But the NEED for a .22 is outmatched by the fact that the other calibers out there destroy it simply because they are more useful and practically applied in the real world whereas the .22 is not.

Read the original post... New to handguns ... get it? here's some more of the original post....

Then I started thinking about ammo. From what I've read, it seems 9mm ammo is 4-5x the cost of .22lr. Given that I'd like to become proficient and not skimp on range time due to ammo costs, it seems I'd be well served by having the ability to shoot .22 ammo, especially early on in my shooting. And given that I want my range time with a .22 to carry over to my self defense pistol, it seems I should go with either a pistol that can be easily converted to shoot .22 (and easily converted back), or two pistols that are very similar, one chambered for 9mm, the other for .22.

Hence the reason training and .22's were suggested. It's rarely successful to start a NEW SHOOTER out on larger calibers... oh, wait... this has already been discussed, and logic explained.... but you obviously didn't get it then either. Best of luck to ya.

Just in Case! - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc
Zombie Max Ammunition..

Getting back to the practical side of this discussion, I own a S&W 15-22 and use it for practice as the controls are identical to the (3) AR 15s I also own, when I transition the time spent shows up in proficiency and the cost difference to train is huge.....JJ

Originally Posted by chessail77

Getting back to the practical side of this discussion, I own a S&W 15-22 and use it for practice as the controls are identical to the (3) AR 15s I also own, when I transition the time spent shows up in proficiency and the cost difference to train is huge.....JJ

This is exactly what works best. Thank you chessail77 for your input. This is one of the reasons I have a Sig 1911 chambered in .22, and precisely why my wife has a Bersa Thunder .22 to pair up with her Bersa Thunder .380....

So how much more expensive, on average, is 9mm ammo than .22 ammo because an earlier poster made it sound like it was only "slightly" more expensive.

It depends on the quality of the ammunition. Rimfire plinking ammo can be bought for a little as $20 for a box of 500 rounds... 9mm I've seen as low as $108 for 500 rounds. (eastern bloc steel cased)...

Rimfire match ammo can be expensive... like Lapua Midas +... $157 for 500 rounds... Champion's Choice - Detail1 - 420162 - Lapua Midas + .22LR Match Ammunition (per 100 Rounds) - Ammunition - Champion's Choice

Hornady Steel Match 9mm ammo is $210 for 500 rounds... Champion's Choice - Detail1 - H90275 - HORNADY STEEL MATCH AMMO 9MM LUGER 125 Gr. HAP (50) - Ammunition - Champion's Choice

Prices vary, but higher quality costs more, and you may well find better prices here and there.....

Originally Posted by usmcj

It depends on the quality of the ammunition. Rimfire plinking ammo can be bought for a little as $20 for a box of 500 rounds... 9mm I've seen as low as $108 for 500 rounds. (eastern bloc steel cased)...

OK, it sounds like .22 ammo is generally sufficiently less expensive that it makes sense to have a way (either conversion kit or similar styled pistol chambered in .22) to shoot .22 for bulk of practice when your primary pistol is a 9mm.

beararms, ...That's the way I see it, but obviously, some see it differently. YOU have to choose what works for you, and your wallet, then be glad you have the choice. I believe that to have the same platform chambered in .22 for most training, and your preferred caliber for carry, and supplemental training, is the best mix of cost and proficiency. In the end, it's up to the individual.

Originally Posted by recoilguy

You zombaphobe.........I agree 100% with your post 3 back. Nicely played sir!

RCG

yvw

Is a zombie a democrat who hasn't had his latte yet ????

The first advice I give to all new prospective first handgun owners is to take an NRA handgun safety course (if you haven't done so already) and then try to find a range that rents guns and try as many as you can. Then, research the guns for reliability, potential issues, price, etc... on this website and others. Then you'll be in a position to make a well-informed decision and be a safe user/owner.

On to your questions... I like your approach of using a 22LR for practice as a beginner and for fun. It's good for reasons mentioned by others (trigger practice, site alignment), but it's generally not a recommended caliber for defense. 9mm is good for defense, but there are some who may disagree. Another nice thing about 9mm is that the ammo is plentiful and inexpensive compared to just about everything but 22. A note of a caution: you must split your practice time with the 22LR and the 9mm (or whatever caliber you choose). Recoil, time to regain site alignment and other factors will be quite different -- even with the same gun in combo. You need to be prepared.

