Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - First Pistol --- (But interest in service pistol models)

Walt · 02-17-2010, 02:00 PM

I will second Plan 9’s suggestion of a .22 LR for your first pistol:

1) It’s about the only thing that’s still cheap to shoot, meaning you can afford to shoot more.
2) They generally have zero recoil which is a great feature as it allows new and seasoned shooters to sort out and hone their fundamentals (sight picture, grip, stance, trigger manipulation, shooting to reset, etc.) All of this training will transfer over when you pick up a center fire pistol – which can be a bit overwhelming if you haven’t developed the basics yet.
3) Yes, the controls like the safety, slide and mag release are generally laid out differently than service pistols. So what? Anybody who carries a gun for a living should be great with what they carry, but competent with everything. You can still develop basic marskmanship and practice movement/failure drills and quick reloads.

As far as .22 pistols go, you really cant go wrong with a Ruger Mk II, though they are a son of a bitch to disassemble. I’ve also heard great things about the Browning Buck.

As far as service pistols go, I would go to a range that rents pistols and shoot whatever you can get your hands on in 9mm and 40. All of the major manufacturers (Glock, HK, S&W, Sig) turn out phenomenally dependable service pistols. Some have shitty triggers, others have shitty sights. All that can be easily replaced as there is a huge industry devoted solely to manufacturing after-market parts to suit any number of shooting needs and styles.

Find a pistol that just feels good in your hands. If it feels good, it will become an extension of your body that points where you want it to every time. Everything else can be fixed.

02-17-2010, 02:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
Walt I'm calmer than you are, dude Location: North Carolina	I will second Plan 9’s suggestion of a .22 LR for your first pistol: 1) It’s about the only thing that’s still cheap to shoot, meaning you can afford to shoot more. 2) They generally have zero recoil which is a great feature as it allows new and seasoned shooters to sort out and hone their fundamentals (sight picture, grip, stance, trigger manipulation, shooting to reset, etc.) All of this training will transfer over when you pick up a center fire pistol – which can be a bit overwhelming if you haven’t developed the basics yet. 3) Yes, the controls like the safety, slide and mag release are generally laid out differently than service pistols. So what? Anybody who carries a gun for a living should be great with what they carry, but competent with everything. You can still develop basic marskmanship and practice movement/failure drills and quick reloads. As far as .22 pistols go, you really cant go wrong with a Ruger Mk II, though they are a son of a bitch to disassemble. I’ve also heard great things about the Browning Buck. As far as service pistols go, I would go to a range that rents pistols and shoot whatever you can get your hands on in 9mm and 40. All of the major manufacturers (Glock, HK, S&W, Sig) turn out phenomenally dependable service pistols. Some have shitty triggers, others have shitty sights. All that can be easily replaced as there is a huge industry devoted solely to manufacturing after-market parts to suit any number of shooting needs and styles. Find a pistol that just feels good in your hands. If it feels good, it will become an extension of your body that points where you want it to every time. Everything else can be fixed. __________________ Calmer than you are...