Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters First Handgun purchase

My doctor, who is a real "gun nut", has been trying to talk me into getting a handgun.

This gun would be for target practice only, so being a "carry hand gun" is not part of the equation. I am also not interested in a rimfire weapon, as I wish to do my own reloading.

I was thinking of a 9 mm, but am open to suggestions, so please feel free to give me some advice on not only what chambering, but what manufacturer to look at.

I would appreciate any and all advice/comments.

I really like my S&W Model 27. Has good target sights on it, and trigger was decent right out of the box, though I did have some skilled hands tune it up a little more.

9's, 40's and 45's are the general favorite for semi-autos. 357/38 special for 'wheel' guns (revolvers)

Best bet to find what YOU like is to go to a good shop and handle several models and see what feels good in your hands. Checking to see that you can reach the safety, slide release, magazine release or hammer comfortably will give you a gun you will enjoy.

As for makes:
Sig
Beretta
S&W
Glock

just for starters.

I think I would opt for a nice .357 with the ability to shoot 38's.. My shooting buddy was just telling me his GP100 with 38's is just like shooting a .22.. Obviously light loads.. .38 brass is abundant, and with the .357 you have a step up in power if you ever want it.. Most of my shooting is with .38's.

Ruger 22, you pick the style

My first(and only) handgun purchase was a S&W 629 5" Classic.

Bought it used several years ago. Pre gay safety/lock(?) version.


Fun to shoot.



A tactical, lasered out, 15 round pistol is on the wish list.

That could be fun as well.

Revolvers are extremely versatile for a reloader.

Pretty much any type/shape of bullet, length, or shotshell, without feeding concerns. Also no chasing of the brass.

38/357, 44 or 45 caliber offer a lot of versatility.

My first was a Smith & Wesson Model 15, K-38 Combat Masterpiece. Still have it 40 years later....

IMHO, if you are concerned with reloading, especially since you state not for a carry gun, I'd strongly suggest a revolver simply for being able to catch your own brass. I'm currently trying to decide what my CCW weapon will be; but have decided that it will be a wheelgun. Single or double action should be your personal choice, based on what feels good for you. I'm thinking revolver for myself so I can reload. For CCW I'd want to be able to shoot a few rounds frequently to train myself on handling and shooting the gun. For recreational shooting, as you suggest is your plan, get what you like and learn to enjoy. My only suggestion for caliber is DO NOT get a 454 or larger for recreational shooting. Good luck and enjoy.

If your intent is to practice to gain proficiency, the smartest first gun IS a .22 rimfire ... like it or not.

There are a lot of good choices. I think you get more accuracy per dollar in .22 rimfire semiautos than .22 rimfire revolvers. My current choice is a Ruger Mk III, blued, 5.5" bull barrel, with a Volquartsen trigger upgrade. I hadn't shot it in about a year and sort of forgot how much fun it was ... and how accurate it is. Wow.

The two "best" Rugers are out of production, the 10" silhouette model and the 6-7/8" barreled Gov't target edition both were discontinued in the Mk II to Mk III transition. The 6-7/8" barreled "slab side" target gun is definitely ok. However, the 5.5" bull barrel like I got is plenty accurate and a lot of fun.

Second gun would be a .357 magnum revolver. Normally I'd recommend a 4" barrel but since the OP clearly states it is not for carry, it's for target shooting, I'll suggest a 6" instead. Among new guns, a stainless Ruger GP100 or S&W 686 would be "best".

What I really like are out of production. The 8-3/8" barreled S&Ws and the Ruger GP 100 with the half lug 6" barrel are "ideal" IMHO. The 6" full lug barrels are ok, but not perfect.

For semi-auto centerfires, which I think come in about 3rd place, my preference is a Colt 1911 design. Best of the bunch is the Kimber Pro Carry, at least that's what fits me best.

I like 9mm and .40 but not for general target use, they are best saved for "carry guns". A .45 is generally more shootable. If you really do want a 9mm, though, the best for target use is (again, IMHO) the browning high power.

Just some options to ignore.

Tom

For what you are asking for, A Smith and Wesson 357 Mag is the answer. A 686 w/6 inch barrel and don't second guess yourself. 38/38 Special/38 Special +P for targets and full house 357 Mags for anything else.

They have beautiful triggers, they're bank vault strong, they're accurate and they won't beat you up.

Hard to trump a 38/357

I bought a S&W 686 .357 when I was in your shoes, and I haven't regretted my decision one bit! I agree with everyone saying a revolver is best if you plan on reloading, chasing brass is no fun. I keep looking for a semi that I like to shoot as much as that 686, but haven't found one (I do enjoy 1911s a whole bunch, though!), yet. Another plus side for me was when I decided to get my CCW, it was a lot easier for me to choose a smaller revolver that I could put the same ammo in, had the same controls on the gun, similar trigger, etc. I know you said you don't want a handgun for that, but- I said the same thing when I first bought a handgun, too.

THIS give you a great deal of versatility, is simple to learn to handle safely, is well built, moderately priced, and about as practical a handgun for your stated needs that I can think of.

If this is your first handgun a rimfire would be a very good thing to have along with a centerfire. In the original post it was mentioned no rimfires but they are invaluable for learning basics of any handgun. Maybe you already have the basics down and if that's the case a rimfire is still not a bad idea.

Don't see a problem with having more than one handgun..

I believe a .22 semi or revolver would be a good place to start. Cheaper ammo, less recoil, and less muzzle blast make learning easier and more fun.

Yep. The new Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal is also something to consider. Ammo flexibility of .32S&W, .32ACP, .32S&W Long, .32H&R Magnum, and .327 Federal covers a lot of bases and for a reloader does so very economically.

4" S&W 686.

357's when you need them; 38's when you don't.

Great balance & points very well.

Thank me later.

MM

I purchased a Ruger sp 101 in 357 magnum a year ago. Stainless with wood grips. Simple and accurate. I did find that a hot 357 load produces substantial recoil. The 38 special ammo is cheap for practice.

Id have to go with the 357 mag shooting 38's as well. Went shooting with Dad and that 4 inch revolver with 38's was the one I enjoyed shooting the most. I was fairly suprised. We shot 8 different guns, I wasnt expecting that one to be the one I liked the most.