I would also recommend learning/getting your first experience with a compact (NOT a sub-compact) or full size gun. Then look into smaller guns for concealed carry once you gain some proficiency and experience. I think sub-compact or mouse guns would be more challenging and less enjoyable to a beginner who is trying to acquire good fundamental skills.

I personally went down a similar path as you and purchased 2 separate guns; a 9mm and a 22LR. And, just recently, have become interested in smaller guns for better concealment. My brother is just now going down the same path and he is considering the EAA Witness 9mm and 22LR combo on Bud's for $419. It seems like a great deal. And from what I can tell, EAA has a pretty good reputation. I started a thread a day or two ago to start collecting opinions from others. You might want to search for it and see what others have to say about EAA if you're interested.

If I had it to do all over again (knowing what I know now), I'd seriously consider this EAA deal. The Glocks, Sigs, and others for which you can purchase conversion kits will end up costing you at least double what this EAA deal is going to cost. Arguably, you may end up with a higher quality gun by going with Glock or Sig -- it depends how much you want to spend (or save) at this point.

I would be very hard pressed to assume you end up with a higher quality gun if you go with Glock or Sig. EAA Tangfolio is a very good weapon and in most models an excellent one.

RCG

Originally Posted by ronmail65

The first advice I give to all new prospective first handgun owners is to take an NRA handgun safety course (if you haven't done so already) and then try to find a range that rents guns and try as many as you can. Then, research the guns for reliability, potential issues, price, etc... on this website and others. Then you'll be in a position to make a well-informed decision and be a safe user/owner.

On to your questions... I like your approach of using a 22LR for practice as a beginner and for fun. It's good for reasons mentioned by others (trigger practice, site alignment), but it's generally not a recommended caliber for defense. 9mm is good for defense, but there are some who may disagree. Another nice thing about 9mm is that the ammo is plentiful and inexpensive compared to just about everything but 22. A note of a caution: you must split your practice time with the 22LR and the 9mm (or whatever caliber you choose). Recoil, time to regain site alignment and other factors will be quite different -- even with the same gun in combo. You need to be prepared.

I would also recommend learning/getting your first experience with a compact (NOT a sub-compact) or full size gun. Then look into smaller guns for concealed carry once you gain some proficiency and experience. I think sub-compact or mouse guns would be more challenging and less enjoyable to a beginner who is trying to acquire good fundamental skills.

I personally went down a similar path as you and purchased 2 separate guns; a 9mm and a 22LR. And, just recently, have become interested in smaller guns for better concealment. My brother is just now going down the same path and he is considering the EAA Witness 9mm and 22LR combo on Bud's for $419. It seems like a great deal. And from what I can tell, EAA has a pretty good reputation. I started a thread a day or two ago to start collecting opinions from others. You might want to search for it and see what others have to say about EAA if you're interested.

If I had it to do all over again (knowing what I know now), I'd seriously consider this EAA deal. The Glocks, Sigs, and others for which you can purchase conversion kits will end up costing you at least double what this EAA deal is going to cost. Arguably, you may end up with a higher quality gun by going with Glock or Sig -- it depends how much you want to spend (or save) at this point.

Yes, I plan to take a course first. And yeah, I've heard that subcompact is not a good first firearm.

Thanks, I'll check out the EEA thread.

Originally Posted by jakeleinen1

Who are the experts? I'm talking law enforcement, military, etc. guys who actually use the guns not just recreationally.

Oh, you mean the guys NOT paying for their own ammo....gotcha'


During the post election ammo shortage a lot of carbine classes being taught by "the experts" were done with students using .22 conversion kits etc.

There's a lot of good to be had from owning a .22 kit.


Beararms,

Once you get your gear and start putting it to good use, check out this article for some tips on the conversion kit as a training aid.

pistol-training.com » .22 Training Pistols: Pros & Cons

I went to my LGS last night with a good buddy of mine, and the LGS had the exact EAA Tang 9mm/22lr kit you are describing. He has it listed at $529 the best deal he would give me was $479. He would not go any lower. It is a good kit, my buddy bought it when we were there for the $479. We are going to the range tonite to give it a whirl. Basically 2 guns for $479 hard to beat that.

RCG