What would be the best handgun for a first timer?

Answer 1

It looks like Hunter1 is the only one of the respondents with his head \outside\ of his as$. Get a small caliber revolver, like a .22. After you've gotten comfortable with that gun, you can think about moving up in caliber, and maybe getting a semi-auto.

Glock's are not appropriate for first timers, neither are the hand cannons that others have recommended.

[edit] Alfred and John have the right idea too...

Answer 2

for a first handgun I have always recommended a .22 automatic. Either the Ruger or Browning models are excellent. They have outstanding accuracy as well as minimal recoil. They're light and easy to maneuver. Remember that when you're starting out, the key is not to punch big holes in paper, but to practice proper shooting techniques.

That being said, my first handgun was a Springfield 1911. I WOULD NOT recommend anyone getting a 1911 as their first or second handgun. It really ruins the experience of having handguns because the rest of your life you'll handle different handguns and the thought will always cross your mind, "Wow... This is nice, but it's not a 1911."

Answer 3

Being a long time shooting enthusiast I would reccomend nothing larger than a .22. You need to learn the basics of handling a pistol before you move onto something larger. If you decide to pick a big powerful handgun you will develop bad habits that will be very difficult to overcome. Learn proper safety and shooting techniques with a small handgun and then move up to something bigger that may better suit your needs.

I would suggest a .22 revolver if you can afford one but if you decide on an autoloader either the Browning Buckmark or the Ruger 22/45. Those two are in my opinion the finest .22lr pistols on the market.

Answer 4

nicely, once you're a Texan, i might quite much say get a Ruger Vaquero single action revolver in .357. Regardless, as a newbie i think a revolver is way less confusing to learn with than a self-loader. you opt for power and difficulty-free to apply, so i might say any of the completed-length double-action .357 magnum revolvers on the industry immediately might artwork, with a 4-6 inch barrel. you do no longer point out hid carry, so i assume you opt for something for objective capturing and homestead protection. A .357 can use .38 specific plenty for prepare and magnum plenty for severe use. S&W and Ruger make respectable double action revolvers. Tx. has some respectable gun save stages. circulate to a pair and lease some diverse sort weapons to objective out, and probably get some extra preparation.

Answer 5

I would say a .22 caliber semi-auto (SA). Sig Sauer Mosquito or Ruger Mark 3. I would say SA because they are a little easier to aim than a revolver. If you want to go a little bigger go with a 9mm. I would say Taurus, Springfield Armory XD series, Sig Sauer (more expensive).
My best suggestion is to go to a gun shop, one with a range that rents firearms and test a few out. If you cannot test any firearms, just look around and hold as many as you can to see which one feels better to you. Make sure you have someone teach and show you how to shoot and have the gun shop employee show you how to clean and handle your firearm before you leave. Good luck and safe shooting...

Answer 6

If you are just going to shoot targets, I would get a .22 double action revolver. If yo are also going to use the gun for defensive purposes, get a .38 Special or .357 mag. revolver. Both will shoot more powerful ammo, but use the very low-powered and less expensive .38 target ammo for practice. A revolver is best for beginners because there are no switches, safeties, buttons etc. to have to deal with.

Answer 7

Ruger Single Six. It's a great way to learn the mechanics of shooting handguns, 22 LR is dirt cheap to shoot, and it'll be a lot of fun for the rest of your life.

Answer 8

A 4" .357 revolver. Like a Taurus 66. You can practice with .38 special target loads and when you are comfortable you can move on to .357 defensive loads.

That way you won't have to buy 2 guns.

Answer 9

For an adult I would recommend a .38 special double action revolver
For a minor I would go with a .22 LR either in single action or double action revolver

Answer 10

a .22, then move up from there. you want practice and if you start with a 9mm like a glock, you may have a harder time because you need to deal with the recoil on top of safty, aiming, care ect.
but in all reality, take a weekend, look around, try out a bunch of difrent ones, do you like semi or revolvers? see what fits your hand. you may find that you like one more than the rest. rember it. you only have one first, make it count!