A question on firearms.

[Chako]

As some of you may know, I successfully took the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, which is a requirement for getting a PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence). In Canada, you need a PAL to own and buy firearms. Originally I took the course in order to be able to buy a high powered pellet rifle. In Canada, you are restricted to below 500 feet per second muzzle velocities. The PAL should open that world up to me.

With that said, I have decided to go into this for all the cookies, and have signed up for the restrictive safety course. I am doing this next Saturday. If I pass that, this will allow me the opportunity to join a gun club and go into pistols. I have always wanted to get into pistols as a matter of target shooting. I have done archery for decades and thought going with pistols would be challenging enough and an extension of what I like to do. I am not interested in hunting, but target shooting...most definitely.

Now, I haven't given pistols much though. I do own a few BB pistols. Would it be good to assume that I should start off small, with a .22 caliber pistol and then work myself up? What would you guys recommend? I know that .22 ammunition is cheaper than the other alternatives. Not sure if I should get a revolver, or a semi automatic, or something else I do not know exist.

[ColoSwiss]

I would say .22LR is definitely the pace to start. The ammo is cheap, so you'll shot more, and recoil and noise are minimal.

I had a love-hate relationship with .22 autos for decades, before finally settling down with a revolver. Still have a bunch of center-fire autos. Try to shoot and handle as many different types and models as you can before making up your mind. A gun's 'feel' is pretty subjective, and what one person likes another will hate. Longer barrels and their longer sight radiuses (radii ?) are more accurate. Also greater weight; a heavier pistol is less affected by tremors and your trigger pull. Adjustable sights are also a big plus.

Above all, Have Fun!

[Chako]

There is only one gun shop and unfortunately, they don't have a shooting range...go figure.

[VictorLouis]

If it meets Canada's barrel length standards, S&W has recently debuted an M&P Compact .22 semi auto. Due to the light weight, and low cost, this is at the top of my list for a 'first' .22 semi for someone new. As to 'traditional' semis in .22, you would not go wrong with a Ruber Mk series, or Browning's BuckMark series, either. I'm sure they make one or more models of those with a long enough barrel.

[Megan]

Well, once you have your license join the nearest club.
I've found that the folks are generally really friendly. If you contact the club ahead of time and speak to whomever is running hand gun nights- they can probably set you up to try a couple things.

[Chako]

 

Of course. I hadn't thought of that Megan. Good advice.

Thanks VictorLouis, going to do some research on those models. 

[Chako]

I am currently consuming the info on this web site. Thought I would share it...looks good so far.

http://www.gunnoob.com/Home.aspx

[nate j]

As to 'traditional' semis in .22, you would not go wrong with a Ruber Mk series...

Ruger Mark III Target is what I was thinking.  As previously mentioned, .22 makes the most sense for target shooting only due to lowest cost of ammo.  As Megan, suggests, however, it is always wise to try before you buy if possible.

[Chako]

I know the local shop has a Ruger single action 10 .22 LR revolver.

[Lynn LeFey]

I have fired a pistol from each of the 3 'mark' series from Ruger. Although I haven't fired the 22/45, or any of the 'lite' models. Be warned that, while excellent plinkers, and very good target pistols, the Ruger Mark series are NOT fun to reassemble after cleaning.

The buckmark was also mentioned.

I fired a Smith and Wesson 22a, and found it right in there as far as accuracy with the others.

I own a Baretta Neos, and am very happy with it. My husband has a Ruger SR22, more of a combat style configuration, and it's nearly as accurate, and great fun to shoot, but not what you'd likely want for precision target shooting.

[Chako]

Ok...looks like I will have to do a lot of research.

I have a Walther CP99 Compact in 4.5mm BB. After doing some research it looks almost identical to the P99. Of all the BB pistols I own, the CP99 is my most ergonomic and thus, most enjoyable to use. So I guess, if I am looking for a 9mm, I would be strongly moved to get a Walther.

Edit...looks like they sell a .22 target with a 5" barrel. Yeah...going to need to do plenty of reading before I jump into this...but then, I have plenty of time as I haven't even taken the restricted course yet. The fun is in the research.

[jerseydevil]

I know the local shop has a Ruger single action 10 .22 LR revolver.

The Ruger Single Six is an excellent revolver.    They make them not in .22 LR, but also in .22 WMRF.  The Ruger Bearcat is also a great little gun, more traditional looking than the one you mentioned, with fixed sights and a six shot cylinder.  Hard to go wrong with a Ruger though.

[Mike 56]

Chako, I am retired and if I am not target shooting I am reloading, casting bullets or making my own black powder. You seem to have a interest in a 22 cal hand gun. Ruger smi autos and single action revolvers are all great guns. 22 ammo here is hard to find here in the US and when you do find it it is pricy. You will probably get bored shooting 22LR in no time at all. Have you given any thought to starting out with a black powder cap an ball revolver. You can load them very light using filler to mirror a 22LR hand gun and when you feel the need for speed you can load it up all the way.
Mike

[Chako]

What...there is a shortage of .22 ammunition? That I didn't know.

No, I haven't given any thought to black powder. I guess it should be something to look into.

[Mike 56]

The last 3 or 4 years it's been hard to get 22LR ammo. You can find most other ammo on the shelves. Smokeless gun powder is still hit miss to find. When it was hard to find reloading supply's I started casting my own bullets from wheel weights and loading them with a few grains of fast burning powder it costs me about 6 cents a round to shoot WW 2 surplus rifles. They are not loud there is no recoil. They spin about as fast 22LR they are a lot of fun to shoot.
Mike

[Werkzeug]

One thing you might look into is a guest pass at a gun club to try out some of their loaners to see what you like.

