What should I buy first?

[agent-smith]

What would you recommend if someone keeps asking "What should I buy in the way of initial firearms?"?

I'm often asked this, and have had many hours of discussions but when pressed I usually just say -

* * * * *

Colt 6920
Glock 19

* * * * *

I'll then emphasize the importance of ammo, mags, training, etc. but I think it is pretty hard to go too wrong with the above.

What about everyone else?

[donjulio]

.22 rifle.

[Osiris Risen]

I'd vote for a bolt action .22, unless they had an immediate need for a weapon better suited to self defense.

[agent-smith]

I'd vote for a bolt action .22, unless they had an immediate need for a weapon better suited to self defense.

Yeah, I keep going back and forth.

In the past, I'd always recommend that they start out with a quality .22 rimfire but they never seem to listen.

If they shoot the AR/Glock and become part of the gun culture (as John Ross describes it) they are more inclined to purchase a quality .22 rimfire, optics, etc. to put in the practice necessary to actually learn how to shoot it accurately. But, I sure as heck understand the logic of recommending that someone start with a .22 rimfire and in an ideal world everyone would practice enough to justify the cost. Heck, I still often think that "get a good .22 rimfire" is the correct response.

[Regular Guy]

I concur on the Glock 19. Easy to shoot, potent rd, large capacity.

The AR-15, yes, Colt, meh. I just don't "jive" with colt, nothing particularly wrong.

Definitely not the AK. Nothing is more discouraging to a new shooter than mediocre accuracy.

[J.C.]

I think the answer in your OP is a pretty good answer. I'd go further and say that it probably covers the bases in terms of actual prep firearms. If each adult in your house has a good SD handgun and rifle, and your house has a .22 anything more is just optimizing with a low return on investment in terms of money spent pre-disaster for benefit during a disaster.

[Lodewijk]

.22 LR should be first.

If it's the start of a battery that will be used to cover EVERYTHING on the east coast, the first three firearms basically need to be a rimfire rifle, a rimfire handgun, and a 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun with interchangeable chokes and a slug barrel to match. This will do everything from golf balls to deer and will do an adequate job of home defense with buckshot. For the money, you're hard-pressed to get the depth and breadth of shooting time these three firearms can get you out of more popular options. A Marlin Model 60, Remington 870, and a Ruger Mark III should tally below $1,000 of total investment.

From there personal preference can take over, and since you've had the opportunity to do a lot of different kinds of shooting, you should have a pretty good idea of where your interests lie within the shooting sports.

You're pretty hard pressed to get a Glock and a good AR for under $1,000, and you're going to end up buying a .22 of some kind anyway after you realize that feeding a 9mm handgun and a .223 isn't as cheap as people make it out to be sometimes.

[RacinRob]

There is no perfect answer. So much of it depends on the person. I'd love to jump on the .22 bandwagon but it isn't the right answer for everyone. If they are going to go to the range and train, then it is a great idea. If they might get out for a couple of hours once a month an ar/ak is just as good. The last time I was out, I was out for 1.5 hours. I fired 7-12 ga, 20- .45, 20 - 5.56, 40 - .40, 60 - .22, 20 - 9mm for a total of 167 rds. I was testing handloads so it was a little slow. 200 rds of steel is what $50? If life happens and you don't get out to the range much, I think it is better to spend the time with a centerfire.

[Dooms]

I used to think a .22lr rifle was the only way to go, but I'm really starting to think an AR might be the way to go (with a caveat).

I mean, you can buy a .22lr conversion for an AR that will let you plink or hunt small game with rimfire rounds. However, you also get a rifle that is perfectly serviceable in a defensive role or could potentially be used to drop larger game, something .22lr falls a bit short on. With one firearm you've got almost all your bases covered. It doesn't require a person to learn and become proficient with multiple platforms.

The big downside/caveat though, is cost. A good AR setup alone isn't cheap. Depending on what a person is willing to spend, a dedicated .22lr could definitely be the more financially feasible option.

I hesitate to recommend a handgun for an inexperience shooter. While it does have some benefits, I find most new shooters have a lot more difficulty with handguns than they do with rifles. They also seem to pick up more bad habits. While we all stress the importance of training, some people just aren't willing to put the necessary time and money into their shooting proficiency....it's an unfortunate fact. With that in mind, I would prefer them to have a rifle they might actually hit what they're aiming at with, vs a handgun where they might not be able to hit the broad side of the proverbial barn.

