Thread: Seeking beginner's pistol recommendations

Originally Posted by Euclid440

At 3 yards, you 9 feet away, you should be able to put them all in one hole with either gun.

Move back to 25 yards if you want to test accuracy…

Indeed, and that'll be what I will work up to, as I learn and improve my technique. I'm still a newbie, learning grip, stance, proper trigger pull (and likely other things I haven't considered).

My thoughts during the testing, since I know I'm a newbie, was to keep it at 3 and 5 yards. If I'm showing errors there, then I know that they will be greatly amplified, as I move out further (and they were for the few 7 yds test shots I did). If I did all guns at 25 yds, I probably would have any indication as to which ones I am more precise with.

I was seeing larger spreads with some guns over others. That coupled with the ergonomics, was what I tried to use to compare.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Well as it is if you are going for 'center mass', which is what is recommended AFAIK, you're in there. Back 'in the day', when LEOs carried revolvers almost all carried 4" bbls. In a holster a 4" will clear the car seat when you sit down. A 5" will not, and will push the grip up when sitting. So for the slight difference in velocity, and sight radius, there is a compensation in weight reduction, and in comfortable carrying. Also, the longer the barrel the more error is magnified in misaligned sights.

Massad Ayoob: Are Long-Barreled Handguns More Accurate? | The Daily Caller

Yes, the guy at the gun shop said that the accuracy will not be that much different, but to CC the extra inch will be considerable.

Right, but your comparison of accuracy is not a valid test, or the pistol’s ability. There are too many other factors in your test, at this time.

Like, I said fine one that fits your hand then practice, practice, practice. Worry about concealability later, way later, if at all. Learn the pistol, first.

I have a 3in bull barrel model 60, with custom extended grips that shoots like a 4in model 10, 6 shot on a 3X5 card at 25 yards. Try doing that with a 2in model 60.

Chances are, this will just be, your “First” pistol.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Right, but your comparison of accuracy is not a valid test, or the pistol’s ability. There are too many other factors in your test, at this time.

Like, I said fine one that fits your hand then practice, practice, practice. Worry about concealability later, way later, if at all. Learn the pistol, first.

I have a 3in bull barrel model 60, with custom extended grips that shoots like a 4in model 10, 6 shot on a 3X5 card at 25 yards. Try doing that with a 2in model 60.

Chances are, this will just be, your “First” pistol.

Yesterday I thought 'I have to go to my LGS and put my hand around one of them PPQs' .......... now I want a S&W M60 ! .........

Gun Review: Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum (Take Two) - The Truth About Guns

Picked this up yesterday. I traded my M&P40 for this Smith & Wesson Shield M&P 9mm. It's much easier to conceal than the .40cal. 3.1" barrel length, striker fire, overall length is 6.1", weight is 19.0 oz and comes with an 8 round magazine. It is California "compliant" so now a single sided safety has been added and a red "loaded" indicator protrudes from the top. My .40 did not require a safety, is a double action and no loaded indicator was required. Cali should continues to take all the fun out of owning rifles or handguns wth a mile long list of restrictions. But, there it is.

Those 3 in. Model 60s are the best........ One day....

Originally Posted by lz6

Picked this up yesterday. I traded my M&P40 for this Smith & Wesson Shield M&P 9mm. It's much easier to conceal than the .40cal. 3.1" barrel length, striker fire, overall length is 6.1", weight is 19.0 oz and comes with an 8 round magazine. It is California "compliant" so now a single sided safety has been added and a red "loaded" indicator protrudes from the top. My .40 did not require a safety, is a double action and no loaded indicator was required. Cali should continues to take all the fun out of owning rifles or handguns wth a mile long list of restrictions. But, there it is.

Nice. I didn't look at the Shield, but the M&P 9 was pretty nice.

I picked up the 4" PPQ M2 and a third mag (for class). I got a Safariland OWB holster so I use that at class too. I need to get some cleaning supplies - seems like the manual is recommending a cleaning before first use.

I'm on travel for work now, but when I get back, I was to practice some at the range. Class is in early June.

Anyone have recommendations on books for shooting techniques? I like to learn from several sources.

Originally Posted by pcm

Anyone have recommendations on books for shooting techniques? I like to learn from several sources.

This book is dated, but it really tuned me up on the basics.

The Pistol Shooter's Treasury (Second Edition): Gil Hebard: Amazon.com: Books

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

This book is dated, but it really tuned me up on the basics.

The Pistol Shooter's Treasury (Second Edition): Gil Hebard: Amazon.com: Books

Here's another book for consideration. If you want to learn how to shoot, then take a look...

http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Pu...rksmanship.pdf