Thread: Seeking beginner's pistol recommendations

So, I think I have two more steps before making a decision. I've narrowed it down to a (relatively) short list, with some questions I need to ask and things to check at the store. There is also a variant of one gun that I probably should check at a range (they didn't have it at one range).

I should be able to rule out some quickly when at the store, and then I'll have the tough decision between the remaining. Maybe test firing again, if I need to.

Smith & Wesson 642

Went to a store yesterday, to ask questions (mostly about conceal ability of the models) to supplement my research. Found that Walther has a 4" barrel too (I tried the 5"). Went to another range today and tried the 4" and the Ruger American.

The PPQ didn't seem to have more recoil. I suspect doing A/B comparison I may notice a difference. All the rest, trigger, ergonomics, access to controls, was the same. Accuracy after doing 50 rounds (15 at 3 yds, 25 at 5 yds, and 10 at 7 yds), it looks very close to what I saw with the 5" (not tested at 7 yds).

The American had a harder pull, longer reset, though it was clear. I had to slightly alter my grip to reach the slide release, and it was a little harder to get to the mag release for me. The grip was ok, but not as comfortable as the PPQ. It is heavier, and that coupled with the harder trigger, I was not as accurate with the same distances and # rounds. Pretty good at 3 yds, but lowere and wider dispersion at longer distances.

So, the PPQ is my favorite, and the 4" seems to be just fine. I suspect as my technique improves, I'll get better at longer distances.

I'm going to purchase one tomorrow. Then, starts the journey of figuring out a bag, holster, cleaning supplies, ammo selection, targets, and deciding on whether to join a range or just go as needed.

I have another class in June, so hope to get some practice too!

Originally Posted by pcm

So, the PPQ is my favorite, and the 4" seems to be just fine. I suspect as my technique improves, I'll get better at longer distances.

I'm going to purchase one tomorrow. Then, starts the journey of figuring out a bag, holster, cleaning supplies, ammo selection, targets, and deciding on whether to join a range or just go as needed.

I had never heard of the PPQ before. Seems like a good one Walther PPQ Review - Guns & Ammo

For an IWB holster Milt Sparks Versa Max II is the best there is AFAIC ........ if you get one get horsehide. Tougher and slicker for drawing than cow.

versa Max 2| Milt Sparks Holsters

Wanna see the rest of the Derringer?

Just something to think about, short barreled pistols are much harder to shoot accurately, especially for new shooters. One inch makes a big difference in a handgun’s accuracy. And if you can’t hit your target, what’s the point?

Like most things, there are no perfect handguns, pick a pistol that fits your hand, then learn that pistol, especially if you are going to carry the gun. You can only learn your pistol with practice, lots of practice.

Concealing a pistol is not as difficult as you would think, folks don’t pay attention, except for most cops and crooks.

Be aware that all shooting, especially pistol shooting is a frangible skill, stop practicing, you quickly loose the skill needed to deploy flawlessly in a stressful situation.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Just something to think about, short barreled pistols are much harder to shoot accurately, especially for new shooters. One inch makes a big difference in a handgun’s accuracy. And if you can’t hit your target, what’s the point?

Like most things, there are no perfect handguns, pick a pistol that fits your hand, then learn that pistol, especially if you are going to carry the gun. You can only learn your pistol with practice, lots of practice.

Concealing a pistol is not as difficult as you would think, folks don’t pay attention, except for most cops and crooks.

Be aware that all shooting, especially pistol shooting is a frangible skill, stop practicing, you quickly loose the skill needed to deploy flawlessly in a stressful situation.

When I tested, the 5" and 4" barrel, they both seemed to have the same accuracy for me (at 3 and 5 yards). The only differences I could see is perceive is that the 4" is 1" shorter overall, the 4" does not have a vented slide (so less dirt introduction?), and is $100 less. I could not tell a recoil difference, but it was 4 days apart.



If I have the imports right... the first is 5" at 3yds (the bottom two shots are from another test at 5 yds. The outlier at the top is 2.5" away, rest are within 2".

The second image is the 5" at 5 yds (the ones within the penciled line - ignore the one or the far left), all seem to be within 2" of center.

The third image has the 4" barrel, with 3 yds on the right, (all within 2") and 5 yds on the left (all but one, within 2").
I'm thinking I'll be OK with the 4", especially as my skills improve.

The big thing with the PPQ was that the grip was great, I could reach the mag and slide releases without contortions, and the precision achieved was better than other pistols I tried.

I'm signed up for another class with Sig Sauer, and plan to frequently attend the range to practice. I'm sure I have a ways to go with technique.

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

At 3 yards, you are 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…

Yea, old Ayoob and guys like him, made me stop reading the gun rags.

What he is talking about is the ability of older guys to see the sights, not the accuracy of the pistol. Longer is always more accurate and the error in sight alignment thing works the other way around, the longer barrel is more forgiving.

Carried a 6 in bull barreled K frame in a hip holster for years without a problem.

The whole 4in/ 6in gun came about when police uniforms were re designed in the late 60’s, early 70’s, after the Watts Riots, for a more “Modern, Streamlined, less threatening/military look”, along with the whole “Community Policing” philosophy.

The same guy thought police should treat criminals like customers and actually hired Nordstrom’s customer relation folks as consultants…

Cops comfort or pistol accuracy was never part of it, it was all about the “look”. The rest of the US Police followed, like sheep…