+1 to what PJ said. that's exactly what i did. I went to Bullseye in Tacoma and shot a bunch of different guns before I bought my first. If I was going to have just one handgun, i'd probably buy a 9mm because the ammo is much cheaper, its easier to shoot so you'll probably practice more. The reality is the best gun for protection is the one in your hand that you shoot the best!

I also have a lot fun at the range shooting a .22 cal pistol. I have a Walter P22 with a laser sight on it that is fun to shoot and cheap as hell for ammo.

 

What's .22 .45? Bullets sizes?

 

.22 = pea shooter (very small bullet, not defense ammo)
.9mm = probably the smallest of what you'd consider defense ammo or what the cops carry
.40 = larger bullet, high velocity (many argue best all around, lots of cops carry)
.45 = biggest bullet of these mentioned, a little slower, but makes big holes. lots of cops and military carry these as well.

 

It's the caliber, which is the diameter, in inches (usually) of the projectile part of the round (the bullet itself).

Another frequent term is "magnum", which implies that the casing is quite a bit larger than the bullet itself.

Most pistol rounds have similar bullet and casing diameters, since its hard to make an auto or semi-auto magum pistol, and a typical rifle round is too long to fit in the grip of a pistol that an average person can hold.

Most pistols that are magnums are revolvers.

That being said, don't get too caught up in the caliber. Many smaller caliber rounds are more powerful than larger caliber rounds.
For example, shooting a .45 is not difficult. Shooting a .44 magnum is.... "memorable".
A .308 (or 7.62mm) rifle round is significantly more powerful than a .357.

 

yes

I have a .40 sig pro... ammo is $15-20 per box and I usually shoot through 3-4 boxes when I go to the range... plus targets which are cheap... plus range lane rental...

It does not sound like a lot of money but it can add up if you get into it... I go once a month or so...

Helps pass the time in the crappy weather when you cannot get out and drive.

Easy hobby to get into and easy (as Todd can attest to) to start buying multiple guns etc.

I personally enjoy shooting shotguns the most -- skeet/trap, and quail of course, more than target shooting... but target shooting is improtant if you plan on actually using the gun to protect yourself in home etc... as when the stakes are raised you need to know exactly what you doing like it is second nature...

 

I went skeet shooting last weekend and had a blast. Haven't done that in 20 years. it really is fun. I like target shooting, but blowing stuff up is even better. We went out this weekend with a bunch of fruit, paint cans, etc. pretty cool obliterating a mango at a hundred yards!

 

For a .45 ACP just purchased 1K rounds of ammo (range quality) from Natchez Shooters Supply delivered for $370...

 

you can certainly find good deals on ammo if you plan ahead... unfortunately I do not when it comes to going to the range...

I wake up and check the weather... if it is crappy and I can get a hall pass... I will head to the range... and pay their ungodly prices for ammo.

I should just swing by a wal mart on the way... but I always say "next time"

thanks for the heads up though...

 

Here are my competition bullseye guns. 1st is a Rock River Bullseye gun which has 1.5 inch accuracy at 50 yards and 2nd is a High Standard Victor which is even more accurate.

 

Is that laser guide? I kinda like to have one with it.

 

HOLY CRAP. I think you guys are on the wrong forum

www.deliverance.com will hook you guys up with all of your backwoods dreams. If I could play 2 banjo's I would

 

Is "Purdy Mouth" in your vocabulary?

 

ah
I spent all night long filming this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esl2NNOtHQE

 

You can get laser sights on any gun. I've heard the "laser grip" are really good. I have a rail mounted laser sight on my .22 its a lot of fun.

 

Exactly. You want the same caliber everyone else, including the cops has (9mm, .40), in case you ever have to pick one up off the ground. Like when the zombies come...