What should be my 1st gun?

[SSGSAD]

I agree with Pinshooter, I have both, a S&W .357 mag, & a S&W 9mm, both are
GREAT, I ALWAYS recommend a REVOLVER for the first gun.
Unless you are military and familiar with semi-auto's....

 

[LEADCASTER]

I just recently applied for my lifetime permit to carry. I figured I would go ahead get that part out of the way before I went and bought a gun. I have a few questions and I seriously have no clue about guns. My wife and I are planning on going to a gun show in December in Seymour, Indiana. I just wanted to get some ideas on what to look at. I want something pretty easy to carry but not real small. I doubt I carry it in public much at all. But we do a lot of camping on the Ohio river and plan to carry it there every weekend. I do plan on learning how to shoot it properly and all that. If I have my permit at the gun show and buy a gun. Will I get to take it home that day? Or do they still have to do a background check and stuff? Right now not looking to spend more than $200 or $250 for the first gun.

Sorry for making it so long.

I'll speak from my own experience. In the 1970's, I purchased a Model 64 S&W because a friend of mine showed me how to cast bullets and reload. In the 1970's, I was in college and $$$$ was an issue if I was to shoot a lot. I've never purchased life ammo from anyone and this friend gave me a bucket (5gallons) of 38, 45 and 357 brass.

Anyway, at that time, the Model 64 was selling for $110.00, NIB. If you're looking for a similar model and NIB, you have to nowdays pay a little over $500.00 for a similar handgun. However, in some gunshows, you might come across a "fixer-upper". If you do decide to purchase a used handgun, as possible purchase it from an authorized gun dealer.

As an example, I purchased a used Model 629 S&W 44 magnum at a gun show who happened to be an authorized dealer (Smith & Wesson) and the sear/trigger mechanism was giving me trouble after shooting several thousand rounds. I then called S&W and not only they paid for the shipping but also fixed it at no charge. On a similar note, I purchased a similar handgun through an estate sale and S&W did not do the same.

A .22 caliber is fine to start with considering the price of ammo however, in recent years, the price of 22's has gone up.

As a rule of thumb, purchase the firearm from an authorized dealer of that brand, take reloading you own into consideration (saves lots and lots of $$$$) if you're going to do a lot of shooting.
What also helps a lot, have your better half make the decision as to the caliber. Sometimes if the gun is too much (recoil, weight, etc) it might turn her off to shooting. Another route is to go to an indoor/outdoor shooting range and try some of their handguns. It's like "test driving" before you buy.

 

[dancingmantis]

Kel-Tec P-3AT and P-11 are in that range, but I would not recommend them for a new shooter............
The Bersa Thunder .380 is in the range, and I can recommend it.

My first handgun was a Kel Tec p11 9mm. It is still the only handgun I own. I am now looking for a new gun. I have owned the p11 for 9 years and have never had a problem with it. However, I do agree that it may not be your best choice for a first time handgun. I have shot many rounds through it but not many rounds at the same time. I wanted it mainly for carrying on a regular basis. Since I had only shot one handgun when I was only about 10 years old I did not really know the difference so to speak. All my experience was in rifles. Now since I have shot a few other models the P11 is not the best fitting gun for my hands and I like how others shoot. I am also looking into a Bersa Thunder. I have been reading really great reviews on them. However, all of the local shops I have called around here do not have any in stock. I keep getting told that Bersa has become really popular lately and it is hard to hold inventory. Good luck to you and happy shooting!

 

[Lars]

I'd like to offer this suggestion.

make sure your Carry weapon "works."

In the grand scheme of a year or two, the difference between $200 and $500 is nothing. In the grand scheme of a lifetime of carry it's even less.

Go buy a Glock, M&P, Sig, or HK.

 

[CapBuster49]

hmmmmmmmmm for $200-$250 I think Airsoft is the best route. If you went Hi Point you cold get one for you and the wife..