For a semi-auto pistol for range shooting for a beginner, I second another member's recommendation of a Ruger. I own a Mark I and love it. Another member has stated a preference for it over the Mark II or III. I am not aware of any factors making these less desirable, OTOH I have read of some improvements of the II and III over the I.
Someone else commented that 9mm ammo is more reliable than .22. I have not seen this to be true IME. Although there is the occasional dud with .22s, I have seen roughly the same percentage of 9mm and .40 cal duds on the range with well-maintained firearms and factory fresh ammo. With .22s I suppose brand and QC would make a difference. The Ruger is a great piece of engineering. It is rugged, durable and available in a variety of configurations. Target sights and a bull barrel would be more desirable for range use. There is also a grip angle similar to the M1911 for those who are used to or otherwise favor that grip angle. For centerfire pistols Sig, Glock, and H&K are all credible choices. The .40 and .45 are superior to the 9mm for social purposes. I favor revolvers for centerfire for all but social purposes. Semi-autos can be fussy about powder charge and bullet profile. If the charge is too light the action will not cycle. Bullets other than roundnose may not feed well. A revolver can work with any load that will get the bullet out of the barrel. It will fire semi-wadcutters and wadcutters just as easily as roundnose. The .357 is a highly credible defensive weapon, and can fire .38 spl. target loads too. I suspect that handloaded .38 spl. target loads are similar in cost to .22 ammo. S&W, Ruger, and Colt make fine revolvers. For imports, Taurus is also fine quality. Greg -----Original Message----- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Dan Penoff via Mercedes At the risk of going further off topic, for those of you who shoot pistols for recreation, what would you recommend for a good beginning pistol? My youngest is very interested in pistol shooting on a range, and I would like to be able to provide some guidance. I suspect something in a semiauto, not a revolver, would be appropriate. He's 22, 6'4", and weighs about 160 if that, if it matters. We're not looking for power, just basic handling and learning target practice. Thanks! Dan _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