I don't have a PAL, never mind an RPAL, but I'm going out to a range in a couple months to try shooting a handgun and a semi-auto.

Apparently, you're good to go so long as you're under the supervision of somebody from the club.  My buddy bought us passes in some Groupon offer...

[ColoSwiss]

If it meets Canada's barrel length standards, S&W has recently debuted an M&P Compact .22 semi auto. Due to the light weight, and low cost, this is at the top of my list for a 'first' .22 semi for someone new. As to 'traditional' semis in .22, you would not go wrong with a Ruber Mk series, or Browning's BuckMark series, either. I'm sure they make one or more models of those with a long enough barrel.

Rugers are generally solid, but a pain to disassemble and reassemble.

The BuckMark I had broke its buffer, and later the recoil spring guide assembly disintegrated, sending various small parts into obscure corners.

Go with the Ruger.

[captain spaulding]

If it meets Canada's barrel length standards, S&W has recently debuted an M&P Compact .22 semi auto. Due to the light weight, and low cost, this is at the top of my list for a 'first' .22 semi for someone new. As to 'traditional' semis in .22, you would not go wrong with a Ruber Mk series, or Browning's BuckMark series, either. I'm sure they make one or more models of those with a long enough barrel.

Rugers are generally solid, but a pain to disassemble and reassemble.

The BuckMark I had broke its buffer, and later the recoil spring guide assembly disintegrated, sending various small parts into obscure corners.

Go with the Ruger.

Only the MK series.

[shemonster]

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[Chako]

Thanks for the info. Quite a lot to research. I did buy myself a gun cabinet and a good all around cleaning kit for most calibers out there. Now I have to clean out my walk in closet of junk to install the gun cabinet. It will hold 10 rifles and has a top shelf for storage of ammunition, etc. Nothing brinks like, but will do the job admirably as it locks via a key. I dislike rotary dials.

[Chako]

I am starting to get the essentials in preparation of owning a firearm. The gun cleaning kit appears to be good and comprehensive. I will know more after using it...but it does cover .22, .30 rifles, .38 caliber, 9 mm, .45 caliber, 10 mm pistols, 28/20/12/10 gauge shotguns. It also comes in a neat little wooden box that has two braces to hold your firearm to work on it, and a compartment to hold other essentials.

As soon as I placed it on the bed, Gracy had to inspect the new item.



She wouldn't leave it alone, so I had to move the box somewhere where she couldn't photo bomb the item.



The bottom tray holds all the cleaning bits and doodads. No instructions came with it...go figure. I can figure most of the kit out, but have no clue about the spear pointed jags. 



The kit includes:
- 3 solid brass rods.
- 7 bronze brushes.
- 7 mops.
- 2 spear pointed jabs.
- 3 slotted patch loops.
- 50 cleaning patches
- 1 adapter.

Here is the main compartment. The lid has two bench vices to hold a long firearm in place. The wooden holders slot into the case and are held to the lid via a pair of wide elastics and a clip.



The gun shop told me I would want these two products. I bought a Remington Rem Oil can, and a Hoppe's #9 copper solvent for cleaning the bore. Here you see the long firearm vice installed.



And the gun cabinet that I bought. It was on sale for 99 dollars...and it was hard to resist at that price. It features a simple lock...and I plan on bolting it to a wall and floor so folks can't just walk away with it. I think it will give me some room, as I have my pellet riffles all over the place. Storing them in one central location appeals to me.

[ColoSwiss]

Looking good!  Always a good idea to keep all your equipment together and locked up.

Hoppe's is a decades-old stand-by, and I'm a big fan of Remoil.

[nate j]

I can figure most of the kit out, but have no clue about the spear pointed jags.

They are used similarly to the patch loops, i.e. pushing cleaning patches through the barrel.  Some people prefer one or the other, while other folks switch back and forth depending on application.  Much discussion of the pros, cons, and finer points of patch loops vs. jags on various gun forums.

[Lynn LeFey]

I prefer loops, personally.

[captain spaulding]

I prefer loops, personally.

+1.

[PTRSAK]

If you want a good shooting .22 pistol, get a Hi-Standard

http://www.highstandard.com/index.php/weapons-hs/hs-pistols/hs-22-s

[ducttapetech]

That is a sweet gun cleaning kit!

[ColoSwiss]

For cleaning, pipe cleaners and Q-tips come in handy.

A small set of gunsmithing screwdrivers will help keep you from dinging up the screws.

A bore light for examining the barrel.

Also a good set of hearing protectors.

Shooters aren't as gimmick-obsessed as golfers or fishermen (but we come close  )

[Chako]

ColoSwiss, I think I have all of that except for a good pair of hearing protectors. I have a cheap pair but would rather upgrade it later when it is time.

I had to clean my walk in closet of junk. I am getting tired of moving boxes from one room to another...however, the new gun cabinet needs to be here anyways, so cleaning the closet was a must.

Here it is next to the safe.



I haven't screwed it down to the floor yet, and for starters I have my BB rifle and my good .22 pellet rifle, along with the Steel Force...which is awfully short but is a good place to store it. I also was able to gather all of my ammunition and store in there as well. Getting ready for some fun...sometime next year. 

[captain spaulding]

Looks like you are getting things in order nicely.