Beginner Shooter (semi-auto pistols)

hilega

Ok, I already asked the question of what first semi-auto to get. I got most of the answers that I was looking for, but someone brought up the idea of starting with a .22 instead of a big bore. Could you expand on this? I would like to get to the point (start with a 9mm or .40 S&W), but if in the long run starting with a .22 would give me a good base to start with, why shouldn't I go with the .22. I would rather save the money and just buy 1 gun. I know something like a ruger 22/45 P4 is pretty cheap, but Why don't I just spend that $250 on the $500 that I plan on spending for the semi-auto and get an H&K? Any advice would be appreciated. Also, does Sig still produce the 228 or 229, their web site doesn't show them? Ok, so 2nd question, if I don go big bore, should I not waste my time with a 9mm and go with a .40 (at least). I like to research things a lot before I buy them, so if these questions are redundant or trivial, sorry? Any info would be great. I have recently looked at a H&K USP, Glock 23, and Beretta 92 L (by the way), so any more comments on those guns would be appreciated. Thanks.

chesus

Those guns you mentioned are all very nice. Just make sure you shoot a variety before deciding which one you like the best. You don't need to start with a 22 either. Just make sure that whatever you buy you shoot at the range until you feel comfortable enough with it before using it for defence purposes. Also take some sort of course, CCW if available where you live, to be sure you fully understand all the responsibilities (legal and civil) of owning and using a firearm.

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Taste my Wind Fist!

toastmonkey

I'll throw out the idea for discussion sake. Have you considered one of the .22 conversion kits by ceiner for the centerfire autos? I haven't personally tried them as I am one of those gun nuts that would just rather buy another gun. But the conversions have a good reputation and would allow a lot of cheap practice with the same gun.

22WRF

I will keep on saying it. If you shoot alot you need a 22. Take it to range with the others you may have. You will get to more for your money at the range just becaue you can shoot the 22 alot longer and cheaper. I never leave home without one (or 2 or 3).

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Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho AbsconditusNever miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rogers)

Smoky14

No gun collection is complete without a good .22They are great to start with, you will always enjoy having one, they're cheap to shoot and you can do what is most necessary and that is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. I shoot once a week and like someone else mentioned take a .22 with me so I can have fun by changing off. Good habits can be developed with a .22 and bad ones can develope with something that has BIG recoil.Just have fun and keep shootin.

hilega

Ok, So you have me looking at the .22's now (which I have considered before). I have checked out the Ruger MKII and the Brownings. I like the Rugers, but wanted some advice (if I were to go with the .22), what barel lenghth and what type of barel. I figured I would get the 22/45 grip to make my transition to other semi-autos easier, I also figured a similar barel length (4-5.5 in.). So I guess I kind of got those figured out, but what performance differences will the "Bull" barel create or is the standard sufficent? I will just be plinking targets with no intention of competition, so what is the difference? Anyway, thanks for th info.

22WRF

For plinking and fun target shooting no need for the extra expense and weight of a bull barrel thats for the serious target shooter. .Barrel length for this type of shooting will be more how it feels to you than accuracy.I shoot a Ruger MKI with a 5" barrel because it has good balance feel for me.Just remember the most important thing is it feels good in youir hand.

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Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho AbsconditusFree Advise: "Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time."Never miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rogers)

Rembrandt

My personal favorite for a .22 semi auto would be the Smith & Wesson Model 41, 5.5" heavy barrel....superb sights, quick detach barrel, feels like a .45.....one of the best on the market. Used ones are around $500-$600. Another real nice unit is the Sig Trailside, available in 4" or 6" barrel. $350+

22WRF

RembrandtI have to agree the 41 is probably the best 22 auto I ever held in my hand. But they are a bit pricy now especially for a beginner.No I won't part with my 41

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Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho AbsconditusFree Advise: "Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time."Never miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rogers)

gravedigger

I like the Ruger 22/45 as well as the Browning Buckmark. Both are really nice and shoot well.-Marcus

gundummy

I have a couple of Mark II's that we (my wife, little girls and I love to shoot) They are the best, in my opinion, 22's out there for the price. Not taking a 22 (any 22) to the range should be a crime. For a beginner, a standard tapered barrel is fine. As far as big bore suggestions, I would look at a Sig P220 in 45 acp (new under $700 or used under $500). Try it and I think you'll find it more comfortable to shoot than other cal's like a GLock 23 (.40) or revolvers in .38 or .357, other guns my friends carry but find my P220 easier to shoot. It's also very accurate. Bottom line again is that it still has to fit in your hands to work properly. And practicing with the economical 22lr will make anyone a better shooter. GD