A .22 wants to be your first handgun. They are fun & affordable to shoot plus make small game hunting more challenging and you can even try your hand at formal target shooting with one. For home protection it is probably better than your fists and will be far more intimidating, especially loaded with good hollowpoints.
New guy thinking about first gun purchase
- Thread starter Bud11
- Start date
Skeptic 9c
Member
You might want to consider the Model 317. Smaller lighter easy to carry and a good practice piece if you want to go to a J-frame CCW.
Product: Model 317 Kit Gun?
Geoff
Who notes you can buy two semi-autos for the price of a 617...sigh.
Product: Model 317 Kit Gun?
Geoff
Who notes you can buy two semi-autos for the price of a 617...sigh.
I don't know what your $ situation is, but if your looking for one gun I'd get a .357. You can get a .22 but after a day or two you will want something bigger. You can feed .38's through it, I just bought a box of 100 for $30, and you have the option of mags also. Before you know it you're going to own 10 anyway. I also just bought 555 rounds of .22lr for $16 as a comparison.
Last edited:
RossMatt
Member
Get a medium-large size 357 magnum revolver. Ruger or S&W.. clearly, because I am here, I am partial to S&W, but Rugers are great guns too. Stay away from Taurus.
The 357 allows you to shoot light loaded .38 specials which, out of a large and heavy enough gun, feel like 22's. You can then work your way up to a 357 magnum ammunition once your skills and comfort grow.
I agree with the others though... shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot... one gun, even a GREAT gun, might not be for everyone.
22s are fun - and very deadly.. but in a defensive scenario, as other have said - isn't nearly as powerful and effective in a 2-3 shot initiative as a .38, 357, 9, 40..etc.
The MOST important thing is the ability to hit what you are wanting to hit. if you can't do that with a rock, a branch, a 22, or a 12 gauge... it doesn't matter what you have.
Also, make sure you understand that every top of the line ammunition manufacturer makes low recoil, high powered defense rounds. these are expensive to plink with, but highly engineered to do the most damage to a target with minimal recoil/effect on a shooter. Something to consider when you need to protect your family at 2am coming out of REM sleep.
Practice practice practice. Understand that everyone here has opinions.. most all of them are highly valid. learn from everyone here... there are people here that have been shooting for longer than I have been alive and in my short time on this forum, my knowledge has increased dramatically!
Final opinion on your query... if you eventually want to use your first gun as a defensive weapon... buy a 357 mag with good weight, not a snubby... start with low power .38 cartridges, then move up as your skill and comfort grows. If you have no desire to use it as a defensive weapon, get the 22... sooooo much fun, veeery cheap ammo. to quote hicock... there is nothing more american than plinking cans with a 22.
The 357 allows you to shoot light loaded .38 specials which, out of a large and heavy enough gun, feel like 22's. You can then work your way up to a 357 magnum ammunition once your skills and comfort grow.
I agree with the others though... shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot... one gun, even a GREAT gun, might not be for everyone.
22s are fun - and very deadly.. but in a defensive scenario, as other have said - isn't nearly as powerful and effective in a 2-3 shot initiative as a .38, 357, 9, 40..etc.
The MOST important thing is the ability to hit what you are wanting to hit. if you can't do that with a rock, a branch, a 22, or a 12 gauge... it doesn't matter what you have.
Also, make sure you understand that every top of the line ammunition manufacturer makes low recoil, high powered defense rounds. these are expensive to plink with, but highly engineered to do the most damage to a target with minimal recoil/effect on a shooter. Something to consider when you need to protect your family at 2am coming out of REM sleep.
Practice practice practice. Understand that everyone here has opinions.. most all of them are highly valid. learn from everyone here... there are people here that have been shooting for longer than I have been alive and in my short time on this forum, my knowledge has increased dramatically!
Final opinion on your query... if you eventually want to use your first gun as a defensive weapon... buy a 357 mag with good weight, not a snubby... start with low power .38 cartridges, then move up as your skill and comfort grows. If you have no desire to use it as a defensive weapon, get the 22... sooooo much fun, veeery cheap ammo. to quote hicock... there is nothing more american than plinking cans with a 22.
