Recommendations for first firearm

[Joe C]

Anyone have any recommendations for someone who has never fired a gun and has no idea how to use one or what brands/models are best.

Prob just looking to spend ~$500. 

Thx

[mynewunit]

ah, Finally something I can answer. Get a 22 LR Rifle. They have the least number of legal restrictions, the cheapest ammunition, and the ones everyone knows are around $300. My recommendation would be a Ruger 10/22. It has a 10 round magazine. It is semi automatic, which means the fired round loads the next round, sometimes called auto loaders. The Ruger 10/22 has been made for 50 years. They are made in a dozen derivatives. Lots of upgrades. Made in the USA. Fairly simple operation and cleaning. Get the one with the iron (open) sights. You can always add a scope later. 

There are lots. Savage 64. Remington 597. Marlin 795. Hold them all. Might as well be Ford, Mopar, Chevy, Porsche.

There are some good guys on youtube for operation, cleaning and reviews. Start with nutnfancy and hickok45. Take a class.
Hey norrisbuffalo . Any Thoughts?

[Admin]

I agree with the Ruger 10/22. I would see if you can find an older used one as they seem to be better made. For a pistol, I would also go with a .22. Both of these will allow you to learn the fundamentals without scaring you. When you get ready to move up to a large gun, go to a range that rents guns. That way you can find what works for you before dropping a bunch of cash.

[Shane H]

I agree on the 10/22, but I think it depends on the application of the weapon. What is the intended use of the firearm? If you decide to get the .22 caliber rifle than I would say steer clear of the Remington 597. I'm speaking from personal experience as I own one. They are very accurate, but their magazines are terrible. I've been through several, and regularly have to make adjustments to the springs to make the function properly. Unfortunately, there are no better aftermarket magazines offered.

[xfbibrickagent]

Most people I help with this question want a gun for personal protection within their home. I recommend a handgun in that case. Your main choice is a semi-auto vs. a revolver. A semi-auto holds more ammo without reloading (a very desirable quality). But a semi-auto is also more difficult for a person new to firing a gun to shoot without having it jam (a very bad thing). I have witnessed many, many new gun owners, and even numerous law enforcement officers experience jams when firing their semi-auto as soon as I induce any real training stress on them. Firing a gun at an intruder in your home is stressful and that stress greatly increases the chance a semi-auto will malfunction in the hands of a novice (not holding grip tightly enough for the slide to operate, the magazine not seating correctly when hurriedly loading etc). A revolver almost never jams but usually holds only six rounds of ammo so it is a balance of dependability of firing vs. increased rounds available without reload. If you can properly operate a semi-auto consistently under stress it is usually a better choice. But people who look down on the simplicity of a revolver are making an amateur's mistake.

You can rent revolvers and semi-autos at your local gun range to test them. Find a good instructor for one-on-one help when trying the different guns, it's worth a $100 for a few hours of their time! A new shooter who has smaller hands, in a semi-auto, should try a Glock Model 26, or if you have larger hands a Model 19. These are 9mm guns and a good value ($500-600) with less expensive ammo. My opinion is that a similar Sig Sauer 9mm is too expensive for a new owner but Sigs are excellent, highly crafted guns. I loved the Glock 40 caliber I carried on the job for years but it's a big gun and the ammo is expensive when Uncle Sam isn't buying it. If you buy a semi-auto, always buy the maximize size magazine allowed by law in your state. Pay the extra $100 for Trijicon sights too, they glow in the dark and will be helpful in your dark house, garage etc in pointing the gun if it comes to that. For a revolver try a six-shot that is capable of firing .38 caliber and .357 rounds (my personal preference is Smith&Wesson). Practice with the .38 and work your way up to controlling the .357 ammo.

Take gun ownership seriously! It's a huge responsibility especially if you have children regularly in your home.

[rkt88edmo]

Sept 27, 2016 7:43:39 GMT -8 Joe C said:

Anyone have any recommendations for someone who has never fired a gun and has no idea how to use one or what brands/models are best.

Prob just looking to spend ~$500. 

Thx

Find a friend or friend of a friend who shoots.  Ask to go with them.  Shoot what they have.  Maybe rent something you are interested in if the range does rentals.

Wait and buy a lightly used gun from any of the major manufacturers.

In the end the range fees and ammo will cost you way way more than the $500 you spend initially.

It doesn't really matter what you get, your tastes and interests will change and eventually you will want something else, just play within your budget.

Save a little more and get training.  It isn't that expensive and will put you way ahead.

[flipside]

I would recommend a S&W M&P Shield to most first timers out there. I have the 9mm and it's a great carry.

[gkieser92]

I concur with the above statements about the need for training. However, since this is a self defense hardware question, I'll stick to that.

I recommend starting with a handgun. Long guns have advantages, but are less versatile. Handgun is sufficient for 99% of self-defense gun needs. Also, get a concealed carry permit. A decent CCP class will give you the basics on legal concerns. It can also give you exemptions to some transport and storage laws in some jurisdictions.

A quality, service-grade handgun is hard to wear out. That means that you should look at used good pistols, which might be more affordable than a new, poor quality pistol. One good source is police trade-in guns. Very few cops shoot their guns much, but they bang them around a lot. Ignore surface wear.

For pistols, focus on Glock, Beretta, Smith and Wesson, Walther, Fabriqe National, older Sig Sauer, Ruger. Double action or striker fired, both are good. Avoid Taurus, Kel-Tec, Hi-Point, and a raft of other unproven brands. I do not recommend a 1911-style pistol for beginners. For revolvers, Smith and Wesson or Ruger, period.

Remember that a handgun is part of a system. There is also holster, magazines (minimum 3), ammo, etc. The less exotic the gun, the easier it is to support. If anyone tells you 9mm is too small, ignore them.