With that in mind, not every situation is the same. The question of, "what kind of firearm should I buy," is somewhat loaded, as chances are they already have a specific use in mind. I mean, it doesn't make sense to recommend an AR to someone who just wants to shoot at clay birds, or a .22 to someone who really just wants to hunt deer, or a rifle to someone who wants to get their concealed carry permit. If they have a specific purpose in mind, you might have to go with and then try to ensure that they get the right training for what they want to do.

[books]

Ruger 10/22 for cheap practice, then go from there. Let them get their feet wet, and then move up.

Then it depends on what they like and what they want it for.

[AKFTW]

1. Glock 19 or 23 if able to CCW, 17 or 22 otherwise
2. 10/22 or other suitable .22LR
3. AK-47 for low budget, 74 for medium budget (decent 74s are more expensive than decent 47s, and the need to stockpile 5.45)

[Einher]

What would you recommend if someone keeps asking "What should I buy in the way of initial firearms?"?

I'm often asked this, and have had many hours of discussions but when pressed I usually just say -

Ah, everyone's been on either end of these conversations;

Here's my own methodology to keep it quick and painless and what I always try to keep in mind;

When I am tempted to offer advice to someone I know personally it depends greatly what kind of gun they seem to be drawn to the most, be it handguns, rifles, or shotguns; as well as the intended purpose for the purchase, be that purpose hunting, protection, or a wish to merely exercise their 2nd amendment rights.

I have found most recommendations to be a 3-part* process;
*-(unless it's a recommendation for a child under 10, in which case it's a 1 step process.)

Part 1) Identify the product to fill the needs of the individual. Don't be afraid to mention the names of the most common makes and brands of firearm that you know are reliable and fit their needs; after all, if they are asking you for advice it might mean they probably aren't even aware what is available, and most new shooters are drawn to the more ubiquitously common varieties of what is available. I tend to assume that if that wasn't the case they wouldn't be asking me anything, they'd either know what they wanted for themselves or know a better way of collecting that information.

9/10 it ends up being either handguns, rifles, or shotguns;

I've found it fairly unusual that any given person will have no inclination whatsoever in one of those 3 directions, as they will very likely have been influenced by *something* they've seen, heard about, or experienced at some point in their life that gave them their first taste of it and now they want more.

Part 2) After a brief dispelling of any myths they have heard about that firearm, it's time to get down to business.

Part 3) is divided into 3 sub categories;

Handguns:
If inclined towards handguns, I recommend either a dedicated rimfire target pistol or a centerfire handgun that is reported to work well with a rimfire conversion kit for inexpensive trigger time (ammo is never cheap, especially these days).

2a) Semi-Auto Training Pistol: .22 LR Ruger Mk 'anything' (I've had good experiences with my Ruger MkI Target, and it is absolutely ancient)
2b) For the Centerfire Pistol with conversion they might take a look at a Glock 23 (or Glock 26 if they are looking specifically for a CCW pistol).
2c) If they want a revolver, I have less to say; since I don't know very much about them.

Rifles:
If inclined towards rifles, I almost always recommend a dedicated .22lr or a mil surp style rifle, whether bolt action or self loading, whatever the desire is. Commonality of parts from popular and military rifles makes them cheap to maintain if there is ever parts breakage or minor repair needed, and the ammo tends to remain relatively cheap, for reasons of both general ammunition commonality among other shooters and supplies of surplus ammo.

2a) Self-loading plinker: Ruger 10/22
2b) Self-loading centerfire rifles: AR's and AK's are both very flexible platforms which offer the end-user a variety of options in terms of style of furniture, accessory mountings, and general appearance, the AK often being the more affordable of the two, but some users may have preferences inclining them towards either AK or AR.
2c) Bolt actions: I have less to say; since I know considerably less about affordable and reliable makes and brands of them

Shotguns:
Surprisingly, If they are inclined towards a shotgun I almost never recommend less than a 12 gauge. The commonality and available variety of it's ammunition in that gauge is probably the largest reason. 20 gauge is the smallest I recommend (unless it's intended for children, in which case they might not like shooting the 12 and 20 very much in one sitting, at which point .410 becomes a recommendable option). Target loads are fairly cheap in 12 (and 20).

a) Pump Action shotguns: Remington-870 or the Mossberg-500 interchangeably. They are affordable and reliable, with a high parts availability.
b) Autoloading shotguns: Remington-1100 or 1187, though make sure you still mention 'c)'.
c) For the power to deny any person, devil, or god access to their home if they so choose, there is always the triumph that is the Saiga Shotgun.

