Author Topic: First Handgun????? (Read 2563 times)

czvz · « **on:** April 23, 2010, 05:51:21 PM »

I'm considering getting my first handgun...ever. My application would be for deer hunting. I'm shocked at the price of handguns but I realize that is where the market is at.What are some lower cost make/model and calibers that you would recommend for an NOOB? I kinda like the idea of a .44 mag being that I have a Ruger .44 Mag carbine. Also I reload and have a die for .44 mag. Is this to much bullet for a Noob to learn on? Some have advised getting a .22 first, to learn how to shoot, then get a high power for Deer hunting. What are your thoughts?

Autorim · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2010, 06:36:09 PM »

I recommend a .22 rimfire first. If you are going to learn to hunt with a handgun, I recommend learning to shoot a revolver. Personally, I like the S&W revolvers best. They are in demand now and can be pricey, but they really shoot well.

OLDHandgunner · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2010, 02:06:48 AM »

Start with a GOOD .22 rimfire revolver. S&W or Ruger would be my preference. Single or double action is your choice. I would shoot at bullseye targets of a good rest, until you get sight picture & hold right. Your groups will get better the more you shoot.

Remember practice, practice, practice.

Good luck & Good shooting.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2010, 02:08:20 AM »

A 22 LR handgun to learn on isn't a bad idea but actually, my first handgun was a 44 Magnum; a Ruger Redhawk. With the original grips, it made my hand bleed every time I shot it but some Hogue Monogrips solved that problem.

In fact, there's the gun in the photo with one of its victims.

In a revolver with iron sights, the 44 Magnum isn't a real long range round but, within its range of accuracy, it's a great cartridge and has been used to kill pretty much every type of game animal in North America; I've even heard of it being used on Grizzly though I think that's a bit much to ask of it.

I graduated from my learning handgun awhile back and now favor scoped handguns with better range for hunting like the 460 S&W Magnum.

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2010, 02:16:57 AM »

Grumulkin: did you shoot that poor thing with a 44 magnum? Did you even give it a chance to surrender first? I'd say it was a victim alright. Small target - good shot.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2010, 02:22:25 AM »

Every year there have been groundhogs living under my front porch. They have taken decorative artificial flowers for bedding materials (I saw one with the evidence in it's mouth), have chewed on porch furniture, have chewed through the wire for the decor lighting for my house and in general have made a real nuisance of themselves.

Their hole came out at the side of the porch and under an upstairs window from which I removed the screen. When they woke up this spring, I plugged two of them on successive days. The range wasn't that far; probably 10 feet.

Curtis · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2010, 05:03:47 AM »

Grumulkin that looks like just as much fun as the two squirrels I bagged in the attic (no I didn't use a 44 mag!!).

To the OP:
One other possibility if you didn't want to buy two guns right away is to practice with 44 specials. I would not have suggested this if you didn't reload though. The cost of practice ammo purchased at retail would quickly equal another revolver. Even reloading it will certainly be much more expensive than the practice with 22 rimfire. As was already stated and I concur ...........practice, practice, practice.

My cousin moved to handgun hunting a few years ago and bought a scoped 44 mag stainless Super Blackhawk. Like you, he had very limited experience with hand guns. After some time he gave up and sold the Blackhawk to me claiming that "he needed something more accurate". I tried to steer him in the right direction to practice and develop his technique but he still blamed the gun. I have since set him up with a nice 7-30 Waters Contender pistol with a Leupold scope in the hopes that this "hand rifle" will be easier for him to master without practice. That was a last ditch effort to make his handgun experience successful without practice because I know he won't. I've tried, he just won't. The end result is that he may loose confidence in the Contender and give up on handgun hunting altogether. A shame really, because he could be having fun burning ammo while building the confidence that he needs to have in his hunting rig. BTW, the Blackhawk shoots just fine for me. Oh well, all that is to give an example of the wrong way to go about it, but I thought it might help. (I do ramble some).

I am a Thompson Contender nut so I must warn you the following opinion is biased.

For around $500 you should be able to set yourself up with a used old style Contender pistol in 22rf (slightly less if you stay with open sights). Then later down the road you can add your hunting barrel for about $150 on the used market. Of course if you go scoped, it will cost you a scope for each barrel you add (and adding barrels in different calibers can turn into an addiction).

