Posted: 5/30/2006 8:32:52 AM EDT
| I am new to shooting, and in fact have only been to the range a couple of times, but am considering getting my conceled handgun license eventually. I dont currently own a gun, but need to get one so I dont have to continue to use my buddies. What would be a good handgun to start with just to "hone" my skills a little before going with something a bit bigger. MAybe some sort of 22??? If so which one is the most proven??? |
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The things nice about a 22LR is that its cheap to shoot and you can shoot it all day w/o breaking the bank. THEre are MANY 22s out there for you too choose. It will depend on the $$$ and if you want a revolver or autoloader or long gun. If you get an autoloader, there maybe a conversion kit in 22lr for it: 1911 style frames CZ75/85 (kadet kit/pistol) Glocks Browning HP EAA 45/22lr combo kit also, dont overlook USED firearms. If youre unfamiliar with what to look for in USED take someone that knows or find a dealer/gunsmith. another tidbit.. if you have a local range, sometimes members will be selling their stuff and it would be a great way to test it before you buy. Beretta: Mostly autos. they make some good ones tho. Browning: Mostly Autos too: Buckmarks, nomads, ect. CZ. Autoloader. Kadet comes in a conversion kit and complete pistol. Colt: Both revolvers (SA/DA) and autoloaders. they arent being made, but you can find NIB or LNIB but at a price. High Standard: alot of autos. only have 1 of these. dont make them anymore. Kimber: 1911 style converion kit/complete pistol Ruger: Both Revolvers (SA/DA) and autoloaders. they make alot of different styels and are usually inexpensive. SIG: Autoloaders. the new misquito is out. want to get one, but havent. also the trailslide is nice. S&W has both Autoloaders and revolvers to choose from. There are alot of good used S&W #17/K22 masterpieces out there that are fine revolvers Walther: Auto pistols. P22. some people have had bad luck with them. i have one that works great. |
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I recently asked around about .22 auto pistols, the general consensus was (And this is for standard type .22s, not the higher dollar competition/target/elite models) the Browning Buckmark is arguably the best and right there with it is the Ruger MKIIIs. The Beretta Neos is very good (Thats the one I got) so are the SIGs, the Walther P22 has troubles. As for prices, I found a basic buckmark for 249.00, I bought the Beretta for 219.00 the Rugers were a bit higher and so were the SIGs. Oh, the High Standards were considered very good too but as I coudn't find any locally I have no idea about prices. So far my Beretta has had about 7-800 rounds through it and the only problem I have encountered is a few times it has failed to completely eject the fired case. I think it happened once today when I was at the range I did fire about 120-150 rounds. Not a bad ratio if you ask me. Did I mention I haven't bothered to clean it yet? I am testing to see just how long it can go without really getting gummed up. |
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Practice will lead to skill. Cheap ammo will lead to practice. .22's are the answer. I still go through brick after brick through my target Ruger MkII. I'd agree with most of what has been said: First, I'm not a big fan of conversion kits. Not really my fling, but I could see how some could argue their merit. I noticed GaryM says he likes his Neos... It obviously came off a different truck than the one my buddy bought. The trigger on his was TERRIBLE and ended up with a pretty bad ratio of jams last time we were at the range. And it's a pretty low mileage gun... probably <200rnds. I have well over 10,000 (closer to 20,000) rounds through my Ruger MkII, love it to death. Still shoots like a dream. My personal favorite (obviously) is the Ruger, but I've also found Buckmarks to be pretty nice. Gundraw |