Originally Posted by Cascade
At today's Basic Handgun class, I had two terrific people show up with handguns that were entirely unsuitable for their needs. They're beginning handgunners. Good people, but unused to shooting a handgun.


#1 had a 40 S&W Kahr, a relatively light, compact, self-defense firearm.


#2 had a classic, 30 year old 380 AMT pocket pistol/belly gun


Neither student could shoot either of those things worth a hoot! No surprise. The 40 in that lightweight gun kicks like a mule. The AMT 380 kept trying to take bites out of the web between thumb and forefinger of the other student.

I stopped the madness quickly, and substituted my old faithful Ruger 22/45 with 40 grain CCI ammo.
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Wow... Within a few shots, each of them was shooting nice, TIGHT, groups... Really nice, TIGHT groups.

Shoot a gun that doesn't kick the snot out of you, particularly if you're a beginner. Results will be better. If you've got someone who wants teaching... Consider handing them your 22, not your hot-loaded 44... Learn gun safety. Learn the fundamentals of marksmanship. Then, when all that is solid, consider bumping up to a more powerful handgun. But not until then. Please.

Thanks, Guy

Yep, matches my experience with noobs too. All the more common nowadays because noobs are buying sub-compacts as their first gun.
I start kids on a 22lr semi-auto pistol. Once they gain proficiency and confidence, I let them choose between a Glock 19 and a full-size 1911 in 45acp. They almost always choose the Glock, cause they've seen them on TV. They struggle to hit anything with the Glock. Then I switch them over to the 1911 and they fall in love with it. Fun to watch them enjoy handgun shooting.

Last edited by dla; 05/06/19.
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