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Im new, FIRST GUN ISSUES
- Thread starter tmtyler24
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
Tyler look for a H&R 22cal revolver with a 6" barrel. Start off with a very affordable good revolver for shooting targets and empty soda cans. Get a linker first. Your not reloading yet so a 22cal revolver is it.
Even a rifle that shoots 22caliber shorts,longs & long rifle bullets would be a great starter too. Bolt action or pump.
Even a rifle that shoots 22caliber shorts,longs & long rifle bullets would be a great starter too. Bolt action or pump.
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I go along with many of the posters here on having a 22 first.
1. A 22 is a lot easier to learn on than a 38/357, because of less recoil. You can't learn to shoot if you're flinching at the recoil.
2. Learning to shoot burns up a lot of ammo. 22 is a lot cheaper than 38/357 unless you're handloading, and I doubt you want to get in that deep at first.
1. A 22 is a lot easier to learn on than a 38/357, because of less recoil. You can't learn to shoot if you're flinching at the recoil.
2. Learning to shoot burns up a lot of ammo. 22 is a lot cheaper than 38/357 unless you're handloading, and I doubt you want to get in that deep at first.
jonny13sb
Member
A do it all gun is akin to the unicorn and the mermaid, they just don't exist, start with a nice used S&W revolver (models 10,15,17,18 or 586) and before you know it you will own more guns than you ever imagined. Whatever you do always buy the best quality and you won't regret it. Used Smiths are an affordable place to start.
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tmtyler24,
Welcome to the S&W Forum.
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I think you might do better with a pistol based upon your size. I would think it might be a challenge to get a rifle that fits you? There are so many good pistols I wouldn't begin to try to recommend just one to you.
I was the opposite of you. I was always the littlest guy. My first gun was a .22 bolt action Mossberg rifle that was as big as me and I grew bored of it quickly because it was too big and not comfortable for me to shoot. My next firearm at about age 12 was a .22 Browning Medalist (semi-auto pistol), a Christmas present from my dad, that I still own and cherish. I got good enough with that Medalist that it became almost too easy to shoot well and a little boring so I graduated to model 1911's (.45 acp) when I was 13. I was barely 110 pounds but I could make a tin can dance with a model 1911. A .22 handgun would be a great first gun for you. However, since you've had experience with firearms, you would probably do fine with a .38.
John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-do-Well in Training
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Shorty 45 MK2
Member
Welcome to the Forum Tyler! 
Of the ones you listed I'd suggest the 586.
What I'd recommend since you seem to have some experience shooting is a 4" L-frame, 5906 (can be had for around $300 and are great pistols for range use or HD and can be carried.) or a .22 pistol or rifle is probably the best first gun though.
Of the ones you listed I'd suggest the 586.
What I'd recommend since you seem to have some experience shooting is a 4" L-frame, 5906 (can be had for around $300 and are great pistols for range use or HD and can be carried.) or a .22 pistol or rifle is probably the best first gun though.
I was a Scout camp range officer for many summers. I can't imagine starting with anything but a good .22 rifle. Cost, flexibility, skill training, it covers them all.
In today's market, I would get a Ruger 10/22 Takedown (saw one over the weekend on sale for $289 at LGS). Easy to carry, easy to clean from the breech, common parts, relatively cheap ammo, infinite market of spares and add-ons. Been out there for 50 years. That rifle will be in your safe until the grand-kids clean it out after you're gone.
I have one, love it.
As to handguns, I am a 1911 .45 guy, so that is enough said.
In today's market, I would get a Ruger 10/22 Takedown (saw one over the weekend on sale for $289 at LGS). Easy to carry, easy to clean from the breech, common parts, relatively cheap ammo, infinite market of spares and add-ons. Been out there for 50 years. That rifle will be in your safe until the grand-kids clean it out after you're gone.
I have one, love it.
As to handguns, I am a 1911 .45 guy, so that is enough said.
David R
Member
I have a ruger 10-22. I have had it for thirty some years. Still shoot it and its still accurate and dependable. I paid $129.00 for it at wall mart.
I put a receiver sight on it so its my iron sight gun in matches. My girlfriend shoots it too.
If you can legally own a 357 it would be great. A 586 or 686 would be a nice gun.
What do you intend to do with this hand gun?
David
I put a receiver sight on it so its my iron sight gun in matches. My girlfriend shoots it too.
If you can legally own a 357 it would be great. A 586 or 686 would be a nice gun.
What do you intend to do with this hand gun?
David
I know ammo's hard to come by these days, but my vote's for the 10/22. It's versatility can't be beat. In many ways, it's as close to perfect as you'll find. Guns come and go, a 22 rifle is one you'll keep all your life. MHO you understand.
Arik
Member
My vote would be for the 686 or the Glock. I know a lot of people advocate 22, I don't. Different guns, different triggers, grip angles, recoil...everything is different. I believe in practice with what you will carry, if that's your goal. One platform and one caliber is cheaper than 2 different platforms in two different calibers.
