Beginning and need thoughts

Guns&Dobes · 11-17-2007, 07:53 PM

I am new to the board and found the board while doing a search of the S&W Lady Smith 38. So here I am and being a newbie (only shot a rifle or two quite a few years back) I am trying to read as much as I can and am ready to get some hands on experience.

First off I have a Gun Handling class scheduled soon and I've been looking at guns.

I am sure this has been asked before but could you ladies recommend a good starter gun. It will eventually be a carry gun when I get through all the things I need to do to get a permit.

gunney_m · 11-17-2007, 08:03 PM

I am not a lady but I will recomend a revolver.

Guns&Dobes · 11-17-2007, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunney_m

I am not a lady but I will recomend a revolver.

All recommendations are welcome, so thanks gunney. May I ask why you recommend a revolver?

That is actually what I am considering the most at the moment but I would like to know the pro's and con's of different guns and what different people think.

gunney_m · 11-17-2007, 09:16 PM

Good weapon to start on, very simple: swing out the cylinder load the chambers, close the cylinder and fire, they are very reliable type of gun.

redhed · 11-17-2007, 10:24 PM

Hi Guns and Dobes. I recently bought a Smith and Wesson .38 Featherlight. It's a great, reliable little weapon for close range shooting. Minimal recoil and easy on your wrist. I target with mine at approximately 40 feet shooting at pie plate sized targets with good results.

Think about a 9 mm though while you are out there shopping around. The .38 shoots 5 rounds. A 9....more....lots more and it takes no time to drop a magazine and slam another one home where with a .38 you have to remove the spent cartridges and reload either individually or with a speed loader.

On the plus side of the .38 is the reliability of a wheel gun. Not as much to go wrong, my .38 has never had a failure to fire and is easy to reload. If you are in an area that allows concealed carry, it's the perfect pocket gun.

Whatever weapon you decide on, make sure it's the right gun for you.

gunney_m · 11-17-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhed

Hi Guns and Dobes. I recently bought a Smith and Wesson .38 Featherlight. It's a great, reliable little weapon for close range shooting. Minimal recoil and easy on your wrist. I target with mine at approximately 40 feet shooting at pie plate sized targets with good results.

Think about a 9 mm though while you are out there shopping around. The .38 shoots 5 rounds. A 9....more....lots more and it takes no time to drop a magazine and slam another one home where with a .38 you have to remove the spent cartridges and reload either individually or with a speed loader.

On the plus side of the .38 is the reliability of a wheel gun. Not as much to go wrong, my .38 has never had a failure to fire and is easy to reload. If you are in an area that allows concealed carry, it's the perfect pocket gun.

Whatever weapon you decide on, make sure it's the right gun for you.

You have to remember she is just starting, a semi-automatic may be too complicated to start outon shooting guns at all.

oldjarhead · 11-17-2007, 10:54 PM

Guns&Dobes, welcome.
You will find as many recommendations as there are guns; all of us have our preference in type and caliber. I suggest perusing a Gun Digest or similiar publication to see the various models of revolvers and small autos that are on the market...pick several. Decide on a caliber(s) that you may be interested in. My recommended caliber range would be 380 Auto to 45, anything in between but nothing less and nothing more for a good protection concealable. Read up on each model you pick and, if possible, go to a range that has rental guns available. Shoot your various choices and calibers to find the one best suited for you personally; you do not need to stay with the more expensive handguns, example Taurus makes very fine revolvers and semi-autos at a lower cost than some of the 'brand' names. Like posted, each revolver and semi-auto has it's pros and cons, barrel length is important; the shorter the barrel the less accuracy but long barrels are harder to carry concealed. Main thing is to know what you're looking at when you do go to purchase one. Salesmen are salesmen regardless what they sell. You must consider the purpose(s), heft or feel, knock-down power, size (if you will be carrying concealed, of the pistol you ultimately invest in. I carry a Taurus PT-58 380 auto and feel comfortable with it but you may not. Remember the final decision is yours and yours alone.
PS...it's been said that every gun owner should have at least one wheel gun in his collection.
Good luck.

gunney_m · 11-17-2007, 11:03 PM

OldJarhead pretty much covered it.

redhed · 11-18-2007, 09:42 AM

I agree on all points. Another suggestion is to visit a nearby gun show, look around, ask questions and handle the guns. Most dealers are more than helpful and willing to give tips on which guns to steer away from for a beginner. My first experience with a handgun was when I went with the thought of buying a 45 and wound up with a Walther P22. The weapon fit my hand well and I wound up learning how to shoot and handle a handgun with it due to the low recoil and ease of handling.

