New To This

There are classes given to the Boy Scouts locally here, in hand gun firearm safety, and familiarization. They use Airsoft pistols to go over proper handling, aiming, and trigger control. The Airsofts are weighted so that they have the same feel of a regular firearm, which also aids in simulating the real thing. Then, when they finally hit the range, the kids have firearm safety, and proper targeting and trigger control drilled into them.



At the range they use full size .22 pistols. This gets them used to firing live rounds without the recoil of larger caliber guns.



So, you might get an Airsoft pistol at Walmart. Helps with snapping in, and targeting without killing anybody. I have an Airsoft that I keep on the table next to my living room chair. I have a target set up across the room from my easy chair that I shoot at all the time. Helps me keep sharp. However, the wife and cats hate it )



Also, check around. There may training classes for young people given by local organizations that are firearm friendly.

 

My suggestion for a first centerfire handgun would definetly be a revolver. Your mechanics may already be good from your pellet gun experience but the difference switching to cartridge handguns with recoil will be somewhat different. I just recently purchased a used Dan Wesson model 15 for $270. It's a .357 magnum revolver which gives you the option of shooting .38 special loads which will be much easier on you and your wallet. The barrels are interchangeable(mine came with 2.5 and 6 in. barrels) and can generally be found on ebay or other gun part outlets for $100 or less. You'll do better price wise if you can find one in a shop with a couple different barrels as I did. The factory grips tend to be a bit clunky which is why so many used ones come with aftermarket grips. They run about $20. I've even seen people reshape the factory wood grips.

The finish on the guns is very durable, the gun is very well made and has an excellent reputation for accuracy and with the longer barrels (10 and 12in.) is used by many silouette shooters in competition. If you could only have one gun to do everything there's really no other choice, I'll use the 6in. for range and pin shoots and the 2.5 for conceal carry. There are prettier guns out there but the quality is as good as anything and the versatility is unequaled.

 

as a handgun I would go like agonist said he is dead on.. A .357 that fires .38 also is great for newbies.. As a rifle goes I would mabey go for a .22cal that are a step up from a pellet gun but are alot of fun! They are very cheap and the cost for ammo is also cheap!! Good luck keep us posted

 

I love the S&W 686 .357, it's my first and only revolver but fun to shoot and absolutely accurate. I have the 6'' barrel.

 

Dan Wesson m15, Ruger GP100, or just about any S&W. All are reputable, well built and accurate. I like the Dan Wesson for versatility but in any model I would opt for adjustable sights since it seems you are more interested in range use.

 

i'd say Semi-Auto for a first Pistol simple fact is Revolvers don't have safety features like semi's most have a hammer block or a striker block, even so it's easier to injure yourself with a revolver then a semi. not to mention most of there sights SUCK, Granted i'll Give Ruger there due for the redhawk and blackhawk.

 

Actually most (almost all) newer revolvers made within the last ten years have a transfer bar firing mechanism so it's safe to carry on a loaded cylinder plus that's a non issue at the range.

I couldn't disagree more on the sights. The vast majority of semi-auto's sights are adjustable for windage only if at all. There is an advantage in a combat situation with the three dot system found on most autos, but an adjustable blade style sight for windage and elevation as found on many revolvers is far superior for target shooting. Even those semi-autos set up for target shooting use a similar style sight as is found on the Dan Wesson or Ruger Blackhawk/Redhawk.

 

transfer bar was what i was meaning Agonist i just couldn't remember the wording. Granted everyone has an opinion about first weapons....honestly if the person is an idiot they can holster the weapon and blow there ass off but i'd say it's easier done with a revolver and not all revolvers have a transfer bar as you said within the last 10 years was when they started putting them on, i ought to know a tad about it i had a redhawk that had one and a blackhawk that was a 3 screw not 5 screw the blackhawk didn't have one while it was fun to shoot it was dangerous as hell too. which is why i traded it for the weapon denoted in my id.

 

Nothing beats a .22lr for value shooting. There are many options for handgun styles from target pistols to western and concealed carry mini revolvers and pistols. It's not a truly effective defense round but is often used in pocket pistols as a last resort emergency round. Also a good choice for someone with very little shooting experience because the lack of recoil will allow you to develop good grip and trigger skills without fighting the firearm. The vast majority of firearm owners' first experience is with the .22lr.

 

actually shadow, no you cannot purchase one at 18. 21 is the legal age to purchase pistols.



.22's are good starter weapons.



if it was me i would get the XD or glock. i own several and they are great guns

 

Lookin' ta start a little on the lite side......still , if you are a guard. Bad guys wanna hurt you if you get in the way. Try Rugers' SP 101 32 Mag 2.25"bbl . 'nuff ta get the job done.

 

Shadow.... you might check the .22lr pistols reviewed here on Gun Directory.... Just go to the "Pistols" section, and click on .22lr... There are many fine firearms listed there. Complete with pictures, prices (MSRP), and specs... and many have reviews from people who actually own them.

 

no shadow, actualy it is 21. you can POSSESS a handgun at 18 but you cannot PURCHASE one until 21