First Gun: S & W 22LR 5.5 Inch

CosmoKramer · 03-29-2008, 07:51 PM

Any thoughts?

I am just starting to learn to shoot. I want to take a beginners class at the local range, but I am just so busy with work that I can't find the time when they have them. I might take a vacation to get one in!

I'm a young professional male, looking to find a good release to get away from it all. I've been to the range once and shot a bunch of different guns. I had no idea what I was in for, but now I'm hooked. I want to get a decent .22 that from what I hear is cheap to shoot(ammo) and a good starter.

I don't really want to start with a revolver like most people say to do, but am not opposed to it.

I've read around and this seems to be a good middle of the road .22.

longboard · 03-29-2008, 08:11 PM

The Browning Buck Mark has very good reviews, so does the Smith and Wesson auto [can't remember the name]. A-22?
I have an older S&W 622 and love it. It's light accurate and a hoot to shoot and, carry in the woods.
I also have a Ruger Single Six with a 6" barrel with all the same traits except light weight.
What I would like to have is a .22 cal. S&W double action revolver blued with a 4" barrel.
Good luck in what you end up with, can't go wrong with a .22.
Longboard

CosmoKramer · 03-29-2008, 08:13 PM

I think I want to get a Smith and Wesson 22A 22LR.

I'm gonna go to the local range tomorrow and see what they have to say. They seem liked they were nice guys, not out to get anyone.

samuel · 03-29-2008, 10:04 PM

Have a good time learning to shoot.Glad you are getting knowledgible help.You can trust the shooters that have knowledge.It's the unknowing non shooters that lye to you about guns. sam.

bigbuddy21 · 03-29-2008, 10:09 PM

try the ruger mark series they are very good pistols and your grandchildren will be giving it to their kids.

Bravo · 03-30-2008, 12:34 AM

The S&W 22A gets really good reviews for accuracy and an awesome trigger. They're also made just a bit north from where I live, which is another plus in my opinion

GlockMeister · 03-30-2008, 12:52 AM

Honestly, once you get into it, and trust me you will, you're going to find the .22 is too small and you'll want more. What I suggest, is go to your local range or dealer with a range if possible, tell them you're new,never shot, and see if they have anything you can rent. Look @ 9mms. See if you can get some minor instruction,rent one and try it out.

A 9mm does not have a lot of kick'recoil and the ammo is still quite reasonable. Obviously not as and no where near as reasonable as .22 ammo, but as I said, you WILL find the .22 not enough and wanting more, within a month or 2 at the most if you go 3 or 4 times in that time period.

If you're that busy and having trouble getting to a beginners class, when will you have time to go to the range to shoot? Not trying to sway you out of it, just asking.

I sincerely Welcome you to G&G and to the world of shooting sports. You will come to love it. I hope you get the chance to shoot very soon. Please be sure and let us all know as you progress. What you bought, how you like it, how it was your first time shooting it. Good luck...

Bravo · 03-30-2008, 08:50 AM

While I agree that he might want "more" (we all do), I could not recommend anything but a .22 for starting. I started shooting handguns on my uncles .44mag, and as a result developed the most horrible flinching problem known to man. I'd buy a .22, and shoot it for a few years. Master it, and then move up to the 9mm.

You won't regret it

Windwalker · 03-30-2008, 08:50 AM

Welcome to G&G. A .22 is a good way to start, and the ammo is cheaper. After you have shot awhile if you want to try a larger caliber go to a range that rents guns and shoot different calibers to see what you like. Shoot different brands of guns to see what fits your hand best.
We have a great bunch of folks here. Enjoy!

CosmoKramer · 03-30-2008, 09:39 AM

Thanks guys!

The problem is that I work in sales and I never know when I have to stay late for work. So if I pay 60 bucks for the beginners class and can't make it that would be a waste. I just need to find a time when I can do it and KNOW I can do it.

I know that I want to move on to bigger and better things than a .22. I've shot once before. The local range here in Columbus, Ohio(New Albany actually) has a really good supply of guns you can rent. I shot a .357, a 9mm, a .45, and an AR-15. This was about 3 months ago. I was just going to do it once so that I could say I did. But looking back on it, I really enjoyed it.

I'm going to the range today around noon when they open. I'll shoot a few .22s (if they have them) and see what I like!

Hope it goes well.

CosmoKramer · 04-02-2008, 02:04 PM

Just to recap. I went to the range the other day and shot the Ruger .22 MK III Bull Barrel 5.5 Inch and LOVED it.

It was so much fun. I shot from 20-25 yards away and did pretty well. But it was a bunch of fun. I shot another guyn but I can't remember what it was. It was a 9mm, I think it was a Baretta, not sure though. It was fun but a little more expensive obviously.