Oldjarhead is right on the mark with his advice. One of the best places to go is a gun range. All of my experiences at various ranges have been the same. Older, more experienced shooters are more than willing to let you try their weapons, give you pointers and impromptu shooting lessons. There's a wealth of knowledge and experience out there. All you have to do is find it and then ask questions.

Not a finer group of people around than gun enthusiasts.

Guns&Dobes · 11-18-2007, 09:50 AM

Wow thanks so much for the input I have received so far, it is very helpful.

oldjarhead, getting a gun magazine is an excellant idea that I hadn't thought of, I have been doing research online which is good too but a hands on mag is a great idea.

I wish I would have had an interest in guns in my younger years and made a hobby of it but I grew up and lived in an area where I never felt threatened, but that was many years ago, things have changed a lot as I have grown older. I now live in a different state and in city and my way of thinking has changed very much.

My state does allow conceal carry btw, I live in TN.

Today I am going to shoot three different guns, a 38, a 9mm and a 22. From what I have learned so far I am definitely leaning toward either the 9 mm or the 38.

Thank you also redhead.

There are a few gun ranges around my area that I am definitely planning to visit. Haven't put my finger on which one yet, but my gun handling class is at the closest one and it's a lady that teaches the class. She mentioned that I could rent a 22 from her for the class if I haven't gotten my gun by then and even told me that it would be best if I waited til after the class to decide because I may get something and then after taking the training wish I had gotten something else. I thought that was probably good advice seeing I am new.

My son in law has the 9 mm and said I could borrow it for the class if I wanted. We will see.

But right now I want to get a little experience with as many different types in the consideration pool as I can. So I will find a range that will allow me to try different types.

redhed · 11-18-2007, 10:00 AM

Have fun and let us know how it goes.

ArkansasHunter · 11-18-2007, 10:16 AM

Guns&Dobies may I suggest you visit the Pawn and Gun shops/stores in your area in your gun search.
When you go to class I'm sure the instructor gave a list of things to bring but if she didn't Please go buy a cheap package of foam ear plugs or hearing protector muffs.

And when you decide on what handgun(s) your interested in buying post a thread here where we may can help you in your disison if you need some help.

And WELCOME to GUN and GAME !!! Thank you so much for joining...A.H

Guns&Dobes · 11-18-2007, 10:58 AM

Thanks AH for the welcome and advice. Definitely going for the earplugs LOL believe me I know cause my hubby snores to the high heavens and if I didn't have them I would be walking around like a zombie

nathangdad · 11-18-2007, 11:04 AM

Rather than just make a recommendation, I suggest you try several different firearms in order to find what best fits you in terms of size, weight, recoil, etc. Your class might provide an opportunity to test other student's guns or perhaps you can go to a firing range and talk to various shooters.

oldjarhead · 11-18-2007, 11:10 AM

G&D, I have a feeling you're going to get hooked on a most enjoyable hobby. If you need help or info on your journey we'll all be here to lend you advice...ok we'll give it to you...for free too!

Guns&Dobes · 11-18-2007, 04:48 PM

Thanks nathangdad, I am going to do just that as soon as the holiday week is over, I am anxious.

oldjarhead, I think you are right, I am back from shooting today and I enjoyed it tremendously and was quite proud of myself that I wasn't nervous handling the guns.

I shot a Ruger P95 9mm and a Rossi 38 special. I actually liked how the 9mm shot best but I shot it more than the 38 and also before the 38. The handle on the 38 seemed small to me.

I didn't do so well but hey, at about 50 ft I got 4 hits out of about 16 rounds. But it was my first time shooting a pistol.

gunney_m · 11-18-2007, 04:53 PM

You will improve trust me, you can get some rubber grips for your revolver and you will get a better grip(feel)=accuracy.

redhed · 11-18-2007, 05:50 PM

Hey G&D, Good to hear that you had a good time today. I've shot Ruger semi-autos...before they were lost in the boating accident..

They are great guns, reliable, accurate but unfortunately too big for my hand. If you can shoot one with any accuracy whatsoever, you have my respect.

As for accuracy, trust me, practice make perfect. Shoot frequently. I'm lucky enough to live out in the sticks and can shoot off my back porch as the spirit moves me, which is often. In no time you will find yourself becoming more accurate with whatever gun you choose to shoot. I'm best with a 9 in single and double action, and I've been shooting religiously for about two years.

Hang in there, you'll improve.

