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Thinking of buying my first gun?
I'm looking for recommendations of what I should, potentially, look into getting. I wouldn't say I'm a novice. I've been handling various sorts of firearms for years, I just don't own one yet, and the choice for my first fire arm is a big decision.
Mostly I'm interested in firing range sport. I don't hunt, and I don't see myself getting a CCW any time soon. So really I'd just be using it at the range. I'm pretty sure I want a hand gun, though I'm not necessarily opposed to a rifle. I do not want a shot gun.
I'm open to different sorts of Pistols, but Revolver's are my first love. There's just something about a single action Revolver that I really love. As for caliber I'm thinking either .357 Mag or 45 ACP. I've only ever fired 1 9mil, and I couldn't get on target. I don't know if it was just the gun, but it's really turned me off of 9mils. I've been toying with the idea of a .44mag too, but I'm concerned that caliber might be a little much for me to handle on a regular basis. I've fired one, and I could fire it safely, however it certainly took a lot out of me. I could feel it in my arms and wrists pretty badly the next day. I'm 5 foot 2, 110 lbs, only slightly above average musculature for a woman. So I that .44mag would be a poor decision. But I can handle up to a .45 ACP adequately without too much fatigue. I'm not really looking for a .22 or .38 special. I find them boring for some reason.
Also, being a small woman, anything I buy that shoots rounds larger than .38 special will need to be full metal bodied, with at least a medium barrel length (preferably long barrel). Plastic and snub nose fire arms kick too much for me to use comfortable.
So if anyone has any suggestion about what I should look in to, I'd appreciate it. Caliber suggestions are fine. But mostly I'm looking for make and model. Links would be appreciated too, so that I can see it. Price is a concern of course. I'm willing to pay a fair price for a high quality fire arm, but I don't have thousands to spend. About $600 would probably be my limit, maybe a bit more. I'm also open to buying used, assuming I can find a used gun in good condition.
Remember, I'd prefer a Revolver, single action if possible, but I would consider a pistol as well. Also I live in California, that's important because we have fairly strict gun laws.
Thanks guys.
Oh, and I don't really care how much the rounds cost for various calibers, I do have access to reloading equipment (my father reloads and he's eager to share his hobby. He's the one who got me into fire arms in the first place), and I definitely plan on learning to do so. If nothing else, it's just a good skill to have.
Oh, and I don't really care how much the rounds cost for various calibers, I do have access to reloading equipment (my father reloads and he's eager to share his hobby. He's the one who got me into fire arms in the first place), and I definitely plan on learning to do so. If nothing else, it's just a good skill to have.
10 Answers
- Staap ItLv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
Well Ma'am, it would be very difficult to do any better then a Ruger Blackhawk. Choose your caliber.
OR a Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum, BUT you do not have to fire the full boat Magnums, unless you are feeling particularly festive :-) You can fire the .44 Specials out of it regularly.
The Ruger revolvers are a meat and potatoes good value. You might also check out the Ruger Vaquero.
Maybe you should also check into some Cowboy Action shooting. Many women really enjoy that game.
- Lime Green MedicLv 78 years ago
Based upon your preference for revolvers, I'd recommend, if you could get your hands on one, a Colt Python -- it will be more accurate than you for many years to come, it is one of the finest revolvers in the world, and because of its size, it will be comfortable for you to shoot for a very long time.
Barring that, my next recommendation would be the S&W Model 686.
You can get custom grips for either of the above which will make your shooting experience very comfortable.
Further, since your Dad reloads, you can start with 148gr SWC .38 Special target loads to practice your marksmanship. From there, you can expand into any .38 Special load, any .38 Special +P loading, and of course full-house .357 Magnum loads.
The Colt will do its part if you do yours. I think you will like it and it seems you may have the motivation and ambition to become a good enough shooter to really wring every bit of the Colt's superb accuracy out of it.
Ooop...just saw your price range.
Go with the Smith. It's pretty much got everything the Colt has except for the top-end accuracy and legendary fit and finish. However, it is still a decent firearm and will give you many years of happy shooting.
- William PilgrimLv 58 years ago
There is nothing more ridiculius than a person trying to shoot a gun that is to big for them.
Too large caliber; too much recoil.
No fun; hurts your hands and is completely inaccurate for shooting.
If you are interested in revolvers; shoot a 38 special and if you feel adventurous you can then try 38 +P rounds or even 357's:
A 45 caliber ACP is not a smart choice; although you will have all the macho nut-case 1911 fanboys telling you that the 45 is the only way to go,:
For accuracy a 38 cal is a good gun
For self defense a 38 cal is agood gun; because before you can stop a bad guy; you have to be able to hit them.
Good luck
- gentlewolfspawsLv 68 years ago
Since you're a fan of revolvers, especially single-action revolvers, I suggest trying the Ruger "Single-Six" .22LR revolver or the Ruger Bearcat .22LR single-action revolver as a "first gun".
They are great for target practice, easy to maintain and use inexpensive ammunition.
If you want something that will also be useful for self-defense, consider a double-action revolver chambered for .38 Special (or .357 Magnum if you're feeling frisky) from Smith & Wesson or Ruger or Taurus.
Examples:
Smith & Wesson Model 10,
Ruger model GP-100 or model SP-101
Taurus model 82
There may be some "Cowboy" styled single-action revolvers that may interest you and are chambered in a cartridge you're happy with. Consult your local gun-shops for price and availability of the Ruger Vaquero or various clones & replicas of the Colt SAA.
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- 8 years ago
If you love revolvers I think you should go with a .357. Due to the fact that most if not all can also shoot .38 sp.so shooting one and training can be cheaper and seeing how your father reloads then you can get .357 for cheap anyway. Also you can do anything with a .357, hunt, defend, shoot for fun. It has so much power and is just an all around great round.
Source(s): Life time shooter and hunting. - MackinLv 48 years ago
An M&P .45, Sig SP2202 or a 1911 from Kimber are great handguns and are still easy to find out here, but if you want a revolver I suggest you go with either S&W or Ruger
- Anonymous8 years ago
*sigh*
Hm.
OK...I think Ruger still makes the Vaquero line, although I highly doubt you'll find one in .45ACP (.45 Long Colt, yes). They're styled after the original Colt SAA, with no adjustable sights. The Blackhawk models have adjustable sights, if that's what you're looking for. Rugers are tough, too. I'd go with them before any cheap import.
- ZakonyeLv 78 years ago
Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero comes to mind. Single action, in .357.
- Anonymous8 years ago
>45, .357, .44 are expensive rounds to purchase, look for a nice .38, a smith and wesson.
