Where can I learn about handguns?

Question

I want to buy a handgun but don't even know the difference between ,.22,.38,.45,9mm,.357,semi etc. I want to buy a gun but don't know what I even need? Where can I learn about the basics of different handguns? I dont care about rifles or shotguns

Answer 1

You can start by asking some close friends or relatives, also purchase a few handgun magazines. Last of all stay away from the salesman for awhile, he'll know you are not knowable of handguns and he'll take advantage of you and your bank account.

If you are looking for a good self defense handgun to carry, or for use around your home take a look at the Glock G23, it's a 40 caliber.
The 22LR (long rifle) is a good target round and my be use to take small game. The 38spl. is in the medium sized caliber class and is a far choice for defensive use. The 9mm (like Glock's G19 or G17) is also in the medium class and is a better choice for defensive round then a 38.
The 357 mag is a revolver round and you can also fire 38spl from the same revolver but, you can't shoot 357s from a revolver stamped 38spl.
357 magnums are on the heavy side of the medium class, a good choice for a defensive round but, not your best bet as revolvers (most of them) only hold 6 rounds.
The 45ACP like the Colt 1911 is a big heavy pistol, not very accurate, it will put a big hole in your target and has lots of recoil.

Pistols are a semi auto handgun, about as fast as you can pull the trigger, it will fire a round. Manufactures like, Sig, H&K and Colt are on the high end $$$, Beretta and Glocks in the middle $$$, Ruger and Taurus on the lower $$$. Again just to name a few, take your time and you'll learn allot about handguns. When you are out looking at some pick up a couple and hold them in your hand to get a feel of whats GOOD IN YOUR HAND and the the hand of a salesman.

Answer 2

I agree with others who said to take a basic handgun course and to talk with employees at a good gun shop. Not a discount department store or a pawn shop. Hunter safety classes are also a good source of info, but cover all types of firearms and bows. I concur that ranges that rent guns are a good resource. You will also find, especially as a new shooter, other shooters at a range will oftentimes offer to let you try out their guns. If they have a matched set of gold plated competition pistols, try someone else.

Answer 3

Bound's hubby here:

Short of getting adopted by either a master gunsmith or an avid gun collector, the best route to learning about guns is to read, read, read! First, pick up a copy of the "Shooter's Bible", "Handgun Digest" and maybe "Gun Digest". It can't hurt to pick up a few of the more reputable gun magazines. Then hang out at the local range or gun shop and ask some questions. Most shops (not your local Wal*Mart) will welcome your questions and see you as a future customer! Also, many shooters love their sport so much they will entertain your questions and help you find your way into the gunowning community!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Try a NRA Basic Handgun Course.

Answer 5

Start by taking a gun safety class. Pick up "American Handgunner" magazine. Go to your local library in go through a copy of Gun Digest or the Shooter's Bible. If you know someone who owns several guns, ask to take a look at them. Most gun owners love showing off their little collections.

Answer 6

Get the shooter's bible. I would also suggest going to a shooting range and asking the range officer to recommend a good first time gun for renting. Start with a revolver and have the range officer teach you how to safely shoot it at the range. Try some different guns until you find something you like.

Answer 7

Take a gun safety and basics course.

Find a range that rents guns.

Read a lot about safety and shooting basics.

Start with a revolver....simple, easy, reliable.

Answer 8

Or check out Law Enforcement & Police on yahoo. ;)