ArkansasHunter · 11-18-2007, 05:56 PM

redhed can't you get a magnet and rope and fish for your lost guns ???...A.H

redhed · 11-18-2007, 06:14 PM

Nahhh...we thought it was best to leave them buried with the other lost guns at the bottom of the river. We're in Illinois, land of the ballistically impaired. Everyone looses guns in tragic boating accidents in Illinois....then there are the horrible fires that occur. Luckily we haven't been subject to that tragedy yet.

11-17-2007, 07:53 PM	#1
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	Beginning and need thoughts I am new to the board and found the board while doing a search of the S&W Lady Smith 38. So here I am and being a newbie (only shot a rifle or two quite a few years back) I am trying to read as much as I can and am ready to get some hands on experience. First off I have a Gun Handling class scheduled soon and I've been looking at guns. I am sure this has been asked before but could you ladies recommend a good starter gun. It will eventually be a carry gun when I get through all the things I need to do to get a permit.

11-17-2007, 10:54 PM	#7
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mansfield, MO Posts: 817	Guns&Dobes, welcome. You will find as many recommendations as there are guns; all of us have our preference in type and caliber. I suggest perusing a Gun Digest or similiar publication to see the various models of revolvers and small autos that are on the market...pick several. Decide on a caliber(s) that you may be interested in. My recommended caliber range would be 380 Auto to 45, anything in between but nothing less and nothing more for a good protection concealable. Read up on each model you pick and, if possible, go to a range that has rental guns available. Shoot your various choices and calibers to find the one best suited for you personally; you do not need to stay with the more expensive handguns, example Taurus makes very fine revolvers and semi-autos at a lower cost than some of the 'brand' names. Like posted, each revolver and semi-auto has it's pros and cons, barrel length is important; the shorter the barrel the less accuracy but long barrels are harder to carry concealed. Main thing is to know what you're looking at when you do go to purchase one. Salesmen are salesmen regardless what they sell. You must consider the purpose(s), heft or feel, knock-down power, size (if you will be carrying concealed, of the pistol you ultimately invest in. I carry a Taurus PT-58 380 auto and feel comfortable with it but you may not. Remember the final decision is yours and yours alone. PS...it's been said that every gun owner should have at least one wheel gun in his collection. Good luck. Last edited by oldjarhead; 11-17-2007 at 10:59 PM.

11-18-2007, 09:50 AM	#10
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	Wow thanks so much for the input I have received so far, it is very helpful. oldjarhead, getting a gun magazine is an excellant idea that I hadn't thought of, I have been doing research online which is good too but a hands on mag is a great idea. I wish I would have had an interest in guns in my younger years and made a hobby of it but I grew up and lived in an area where I never felt threatened, but that was many years ago, things have changed a lot as I have grown older. I now live in a different state and in city and my way of thinking has changed very much. My state does allow conceal carry btw, I live in TN. Today I am going to shoot three different guns, a 38, a 9mm and a 22. From what I have learned so far I am definitely leaning toward either the 9 mm or the 38. Thank you also redhead. There are a few gun ranges around my area that I am definitely planning to visit. Haven't put my finger on which one yet, but my gun handling class is at the closest one and it's a lady that teaches the class. She mentioned that I could rent a 22 from her for the class if I haven't gotten my gun by then and even told me that it would be best if I waited til after the class to decide because I may get something and then after taking the training wish I had gotten something else. I thought that was probably good advice seeing I am new. My son in law has the 9 mm and said I could borrow it for the class if I wanted. We will see. But right now I want to get a little experience with as many different types in the consideration pool as I can. So I will find a range that will allow me to try different types. Last edited by Guns&Dobes; 11-18-2007 at 09:56 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

11-18-2007, 11:04 AM	#14
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,472	Try several guns Rather than just make a recommendation, I suggest you try several different firearms in order to find what best fits you in terms of size, weight, recoil, etc. Your class might provide an opportunity to test other student's guns or perhaps you can go to a firing range and talk to various shooters.

11-17-2007, 08:03 PM	#2
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	I am not a lady but I will recomend a revolver.

11-17-2007, 09:16 PM	#4
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	Good weapon to start on, very simple: swing out the cylinder load the chambers, close the cylinder and fire, they are very reliable type of gun.