I'm in the market for a Ruger .22 MK III Bull Barrel if anyone wants to unload one out of their collection!

sell33 · 04-02-2008, 02:09 PM

Thats exactly what i want (or mark II) and plan on getting as soon as school is out here in a month. Check GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction its a great site. good luck with the gun

o and welcome to the site hope you hang around

Taurus Fan · 04-02-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravo

While I agree that he might want "more" (we all do), I could not recommend anything but a .22 for starting. I started shooting handguns on my uncles .44mag, and as a result developed the most horrible flinching problem known to man. I'd buy a .22, and shoot it for a few years. Master it, and then move up to the 9mm.

You won't regret it

Good advice. A .22 is an excellent first gun, and if you get into it, you can get something bigger later. Having a .22 is a good idea anyway for the low cost of ammo and practice they allow. Pretty much any serious shooter will have a .22 as part of their collection, so why not start out with one? No matter how many guns you end up owning, you'll want one of them to be a .22.

Bravo · 04-02-2008, 10:18 PM

Cosmo, good luck finding someone that wants to give up their Ruger .22. I think there are only 2 types of people in this scenario: Those who own a Ruger .22, and those that wish they owned a Ruger .22.

Deep13 · 04-03-2008, 11:10 AM

.22s are still my favorite guns. The light recoil and inexpensive ammunition makes them easy to shoot. Plus, it doesn't take much power to punch a hole in a paper target.

NRAJOE · 04-03-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmoKramer

I think I want to get a Smith and Wesson 22A 22LR.

I'm gonna go to the local range tomorrow and see what they have to say. They seem liked they were nice guys, not out to get anyone.

Great gun for the money...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravo

Cosmo, good luck finding someone that wants to give up their Ruger .22. I think there are only 2 types of people in this scenario: Those who own a Ruger .22, and those that wish they owned a Ruger .22.

Got that too...pre '72...

perdidochas · 04-03-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmoKramer

Any thoughts?

I am just starting to learn to shoot. I want to take a beginners class at the local range, but I am just so busy with work that I can't find the time when they have them. I might take a vacation to get one in!

I'm a young professional male, looking to find a good release to get away from it all. I've been to the range once and shot a bunch of different guns. I had no idea what I was in for, but now I'm hooked. I want to get a decent .22 that from what I hear is cheap to shoot(ammo) and a good starter.

I don't really want to start with a revolver like most people say to do, but am not opposed to it.

I've read around and this seems to be a good middle of the road .22.

Take a course and shoot some guns before you buy one. The S&W is excellent if you plan to stick to revolvers, but you might want to think about a Ruger Mk. III (or II or I) as well.

LefthandShooter · 04-05-2008, 06:20 AM

I've had my Ruger Mark 2 since the mid-80's. I've shot it probably 4000 times and it still looks like new! Shoots great also!
I taught my son to shoot on it and also my wife. At the range it seems just about every regular there has a .22. You shoot the higher calibers and then the .22 for a longer time experience. Several of us like to see who can shoot the best group at 25 yards. These guns are very accurate. Some even have scopes on them. Just fun to shoot and cheap!
Most ranges rent guns too. It's bettewr to spend a few bucks to rent/try than several hundred and have a gun you don't really like.

03-29-2008, 07:51 PM	#1
CosmoKramer Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	First Gun: S & W 22LR 5.5 Inch Any thoughts? I am just starting to learn to shoot. I want to take a beginners class at the local range, but I am just so busy with work that I can't find the time when they have them. I might take a vacation to get one in! I'm a young professional male, looking to find a good release to get away from it all. I've been to the range once and shot a bunch of different guns. I had no idea what I was in for, but now I'm hooked. I want to get a decent .22 that from what I hear is cheap to shoot(ammo) and a good starter. I don't really want to start with a revolver like most people say to do, but am not opposed to it. I've read around and this seems to be a good middle of the road .22.

03-29-2008, 10:09 PM	#5
bigbuddy21 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: new albany in. Posts: 976 Images: 5	try the ruger mark series they are very good pistols and your grandchildren will be giving it to their kids. __________________ LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

03-30-2008, 12:52 AM	#7
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,513	Honestly, once you get into it, and trust me you will, you're going to find the .22 is too small and you'll want more. What I suggest, is go to your local range or dealer with a range if possible, tell them you're new,never shot, and see if they have anything you can rent. Look @ 9mms. See if you can get some minor instruction,rent one and try it out. A 9mm does not have a lot of kick'recoil and the ammo is still quite reasonable. Obviously not as and no where near as reasonable as .22 ammo, but as I said, you WILL find the .22 not enough and wanting more, within a month or 2 at the most if you go 3 or 4 times in that time period. If you're that busy and having trouble getting to a beginners class, when will you have time to go to the range to shoot? Not trying to sway you out of it, just asking. I sincerely Welcome you to G&G and to the world of shooting sports. You will come to love it. I hope you get the chance to shoot very soon. Please be sure and let us all know as you progress. What you bought, how you like it, how it was your first time shooting it. Good luck... __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6! Last edited by GlockMeister; 03-30-2008 at 12:55 AM.