My answer was a bit rushed yesterday......but after reading the other responses I'm still an advocate of a good .22 cal revolver to get started. I own 3 of the 4 on your list.... I have owned Glocks(good guns) but I prefer Smith ,Sig or Beretta autos.
A model 18 is a gun you can learn to shoot double or single action and will help you develop a good set of skills that will transfer to almost any center fire handgun.
A great second gun is one already on your list the 686/586 L-frame ...... same grip size as the k-frame (18 or 17)....weight is close..... and you can shoot anything from light wadcutters to any .357 ammo.
Also while not a "good" self defense gun the .22 is otherwise the most versatile gun most of us own...... it's been around since the 1860s for a lot of reasons.
begaleye...... made a great suggestion a CZ rifle ........ a great value for the money...... old world craftsmanship for $350-500 depending on the model. A .22lr in any of the Model 452,453 or newer 455s will be another gun you can have for life and pass on to your children....
I have several CZ rifles and have one for each on my boys; 17 and 14..... all will shoot half-inch groups at 50 yds and 1-1.25 inches at 100 yds.
Good luck with your choice; and welcome to a sport that you can do for life!
A model 18 is a gun you can learn to shoot double or single action and will help you develop a good set of skills that will transfer to almost any center fire handgun.
A great second gun is one already on your list the 686/586 L-frame ...... same grip size as the k-frame (18 or 17)....weight is close..... and you can shoot anything from light wadcutters to any .357 ammo.
Also while not a "good" self defense gun the .22 is otherwise the most versatile gun most of us own...... it's been around since the 1860s for a lot of reasons.
begaleye...... made a great suggestion a CZ rifle ........ a great value for the money...... old world craftsmanship for $350-500 depending on the model. A .22lr in any of the Model 452,453 or newer 455s will be another gun you can have for life and pass on to your children....
I have several CZ rifles and have one for each on my boys; 17 and 14..... all will shoot half-inch groups at 50 yds and 1-1.25 inches at 100 yds.
Good luck with your choice; and welcome to a sport that you can do for life!
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tbgunner88
Member
I'm not sure what the law is in your state but here you have to be 21 to purchase a handgun, but either way I would recommend a 22 rifle. Something like a ruger 10/22 or a marlin model 60 would serve you well for years to come.
Something in .22lr is a good suggestion, either rifle or pistol, so of that list I'd pick the 10/22 followed by a 586. Consider tossing in a 17 like others have said, or an old model Ruger Single Six. And a whoooole bunch of cheeseburgers!
Brian41
Member
Tyler, welcome and wish there was a board like this when I got into shooting sports.
I agree a 22 is a good start for you too. A Ruger MKI Target was my first handgun followed shortly after with a S&W Model 19. I learned the fundamentals with those two and lots of 38 special wadcutters in the 19.
You'll want to shoot lots when first starting and a 22 will make it affordable until you start reloading.
Since you have interest in the 586 I agree a S&W Model 17 or 18 would be a good gun to start with. I have a couple 17s and they get a lot of shooting still today as they're fun and cheap to shoot.
Good luck and welcome to the shooting sports.
I agree a 22 is a good start for you too. A Ruger MKI Target was my first handgun followed shortly after with a S&W Model 19. I learned the fundamentals with those two and lots of 38 special wadcutters in the 19.
You'll want to shoot lots when first starting and a 22 will make it affordable until you start reloading.
Since you have interest in the 586 I agree a S&W Model 17 or 18 would be a good gun to start with. I have a couple 17s and they get a lot of shooting still today as they're fun and cheap to shoot.
Good luck and welcome to the shooting sports.
Cal44
Member
I started with a 22lr when I was 10 years old. A bolt action Remington rifle. I think a 22 rifle is a good place to start so vote for the Ruger.
22lr plinking it lots of fun.
And ammo was cheap -- and my wallet was very thin back then.
22lr plinking it lots of fun.
And ammo was cheap -- and my wallet was very thin back then.
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k80clay
Member
I'll probably need asbestos underwear but I'll say a Glock 19.
Why? 1 - You're going to want an semi. If you buy the Smith, you'll end up selling it for a semi. You think you won't, but you will. 2 - 9mm is both cheap (compared to .38 or esp..357) and plentiful now. 3 - simplicity has a quality all it's own. You don't get much simpler than the Glock.
I say this with the expectation that you will start your Smith collection after the Glock as funds and opportunity present themselves. Revolvers tend more to be part of gun collections rather than primary guns. Maybe not 40 years ago, but definitely today.
Why? 1 - You're going to want an semi. If you buy the Smith, you'll end up selling it for a semi. You think you won't, but you will. 2 - 9mm is both cheap (compared to .38 or esp..357) and plentiful now. 3 - simplicity has a quality all it's own. You don't get much simpler than the Glock.
I say this with the expectation that you will start your Smith collection after the Glock as funds and opportunity present themselves. Revolvers tend more to be part of gun collections rather than primary guns. Maybe not 40 years ago, but definitely today.
Tyler, I'm a former Glock 19 owner. Glocks have no soul. Disregard the above post. You've already been given great advice.
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Jaysq
US Veteran
Welcome from North Carolina and good luck with the new firearm
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