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2/14/2005 3:07:18 AM EDT
I'm new to firearms; don't own and guns...YET.  My question is, for a first time gun owner, would it be better off to start with a rifle; an AR15, or some semiauto handgun?  Thanks for your input.  
2/14/2005 3:34:29 AM EDT
[#1]
I think everyone should start off with a .22 rifle. The ammo is dirt cheap and it allows you plenty of cheap practice to develop proper form. It will also keep you from developing a flinch when pulling the trigger from anticipated recoil. Look into a Ruger 10/22 for a first rifle. I started with an old tube fed Sears .22 when I was a kid, and it helped me develop the skills to move up from there. A 10/22 will also give you a lot of upgrade options later on. My .02.

Where are you at in TX?
2/14/2005 3:39:17 AM EDT
[#2]
I think the 10/22 is good advice. Might try going to local range & renting a few different examples also. -Justin
2/14/2005 3:43:21 AM EDT
[#3]
Good advice!  My first firearm that I bought for myself was a Ruger 10/22, shortly after I bought a Colt AR15.  This was back in '91-'92 and I still have both rifles.  Someday my son will get them.
2/14/2005 4:19:23 AM EDT
[#4]
I agree that a .22 is a good first gun for a kid, but I don't think it is necessary for an adult to start with it.  It is too much like shooting a BB gun and I think you will get board with it real quick.  I think the type of gun you get also depends on what you want to use it for (hunting, defense, rec shooting).  Warning:  once you get your first one it's hard to stop
2/14/2005 7:16:56 AM EDT
[#5]
I'd try to find a local range that rents guns to customers.
You might find something you really like, or you might find that this shootin' thing just ain't for you. I'd hate to see you spend a lot of $$$ on something you find out later that you don't like.
Think of it as a test drive to see if you like it.
2/14/2005 7:24:57 AM EDT
[#6]
I bought a 10/22 first, then a M1911.

What I should have bought first was my third gun - a Ruger 22/45.

Just food for thought...
2/14/2005 7:41:56 AM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
I think the type of gun you get also depends on what you want to use it for (hunting, defense, rec shooting).  Warning:  once you get your first one it's hard to stop



+1, depends on what you are using it for;
10/22 great rifle, but not for home defense.
1911 great pistol, not for everyone.
I have a couple of bolth, and they have there place.
I think, for hunting, .270, .308, or 30-06.
Home defense, Remington 870, or a hand gun like a 1911, or an AR.
Rec. shooting, An AR or a 10/22, would be good, however, with the AR, you have more choices.
2/14/2005 7:47:38 AM EDT
[#8]
I think you should get a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum and practice first by shooting .38 Specials out of it...gett the Model 686 in 4".

After you've learned how to shoot it, and how it works, it'll also serve you a defensive weapon/CCW.

HH
2/14/2005 1:19:00 PM EDT
[#9]
Well, I probably should have mentioned that I have SOME experience with them; just dont own any yet (College Student).  I've fired a Glock 17/Glock 19/Beretta 92FS Inox and have spent a fair amount of time fondling a Colt 20" AR15.  I love the G19, plain and simple and I do fairly well with it.  But before spending several hundred dollars, I was wondering if it would be better to start off with an AR15 or a handgun.  

I live in Aggieland.  About 100 miles NNW of Houston.  Champion Firearms is where I've rented the handguns.  
2/14/2005 1:26:57 PM EDT
[#10]
 If youve shot guns before and know how to use them I dont think you have to get a good starter gun like a .22 ( but they are alot of fun and you can get ammo so cheap, I got a used one for $130).  You can go wrong with an AR youll love shooting it. All the handguns that were suggested are good too. I would say just get what you like.
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