Best training handgun?

[improperlyaged]

I am taking a few friends shooting that have never been before and was wondering what you guys thought would be a good universal training 9mm pistol. Something that can be used by multiple people. I was thinking Ruger SR9

 

[bannockburn]

I would say just about any full or mid-size 9mm. from a well established manufacturer (Glock, SIG, HK, Beretta, Springfield Armory, and Ruger to name but a few), should serve your purpose very well. I used to start beginning shooters out with a Ruger Mk.II .22 and then move them up to a Star Model B in 9mm.

 

[ku4hx]

Depends on how "gun shy" the person is. If that's totally unknown and this is their very first pistol shoot, I start with a .22.

The question I get, without fail from a totally new shooter is, "Does it kick?". If that's a concern, start with a very low "kicking" gun and work up as they want to. I've had some say a .22 was enough and some want to go up in power.

Based on our SR9, I think that's a one of many good choices.

 

[bikerdoc]

I usually progress 22 to 38 to 9 with newbies. Oddly some females want to go to 45 and love it.

 

[I6turbo]

From what I've observed over the years, the 9mm that seems to get the most consistent "I love it" and "it fits me like a glove" ratings from a majority of people is the CZ 75 platform. That said, I agree that a 22LR (Buck Mark or Ruger) would be a good (better) place to start for most people.

 

[moxie]

It is hard to beat the ergos of the CZ.

But for new shooters, a .22 auto pistol is tops. Learn sights, trigger pull, etc., first and move up to something with recoil.

 

[Sunray]

There's no such thing as a universal training 9mm pistol. No such thing as a universal anything when it comes to firearms.
The CZ-75 platform doesn't fit short, non-mutated, hands. Nor does any DA pistol. A BHP or 1911 style does though.
I'd re-think the short barreled Ruger too. The 9mm has more muzzle blast than other cartridges. That is worse in a short barrel. It can scare off a new shooter. A standard .45 Government with target ammo is far better than any 9mm.

 

[dvnv]

If shooting accurately is a primary goal, IMO, a revolver is better than an auto for training.

Just about every newbie is going to flinch after a few shots (even with a .22)...an issue more easily addressed with a revolver. A 357 with a 4-6" barrel is a pretty good teaching tool. Light 38 for beginners, and then 357 as they get better.

Once they can shoot that consistently well, then the autos.

FWIW, dvnv

 

[improperlyaged]

I used to start beginning shooters out with a Ruger Mk.II .22

I did as well. But with the way .22 is these days I just skip it and jump straight to 9mm and maybe a .38 special if I can swing one. I don't actually have one anymore.

 

[LeonCarr]

Buy a Glock 17 9mm

Buy the best .22 Conversion Kit you can find for said Glock 17 9mm (Advantage Arms, etc)

Now you have a training handgun and a real world handgun that you can train with inexpensively and train someone who has never shot a handgun to shoot in about 5 minutes.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Buy a Glock 17 9mm

Buy the best .22 Conversion Kit you can find for said Glock 17 9mm (Advantage Arms, etc)

Now you have a training handgun and a real world handgun that you can train with inexpensively.

Makes sense to me.

 

[g.willikers]

If they have no previous experience or knowledge of firearms, you might consider their first encounter could be with a blowback airsoft pistol.
They shoot very much like a .22 rimfire and you can help get them up to speed, safely and effectively so much better.
They won't even have to go to a range, your garage or back yard will do.
Very important with new shooters so as not to have to watch them every second as you would at an actual shooting range.
Just a thought.

 

[Smith357]

Take a good selection of firearms include revolvers and semis, school them on the differences. Start small and work your way up. If you are going to an outdoor range take a .22 rifle and plink at some tin cans, just punching paper get boring for first timers they like reactive targets.

I generally take a .22lr, .38 /.357 and .45 caliber revolvers and a .22lr, 9mm and 45cp semi-automatics. Leave the .44 mags 454 Casull and .500 mags for last

 

[Phaedrus/69]

At the moment a rimfire conversion kit wouldn't make training any cheaper, at least in my area. Currently .22lr ammo is more expensive than 9mm when it can be found at all!

I don't think you could do better than an HK VP9. Without exception everyone that has tried mine was able to shoot it well, even the most inexperienced shooters. The grip has three removable panels with three options for size for a total of 27 different combinations. It can be set up to fit almost anyone like it was made for them.

 

[rskent]

a Glock 19

 

[mgmorden]

A .22LR pistol is a much better training gun.

If you insist on 9mm, then the SR9 isn't a bad choice. Something with a longer heavier pull may instill better trigger discipline, though it being harder to shoot may discourage them from further practice. Half of one, six dozen of another there.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Tough call....

I'd suggest either a Glock gen 04 22 .40 or the 17 9x19mm.
If general training, marksmanship or orientation were the course requirements, I'd buy a Glock 17 gen 04. It's safe, easy to field strip, clean, wears great and offers great marksmanship.

The S-A XDm, Walther PPQ m2, M&P full size(without mag safety), the Beretta PX4 Storm, the SIG P320 series, HK P30 could do very well too.

RS

 

[Coyote3855]

I agree with a .22 for starting new shooters, but the OP implies he can't find ammo or doesn't want to shoot what he has. I had good luck in a recent NRA Basic Pistol class giving a new shooter .38 wadcutters. She was missing the 2'x3' target backing with the HV FMJ she bought for the class. By the second day, she was keeping most shots in a 9" paper plate. You know you've done good when the shooter turns to the instructor and says "Wow, this is fun!"

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

a Ruger mark 2 would be my pick

 

[340PD]

I give my first time shooters my Ruger MK III 4.5" Hunter with full VQ insides. I tell them it will only shoot bullseyes. Most of the time they wind up doing so.

 

[tactikel]

I always start a first timer with a .22 revolver. Then a .22 semi auto. Once basics are mastered (safety, comfort, accuracy) we progress to center fire for "fun"- no expectations, just shooting. Have trained 5 family members who are as good or better shots than me .

 

[BlindJustice]

Since I'm between .22s but taking neophytes to the range I'd want
them to take some basic training in firearms handling. or Basic Handgun
course I would rent at the indoor range I frequent. Newbies can try
a variety of Semi-Autos or Revolvers

Centerfire?

Out of my collection

9x19 - CZ 75B DA/SA
Federal American Eagle 147 gr. @ 1000 FPS are mild not as snappy a
as 115/124s

.38 Special S&W Model 60 .357 Mag 3" Bbl. W&E Adj Rear sight
WWB 130 gr. FMJ


I think the Colt branded made y Walther '1911-22 Colt Gold Cup Trophy'
would be an excellent training platform for someone connsidering a 1911
variant.

Randall
.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

A S&W 686/586 4" could make any .38 feel like a .22 and they're great training guns too.

Laura

 

[jamesinalaska]

+1 to starting others with a .22

I use a .22 revolver to teach others to shoot. I also start out-of doors, getting individuals familiar first with the sound and feel of the revolver by instructing them to simply shooting into the dirt or a cardboard box via natural point shooting. Shooting at distant targets for accuracy comes later.

When I teach the rifle I use scoped, .22 single shots. They are safer, and they get new shooters right into the fun part of the shooting sports . . . sight picture and breathing will come later when the new shooter wants to become better.