And now, the one step process (for youth shooters aged under 10 years of age):
FYI - The first experience child aged 10 or younger should have with a firearm (in my humble opinion) is with a bolt-action or other single shot .22 rimfire under close adult supervision.

Persistence in the safety and responsible use of a firearm and the value and reward of accurate shot placement are skills that can be difficult to learn later in life, as they will then have to unlearn every bad habit or wrong idea they have picked up from movies, television and video games.

Impart those skills of patience and self discipline while they're young, and it will shape their development for the better.

Don't be afraid to let them experiment with other firearms they can handle to explore the field of options for comparison and of course to help spark their interest for the sport.

EDIT: Long post, tried to break it up with some color.

[Biggin]

In the past I would recommend a quality .22 pistol or rifle. A lot of times now, I recommend an AR + a .22 bolt conversion. A quality AR can be had for less than $1000 and the bolt conversion (namely the CMMG) works as well or better than most strictly rimfire AR platforms I have experience with at a very competitive and affordable price ($170 from Palmetto with 3 mags )

If a handgun is the way they want to go I always recommend a full size handgun in 9mm. If the person is planning on carrying, then I might recommend a midsize gun like the G19 or XD-9 service model. I know some people who like to recommend a 1911 because it's "god's gun" but most new shooters will not be able to master the 1911 platform as quickly as a Glock or XD or M&P platform. It is just too overwhelming to jump right to the "top."

I really try to steer new shooters towards the Glock because I know it has a .22 conversion which is decently reliable but a little overpriced. I don't have any experience with the Advantage arms kit, but the Kimber .22 conversion ticks like a clock with any ammo I feed it.

All my opinions. YMMV

tl;dr Glock 19 + .22 conversion or AR-15 + .22 conversion.

[BothellBob]

When considering general preparation, it is a great deal of fun to fantasize about holding off the Zombie Hordes with the Bazooka-Of-The-Month; however, if you do the math only a third to a half of us will ever use a firearm for self defense in our entire lifetimes. If we do, the probability is 95% that NO shots will be fired.

We are much more likely to have a more mundane need for a firearm: We will be accosted by a raccoon, coyote, possum, skunk, or other such critter that is trying to kill our pets or the chickens. Fluffy or Bowser (or Wiley Coyote) will have been hit by a car in our neighborhood and will need a quick and humane end of their suffering. We will want to introduce ourselves, our children, grandchildren, or other friends and relatives to the safe and enjoyable use of firearms. For these very common uses of a firearm the bolt action 22 lr is ideal. The truly good news is that a used 22 bolt action rifle in fine condition can be had for well under $100 and the ammunition is the cheapest available. So while it isn’t sexy, that is why you will find so many of us recommending it. It’s the gun that gets used.
-BothellBob
Edited to add: This is not to say that a firearm in a selfdefense caliber is a bad idea, but for a first gun, or an only gun, the 22 rifle has the above virtues.

[Wiser]

I tend to shy away from suggesting Glocks to new shooters ONLY because of the trigger safety. I personally don't like it...messes with my fingertip placement/comfort on the initial trigger pull. (personal preference) I also like to see an safety lever in the SAFE position when not on the firing line. Can argue the ease of use for the Glock and beginning shooters though.

Rifle wise Ruger 10/22 all the way. Very easy to operate for inexperienced users, low recoil, low price ammo, and tons of fun to shoot.

[Hoppy]

RIFLE RIFLE RIFLE


that is all.

oh, rifle.

[Silent Kube]

I've always thought that every boy and girl should be issued a .22 bolty on their 16th birthday if not earlier. It seems like that's how it was in my dad's day. Every one of my friends has their dad's old .22 rifle.

[praharin]

First answer, as usual: it depends.

More thorough answer:

A reasonable sized, concealable handgun in 9mm will always be my first recommendation to anyone interested in getting into firearms. I do not think a 22lr is necessary to learn how to shoot. I have known Marine Corps Scout Snipers that had never touched a rifle before boot camp (not many). A 22lr is nice for inexpensive practice, but it can, occasionally, cause people to misunderstand muzzle blast/noise and recoil.

