Firearm help...

[unlurking]

Well, after spending a year trying to get my marriage to work, the wife and I are splitting up. She has decided she wants a lifestyle change, so I figured why not have some fun myself? There are a lot of things I have always wanted to do but didn't because of family priorities (motorcycle, hunting, boating, flying lessons, etc.). I have decided one of the cheaper things I could do would be target shooting. I always loved going to the range with friends who had handguns or rifles, or even renting them at the range.

I'd like to see if I couldn't get recommendations on an affordable (but not crappy) handgun. This would not be for home defense or hunting, but purely used at ranges for target shooting. Every time I've gone, it's been an absolute blast, but I never seem to improve when using a wide range of weapons.

I know the Planet has an abundance of gun owners, so I thought this would be a good place to ask for opinions. Like I said though, I do have a spending limit. I don't know firearm price ranges outside of the sale items in sports store newspaper ads, but I'd like to keep it below $500 if possible.

Thanks,
-UL

[Simplex3]

Check ammo prices before you buy.

[Frazod]

I'm thinking the midst of a divorce is NOT the appropriate time for you to become a first time gun owner.

Very bad idea. Bad bad bad

[Gonzo]

Just for target shooting?
Get a Ruger revolver. Single six or something.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by frazod

I'm thinking the midst of a divorce is NOT the appropriate time for you to become a first time gun owner.

Very bad idea. Bad bad bad

hahaha

My appliances are safe.

We are actually very good friends, and everything has been very "amicable". We have agreed 100% on financial split, and are 100% in agreement on parenting time and child support. I'm just looking to pick up some hobbies and to try and have a little fun. The range I used to go to has a locker system where you can store your guns on site. This is what I am planning on doing, since I still don't fell comfortable having a gun in the house with a teenager (especially one going through puberty).

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by frazod

I'm thinking the midst of a divorce is NOT the appropriate time for you to become a first time gun owner.

Very bad idea. Bad bad bad

Hell, it's a great idea. He buys a gun, then she shows up having been poisoned with antifreeze. No way he did it, he would have just shot her with his new gun.

[MOhillbilly]

guns america

[Fish]

I wouldn't call handgun target practice "cheap"..... do you know what the average box of handgun ammo costs?

Unless you plan on reloading your own, it's nowhere close to what I would consider a cheap hobby....

Do you know what caliber you want?

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by unlurking

hahaha

My appliances are safe.

We are actually very good friends, and everything has been very "amicable". We have agreed 100% on financial split, and are 100% in agreement on parenting time and child support. I'm just looking to pick up some hobbies and to try and have a little fun. The range I used to go to has a locker system where you can store your guns on site. This is what I am planning on doing, since I still don't fell comfortable having a gun in the house with a teenager (especially one going through puberty).

You'll have to admit, it sounded bad.

Hey, I'm getting divorced.... got any recommendations for a gun?

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

Just for target shooting?
Get a Ruger revolver. Single six or something.

Ruger?

Recommended caliber/model? As far as handguns, I've shot a 9mm, .22, a .38. The .22 felt/acted like a heavy BB gun, rather disappointing. The .38 seemed very, I don't know, awkward? The 9mm felt very comfortable, but felt like a Mel Gibson wannabe.

All were cartridge. I have a friend who does target and "quick-draw" shooting. I believe she uses revolvers, I'll have to ask her. Why recommend it?

[Radar Chief]

Ruger .22 MK I or MK II
Nice shooting little gun and you can’t beat .22’s for price, you could shoot all day and empty 100’s of rounds for under $20.
Best “plinking” round ever, good beginners size also.
Just don’t go pointing it at someone, about all a .22 will do is piss’em off.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by KC Fish

I wouldn't call handgun target practice "cheap"..... do you know what the average box of handgun ammo costs?

Unless you plan on reloading your own, it's nowhere close to what I would consider a cheap hobby....

Do you know what caliber you want?

No idea on caliber. As far as price, have you played any of those "shooter" games at Dave 'n Busters lately?! They're like $2 for a 1-3 minute game! Last time I went to the range, it was to kick off my buddies bachelor party. For 5 of us, it only cost me about $100 for ammo and range time for over an hour.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by frazod

You'll have to admit, it sounded bad.

Hey, I'm getting divorced.... got any recommendations for a gun?

Yeah, I know. I thought about editing it after I wrote it. But then I figured what the hell, somebody (Simplex3) would recommend a .45 desert antifreeze!

This is just a chance to go out and have some fun. I'm thinking about picking up bow-hunting as well, since a co-worker invited me to go with him this fall for elk.

[MOhillbilly]

if you go the single action ruger route the single six ruger comes w/ a conversion cylinder that allows you to shoot 22lr and 22mag.

someone mentioned a MKI & MKII go w/ a MKII.

if you want a 9mm high cap and are a novice go Glock.

[trndobrd]

If you are relatively new to pistol shooting and are not interested in hunting or personal defense, I would recommend a .22LR target pistol like a Ruger MK II or Smith and Wesson Model 41.

You can get any decent 22LR target pistol for a couple hundred dollars. Ammo is dirt cheap, you can shoot all day for a couple bucks. Recoil is minimal so you won't develop bad habits as you improve your accuracy.