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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.


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

I am afraid of recoil. Give me a 22 RF or a 44 magnum with 2.5 gr Bullseye and a 180 gr cast and I am good to go for 5 or 6 shots

I'm not afraid of recoil.

Heck I shoot a 500 S&W revolver for fun, in my mid 60's.

But I understand the consequences of dealing with unpleasant recoil. These two good people shot so very well with the 22, but were not even close to good with the tiny AMT 380 or the hard-kicking 40 S&W...

I'm glad they accepted my offer to shoot the 22 semi-auto!

Guy

A 40 S&W is "hard kicking" ?

Good job....

When I run beginner courses I provide all the guns and ammo...S&W .22 revolvers...later transition to a Ruger or Beratta .22 semi-auto...

Bob

In a lightweight like a Kahr it sure does.

For a new shooter? Absolutely.

Of course a beginner is going to perceive it as a hard kick, especially if it's the plastic frame version. Same for that little AMT - maybe worse, 'cause its an inferior grip shape and blowback besides. Nothing surprising there. I've seen noobs show up with J-frame snubbys too, and having the same trouble. OTOH - a full-size 9mm with standard pressure loads is usually no problem. Likewise, a medium frame 4" revolver with a mild .38 spl load.

when i was about six or seven, i conned by dad into to taking me out to the dump, to fire his colt SAA in 38wcf. It was about dusk and i think the fireball was about two feet. I didn't touch that gun for many years later, probably his idea.

A 22 is definitely THE place to start and it makes even guys who shoot bigger stuff better too.

There isn't anyone who can't benefit from a .22. It's only pitfall is that it shoots fairly flat and makes some of the shots beyond 50 easier than lobbing 38's and other sedate stuff out there!

Yep.

I don't like the 40's recoil.
Only have shot a few, Glocks, a Sig and a Beretta.
It is not really a big kick, but it's nasty.

Much prefer a 45 1911, or Ruger single actions in 44 or 45 colt.
Bigger recoil, but it is more more pleasant.

A light Kahr would not be fun.

Heck, I think the P3AT is nasty for what it is.

I shot Dad’s old 1911 at about that age too. That’s what’s wrong with me now. 😬

.40 S&W out of a 1911 is actually quite pleasant......if you're not a lightweight. The P3AT is a pussycat, compared to the AMT 380.

Thanks to the OP.

Far too many folks think beginners and or kids and ladies should start with the same thing we macho men are shooting. Whether it be a hot handgun round, high powered magnum rifle, or a 12 gauge.

I just recently purchased my first 22 cal revolver, a bisley single six. But the kids have always been supplied with special low recoil rounds for rifles and handguns. I make rounds for the 327 SA, DA, and lever rifle which shoot like a 22 WRM, and 41 mags which shoot like a 38 special.

The kids and ladies all enjoy shooting the light loads very much.

I used to be an NRA instructor in Alaska and we always started everyone with a Ruger 22/45 and let them shoot the 22LR, then we went to revolvers, mostly Six series Rugers of various configurations and k frame Smiths most with Hogue grips and let them choose what felt good to them and shoot the light 38 specials. Then they would come in and clean the guns. Never had any complaints from the ladies on either gun.
By providing the guns, we had no problems like that, or with people bringing in loaded guns. We also provided the ammo,

Absolutely.

I work new guys backwards. I start with the .475 or .500 JRH in my BFR's until they are comfortable with them. The are fairly heavy too. Then a .44 mag is nothing at all and going down to a .22 is a pleasure.
I found the mental problem as you go up is hard to get over. Going from a .22 to a .38 still had anticipation for recoil but after a .500, they showed no flinch.
My daughter is skinny and shot a 20 ga for clays. She always missed the first clay but would run the next hundred. We ran out of shells so I gave her my 12 ga and she missed the first again but never missed another. She loves my 1911's and she bought an 8mm Mauser. She joined the Marines and shot the highest score ever shot, man or woman.

LMFAO.

In theory I agree. I would not go above a 44 Mag or heavy loaded 45 Colt though with a new shooter. It is nothing but a mental thing when it comes to recoil.