Good Luck!!
Curtis

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:12:53 AM »

I started out with a .22LR first and stayed with it for several years before moving to anything larger for hunting. I hunted squirrels and other small game for several years before stepping up. I also used it for target shooting competition and won some trophies with it.

The next step up was to a .357 Magnum which I used a few years before getting a .44 magnum. I again learned to use that .357 Magnum as I had the .22LR before moving up and used it also as a hunting took and in competition both formal and informal.

I don't recall how many years had gone by prior to my first .44 magnum but at least ten I'm sure. When I got that first S&W M29 it was in the days after the Dirty Harry craze when you were fortunate to find one at all and could expect to pay a premium not get a discount.

My personal recommendation to all prospective handgun hunters is to travel a road similar to what I did. Take the time you need but become proficient at each step along the way before moving up.

Yeah I know not many seem to have any willingness to wait on anything these days but if something is worth doing it's worth doing right and to me starting with a rimfire is the right way.

kynardsj · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:46:11 AM »

A 44 mag is a bunch of pistol to learn with. I too recommend getting a 22 first and learn to shoot it well, then move on to bigger ones.

mattmillerrx · « **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2010, 11:39:37 AM »

My first revolver was a .357 686. I thought the recoil was severe. I next got a 22 revolver and learned to shoot. The .357 then became a little easier to shoot and I now shoot .44 mag without a problem. Since you reload, and if you can truly only get one gun, you could start with 44 specials or equivalent 44 mag loads and gradually work your way up to full house 44 mag loads or you may find that a medium to near max load is all you need for your hunting needs. Another good Idea would be to get one of the large 44 mags, the weight would help with recoil (Ruger super redhawk, tuarus Raging Bull come to mind).

shot1 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2010, 01:01:14 PM »

Get you a Ruger single action 22 and learn to shoot it on targets. Then get into the woods and try shooting squirrels. This will build your aim and confidence. Then you can move up to a bigger caliber pistol like the Black Hawk Ruger in 44 mag and start shooting it with 44 Special velocity hand loads and work your way up to a velocity that you can handle well. A Keith type SWC 240 gr bullet at around 1000 fps will take any deer out to 50 to 75 yards if you can put it where it is supposed to go. If you hunt deer out of a stand where you can get a good rest I would suggest a T/C Contender with a 14" barrel in 7-30 waters or 30-30 Win with a good scope in say 2.5 - 8 X 28 like the Weaver pistol scopes. I have three of them and they are great. With a set up like this and a little practice you can take deer out to 200 yards or so.

Broom Rider · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2010, 01:43:26 PM »

My first handgun was a blue Redhawk in 44. I shot factory ammo in it until I figured out how to reload properly. It was a bit of a handfull for my first gun but I did okay with it. I got a S&W model 17 in 22 next and then a bunch more 44 mag revolvers, mostly all S&W but I still have the Redhawk.
The Redhawk is a great revolver and you won't wear it out.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2010, 06:09:13 PM »

To truly master the handgun requires a lot of serious shooting, not a few dozen rounds. Given today's ammunition and component cost, I would highly recommend starting with a .22. A T/C Contender, a Ruger target semi-auto (I prefer the Mk. II which has been replaced by the Mk. III), or a Ruger Single-Six will all work nicely. The S&W Mdl. 17 is also excellent, but more expensive.
The least expensive multi-caliber possibility would be a Contender. If you want a repeater, I'd choose a revolver, and personally would select a Single Six .22 convertible, then a Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk later, although the Redhawks are also excellent, as are the S&W 629's.

If you're "shocked" at the price of handguns, you'll be stunned at the amount you can spend on centerfire ammo to learn how to shoot well. The price of that .22 will be well worth it.

Autorim · « **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2010, 06:21:10 PM »

Shooting is not an inexpensive sport and the cost of ammo can be substantial if you shoot a lot - even if you reload. That is the main reason to start with the .22.

A good .22 revolver is accurate and much easier to learn to shoot well. All .22's are fun to shoot.

Ken

Mikey · « **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2010, 03:11:30 AM »

To czvz: What Graybeard said, times two.

To Grumulkin: HAHAHAHAHA. I love that picture. Nice shot, times two.

