First handgun?

Question

What should I be looking for in a handgun? I want to get one for my husbsand for his birthday, probably a Ruger, centerfire autoloading. But I know nothing about handguns, really. Can anyone help me out?

Answer 1

Couple things.



First - does he like shooting? A lot of recoil in a handgun may distract him from the enjoyment of shooting. I would say for a first handgun a Ruger Mark II or Mark III would be a good choice. They are both rimfire and can be use for plinking or small game hunting with a scope attatched. Around $300. If something more powerful is desired the Ruger can be traded up. Many indoor ranges have handguns you can 'rent' by the hour, let him try out a few. I bet he still wont want to get rid of the Ruger.



Second - If you buy the gun it will be in your name. Or, you can buy it and have him register it in HIS name when he goes to pick it up.



I envy him..my wife wont buy my guns for me. If you have specific questions about a particular make and model feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

Hi Catlover,

Paul673 has the right idea. A gun is a tool. If I need a hole in the dirt, the best tool is a shovel. If I need to cut wood, a saw is the best tool. If I want to change my oil, the best tool is a wrench.



If you want to get something for your husband related to guns, get him:



1) A safety class: Try one of these clubs http://www.ogo.org/gunclubs.htm



2) Good ear protection. Use both foam stuffers and over the head ear muffs at the same time. A lot of shooters start with problems because of the loud noise.



3) A gift certificate to a gun store. Let him pick out the gun he wants. Besides, If you are a 'straw man' and he has certain, shall we say, "legal problems" in his past that he was too embarrased to tell you about, both of you are toast. And worse.



4) Get him Kevin Starret's new book. Kevin has been the primier gun rights defender in Oregon for at least 15 years. I have testifed with him in Salem more than once. His new book can be found here: http://www.oregonfirearms.org/store/uorlbk.html





Keep your muzzle in a safe direction!

Leigh

NRA Instructor -- Rifle, Pistol, Range Safety Officer

http://www.NWSafe.org

Answer 3

My first handgun was a 1956 Ruger Blackhawk .357 6-3/4 inch barrel. I bought it from a guy who used it as a Gunsmith project for College. It was very sweet to shoot, and I thoroughly enjoyed using it for target practice.

Answer 4

it really depends on what he will be using it for. hunting?, personel defence?, or just plinking?

for hunting i would prefer a revolver chambered anywhere from .38 special to a 454 cassull with at least a six inch barrel on it.

for self defence i would prefer a semi-auto chambered in .380 to .50 cal just dont get him no stinking .25 they cant hit the side of a barn and all they will do is piss the perpatrator off lol.

for plinking, well, any thing u would prefer will do.

and if you have kids, always get a trigger lock to put on it!!!! and u 2 parents decide this between the two of you, but i have taught my 2 kids about guns and what to do if they find one. my 8 year old can dismantle my 12 guage and reassemble it without help. i personally feel better about them knowing about them and what they can do instead of not knowing how to check if its real or a toy, and end up shooting themself or someone else. good luck on your decision, hope he likes it

Answer 5

What will the handgun be used for? Hunting, personal protection, home protection, sport target plinking? you need to put some real info in your question if you want to get useful answers! Good luck!

Answer 6

that's like asking "what kind of car should i get for my husband?" does he commute alot and need something with good gas mileage? does he haul alot of stuff and need something like a truck? does he live in the city and have a good job where he needs a luxury car?



post up some better details and you'll get a better answer. what are his primaray uses for the handgun? plinking, hunting big game, target shooting, etc. also, what is his experience with firearms?

Answer 7

My very first was a Ruger P89 "police Issue" 9mm. A great plinking toy

Answer 8

Get him a .44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world.

Answer 9

I would say a 22 cal.