CrossRifles2008
Member
Nothing wrong with a .22. Keeps you shooting & practicing even when your broke. For self defense... beats the fetal position I guess...
To give a idea in calibers stopping power.
THE STOPPING POWER OF DIFFERENT HANDGUN CARTRIDGES
To give a idea in calibers stopping power.
THE STOPPING POWER OF DIFFERENT HANDGUN CARTRIDGES
RossMatt
Member
This link however informative, doesn't reference specific types of engineered ammunition within the caliber/jacket spec.
For example, you can get white box .38 special 125 gr FJHP's or you can get Hornady Critical defense .38 special 110 FJHP's.
'stopping power' between these 2 rounds is about as similar as ground chuck and filet mignon... both are beef.
Steve in Vermont
Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2011
- Messages
- 1,969
- Reaction score
- 1,379
If it's possible you might consider going to a shooting range (local shooting club?) and trying several different guns, both revolvers and pistols in various calibers. Speak to a certified instructor about this also. There are many good choices and it can be confusing. It's better to try and buy than the other way around. Good Luck.
As many others have suggested, the low ammo cost and low recoil of a .22 will allow you to practice and refine your shooting skills. Then you can add a larger caliber centerfire revolver for home defense. Many on this forum have .22 revolvers that match their larger caliber centerfire revolvers in barrel length, grip size etc., like this model 617 .22 and model 686 .38/.357 combination.
Attachments
CrossRifles2008
Member
Your absoulutly right, but it gives a idea of caliber potentials.
EX.
They make white box .44s and .38s. They also make Hornady Critical defense in both calibers too. I'm guessing the gap between the to in white box would still be similar in Critical defense too. They would just both at a high potential.
nawilson
US Veteran
Just don't confuse "killing" and "stopping." A 22 can certainly kill and may stop, but for fighting, it probably isn't the best choice.
I have shot deer through the shoulder with a 300WSM and had them drop. I have shot other deer through the shoulder with the same rifle and had them run off with a broken shoulder, shredded heart, and fist sized exit wounds. I'm sure many others on here have had similar experiences. There are no absolutes.
On the other hand, I met a guy at Walter Reed that had been shot with a 50 BMG. I'm pretty sure he stopped, but he wasn't killed.
I have shot deer through the shoulder with a 300WSM and had them drop. I have shot other deer through the shoulder with the same rifle and had them run off with a broken shoulder, shredded heart, and fist sized exit wounds. I'm sure many others on here have had similar experiences. There are no absolutes.
On the other hand, I met a guy at Walter Reed that had been shot with a 50 BMG. I'm pretty sure he stopped, but he wasn't killed.
.357magger
Member
The number of persons now taking dirt naps (miscreants or otherwise) after taking hits with a .22 numbers in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Just saying. On the other foot, adrenaline is THE most powerful drug known and any handgun round is not the best for stopping a determined human.
But...since you asked advice about a first gun purchase, and specifically listed home protection as the first listed priority, I'd agree with the other members about swapping your choice to a K/L frame .357. Will it cost you more to feed it? Sure will, but you can get bulk .38 ammo pretty cheap these days ($20-30 per 200 or so) and you will exponentially increase the power out of the front end. Let alone budgeting just a tad more for some .357 125 grain JHP's.
You'll shoot it more, won't wish for more power, and you'll sleep soundly at night should the worst happen.
In short, there is no better choice for cheap range practice than a good .22 and the 617 is a great one. But the seperate goal of home defense is what makes me suggest you go the .37/357 route instead.
Let us know what YOU decide works best for you. And...welcome to the Forum.
But...since you asked advice about a first gun purchase, and specifically listed home protection as the first listed priority, I'd agree with the other members about swapping your choice to a K/L frame .357. Will it cost you more to feed it? Sure will, but you can get bulk .38 ammo pretty cheap these days ($20-30 per 200 or so) and you will exponentially increase the power out of the front end. Let alone budgeting just a tad more for some .357 125 grain JHP's.
You'll shoot it more, won't wish for more power, and you'll sleep soundly at night should the worst happen.
