Choosing a handgun

[Bezoar]

How do you choose a handgun if:
-you have never shot one before
-have only handled a raven 22 and an old snub nose 38s&w
-have no real access to a gun store that has a selection of handguns that goes beyond a few .22 Neo's
-have no way to test fire it before purchase

I ask because i have a wierd handsize( measure out to a medium going by Uncle Mikes shooting glove size, but that size glove from them makes my hands go numb in mere minutes.

 

[ugaarguy]

Bezoar THR Moderator Emeritus PAX has just the thing for you on her website - http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC/TOC.htm#FirstGun - take a look at the the first article "Trying On a Handgun" and that should give you a good start.

 

[MrDig]

You may get a ton of advice on this, first are you going to Carry it, Plink with it or hunt with it?

 

[BADUNAME13]

Buy a Ruger Mk 2
Ruger 22/45
Or Browning Buckmark.

How to choose... whichever you decide on, any will do you good.
(Price, pretty, avalability... whichever fits.)

shoot 5,000 rounds learning to shoot it and then reacess.

 

[Majic]

Ask around about local ranges. When you go just observe for a bit. Then strike up conversations with shooters as they take breaks from shooting. A lot of shooters will let you shoot their guns. Very good advice that was stated above is to buy a Ruger or Browning .22lr. You can't go wrong with either one and a good .22lr is the perfect learning platform.

 

[Bullet Bob]

You know, if you would list the general area that you're from, like "central NC", perhaps a helpful forum member would take you out to try some guns to see what you like.

 

[Outlaw Man]

Just get whatever everyone on TV is using.


Some good suggestions above. Also, you might be able to find a range that rents guns. This would be more expensive than finding someone that will let you borrow one, though. You might even find one of the workers that would be willing to show you some of the features of the guns before you decided which ones to try if they're not busy. Don't expect much help at a busy range, though.

 

[lee n. field]

How do you choose a handgun if:
-you have never shot one before
-have only handled a raven 22 and an old snub nose 38s&w
-have no real access to a gun store that has a selection of handguns that goes beyond a few .22 Neo's
-have no way to test fire it before purchase

I think you've started in the right place.

What it's intended purpose? The advice will be different if it's for fun or serious purposes.

What is your budget (how much you can spend is an important consideration)?

How are you going to get this gun -- if the gunshops don't carry it are you going to need to order it sight unseen?

I ask because i have a wierd handsize( measure out to a medium going by Uncle Mikes shooting glove size, but that size glove from them makes my hands go numb in mere minutes.

Big hands but short fingers? More of a paw than a hand ?

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

Three thoughts to ponder . . .

1. It's ok to make a few mistakes buying handguns!

Heck, lots of folks buy and sell 'em all the time, after discovering that the new "Wonder 9 Jamomatic" isn't exactly as great as they dreamed after reading about it in one of the gun rag magazines.

2. That being said, if you want to avoid mistakes, go by a range that rents firearms to shoot and give 'em all a whirl.

Finally, and probably NOT the answer you want to hear . . .

3. ONLY consider purchasing a .22 handgun first!!! They are MUCH better to learn the basics on . . .

--ammo is cheap
--you'll learn how to shoot without starting to flinch
--you won't have to wear that damn glove (let Prince or Michael wear them . . . we aren't talking hand cannons here)
--by the time you master the .22, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you want in your first combat or hunting caliber handgun!

Food for thought,


PS: Once you learn the grip, you STILL won't have to wear that damn glove when shooting a full-power .44 magnum.

 

[10-Ring]

Do you have friends or family w/ firearms that you could test fire & maybe learn a little about what you're shooting so you can decide what would work best for you?

 

[Bezoar]

Well I live in west michigan and have no actual idea of any gun ranges in my area. Its pretty rural in my county and for the most part, just shoot a can in the back yard.

My hands are funny in my opinion. Fingers same length as palms, but mostly all thumbs. Only reference i have is that my mitts are too big for a raven semi auto in 22lr with 10 round magazine. and an old sw 38 sw 3 inch barreled revovler from pre 1898 is on the small side but comfy to hold.

 

[armoredman]

Look on the NRA website, they have a gunshop finder on thier for your zipcode. Don't fret, guns made nowadays to fit ALL mitts. Also many aftermarket grips to assist.

 

[tinygnat219]

Answer 3 questions for yourself, as choosing a handgun is very subjective:

Form: Revolver, or Automatic? Caliber choices:

Fit: Does it feel "good" in your hands? You will "know" how it feels.

Function: Does it have too much recoil? how accurate are you with it? What is it's role going to be, home defense, truck, or Conceal and Carry gun?

One thing that should be there above everything else: Reliability.