S&W Model 18.*
This K frame revolver allows a new shooter, to focus on safety, manual of Arms, sight aquistion, trigger skills , with less percieved recoil with affordable ammunition.
From the Model 18 then one can easily transition to a 4"
Model 10*, also a K frame revolver, with the same manual of arms, therefore safe , comfortable advancement of shooting skills can be learned with light .38spl target loads.
Gun fit to shooter is easy to do with a Model 10 by varying the stocks. As the student progresses, heavier loads can be used. The Model 10 also is availble in 3" and 'snubby' models for CCW.
If a student should get into a shooting rut, develops a bad habit, or just needs to shoot for less monies - the Model 18 allows them to get back to basics in an affordable manner to get back on track.
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I am not a proponent of a shooter learning with a J frame .38spl. That said -
Smaller hands:
J frame .22 revolver* mirrors the above attributes of the Model 18.
Longer barreled ones of course best, for various reasons including, not limited to sight radius , heft and gun balance.
Kids, teenagers, small hands on ladies and gents , and let us not forget the elderly. Learning the correct basic fundamentals of safety and shooting.
1) These folks can transiton to a) Model 10 with Speer Plastic Bullets*, b) really light target loads c) J frame with Speer Plastic Bullets*, d) J frame with light target loads.
2) For the advanced shooter that does CCW or shoot a J frame, the .22 in a J frame again allows them to shoot with less percieved recoil, for less monies, allowing for quality live fire practice that transitions to using the .38spl J frame
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I am more familar with S&W, however Colt offers the same ideas - a .22 revolver that mirrors a .38spl version.
Applying the ideas of shooting a .22 rifle in the same platform as the centerfire one uses.*
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Other good choices, though some do not have centerfire counterparts:
Double Action:
Ruger*
H&R 999 break top*
High Standard Sentinel*
Single Action:
Ruger Bearcat.*
Granted the SA is distracting, and not MY first choice in teaching a new shooter. I am a HUGE believer in a shooter that learns to shoot a DA Revolver , DA only, will be a better shooter no matter what they may choose to transition to later.
The Bearcat fits smaller hands, really well! Larger Hands also fit really well!
This gun is often a kids first gift bought by parents, adults upon the child being born, sentimental and special.
Also used to practice by folks using SAA guns for a variety of reasons - from hunting to CAS - again the .22 used to match the centerfire.
*What I have used, do use and recommend - and have experience with in teaching new shooters, shooters that have not shot in some time, folks that have undergone sickness , injuries, or having to start all over due to physical impairments.
Speer Plastic Training Components :
http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=3&s2=8
Steve