In short, there is no better choice for cheap range practice than a good .22 and the 617 is a great one. But the seperate goal of home defense is what makes me suggest you go the .37/357 route instead.
Let us know what YOU decide works best for you. And...welcome to the Forum.
Think through the tasks the guns you buy will have to fulfill and then buy according to that plan. Don't buy a small home defense gun because it's somewhat easier to carry (for example), only to find out that you really need a smaller carry gun and a bigger home defense gun.
To deal with this dilemma, I ended up with a .22 auto Ruger (22/45 MKIII) that's a blast to shoot. I went with a S&W Bodyguard .380 for a carry gun (and backup home defense gun), and with a Model 19-6 .357 magnum as a home defense / hunting pistol, since it has to be capable of stopping two- and four-legged miscreants up to several hundred pounds.
This modest "collection" gives me all the capability I need.
OTOH, "need" can be eclipsed by "want" or "desire" or "totally irrational obsession" that affects so many here. There is little hope for those who've rationalized the "need" for multiple copies of the same gun... though I'm not above fantasizing about a walk-in gun safe.
To deal with this dilemma, I ended up with a .22 auto Ruger (22/45 MKIII) that's a blast to shoot. I went with a S&W Bodyguard .380 for a carry gun (and backup home defense gun), and with a Model 19-6 .357 magnum as a home defense / hunting pistol, since it has to be capable of stopping two- and four-legged miscreants up to several hundred pounds.
This modest "collection" gives me all the capability I need.
OTOH, "need" can be eclipsed by "want" or "desire" or "totally irrational obsession" that affects so many here. There is little hope for those who've rationalized the "need" for multiple copies of the same gun... though I'm not above fantasizing about a walk-in gun safe.
RossMatt
Member
This modest "collection" gives me all the capability I need.
OTOH, "need" can be eclipsed by "want" or "desire" or "totally irrational obsession" that affects so many here. There is little hope for those who've rationalized the "need" for multiple copies of the same gun... though I'm not above fantasizing about a walk-in gun safe.[/QUOTE]
Perhaps the most brilliant quote ever.
Being relatively new to this game as well - I have certainly found out that not only do I want a LARGE number of guns now, but the number would cause foreclosure of my home, loss of my wife, and family. now.. this being said, I am jealous of the 'modest' collection he has... My list grows daily must get a j-frame 642pro and a 357 ruger LCR and a 22 plinker... then a S&W 325, then a S&W 627, a benelli supernova tactical , then a M+P 9mm, then a beretta CX4, then a benelli MR1... d#$%^&t.... here we go again. Lets not even start with accessories. Can we say eaten up???
Welcome to the forum my friend... your finances and weekends are officially devoted to gun residue and solvent soaked patches.
OTOH, "need" can be eclipsed by "want" or "desire" or "totally irrational obsession" that affects so many here. There is little hope for those who've rationalized the "need" for multiple copies of the same gun... though I'm not above fantasizing about a walk-in gun safe.
[/QUOTE]Perhaps the most brilliant quote ever.
Being relatively new to this game as well - I have certainly found out that not only do I want a LARGE number of guns now, but the number would cause foreclosure of my home, loss of my wife, and family. now.. this being said, I am jealous of the 'modest' collection he has... My list grows daily must get a j-frame 642pro and a 357 ruger LCR and a 22 plinker... then a S&W 325, then a S&W 627, a benelli supernova tactical , then a M+P 9mm, then a beretta CX4, then a benelli MR1... d#$%^&t.... here we go again. Lets not even start with accessories. Can we say eaten up???
Welcome to the forum my friend... your finances and weekends are officially devoted to gun residue and solvent soaked patches.
Yours look almost identical at first glance. Sounds like a great way to go after I learn on the 617 .22. Question though - not sure I understand how the 686 can shoot the .38 and the .357. Bud
Last edited:
RIDE-RED 350r
Member
Thats because the 617 and 686 are both L frame specimens....