03-30-2008, 08:50 AM	#9
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,596	Welcome to G&G. A .22 is a good way to start, and the ammo is cheaper. After you have shot awhile if you want to try a larger caliber go to a range that rents guns and shoot different calibers to see what you like. Shoot different brands of guns to see what fits your hand best. We have a great bunch of folks here. Enjoy! __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

04-05-2008, 06:20 AM	#18
LefthandShooter Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In A House in NE Ohio! Posts: 1,479	I've had my Ruger Mark 2 since the mid-80's. I've shot it probably 4000 times and it still looks like new! Shoots great also! I taught my son to shoot on it and also my wife. At the range it seems just about every regular there has a .22. You shoot the higher calibers and then the .22 for a longer time experience. Several of us like to see who can shoot the best group at 25 yards. These guns are very accurate. Some even have scopes on them. Just fun to shoot and cheap! Most ranges rent guns too. It's bettewr to spend a few bucks to rent/try than several hundred and have a gun you don't really like. __________________ A dead bird is still a dead bird.

03-29-2008, 08:11 PM	#2
longboard Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 7	The Browning Buck Mark has very good reviews, so does the Smith and Wesson auto [can't remember the name]. A-22? I have an older S&W 622 and love it. It's light accurate and a hoot to shoot and, carry in the woods. I also have a Ruger Single Six with a 6" barrel with all the same traits except light weight. What I would like to have is a .22 cal. S&W double action revolver blued with a 4" barrel. Good luck in what you end up with, can't go wrong with a .22. Longboard

03-29-2008, 08:13 PM	#3
CosmoKramer Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	I think I want to get a Smith and Wesson 22A 22LR. I'm gonna go to the local range tomorrow and see what they have to say. They seem liked they were nice guys, not out to get anyone.

03-29-2008, 10:04 PM	#4
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	Have a good time learning to shoot.Glad you are getting knowledgible help.You can trust the shooters that have knowledge.It's the unknowing non shooters that lye to you about guns. sam.

03-30-2008, 12:34 AM	#6
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,900	The S&W 22A gets really good reviews for accuracy and an awesome trigger. They're also made just a bit north from where I live, which is another plus in my opinion

03-30-2008, 09:39 AM	#10
CosmoKramer Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks guys! The problem is that I work in sales and I never know when I have to stay late for work. So if I pay 60 bucks for the beginners class and can't make it that would be a waste. I just need to find a time when I can do it and KNOW I can do it. I know that I want to move on to bigger and better things than a .22. I've shot once before. The local range here in Columbus, Ohio(New Albany actually) has a really good supply of guns you can rent. I shot a .357, a 9mm, a .45, and an AR-15. This was about 3 months ago. I was just going to do it once so that I could say I did. But looking back on it, I really enjoyed it. I'm going to the range today around noon when they open. I'll shoot a few .22s (if they have them) and see what I like! Hope it goes well.

04-02-2008, 02:04 PM	#11
CosmoKramer Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	Just to recap. I went to the range the other day and shot the Ruger .22 MK III Bull Barrel 5.5 Inch and LOVED it. It was so much fun. I shot from 20-25 yards away and did pretty well. But it was a bunch of fun. I shot another guyn but I can't remember what it was. It was a 9mm, I think it was a Baretta, not sure though. It was fun but a little more expensive obviously. I'm in the market for a Ruger .22 MK III Bull Barrel if anyone wants to unload one out of their collection!

04-02-2008, 02:09 PM	#12
sell33 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,194	Thats exactly what i want (or mark II) and plan on getting as soon as school is out here in a month. Check GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction its a great site. good luck with the gun o and welcome to the site hope you hang around

04-02-2008, 10:18 PM	#14
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,900	Cosmo, good luck finding someone that wants to give up their Ruger .22. I think there are only 2 types of people in this scenario: Those who own a Ruger .22, and those that wish they owned a Ruger .22.

04-03-2008, 11:10 AM	#15
Deep13 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 203	.22s are still my favorite guns. The light recoil and inexpensive ammunition makes them easy to shoot. Plus, it doesn't take much power to punch a hole in a paper target.