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  #1  
Old 04-22-2010, 07:37 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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Default Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun

I learned to shoot primarily on a Model 10 and a K-22. My neighbor was asking me what is the best .22 trainer between the 17, 18, and 34. I really hadn't thought of the 34/63 (with a 4" barrel) as a trainer but it might be better for smaller-sized hands.

Thoughts?

I had always planned on starting my kid on my K-22 or Model 18 someday (or maybe a ruger single six).
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Old 04-22-2010, 07:49 PM
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My 34 is not nearly as accurate as my 17 and it doesn't have as nice a trigger. Also the narrower sights on the 34 make it harder to shoot with precision. So naturally I'd go with the 17 or 18.
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Old 04-22-2010, 07:57 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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I prefer the K-frame .22 revolvers for training. Choosing a Model 17 or Model 18 is an individual choice. A beginner won't gain much advantage from the 6" barrel and may prefer the lighter Mod. 18.

I don't like the J-frames for training guns, but my students love 'em. I keep a few around because they are so popular with beginners. J-frames are not the best for bullseye target shooting, but they are popular with my first-time shooters.

For best results my advice is: Go with a Model 18.
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Old 04-22-2010, 08:14 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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Do you guys prefer a DA revolver like the Model 18 over a SA like a Single Six for the first training gun?
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Old 04-22-2010, 08:19 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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My model 18 was used to train 8 people to date. Good sights, good trigger and it's very accurate.
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Old 04-22-2010, 08:51 PM
Jellybean Jellybean is offline
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If it's just for learning how to shoot, any of them would be fine.
If by "training" you mean cheap practice for a larger gun use the one that is the closest to the larger gun that will be used.

I gave my model 18 to my Dad since it was pretty much the same as my K-22, except for the extra screws.
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Old 04-22-2010, 10:28 PM
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If you're training to shoot a K38 better, Then the model 17,
Model 15? then the Model 18
Want to be a better shot with any J frame, Well the 34.
SIMPLE.
Peter
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Old 04-22-2010, 11:40 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aterry33 View Post
Do you guys prefer a DA revolver like the Model 18 over a SA like a Single Six for the first training gun?
From what I've read here on this forum most everyone thinks you should learn to shoot double action. Kind of tough to do with a Single Six.
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Old 04-23-2010, 08:26 AM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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Hi:
My Tribe (7) started with a Ruger Bearcat, then a Colt Frontier Scout, then a Charter Arms Pathfinder, and then a S&W Model 18.
Jimmy
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Old 04-23-2010, 09:28 AM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RonJ View Post
From what I've read here on this forum most everyone thinks you should learn to shoot double action. Kind of tough to do with a Single Six.
I agree 100% and that's how I learned, but I'd be interested to hear everyone's reasons for that.

I've also heard a lot of people argue that training should begin on a single action revolver.
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Old 04-23-2010, 12:45 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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I find my M63 fairly difficult to shoot well SA, a bit better DA. The hammer is not conducive to a lot of SA shooting anyway. Certainly the trigger on mine leaves a lot to be desired. So I would say for serious revolver practice the M17.
I think that the transition to K38 is easy if you can shoot the K22 well.
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Old 04-23-2010, 12:58 PM
Bat Guano Bat Guano is offline
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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I have found that women and kids take to the Kit Guns well, so if they prefer it to the Model 18 I leave them to it. In any case I have them do a lot of dry fire and "ball and dummy" to build good habits. The Model 18 is my preference and I shoot it a LOT myself.

Don't care for single actions as teaching guns; there is more fooling around to check it for clearing and more cocking, cylinder turning, etc., than a beginner needs. Same for loading and unloading. Keep it simple. Plus the triggers aren't as good as a good S&W and the hammer falls are on the slow side.

I have also found that teaching people to shoot double action well is easier than getting them to the same level single action.

The key is keeping things SIMPLE. Anybody can complicate it.
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Old 04-23-2010, 02:08 PM
walnutred walnutred is online now
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I have a 4" 30-1 that a lot of beginning shooters with small hands do very well with. So given your stated choices mentioned I'd lean towards the J frame.
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  #14  
Old 04-23-2010, 04:26 PM
bk43 bk43 is offline
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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You could say the best for training was the Model 45 as that is why they were made. Hard to find though.



Bob
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  #15  
Old 05-11-2010, 03:20 PM
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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All nice guns. I like the triggers and feel of the K frames a little better.
A 6 inch K22 will give a better sight picture than the 4 inch.
This builds confidence for young shooters.
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  #16  
Old 05-11-2010, 07:13 PM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is online now
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Depends on hand size, which might have something to do with age. If you are fortunate to start them soon enough, you might really need a 34. And a few different sets of grips. Obviously, many males will grow into a K22. Probably most.
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  #17  
Old 05-11-2010, 08:01 PM
mtgianni mtgianni is online now
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Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun Model 17 vs. Model 18 vs. Model 34 as training gun  
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I started my son on a Ruger Mark I with cartridges loaded singlely into the magazine. At age 5 he graduated to a Mod 14. IMO 38 wadcutters can be loaded as cheap as 22 LR are purchased.
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  #18  
Old 05-12-2010, 01:43 AM
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I would try to find out what the intentions are towareds their wanting to learn to shoot. If they just want to learn to plink safely, shoot small game or do informal target shooting, a good single action like the Ruger Single Six would be fine.

If they are upfront about wanting to learn to shoot to protect themselves, the double action revolver is better. Teach them to just shoot it double action, to avoid them developing the unsafe habit of cocking the hammer before shooting to "send a message."

I find that the J frames are harder to shoot well than are K frames, stiffer actions, smaller sights, smaller grips. I think a K frame K-22 will be easier for most adults, unless they are so physically underdeveloped that the weight of a standard barrel M-18 or M-17 is too burdensome to handle.

Confidence building comes from having success hitting the targets. Use big targets, and start shooting at close range, 7 yards or closer.

Psychologically, most shooters will perceive the front sight on a short barrel gun appears to bounce around less than the front sight on a long barrel gun; think "leverage."

I have taught a lot of folks to shoot handguns over the years. I usually take a 4" M-18, a 6" M-17 and a 4" M-63. Folks generally like and have better results getting hits with the 4" M-18.

I won't introduce semiautomatic .22's until they get quite a few rounds under their belts and demonstrate knowledge and good safe habits.

Even with "just .22's" EVERYONE will have ear and eye protection.

They usually have a lot of fun!
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bullseye, colt, j frame, k-22, k-frame, k22, k38, m17, model 10, model 17, ruger, transition

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