great point Jay!

[Jay]

Ok, just the other side of the .22 coin.

First time shooters can be startled into flinching every time they pull the trigger forever by starting with a larger caliber handgun.

.22 is half the cost, or more to "practice" with, than 9mm or .45

Bad habits picked up along the way, can be unlearned easier with a .22 than larger calibers.

I know of few folks that start out anything at the top of the pile..... that is, most new shooters have no idea what they want to carry, and it's easier/cheaper to develop a list of wants, likes, dis-likes, with a .22 than larger calibers.

Just my opinion.

[Pitmaster]

Originally Posted by Pete-FWA

We have the Fort Wayne Gun and Knife show in March...8-9, I believe. Haven't been to one before-no idea what to expect, but I have a feeling I'll be in attendance this year.

I went to the FT. Wayne show in December. The show isn't that big or great so don't have your hopes up too much. The Indy 1500 is much bigger.

[Mini-14]

Pete-FWA if your interested in a P22 Bradis has them on sale for $255. Thinking about picking up one myself this weekend.

[RogerB]

I can't wait for the Indy 1500...

[Pete-FWA]

Originally Posted by Jay

.22 is half the cost, or more to "practice" with, than 9mm or .45

Bad habits picked up along the way, can be unlearned easier with a .22 than larger calibers.

I know of few folks that start out anything at the top of the pile..... that is, most new shooters have no idea what they want to carry, and it's easier/cheaper to develop a list of wants, likes, dis-likes, with a .22 than larger calibers.

Just my opinion.

These reasons are why I thought a .22 could be a good "starter" if she finds one that feels good in her hands.

Originally Posted by Pitmaster

I went to the FT. Wayne show in December. The show isn't that big or great so don't have your hopes up too much. The Indy 1500 is much bigger.

Ah...wasn't sure. Sometimes Ft Wayne has some good events in whatever category. Still, it's a 25 minute drive to the Coliseum instead of 2+ hours (which I'll make the next week-ha ha) to Indianapolis

[Ford Truck]

Originally Posted by Pitmaster

I went to the FT. Wayne show in December. The show isn't that big or great so don't have your hopes up too much. The Indy 1500 is much bigger.

The show is only about half what it used to be. Anybody know why it went downhill?