The .357 Mag and .38 Spl have the same diamter projectile. Im not sure if its the .357 that actually measures .38" or the other way around. But they are the same. Only difference is the .357 mag has a considerably longer shell, packing a heavier punch. On average, a .38 is somewhere around 8 or 900 fps, where the .357 is 12-1300 fps.... Keyword here being "average". There are plenty of options out there where you can get "hotter" .38 ammo, as others have eluded to...
And I concure with others advising a .357 due to your expection of using it for home defense. I have a pair of .22 revolvers for plinking, but my first major purchase was my brand new 686 last fall. I simply LOVE shooting it, and mostly shoot .357 Mags out of it as I find the .38's almost boring...
Last edited:
jag312
Member
The .357 Magnum is nothing more than a .38 Special with a case that has been stretched about 1/10 inch and loaded with more powder. You can shoot a .38 Special in a .357 magnum, but not the other way.
Many years ago an Army Colonel suggested that I get a Smith & Wesson K22/Model 17 revolver. It would be cheap to shoot, I could easily afford to shoot 500 rounds a week, and when I had mastered it, I would be able to shoot just about any other handgun. He was right.
Many years ago an Army Colonel suggested that I get a Smith & Wesson K22/Model 17 revolver. It would be cheap to shoot, I could easily afford to shoot 500 rounds a week, and when I had mastered it, I would be able to shoot just about any other handgun. He was right.
crstrode
Member
Projectiles too small to stop or kill
Some folks say a .22 is too puny to help protect you.
Some folks will have you believe you need a .44 Magnum to even have a ghost of a chance at surviving a bad guy's attack.
The truth is that even a 60mm mortar to the torso won't even stop a determined man.
Here is proof:
Links Page For Navy & Marine Corps EOD Association
As a practical matter, the best of all guns is the one you have with you, and the one you know how to shoot.
You won't shoot a gun that is not fun.
Some folks say a .22 is too puny to help protect you.
Some folks will have you believe you need a .44 Magnum to even have a ghost of a chance at surviving a bad guy's attack.
The truth is that even a 60mm mortar to the torso won't even stop a determined man.
Here is proof:
Links Page For Navy & Marine Corps EOD Association
As a practical matter, the best of all guns is the one you have with you, and the one you know how to shoot.
You won't shoot a gun that is not fun.
This has been my thought process for the past year, and it works!
Depending upon your budget, careful shopping on this forum alone, could net you a serviceable .38 Special and a pristine Model 17 or Model 18, Model 63 .22 revolver for $1000, and likely less.
Not pimping the S+W classifieds, but you'll be hard pressed to find better deals or find more trustworthy people anywhere else.
Last edited:
Keep in mind that the following advice refers to guns for self defense vs humans....
The 617 is a great place to start for a beginner! As a home defense gun, it isn't an ideal caliber but at least you will be able to hit what you aim it at!!! Get proficient with the .22, then as quickly as you can, also get a service caliber automatic or revolver for home defense.
One huge mistake I made when I first started out, was buying handguns that were way to large to be practical. I have a safe full of guns that are great fun at the range, but no use at all for much else. If you are wise, you can save yourself a lot of $$$$ by not repeating my mistake!
After all these years, I finally realize that all I really ever needed is just a small concealable handgun. Baby Glock 27 (9+1 rounds of .40 in a very small package!), backed up with an ultralight S&W342 in my pocket (five rounds of .38+P).
If at some point in the future you plan on running around in bear country, then get back to us. That has very different requirements!
The 617 is a great place to start for a beginner! As a home defense gun, it isn't an ideal caliber but at least you will be able to hit what you aim it at!!! Get proficient with the .22, then as quickly as you can, also get a service caliber automatic or revolver for home defense.
One huge mistake I made when I first started out, was buying handguns that were way to large to be practical. I have a safe full of guns that are great fun at the range, but no use at all for much else. If you are wise, you can save yourself a lot of $$$$ by not repeating my mistake!
After all these years, I finally realize that all I really ever needed is just a small concealable handgun. Baby Glock 27 (9+1 rounds of .40 in a very small package!), backed up with an ultralight S&W342 in my pocket (five rounds of .38+P).
If at some point in the future you plan on running around in bear country, then get back to us. That has very different requirements!
Last edited:
Similar threads
- Locked
