Been strolling for a couple of days now and im really confused....I'v never owend a gun before and now want one. What it will be used for is the range and my bussiness (just in case). What im looking to get it smothing small that I can throw im my safe and carry around at work if needed. I'v seen A S&W 638 shrouded hammer but know nothing about the gun and not sure if i want a revolver. Someone please help I need some guidence.:help:
A new shooter is poorly served by a tiny airweight snubby revolver, which is uncomfortable (if not outright painful) to shoot, and difficult to hit with. Look instead at a medium-framed revolver with a 3" or 4" barrel in .38 or .357 Magnum. These are typified by guns like the S&W Models 10, 13, 19, 65, etc., the heavier Ruger GP100, and some discontinued-but-good Colt revolvers like the Police Positive Special. Load with .38 Special hollowpoints for defense.
It's a simple, safe and effective defense gun for a new gun owner.
If you would like a semi-automatic I like Glock and Springfield XD. I own a Glock. I would sudjest finding someone who shoots and shoot with them until you are comfortable around a handgun. It's a very big responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Misuse or abuse can be deadly!
You are a long way from making a purchase decision. If there are any gunshops in your local area, ask them about suggestions for basic handgun courses. Most gunshops know someone - often an employee or owner - who can provide basic instruction.
Once you have the basics down, find a range that rents handguns. Try out as many different types as possible. This will enable you to pick out, or at least narrow down, a particular caliber and handgun type.
+1 on what Mike said. A new shooter is probably better served with a .357 magnum revolver, 3 or 4 inch bbl. It will only be your first gun.
Start with a light .38 special load and learn the basics, (front sight, breathing, etc) at short ranges. Later you can work your way up to .357s.
You don't say what kind of work you do, and that might be an important factor as to what would work better for you to be carrying, and the mode of carry.
Go to a local range, and sign up for the N.R.A. Safety course. It will give you a run-down on the types of firearms, safe handling, manual of arms, etc. Also you'll be taken to the range for a short firing session with the instructor who will ensure that you don't do anything dangerous.
Many ranges also have rentals available, so you can try different models before you decide where to drop several hundred dollars.
The quest is part of the fun. Enjoy. Be safe.
H2: Sir; the 638 will serve you well. Shooting the 638 isn't as rambunctious as many would have you to believe.
Confidence and practice are the key ingredients.
Some of my first time shooting partners have found the 638 fun and different from some of the other mess that I have brought along. Once they saw it hit the paper or water bottle they forgot about the "bumping".
Will they get one? Probably not. Are they missing out on a 'good carry'; I carry it. It is what it is.
With any 'unit' without practice and practiced practicing the 'unit' will have quirks.
638 doesn't fit my buddies extra large hand. He shoots it well but grumbles about the "handlebar".
I understand what "Mike Barham","Eman", "PhilR" are saying and agree to a point. They are concerned about the "proverbial pig in the polk' and one frustrated handgun owner. Follow "PhilR's' thought and go to a gun range and rent, feel, generally spend some time.
Follow up with your experiences and thinking.
+1 on what Mike said. A new shooter is probably better served with a .357 magnum revolver, 3 or 4 inch bbl. It will only be your first gun.
Start with a light .38 special load and learn the basics, (front sight, breathing, etc) at short ranges. Later you can work your way up to .357s.
You don't say what kind of work you do, and that might be an important factor as to what would work better for you to be carrying, and the mode of carry.
Go to a local range, and sign up for the N.R.A. Safety course. It will give you a run-down on the types of firearms, safe handling, manual of arms, etc. Also you'll be taken to the range for a short firing session with the instructor who will ensure that you don't do anything dangerous.
Many ranges also have rentals available, so you can try different models before you decide where to drop several hundred dollars.
The quest is part of the fun. Enjoy. Be safe.
That crazy you should bring that gun up... I went to my local gun range that rents and I was convinced to get a membership, its going to save me alot of money and make my choice alot smoother. That was the first gun I shot and ended up going through three bags of ammo, I liked the gun bc I was able to hit my targets fairly good (I used a tennis ball)....my only grip was the gun was alittle bigger and heavier then I was looking for...what I learned was the longer the barrel the more presice the aim, am i right? Also, shot a glock 23 .40 cal, that gun sucked I would aim at the head and hit the stomach.....what else do you guys think would be a good gun to shot? I was told by the owner not to be discouraged bc there guns are abused and mine will be new.....but how do I decide????:smt022
Try several more types of firearms, then go back and try the ones you liked again. I am glad you are smart enough to say my "first" gun. When the gun bug bites you will have a wonderful habit. Learn , try, learn some more try more, practice, practice, practice and soon you find what you are looking for. Until they come out with the next latest,greatest pistol.
I hope this doesn't turn into a crazy expesive habit, but right now I need to find a hobby bc work to home and home to work is getting old. :smt076
Im really happy I found a cool fourm that actually seems like it will help......and whats better then getting right from the horses mouth? I can really take any pointers the more the better. So thanks to all:smt023
Haahahhaa!!!
Guns are more expensive than tattoos and 10x more addicting. But at least you can sell a gun and it's gone. The only regret then is that you sold your gun and have to replace that hole in your heart with two more.:anim_lol:
an earlier post hit the head right on the nail (lol) Get to a range that rents or someplace that you have access to more than a few different types of guns and try them all. Then try the ones you likes a lot in a couple calibers and you will find the fit that is right for you. The "best" pistol made is worthless in the hands of someone that is not totally comfortable with it.
I agree, you should take a safety course first. I always recommend a revolver to a beginner; but get something you'll be happy with and be able to resell if you ever want to. So my advise is a Ruger SP I0I--357 mag. It's small but not too small, you can shoot 38 spc. 38 spc.+P or many different kinds of 357 mag. rounds. There are many after market grips to choose from for a custom fit. I don't think you will find any gunman that would say OH, THAT'S NOT A GOOD CHOICE. You will always find a buyer for it.
The outfits and hair (Flock of Seagulls and Blondie) are hilarious, but it's a good firearm basics video. I still recommend the NRA pistol course.
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