Suggestions on Handgun for a Beginner

Pete-FWA · 02-07-2008

My fiance wants to learn how to carry and shoot a handgun.

Is there a good "starter" model that will feel and work reasonably close to a larger caliber gun? I'm looking for something without tons of recoil, but in the shape, size, and feel of a bigger carry weapon.

I haven't been in a gun store since I was a teenager when my Dad was alive, so I don't know where to go or how to even approach it. Not sure who's good and who's not around me

Are any of the Ruger .22LR pistols an economical option that would help teach good habits and feel for a gun?

I know Colt made some Ace models in the late 60s-early 70s (?), but the ones I've seen advertised seem aimed at collectors and are very expensive. I like the look and feel of 1911 models.

The Sig Mosquito is another one that I find when I look at their site, but I am not sure about their line.

Definitely open to suggestions

esrice · 02-07-2008

The Sig Mosquito would definately fit your criteria.

What about a Walther P22?

Or if you currently own a Glock, you could get the .22 conversion kit.

Here is what I personally start beginners out with:

But, that doesn't exactly have the "feel" of a normal carry gun.

Jay · 02-08-2008

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

Pete-FWA · 02-08-2008

Quote:

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.

That's solid advice for anyone getting started with a handgun purchase.

I'm worried she'll be put off by the larger calibers I fire until she gets used to handling guns in general.
I remember when I was a kid and fired my first .45ACP.

Dad was right: probably better to start off small and work my way up.

Pete-FWA · 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by esrice

The Sig Mosquito would definately fit your criteria.

What about a Walther P22?

Or if you currently own a Glock, you could get the .22 conversion kit.

Here is what I personally start beginners out with:

But, that doesn't exactly have the "feel" of a normal carry gun.

The Walther is news to me. I'll have to check that one out.

Not a Glock owner, nor did I know about the conversion: how well do those fire (the conversions, that is)?

am94pm · 02-08-2008

Pete,

You may want her to consider a revolver. For some one who is first starting out a revolver is a simple point and shoot, no safety to worry about and no jams to contend with. As she gets used to shooting and is comfortable, then if she wants she can move to a pistol. Also have her put as many guns in here hands as she can, if you can shot them even better. The odds are a gun that is comfortable in the hands will be comfortable to shoot and will be more likely to be carried. The big thing is no matter what gun she ultimately chooses is to practice.

Pitmaster · 02-08-2008

Instead of getting her a gun right off the bat. See if she will take a Women on Target class or an NRA Basic Pistol Class for women. The best thing about these classes are that there will a fairly large variety of guns for her to shoot. For $50 its a lot cheaper than buying a gun she may not like or will out grow quickly. After the classes you can rent some other guns to try.

Cornered Cat is a great website for women and beginners to read. Lots of great information about various guns, shooting, carrying, and handling them.

Pete-FWA · 02-08-2008

Never thought about a revolver...another good point

465guy · 02-08-2008

Great advice here so far. How about getting her started off with a Glock 19 or 26. Recoil isn't so bad. .22 is always a great starter gun but obviously not really suitable for self defense. 22 conversion kit might be great.

I say just start her on a 9mm in what ever fits her hand well.

shamowfski · 02-09-2008

Check out RimfireCentral.com - Hobby and Info Source For All Rimfire Caliber Ammo and Firearms for a lot of info on different .22lr weapons. Personally I've only read bad things about the mosquito. The p22 however (provided you get a new model, L serial with new mags) has been a great little gun so far. I took my girlfriend to look at guns and that was the one she liked the best. I am going to pick one up for myself at the next indy 1500 (usually ~250.00 there, i paid 270 at Plainfield Shooting for hers).

02-07-2008	#1 (permalink)
Pete-FWA Plinker Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 203	Suggestions on Handgun for a Beginner My fiance wants to learn how to carry and shoot a handgun. Is there a good "starter" model that will feel and work reasonably close to a larger caliber gun? I'm looking for something without tons of recoil, but in the shape, size, and feel of a bigger carry weapon. I haven't been in a gun store since I was a teenager when my Dad was alive, so I don't know where to go or how to even approach it. Not sure who's good and who's not around me Are any of the Ruger .22LR pistols an economical option that would help teach good habits and feel for a gun? I know Colt made some Ace models in the late 60s-early 70s (?), but the ones I've seen advertised seem aimed at collectors and are very expensive. I like the look and feel of 1911 models. The Sig Mosquito is another one that I find when I look at their site, but I am not sure about their line. Definitely open to suggestions

02-08-2008	#3 (permalink)
Jay ...gotta watch us old guys... Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Near Marion, IN Posts: 109	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 __________________ Freedom has a flavor the protected can never taste... USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '66, - May 68 Some of my toys....

02-08-2008	#7 (permalink)
Pitmaster Walther P99 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Bend, IN Posts: 79	Instead of getting her a gun right off the bat. See if she will take a Women on Target class or an NRA Basic Pistol Class for women. The best thing about these classes are that there will a fairly large variety of guns for her to shoot. For $50 its a lot cheaper than buying a gun she may not like or will out grow quickly. After the classes you can rent some other guns to try. Cornered Cat is a great website for women and beginners to read. Lots of great information about various guns, shooting, carrying, and handling them. __________________ Pitmaster Liberty is the freedom to not be responsible for the irresponsibility of others.

02-09-2008	#10 (permalink)
shamowfski Plinker Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 98	Check out RimfireCentral.com - Hobby and Info Source For All Rimfire Caliber Ammo and Firearms for a lot of info on different .22lr weapons. Personally I've only read bad things about the mosquito. The p22 however (provided you get a new model, L serial with new mags) has been a great little gun so far. I took my girlfriend to look at guns and that was the one she liked the best. I am going to pick one up for myself at the next indy 1500 (usually ~250.00 there, i paid 270 at Plainfield Shooting for hers). __________________

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02-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
esrice INGO Greeter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southside, Indianapolis Posts: 1,137	The Sig Mosquito would definately fit your criteria. What about a Walther P22? Or if you currently own a Glock, you could get the .22 conversion kit. Here is what I personally start beginners out with: But, that doesn't exactly have the "feel" of a normal carry gun.

02-08-2008	#6 (permalink)
am94pm Plinker Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 60	Pete, You may want her to consider a revolver. For some one who is first starting out a revolver is a simple point and shoot, no safety to worry about and no jams to contend with. As she gets used to shooting and is comfortable, then if she wants she can move to a pistol. Also have her put as many guns in here hands as she can, if you can shot them even better. The odds are a gun that is comfortable in the hands will be comfortable to shoot and will be more likely to be carried. The big thing is no matter what gun she ultimately chooses is to practice.

02-08-2008	#8 (permalink)
Pete-FWA Plinker Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 203	Never thought about a revolver...another good point

02-08-2008	#9 (permalink)
465guy Marksman Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 325	Great advice here so far. How about getting her started off with a Glock 19 or 26. Recoil isn't so bad. .22 is always a great starter gun but obviously not really suitable for self defense. 22 conversion kit might be great. I say just start her on a 9mm in what ever fits her hand well.