This summer I will turn 21 and I want to get my first handgun to have some fun with. I would like to get a caliber that I can go out back and shoot and have some fun with. I DO reload so that is not a problem. Also being a college student I do have some what limited funds.

Aah...What do you mean when you say "outback"? Back yard? BB gun if it is board fenced. Large hilly field? .22 maybe. My back yard (outback) What ever your heart desires.

You have an unbelievable selection in type, calibre and design. Get what tickles your "fancy"...I would be hard pressed to be able to suggest what handgun would be best for you. Sorry, but only you can make that determination...Researching this will be half the fun for you. Read about, look at and handle as many as you can. If you have a friend with hanguns try to shoot a few of his...Don't be in a hurry...

we are talking the middle of no where surrounded by corn fields....

well i am not 21 so can I even handle the guns in the shop?? also what is a great caliber for deer hunting?

Petrey,

I don't know what your budget is but new guns are generally expensive there are a few options out there though surplus weapons and cheaper lines which seem to hold up just fine.

Its a while till the summer but this looks neat ( www.southernohiogun.co...dguns.html ) They got a P-5's for about 430$ with 2 magazines, holster, hard case, cleaning kit and manual.

Also Kel-Tec's seem popular. Alot of suggestions of what other members use for CCW for on this board on this link ( www.huntingnut.com/ind...pic&t=2135 )

The Hi-Point firearms also seem to be good ( www.huntingnut.com/ind...pic&t=1055 ) Just needed a break in time it seemed.

Edit to add: If you are looking at a deer rifle as well consider the 30-06, 303 British (can still get cheap No.4 Enfields) or a 8mm Mauser, can take anything on this contenate without difficultly.

Dimitri

If you are a newbie to handguns I would say that a .22 rimfire or a .38 wheel gun would be good choices for a beginner. Until you can master the art of holding the front sight with one of those, you do not need to frustrate yourself trying to shoot a .40 or .45 or even a 9mm auto with any degree of accuracy.

If you want to handgun hunt a deer, .44 magnum is my choice for that. But as I said above, it is not a good choice for a first handgun. It will teach you how to flinch real well though. If you want a gun that will get you across a couple of steps, a 6" .357 would be a good bet. you can cut your teeth on mild .38 target loads (2.2gr. of WST or 2.7gr.of BI behind a 148 HBWC will shoot x's at 25 yards all day) then move up to +p .38's and .357 mag loads and try for a deer with that.

Wheel guns are a lot easier to shoot well for a lot of people. once you get the hang of pistoleeering, try the auto loaders, they are a lot of fun.

First thing you have to do is decide WHY you want a handgun. Hunting? Plinking? Personal protection? All 3?

A revolver is always a good choice, regardless of the reason, but don't be deterred by the seemingly more complicated semi-autos IF you're willing to seek education. Anytime a person is undertaking a new experience, the whole thing is, well... new. You can learn with a semi-auto as easily as a revolver, but the overall use of the gun will be the deciding factor.

Regardless of what that may be, jump in with both feet and learn all that you can about whichever type you choose.

Hi

I have to say: I'm having a great time with my Walther P22


AND my Taurus Tracker 970SS6


They're both solid and well made, and they are BOTH training pieces for their bigger brothers, the Walther P99 (9mm or .40 S&W) and the Taurus Tracker series in .357, .41 and .44 Mag. If I were to do it all over again, I might go for the Tracker in .17HMR instead of the .22LR to extend its flexibility.

I got my P22 for $170, second hand, and after replacing a bent recoil spring ($5 postage and handling. THANK YOU, Walther USA!) it's as good as new. The Tracker clocked in at a sizable but doable $350, and it's worth every penny.

So: Pick a pair. Practice (and shoot) and drill (and shoot) and shoot (and shoot) with the .22LR. Carry the big brother once you've shot with it enough to know how it works. Save MANY dollars in training ammunition costs. (I chose the .357 Tracker for a carry revolver, for what it's worth.)

NOTE: Those of you who remember me may be surprised to know that I DO NOT own ONE SINGLE handgun in .30 caliber! Surprise, surprise, surprise!!

Al_Sohlstrom,

Welcome back its been a while

Also only handguns I know that are in 30 caliber are thouse weird Russian/Communist Block and the German Mauser C96 Broomhandle guns. I think they are a couple 30-30 Pistols but not too sure.

Dimitri

Well I'll be damned Al. They let you out again. For how long this time?

what if I started off with the 357... I can usually handle recoil pretty well but I definitely dont want a 44 mag to start with... what would the deer range be on the 357? I like the Tracker gun...I am leaning towards that right now

This is a tough one, with so many choices and so little time I would recommend a Colt 45 SAA or any well made replica. But, for hunting? I would consider a 44 MAG. It will also handle the 44 Special.
Another choice would be a 454 Casull, which also shoots the 45 LC.
Another choice, the S&W 460 which also handles the 454 & the 45 LC. These are great choices for plinking and hunting. That last one, the S&W 460 shooting 460's is as good as a rifle out to 300 yards if your thinking about the one gun that does it all.

Since you reload, any of what I suggested would keep the cost of shooting down. But, you can't beat a good 22 for having cheap fun. But, I can guarantee you this, what ever you buy will just be the beginning, so be sure to find the right women to take you and your new sport into the future.

And welcome to the forum.

Keep it coming...

I would go with the Tracker. You can always start with .38 specials in it or lower powered .357's since you handload. Hot loaded .357's will work for deer at very short range, but a minimum of .44 Mag is better.

Around here, a new .357 Tracker is running around $440.00.

38 special and 357 mags are inchanglible?

If the gun can shoot 357 Mag's and is designed for it it can shoot the lower powered 38 specials I belive. Someone else will have to clear this up.

Dimitri