Little Help Please

[squeeze2drop]

Alright guys, i just got my weapons permit, looking to buy a pistol, just a good beginner one, somethin to get used to, ive only owned rifles and shotguns my whole life, so this is new to me, i dont really wanna spend more than $350, i was curious what i should take a look at, i realize 350 isnt a whole lot, but again, im not lookin to buy the best gun on the market, i went into some stores to price and of course everybody has me lookin at $600 and up guns, so if anybody can help a beginner out with some advice on where to look, or what to look for id appreciate it, thanks guys!

[ArtistNhunter2]

Where are you located? Buy a used revolver. Good, easy to handle and safe for a beginner. Try pawn shops, you'll find something in your price range.

[squeeze2drop]

i am in yakima, ya ive thought about pawn shops, im just kinda scared cuz i dont the know history of the gun i guess??

[jackelope]

you can get the serial # and run it through the local p.d.

i had a ruger speed six 4" 357 mag that i thought was a good 1st pistol for me. it was in great shape. i paid 350 for it. i have since sold it for the same price. something like that would be good.

[coop2424]

you can get the serial # and run it through the local p.d.

i had a ruger speed six 4" 357 mag that i thought was a good 1st pistol for me. it was in great shape. i paid 350 for it. i have since sold it for the same price. something like that would be good.

Completely agree that would be a great starter gun since you could put 38's or 357 through it.  38's are pretty cheap and not so much kick but you could work up to the 357... 

[ICEMAN]

Start with the revolver! Less expensive, easy to learn with, reliable. 

[rasbo]

357 double action,you can shoot 38s out of it also...

[thinkingman]

Check Gunbroker for SW mod 64's.  Under $300 and a great starting point.

[high country]

agree on the revolver. a 4" barrel can be concealed and is legal to hunt with. 357 is a good choice for the reasons mentioned. ruger is pretty solid and can be had for the $ you are talking. taraus treated me well on the one I owned, but surely less refined then a smith or colt.....but in you price range.

I would avoid import autos and ruger autos.

[Shootmoore]

I have to agree with the .357 wheel gun for a first handgun.  Allows the use of .38's which = less recoil, allowing for more concentration on shooting fundimentals with the option to go to .357 for carry.  (I suggest also practicing with the .357 before carring as well).

Also a revolver imo is a safer design for your first firearm while learning safe handgun skills.

Also learn to shoot a handgun, but more importantly learn safe handling skills with it.  Do to the much shorter length, I see time and time again people using poor firearms safety with handguns.  Even persons who have handled long guns and do so safely, end up breaking those very important rules with a handgun. 

The #1 violation I see is Never point your gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.  We call it "lazering"  and it tends to happen alot with the much shorter barrel of a handgun.  There is not that visual "clue" of the longer barrel of a rifle with the handgun.  To many times I see people handling handguns lazering themselves and others because there mind is not extending the barrel to where the round will travel if there is an Acidental Discharge.

One drill I use is placing dowls about 4 feet in length in the barrels of unloaded handguns.  I then stack people in a line both vertical and horizontal to the target.  I then have them do movement drills, simulated holster and draw.  You would be amazed how many hip and thigh slaps with the dowls occure.  Each one of those slaps equals violating the lazer rule. 

Sorry I went off on a tangent and this was not the info you were looking for, but I believe strongly in the right to keep and bear arms, but I also believe just as strongly in safe and responsable handling and use as well.

Shootmoore

[high country]

since you are gonna drag safety into this;

wear earplugs every time you shoot it unless it is life or death. god hath no fury like a hot short barreled wheelgun. 100x louder then a shotgun

[Shootmoore]

since you are gonna drag safety into this;

wear earplugs every time you shoot it unless it is life or death. god hath no fury like a hot short barreled wheelgun. 100x louder then a shotgun

Good point, I learned that the hard way many years ago taking a shot a groundhog with a .38 snubby without plugs.  Thought I was going to be deaf the rest of my life.

Shootmoore

[Huntbear]

i am in yakima, ya ive thought about pawn shops, im just kinda scared cuz i dont the know history of the gun i guess??

All weapons that are for sale in a pawn shop are SUPPOSED to be run through the Sheriff's office before being put out for sale.  Unless the pawn shop owner is a crook, fencing stolen goods, you should not have to worry about buying a stolen gun from a reputable pawn broker.

[high country]

I watched a co-worker touch off a 7-30 waters that was ported from the hood......I thought he shot himself the way he was floundering. he yawned 200 times a day hoping his ear would pop and his hearing would come back.

[Chessie_Guy]

i just got my weapons permit

What is a 'weapons permit'?  Are you talking about a Concealed Weapons Permit/Concealed Carry License?