To Broom Rider: Hey Lynnie - long time no hear from ya. Nice to see your smilin' face again. Hope all is well.

jhalcott · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2010, 05:47:27 PM »

An even cheaper way to get into handguns is to buy a Crossman Pump air pistol http://www.pyramydair.com/p/crosman-1377-pump-pistol.shtml
pellets can be shot in the basement or garage. then if you enjoy that shooting, then get the .22rf. find a local range and see if any one will let you try their gun/s.

Autorim · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2010, 01:08:30 PM »

CZVZ, By the way, if you shoot a .44 mag revolver with the left hand wrapped around the cylinder like Grumulkin in his out of the window photo, you will be truly sorry. I use a loose piece of leather draped over my sandbags when I shoot off the bags and it is severely gas cut.

luckydawg13 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 27, 2010, 05:27:58 AM »

if you can get a 22LR and 44mag that would the best thing if you cant get the 44 and shoot special and work your way up.a contender is a good thing you can pick barrels up cheep well say 125. 180. used good luck

Daman · « **Reply #18 on:** April 27, 2010, 08:34:01 AM »

I started with a High Standard 22 auto and then went to a S&W 357 mag with and 8 or 10 inch barrel. Back to a 4" S&W 38 special, then to a Ruger Single Six 22 6.5". I know have a Rossi 357 mag 4" and a Colt Diamondback 38 spl. I still have all of those except the long barreled S&W and I am trying to buy it back for deer hunting. All the rambling aside, I shoot the Single Six more than any. I had a Browning Buckmark auto 22 also, but started to get the spray and pray mentallity and it had to go down the road.

So here is my advice for good habit development:

Buy a used Ruger Single Six with adjustable sights and both 22 long rifle and 22 mag cylinders. Get good enough you can kill squirrels with it.

Then buy a 6" 357 mag or 44 mag (your preference) and shoot either 38's or 44 specials through it til you get good and then go full house hunting rounds.

I almost ruined my wife with a 357 that she couldn't handle. She developed a flinch and it took 1000's of 22 rounds for her to get out of it.

Daman

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #19 on:** April 27, 2010, 08:52:07 AM »

Quote from: kynardsj on April 24, 2010, 10:46:11 AM

A 44 mag is a bunch of pistol to learn with. I too recommend getting a 22 first and learn to shoot it well, then move on to bigger ones.

+1
When I bought my 44Mag for hunting I was a good shot and had been hunting, and target shooting with a 22 for a long time. But I had problems with the 44 and would have to change from 22 to 44 from time to time to get my basics back in check before shooting the 44.
A 357 mag, 41 mag, and 44 would all be great for deer hunting.
But to get good with a handgun it takes trigger time and if you have the $ to buy or reload hundreds of center fire ammo then great, if not the 22 is the best way to get good with a handgun.

rybo · « **Reply #20 on:** April 27, 2010, 04:34:35 PM »

Save your money on the 22 revolver.
You reload...just load the 44 down for practice.
I like the ruger super blackhawk hunter model for a great hunting revolver.

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #21 on:** April 27, 2010, 08:28:36 PM »

I have a copy of the old book Burning Powder. It came out back in the 30's. They advised the handgunner to buy a .22 that matched up with their centerfire handgun. It was good advice back in the 30's and it still is. The Single Six along with a Blackhawk would be a good combination. So would a S&W .22 double action revolver with an N frame.

panman · « **Reply #22 on:** April 28, 2010, 04:55:23 AM »

I go with ribo.If money is tight than get a ruger BH 4"-51/2" barrel.You already have a set up for that cal.Load it on the weak side of 44 spl,using a good loading manual.As been stated shoot a LOT.
Most wont agree on my choise of barrel lenght but i had a few 6-8"& the longer they are the more they get in the way when carrying,and heavy to.Ya dont need full power loads to kill a deer eather.Hit them in the boiller room and start dragin.When praticin,shoot at 25yds or so.After you get good start shooting at 100yds,and keep at it till you get to put it in a 6" pie plate ALL the time.youll be ready when the time comes.OH,dont forget the ear plugs!!,i have seen more people start flinching because of the load blast from handguns,when ya start flinchin it takes a LOT of time and pratice to get back on track. pan.

