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Potential first-time gun owner looking for gun recommendations

zstep18

zstep18

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I'm thinking about buying my first gun! I have been thinking about it for some time now. It's use would be mainly for self-defense/protection purposes and having some fun at the shooting range. I would want one in the pistol category, and not too expensive, but not crazy cheap? Any suggestions?

I'll admit, I don't know about guns, specifically. Help me out.
 
Which sounds like more fun to you--a gun that fires rapidly or a "Go ahead Punk, Make My Day" gun?
 
zstep18 said:
I'm thinking about buying my first gun! I have been thinking about it for some time now. It's use would be mainly for self-defense/protection purposes and having some fun at the shooting range. I would want one in the pistol category, and not too expensive, but not crazy cheap? Any suggestions?

I'll admit, I don't know about guns, specifically. Help me out.
Click to expand...

A good all around pistol, decent price while being effective.
I recommend you try a Bersa Thunder 380, they have different models for this series.
Bi Metal, blued, anti snag conceal carry, 15 rounder, etc.
A new Bersa ranges from mid $300 to mid $400.
http://www.bersa.com/

First things first though, you should handle several different models (not just Bersa) to see what fits and feels good in your hand.
Find a local shop, preferably with an indoor range.
Many will let you handle them, with no issues.

Then come back here and tell us what you liked as far as fit (in your hand) and finish (something that appeals to you in design).
 
Harry Guerrilla said:
A good all around pistol, decent price while being effective.
I recommend you try a Bersa Thunder 380, they have different models for this series.
Bi Metal, blued, anti snag conceal carry, 15 rounder, etc.
A new Bersa ranges from mid $300 to mid $400.
Bersa

First things first though, you should handle several different models (not just Bersa) to see what fits and feels good in your hand.
Find a local shop, preferably with an indoor range.
Many will let you handle them, with no issues.

Then come back here and tell us what you liked as far as fit (in your hand) and finish (something that appeals to you in design).
Click to expand...

What about ammo?

Again, both for self-defense purposes and shooting range.
 
zstep18 said:
I'm thinking about buying my first gun! I have been thinking about it for some time now. It's use would be mainly for self-defense/protection purposes and having some fun at the shooting range. I would want one in the pistol category, and not too expensive, but not crazy cheap? Any suggestions?

I'll admit, I don't know about guns, specifically. Help me out.
Click to expand...

Before buying, consider visiting a local gun store that also has a range. Many of these allow you to rent different guns. This will allow you to become familiar with the different calibers, types, and styles...
 
I am a big supporter of a person's first handgun being a revolver. They are easier to clean/maintain without any sort of disassembly, but to each their own.
 
Harry Guerrilla said:
A good all around pistol, decent price while being effective.
I recommend you try a Bersa Thunder 380, they have different models for this series.
Bi Metal, blued, anti snag conceal carry, 15 rounder, etc.
A new Bersa ranges from mid $300 to mid $400.
Bersa

First things first though, you should handle several different models (not just Bersa) to see what fits and feels good in your hand.
Find a local shop, preferably with an indoor range.
Many will let you handle them, with no issues.

Then come back here and tell us what you liked as far as fit (in your hand) and finish (something that appeals to you in design).
Click to expand...

Good choice but I prefer the Taurus PT638, they are about the same price ($329 to $399 new).
Academy - Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistol
 
zstep18 said:
What about ammo?

Again, both for self-defense purposes and shooting range.
Click to expand...

Your LGS (local gun store) will help you in this area, but make sure whatever you choose for self defense, you also become very familiar with how it shoots at the range...
 
AlabamaPaul said:
Before buying, consider visiting a local gun store that also has a range. Many of these allow you to rent different guns. This will allow you to become familiar with the different calibers, types, and styles...
Click to expand...

Emphasis on this.
If you can try, do so, before you buy.
Most with indoor ranges offer training.

Don't worry about feeling like a newb, they make money helping people buy guns.
 
Fisher said:
I am a big supporter of a person's first handgun being a revolver. They are easier to clean/maintain without any sort of disassembly, but to each their own.
Click to expand...

I was always under the assumption that a revolver is more fit for hunting purposes?
 
1 gun for the range, home defense and concealed carry: Small frame .357 revolver. Shoot cheap .38 at the range, load nice for home and carry. The Ruger is heavy, ~500. Smith and others have nice light ones for ~1k. Put all of your training into 1 (fail-proof) gun serving three purposes.

When you're proficient on your basic 3 purposes (range, home, carry), then consider adding additional (fancy pants) options.


RugerSP101Hammerless.webp


340pd.webp


Shoot the lightest .38s you can find and load with .357 glasers (which are like shooting .38 wads), or practice and shoot with .357 125gr HP. Throwing 158gr is fun, but not necessary unless you might need to crack an engine block.
 
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Harry Guerrilla said:
Emphasis on this.
If you can try, do so, before you buy.
Most with indoor ranges offer training.

Don't worry about feeling like a newb, they make money helping people buy guns.
Click to expand...

And the shops which have ranges will let me try out the gun before buying?
 
zstep18 said:
And the shops which have ranges will let me try out the gun before buying?
Click to expand...

No, but they'll generally have a wide selection of rentals available that would be the same or similar to what you might consider purchasing. Mine has over 50 different models available for rent
 
zstep18 said:
So what are the pros and cons of a revolver compared to a non-revolver, pistol, handgun?
Click to expand...

More often then not, it's a personal style thing, although revolvers have more limited ammo capacity, compared to semi autos.
Semi auto's tend to have more ammo choice, while revolvers are most commonly chambered in .357/.38 spec.
 
Harry Guerrilla said:
More often then not, it's a personal style thing, although revolvers have more limited ammo capacity, compared to semi autos.
Semi auto's tend to have more ammo choice, while revolvers are most commonly chambered in .357/.38 spec.
Click to expand...

Now, all I got to do is convince the better half to give me the go ahead! :lol:
 
zstep18 said:
Now, all I got to do is convince the better half to give me the go ahead! :lol:
Click to expand...

Take her/him with you to the range. He/She may enjoy it. My wife didn't want to touch my guns until I convinced her to go to the range with me. Now she has her own Sig and wants an AR15 22lr...
 
zstep18 said:
So what are the pros and cons of a revolver compared to a non-revolver, pistol, handgun?
Click to expand...

For a first time user the revolver is simpler, less moving parts, no safety, point and pull the trigger. No muss, no fuss.

A semi-auto pistol has several components, a magazine to load,safeties, slides, slide stops, mag release buttons, etc.

Start with a good, solid revolver. Learn to shoot.

Then work your way up to a semi-auto and keep the revolver as a back up.

I recommend the Ruger SP101 with a 3" or 2" barrel. Built like a tank, rugged, solid, heavy in your hand - absorbs recoil. It's chambered in .357 so you can practice with the cheaper .38 caliber in the same gun. Points well, good rubber grips, several aftermarket grips and holsters available for it.
 
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