22lr? 38 spl? 44 spl?

[lubbockdave]

what make/model/configuration/caliber would you suggest for a new hand gun shooter to get for target practice, hunting small critters like rabbit and squirrel, and to easily carry into the woods with out much bulk or weight and also to have some snake shot, in case that occasion arises?

[Lloyd Smale]

model 10 or 15 smith .38 is one of my favortite woods guns. I wouldnt bother with the fine shot though just learn to shoot a bullet accurately. If not id carry a tc in .410/45

[shooter444002]

I like the mod. 10 too and you can get them cheap. But I would get a 22 because of the cheap ammo and low recoil and muzzle blast. Would either get a Ruger Super Single Six or a MKII,  I also like the Berreta Neos. Nothing wrong with the browning either. You will have more fun starting out with a 22.

[TScottO]

I like the smith and wesson 686 with a 4" barrel. You can shoot 357 or 38 special out of it. The little 32 magnum would be a good choice for your intentions as well.

For a new handgunner it would be hard to beat a 22 for an all around gun. Fun, accurate and cheap to shoot.

Be Safe,
Scott

[The deerslayer]

I would go with the 22lr.

[oso45-70]

For the first time i agree with Fred 100 %.........Joe................

[tubbythetuba]

A Single Six. Not a finer .22 is made for what you say you need. When you are ready to go hunting, get a Blackhawk in .357 or .41 with the same bbl length and you will carry over all those skills to a like weapon.

[JimIowa]

Don`t Do It!! It`s an addcition that could get out of Hand!! :lol:

Actually You have recieved good advice!!
I bought a Ruger 22/45 5 1/2" barrel and could not be more pleased.

The reason I said it could get out of hand is I have had it a week and have fired 1200 rounds already.

[44 Man]

It really doesn't matter!  After you buy any one of these calibers, you are going to want the others also and will eventually buy them too!  Always start with a .22, it's the most useful gun you will ever own.  It's cheap to feed and easy to learn to shoot well with.  The .38 will come in a close second for the same reasons.  Everyone should own one of each!  I like the .44 spl for a woods gun, but you really should start with the other two.  I have a lightweight .38 snub at hand more than anything else.  I can hit well with it out to 40 or 50 yards and can stay on a man's chest at 100.  When I'm woods walking or bumming around, the .44 gets the nod.  But for just plain fun, hunting small game, or target shooting; it's the .22, usually a Bearcat, Single Six, Charter, Smith or H&R 999.  You can pick up a .22 in the same frame size as your choice of guns in .38.  That is a bonus as both will feel the same.  Good shooting!   44 Man

[lubbockdave]

44 man,

what size barrel is on that 38 that you are that accurate with? That is amazing to me...do you shoot factory ammo, or reload?

Thank you for the input!

Dave

[Zcarp2]

I shoot a 2-3/4" Ruger Security Six with downloaded 357 rounds, two handed weaver stance - no specific load, just whatever I throw together - Shot up a lot of GreenDot - at moderate velocities (plinking loads) and lead bullets - sight in the gun first thing and get warmed up.  The aluminum cans are dead between 10 to 50 yards.  50 to 75 yards they are sweating bullets.  And past 75 yards they get an occasional hit.  Good practice and great reactive targets.  The .22's don't throw dirt and make the cans jump like the larger calibers with SWCs.  Since I haven't put anything on paper lately - I'd like to think that a 12" circle at a 100yards is not a challenge since I can get close to a 6" can at 75.

Just get a gun that shoots consistently and practice.  If you aren't having fun practicing, it must be work.  By the way, I find punching holes in paper boring <pun intended>.

[44 Man]

It's 40 yds to the target board in the back yard.  I must admit I have never measured the groups from my 2" lightweight Chief's Special.  I have shot to verify the sights at 15 yards and that was a 1 1/2" 3 shot group right on top of the sights.  At 30 yards I shoot at 6" steel plates and it will stay on them consistently.  We have a 12" gong at 100 yards and I can aim at the top of that and ring it 5 out of 5, don't know the group size (it would probably be embarrassing) but it sure is fun.  A 2" barrel is as accurate at a 10" but is harder for some to hold the sights.  I find with old eyes when the sights are closer together, they are easier for me to use.  This old Smith has the narrow notch and narrow front blade and while that is not the best for defense, I like it for accurate shooting.  My most fun .38 is also a "J" frame Smith but a steel frame with a 3" bbl.  Stay safe.  44 Man

[Bim]

Lots of sense here. You can't beat a .22. I love the Ruger SA's. I have a .22, .357 and next is the .45 long colt.

[Mikey]

lubbockdave:  start with a 22, you can't go wrong with one of those.  You can get a single action revolver like the Ruger Single Six, a da/sa Smith and Wesson-whatever model number), or you can avail yourself of the plethora of semi-autos, including some of the better quality pocket pistols.

For a starter, or fer smaller critters, a 22lr will serve you well, can be shot very inexpensivley and will do more for you than you can imagine.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Blackhawk44]

I'd make it two.  A SingleSix convertible and a Blackhawk 45 convertible.  22 for plinking and targets on the cheap.  Mag cylinder for a little bigger.  The extra .45 cylinder is very accurate and let's you use cheap foreign ammo for centerfire plinking, target loads that kick like 38 wadcutters and still have the Colt cylinder for bigger chores.  With those two and a loading press, you can go from plinkers to arm twisters and never need a 38, 357, 41 or 44 mag.