The first handgun I fired was a 6in. barreled Ruger 22 Standard Auto and the first centerfire was a friends dad's WW11 bring back German Luger. I enjoyed both then and here I am 55 years later still enjoying shooting and collecting. It has been and continues to be a good run with the many guns that I have collected and have passed thru my hands but even more important the many good and long time friends I have made along the way, this very Forum being a great example. All my very best, Joe.
What was the first handgun you ever shot?
- Thread starter Cal44
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The first handgun I can remember shooting was a Luger. One of my dad's friends from the Legion post owned it and would sometimes shoot it at the gun range across the road from my house. I spent a lot of time back there, was fascinated by the way it worked and he let me shoot it one day. Think I've been hooked on handguns ever since.
That was a great place to grow up, rifle range, trap club and a lake to fish in, great place for a boy to learn to love the outdoors and all kinds of shooting. I was lucky I guess. Soon started buying guns, first a flintlock pistol, then a Colt single action and a Ruger 22 semi auto. Eventually got my own Luger as well, still fascinated by that toggle action!
That was a great place to grow up, rifle range, trap club and a lake to fish in, great place for a boy to learn to love the outdoors and all kinds of shooting. I was lucky I guess. Soon started buying guns, first a flintlock pistol, then a Colt single action and a Ruger 22 semi auto. Eventually got my own Luger as well, still fascinated by that toggle action!
cmort666
Member
The first handgun I shot was a S&W Model 41 (long barrel) in my college's basic pistol course.
I've been shooting handguns ever since.
I've been shooting handguns ever since.
the ringo kid
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guess we're close -1922/30cal.
Nice. I had one of those: ''black widows'' which also was a BYF 41, took it out once but, just didn't compare to my Walther.
the ringo kid
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I had one of those once. All it had was slight holster wear. Mine was a 43 Remington Rand and had been general Hardaways gun. Like an idjit, I sold it for about a $400 dollar profit. Now that gun is worth at least $5 grand.
First handgun I shot was a Chief's Special, belonged to a friends Dad who was retired LE, sometime back in the 60's. Not long ago I got a Model 36, brought back memories.
TeaDub
Member
My first was a little Beretta 25. Probably a Jetfire but I was too young to know. I was 10 and several of the kids at church were allowed to go to the pistol range with one of the parents. Hearing protection? Nah, this was 40+ years ago. My ears rang for hours. 
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
First handgun fired??? My grandfather's Ruger 22 semi auto pistol. Lost track of it over the years. Wish I had that little gun.
Wait, I do!!!
Got it last year from my dad's widow-in pieces. Ordered a new recoil spring and guide for it-when the Ruger lady heard the serial number and assured herself that I hadn't missed a number she sent me the parts for free. Man that gun is a bear putting back together-my dad obviously couldn't do it. I could tell by touch there was a tiny burr on the round thing that goes in the receiver and ever so carefully dressed it up with a file and it popped right in! And it's just as accurate as my new Ruger MkIII !!!
Wait, I do!!!
Got it last year from my dad's widow-in pieces. Ordered a new recoil spring and guide for it-when the Ruger lady heard the serial number and assured herself that I hadn't missed a number she sent me the parts for free. Man that gun is a bear putting back together-my dad obviously couldn't do it. I could tell by touch there was a tiny burr on the round thing that goes in the receiver and ever so carefully dressed it up with a file and it popped right in! And it's just as accurate as my new Ruger MkIII !!!
Comrad
Member
H&R .22 Young American revolver, tiny, nickel plated, perfect for a kid. Paid 15 bucks for it, wish I still had it.
greenmachine
Member
When I was a boy scout working on my Eagle project a local cop took our entire troop to the range and let us fire a round through his service revolver.
I have never forgiven him.
I have never forgiven him.
Rick_A
Member
Just a boring, military issue M9 Beretta. Qual'd expert first time around despite heckles from all the officers.
Cold Warrior
Member
A S&W Model 10
My cousin Joe's chrome plated 6" barrel, Smith model 10. He, at the time, was an auxially parish deputy. It was 1960 and our impromto range was a ditch on the side of a country, dirt road.
My cousin Joe's chrome plated 6" barrel, Smith model 10. He, at the time, was an auxially parish deputy. It was 1960 and our impromto range was a ditch on the side of a country, dirt road.
Taurus PT92AF 9mm when I was 27 yrs old. Was also the first gun I bought. On the way home from the gun store I pulled to the side of the road, walked into the woods, figured out how to load it, and shot at a tree.
bushmaster1313
Member
About 35 years ago.
Some sort of .22 full size semi-auto pistol.
Lots of buttons and levers. Very intimidating to a new shooter.
Secretary at the University I attended as a graduate student had a target with holes pasted on the wall over her desk. The holes were all close to the center.
I asked, "Did you do that?"
She said, "Yes."
I said, "I just bought a handgun and have no idea how to use it."
She said, "Bring it tomorrow, I am taking you shooting."
I came the next day with a used .357 K Frame.
She would not let me shoot it. Smart lady.
I shot her .22 pistol.
She was already married.
Some sort of .22 full size semi-auto pistol.
Lots of buttons and levers. Very intimidating to a new shooter.
Secretary at the University I attended as a graduate student had a target with holes pasted on the wall over her desk. The holes were all close to the center.
I asked, "Did you do that?"
She said, "Yes."
I said, "I just bought a handgun and have no idea how to use it."
She said, "Bring it tomorrow, I am taking you shooting."
I came the next day with a used .357 K Frame.
She would not let me shoot it. Smart lady.
I shot her .22 pistol.
She was already married.
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31FordA
Member
First gun I fired was the Model 28 my dad gave me when I was 14. Shot a box of 148 gr wadcutters at a target tacked to a tree. Still have the target around here somewhere. I also still have the Model 28.
The first handgun I ever fired was a 1911A1 .45 ACP that my father was issued during WWII. It was manufactured by Ithaca and in about new condition. Still in the family.
Sadly that started an expensive love affair, then addiction, with 1911's of many varieties..... They were soooo inexpensive back in the '50's and '60's in comparison to prices today. IIRC we were getting them from the DCM at about $17.50 delivered. Of course, to a kid back then that was a chunk of change. Wish I would have kept them all. Had most of the varieties of military issue except for the Singer and Springfield which were elusive buggers at a fair price.
Sadly that started an expensive love affair, then addiction, with 1911's of many varieties..... They were soooo inexpensive back in the '50's and '60's in comparison to prices today. IIRC we were getting them from the DCM at about $17.50 delivered. Of course, to a kid back then that was a chunk of change. Wish I would have kept them all. Had most of the varieties of military issue except for the Singer and Springfield which were elusive buggers at a fair price.
grub348
Member
The first handgun I fired was my Uncle Chick's K-22. It was in my Gram's yard, behind the woodshed. If I remember correctly I was about 10, so it would have been 1961.I have been HOOKED on Smiths ever since.My uncles was stolen in a break in later but I own a 5-screw pre model 17 just like his. I am so lucky. It brings back fond memories of days and people gone by.