A concealable handgun in 9mm is a good choice simply because you never know when you will need to defend yourself. I feel that it's better to get what you NEED now, and what you want later. I good source indicating that a concealable 9mm pistol is the most useful firearm in a real world "TEOTWAWKI" is Ferfal's ( http://ferfal.blogspot.com/ ) experience in his home country of Argentina.

If you recommend that someone get a 22 rifle instead of a useful defensive weapon and advise them to practice for 30 days before stepping up, and the balloon goes up on day 29, they may not live to hold that grudge against you. In those 29 days with a Glock 19 (or similar), they could go through several 500-1000 round training evolutions (in theory).


Runs to get on flame suit...

[Vicarious_Lee]

RIFLE RIFLE RIFLE


that is all.

oh, rifle.

Not in agreement at all.

Buy what you need first, ESPECIALLY if this is to be your "first gun ever" and will (for budgetary or whatever other reasons) need to fill your needs for a firearm RIGHT NOW, and within your budget. For most people, this does not include the funds to buy a quality AR, sling, light, optic, chest rig, and "carbine training". For most people that start thinking about this, it means I need an inexpensive reliable gun that I can buy NOW and train on NOW, and that is suitable to stop a threat NOW.

On most days, the skies ain't full of parachutes, and you ain't gonna get called to battle multiple rifle-equipped military-trained adversaries.

Start small. A .22 rimfire is an EXCELLENT way to learn the basics and get into proper firearms shooting. If you need a gun to defend your home because unemployment is at 15% right now and you can't spring for an inadequate caliber like .22 to learn the basics on, then a 9MM pistol just might be a good choice for you.

Make sure that you take into consideration of WHY you need a gun, and buy accordingly.

1. You just thinking of getting into firearms prepping but have no real sense of immediate need to protect yourself? Get a .22. They really are a cheap and fun way to learn the basics.

2. Your neighborhood is bad, and you feel the need to have a capable man-stopper to protect yourself in your home, and you feel you need one right now, and you don't have 2 grand to outfit a full-on fighting carbine? Get a decent 9MM pistol with training ammo and defensive ammo. Read what to do with them, and shore-up accordingly.

3. You got lots of money and want to become a gun enthusiast like the rest of us? I still think you need to start out basic.

Bottom line: I'ma disagree with Hoppy. Even DavePAL doesn't leave his best rifles outside the safe for Home Defense. If you're thinking of HD, start with something else.

Good luck, and welcome.

[craig_o]

I've had this come up a few times recently, specifically with people who are looking to get a concealed handgun license.

I always assume a handgun is the best way for a person to go, regardless. Ultimately, it's the most flexible for self-defense. Even without a license, you have a good bit of leeway as to carrying on or about your person in Texas... with a handgun, that is.

.357 steel snubnose or a 9mm will suit damn near any civilian SD purpose. With that in mind, I always suggest a 9mm XD and a Ruger SP101. Incidentally I own both

[roscoe]

Well, some variant of the OP is probably not a bad idea, depending on budget. I would have been just as likely to say a GP 100 and a .30-30, or a CZ75 and SKS, etc. If you have a good handgun and long gun, it is pretty much software from there on out. But, I also recommend handgun first, as it is more likely to be useful and to be there when you need it.

[Browning 35]

I get the idea behind the Glock 19 (a simple, reliable, readily available/fairly inexpensive pistol in a caliber that's easy to handle and cheap to shoot) and the AR (an accurate semi-auto rifle that's basically the same as what our Military issues, easy to handle, cheap to shoot and that's modular to change out to the needs of that particular shooter), but why the Colt 6920 as a brand???

Why not a Noveske, a BCM, a Wilson or something equally as good?

(Just genuinely curious as to your reasoning behind picking the Colt in particular...I owned a Colt AR-15A2 at one point in time a long time ago and I didn't really think it above and beyond a BCM)

[jrswanson1]

Wow, are you all under 30? Back in the day, a basic .38 Special revolver was usually recommended as a first pistol. No real manual of arms, if it doesn't go bang, pull the trigger again. I can still find used, 4" barreled Model 10s for under $300. Speed loaders are $12 each, new. They work for concealed carry, too.

Jim

[Red_Snow]

.22 rifle.

This.

Either a pawn shop 10/22 or a Marlin bolt action of some sort.

If they don't want to go that route, then a G19 and a bolt action .223