Posted on 07/04/2017 7:01:30 AM PDT by A Cyrenian
I'm thinking about buying Smith & Wesson SW22 pistol to start target shooting. I've thought this could be fun for a while and now have the opportunity to join a local gun club.
What advice can you give me on owning a small caliber pistol?
Thanks.
Enroll in the NRA basic pistol course first. You’ll get a chance to fire a 22lr and 9mm.After that, you’ll have some knowledge to try different rental guns until you find something you like.
In todays environment, I recommend a semiautomatic over a revolver. Just make sure you can pull the slide back first.
Find a way to comparatively shoot as many models as possible before making your final selection. Many options have already been mentioned here. I’d personally put Ruger at the top of my list and your selection would be right behind it. The revolver option should be included in your tryouts as it has some good attributes for developing shooting skills.
Have a gun friend take you to a range that lets you rent/use their guns to practice with. Try as many different makes, models and calibers if possible before buying.
< /Samuel L. Jackson >
Stay out of boats.
Many ranges rent a variety of guns. It’s not cheap considering you’ll be paying for range time, gun rental, plus you’ll probably have to buy the store ammo...but you can try out a variety of weapons.
(Note: Most ranges require you to buy their ammo because they don’t want you bringing in your ammo which may be mis-loaded reloads. )
22s are only good got target shooting. Just ask millions of hogs and cattle, the mafia, Mossad, Reagan, James Brady, and Bobby Kennedy.
After purchasing at least one hand gun and one long rifle, along with plenty of ammunition, extra magazines, and cleaning kits, make sure you get a membership at a gun range and practice using them.
JoMa
And as long as you're getting a handgun, why not get one that serves multiple purposes (i.e. fun and self-defense).
I saw what you did there. :)
A 22 cal is really only good for target shooting. Why not get a pistol useful for self defense too, like a 9mm?
Whatever you buy, invest in the training to make it count when the chips are down. It will otherwise be useless. Highly recommend classes in defensive pistol and defensive carbine (you should own both).
Learn to shoot. Steel your heart.
Like most people one will not be enough. Something like a Glock 19 will always serve you well. It’s a good fun gun as well as practical. 22’s are back after the ammo shortage. The new Ruger mk4 is the best pistol. The Buckmark is a close second but the Ruger is easier to clean.
Stun a thug have two guns.
My vote is for a Ruger stainless auto 22, followed up by a 9mm, 40 D&W or 45 ACP.
The important thing to remember though, is that if you take care of your gun, and presumably don’t wear it out ... There is almost no depreciation.
Nearly all of the guns I have owned for 10+ years, I can sell for more than the purchase price.
Any other hobby loses tons of money to depreciation ..... not guns though .... Many people value older guns more than newer ones.
Enjoy, and welcome to the club.
Go with what your gun club recommends so long as it fits your hand and you’re comfortable with it. Stick with the knowledge base that you have. I suppose FReepers fit into that description too, but nothing like first hand experience.
*BUMP FOR LATER*
bookmark
My wife has a sig sauer mosquito, absolutely loves it, But... only use high velocity ammo, 1200 to 1300 fps. The slide is extremely easy to pull back, which is an issue with her.
Also make sure you have the self-esteem of a T-Rex because every single choice you made will be scrutinized, mocked, and brutally insulted.
The best defense is to insinuate that anyone who carries a semi-auto from Europe is probably gay, insist that you could hold off a band of al-Qaeda frogmen with a 22, and as often as possible invoke one of your friends who happens to be in the Navy Seals or in Delta Force. The friend doesn’t have to actually exist.
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