Originally posted by: wnied
For starters, I recommend a Colt 1911(any model will do) or a Kimber 1911.
What the hell is a beginner going to do with a colt 1911? That hand cannon is for the moderately experienced shooter. For a first gun I would recommend the Baretta 9mm 92F model. Quick, light, and an easy gun to master.
...heh..a 1911 he says for a first timer. Thats funny.
~wnied~
The first pistol I ever fired was a 1911 Colt. Literally, model 1911, made in 1914 or close to that (I forget off the top of my head). I was 13. Sure, the recoil was pretty harsh, but I had gotten used to recoil from my great uncle's side by side 12 gauge, which every now and then had this endearing habit where triggering off one chamber made the other one fire. When I first fired that (age 12) and both barrels fired just remaining standing was an accomplishment that took a little practice. I was pretty big for my age, so that helped. However, getting back to the point, firing a higher powered cartridge does teach (actually, at age 13, that should read *force*) you to handle recoil, and after you master that, firing a 9mm or a 38 is nothing, and you'll be able to make follow up shots faster. As long as it doesnt make you quit or make flinching a habit, learning with a high recoil pistol has benefits.
Oh, and there is no way I'd call a 45 ACP a "hand-cannon".
One the lighter side, if you want a pistol for home defense, allow me to share with you the "Rules of Gunfighting", some of which are serious, some of which are funny (and they are why I am including it) though still applicable:
1.)Have a gun.
a.)Preferably, have at least two guns.
b.)Bring all of your friends who have guns.
2.)Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
3.)Only hits count. The only thing worse than a miss is a slow miss.
4.)If your shooting stance is good, you're probably not moving fast enough or using cover correctly.
5.)Proximity negates skill. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal movement are preferred.)
6.)If you can choose what to bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun... and a friend with a long gun.
7.)In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
8.)If you are not shooting, you should be communicating, reloading and running.
9.)Accuracy is relative: most combat shooting standards will be more dependent on "pucker factor" than the inherent accuracy of the gun. Use a gun that works every time.
10.)Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
11.)Always cheat, always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12.)Have a plan.
a.)Have a back-up plan, because the first one won't work.
13.)Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
14.)Flank your adversary when possible. Protect your own flank.
15.)The faster you finish the fight, the less shot you will get.
16.)Be polite. Be professional. But... have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
17.)Do not attend a gun fight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4."
Facebook
Twitter