luckydawg13 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 28, 2010, 05:38:12 AM »

A SCOPED CONTENDER IS HARD TO BEAT OR IN ONCORE IN 14" 44 MAG

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #24 on:** April 28, 2010, 06:25:02 AM »

Quote from: luckydawg13 on April 28, 2010, 05:38:12 AM

A SCOPED CONTENDER IS HARD TO BEAT OR IN ONCORE IN 14" 44 MAG

Have one - recoil is a killer. ven my light revolver loads really kick out of the T/C 14"
Also with the heavy longer barrel .... Learn with a 22 and move up.
If not and you want to go with the heavy hunting handgun. and nothing wrong with that.
Hire some one to show you how to shoot a handgun. I know all guys since they were handed their first cap gun know how to shoot a handgun.
When was on the pistol team at military school the rifle team would challange the pistol team in a shoot off.
We would shoot 10 rounds with the rifles and they would shoot 10 rounds with the handguns each.
We would score 85-90% of what they did with the rifles and they were never close with the handguns. Maybe 30 % of our scores.
and trying to learn on a firebreathing hunting handgun like a 357, 41, or 44 is going to be brutal.
t least with the 357 you can shoot cheap and low recoil 38's to learn.
you can shoot low recoil 44 Specials but they are not cheap. I think some are even more than mags. reloading is an option as others have pointed out. My play round is a 180 grain bullet at 1000 fps. Pushed by blue dot powder.
And there is not any factory special for the 41.

luckydawg13 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 28, 2010, 08:44:36 AM »

what i mean to say your practice gun & your hunting gun would can be set up the same grips scope & weight same and for a hunting handgun or just puttin holes in paper t/c is hard to beet i have 10"44mag i think my SW 686 has mor of a snap 44 has a push

Autorim · « **Reply #26 on:** April 28, 2010, 04:15:30 PM »

EVERYBODY needs at least one good .22 revolver. You simply can't go wrong. I have more than a few and love them all. Unless you have a progressive loader, it takes a while to clean, prep and load 500 rounds of .44. Lots easier to buy and shoot 500 .22's. I also have 38's, 357's, .41's, .44 special. .44 mag, .45AR, .45acp and .45 Colt. I still recommend a good .22 revolver. You will still need to buy a hunting handgun, but you will have learned to shoot a handgun with LOTS of practice and will have lost nothing except a bit of time well spent.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #27 on:** April 29, 2010, 03:14:11 AM »

what he said

Quote from: Autorim on April 28, 2010, 04:15:30 PM

EVERYBODY needs at least one good .22 revolver. You simply can't go wrong. I have more than a few and love them all. Unless you have a progressive loader, it takes a while to clean, prep and load 500 rounds of .44. Lots easier to buy and shoot 500 .22's. I also have 38's, 357's, .41's, .44 special. .44 mag, .45AR, .45acp and .45 Colt. I still recommend a good .22 revolver. You will still need to buy a hunting handgun, but you will have learned to shoot a handgun with LOTS of practice and will have lost nothing except a bit of time well spent.

tguil · « **Reply #28 on:** April 30, 2010, 12:34:46 PM »

I hunt with a .44 mag Ruger Redhawk with Pachmayr Gripper grips. I also hunt with .357 mag Ruger GP100. The Redhawk with these grips has no more "bite" than the GP100. My .22 is a Ruger Mark II semi-auto with a 5 1/2 inch bull barrel. I have no problems at all switching from this very nice semi-auto to my centerfire revolvers. However when the 3 inch S&W Model 63's finally hit the market I may pick one one, but then they are going to be darn pricey. May not be worth it.

mk454 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 01, 2010, 08:41:33 AM »

i started all my kiddos off with .22lr handguns, they get one when they're 10. but...........if i were 13 or over i just buy them a 454 or a 44 mag and reload some rounds with trailboss powder, very easy shootin' and no substantial recoil. you can do more with one of them than you could with a .22, if money is a consideration and it's just to shoot, no hunting or backup for a bow etc then a .22 is the best choice. imho, there's nothing a .357 can do that a 454 or 44 can't do with easy trailboss loads but there's alot those two can do that the .357 can't. figure which one you want to end up with and get a lee loading kit and start with the trailboss loads.