11-17-2007, 10:24 PM	#5
redhed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Armpit, Illinois, USA Posts: 333	Hi Guns and Dobes. I recently bought a Smith and Wesson .38 Featherlight. It's a great, reliable little weapon for close range shooting. Minimal recoil and easy on your wrist. I target with mine at approximately 40 feet shooting at pie plate sized targets with good results. Think about a 9 mm though while you are out there shopping around. The .38 shoots 5 rounds. A 9....more....lots more and it takes no time to drop a magazine and slam another one home where with a .38 you have to remove the spent cartridges and reload either individually or with a speed loader. On the plus side of the .38 is the reliability of a wheel gun. Not as much to go wrong, my .38 has never had a failure to fire and is easy to reload. If you are in an area that allows concealed carry, it's the perfect pocket gun. Whatever weapon you decide on, make sure it's the right gun for you.

11-17-2007, 11:03 PM	#8
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	OldJarhead pretty much covered it.

11-18-2007, 09:42 AM	#9
redhed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Armpit, Illinois, USA Posts: 333	I agree on all points. Another suggestion is to visit a nearby gun show, look around, ask questions and handle the guns. Most dealers are more than helpful and willing to give tips on which guns to steer away from for a beginner. My first experience with a handgun was when I went with the thought of buying a 45 and wound up with a Walther P22. The weapon fit my hand well and I wound up learning how to shoot and handle a handgun with it due to the low recoil and ease of handling. Oldjarhead is right on the mark with his advice. One of the best places to go is a gun range. All of my experiences at various ranges have been the same. Older, more experienced shooters are more than willing to let you try their weapons, give you pointers and impromptu shooting lessons. There's a wealth of knowledge and experience out there. All you have to do is find it and then ask questions. Not a finer group of people around than gun enthusiasts.

11-18-2007, 10:00 AM	#11
redhed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Armpit, Illinois, USA Posts: 333	Have fun and let us know how it goes.

11-18-2007, 10:16 AM	#12
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,694	Guns&Dobies may I suggest you visit the Pawn and Gun shops/stores in your area in your gun search. When you go to class I'm sure the instructor gave a list of things to bring but if she didn't Please go buy a cheap package of foam ear plugs or hearing protector muffs. And when you decide on what handgun(s) your interested in buying post a thread here where we may can help you in your disison if you need some help. And WELCOME to GUN and GAME !!! Thank you so much for joining...A.H

11-18-2007, 10:58 AM	#13
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	Thanks AH for the welcome and advice. Definitely going for the earplugs LOL believe me I know cause my hubby snores to the high heavens and if I didn't have them I would be walking around like a zombie

11-18-2007, 11:10 AM	#15
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mansfield, MO Posts: 817	G&D, I have a feeling you're going to get hooked on a most enjoyable hobby. If you need help or info on your journey we'll all be here to lend you advice...ok we'll give it to you...for free too!

11-18-2007, 04:48 PM	#16
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	Thanks nathangdad, I am going to do just that as soon as the holiday week is over, I am anxious. oldjarhead, I think you are right, I am back from shooting today and I enjoyed it tremendously and was quite proud of myself that I wasn't nervous handling the guns. I shot a Ruger P95 9mm and a Rossi 38 special. I actually liked how the 9mm shot best but I shot it more than the 38 and also before the 38. The handle on the 38 seemed small to me. I didn't do so well but hey, at about 50 ft I got 4 hits out of about 16 rounds. But it was my first time shooting a pistol.

11-18-2007, 04:53 PM	#17
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	You will improve trust me, you can get some rubber grips for your revolver and you will get a better grip(feel)=accuracy.

11-18-2007, 05:50 PM	#18
redhed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Armpit, Illinois, USA Posts: 333	Hey G&D, Good to hear that you had a good time today. I've shot Ruger semi-autos...before they were lost in the boating accident.. They are great guns, reliable, accurate but unfortunately too big for my hand. If you can shoot one with any accuracy whatsoever, you have my respect. As for accuracy, trust me, practice make perfect. Shoot frequently. I'm lucky enough to live out in the sticks and can shoot off my back porch as the spirit moves me, which is often. In no time you will find yourself becoming more accurate with whatever gun you choose to shoot. I'm best with a 9 in single and double action, and I've been shooting religiously for about two years. Hang in there, you'll improve.

11-18-2007, 05:56 PM	#19
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,694	redhed can't you get a magnet and rope and fish for your lost guns ???...A.H

11-18-2007, 06:14 PM	#20
redhed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Armpit, Illinois, USA Posts: 333	Nahhh...we thought it was best to leave them buried with the other lost guns at the bottom of the river. We're in Illinois, land of the ballistically impaired. Everyone looses guns in tragic boating accidents in Illinois....then there are the horrible fires that occur. Luckily we haven't been subject to that tragedy yet.