Starting Handgun

Hello TW! My name is Eric and I'm 16 years old. My dad thinks I should start shooting some guns to get used to firearms by the time I attempt to enlist into to US Navy after I graduate high school. I'm not very experienced with firearms, but I have shot with a weak .22 LR. What should I start with? My dad really wants to buy a Glock 19, but I am not entirely sure of what I want to start with. What do y'all recommend for a first handgun?

 

I recommend starting with a class on fire arms, maybe a conceal and carry class?

As for 1st Hand gun I would say probably a revolver like a 38.

I would also like to give my .02 on making sure you have a proper respect for all fire arms as well, and I'm not saying you don't but I can tell you that a. 22LR may be a small caliber, but it can kill you or someone else just as dead as any of the rest of them.

whatever you chose make sure your safe with it, and get know it well.

 

In the navy we primarily shoot the Beretta 92fs. That's what we shoot in boot camp as well as what the military police carry. Very easy to shoot, but pretty big and bulky.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ber...2.69i57j0l5.4421j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/03/27/navy-orders-60000-compact-versions-armys-new-sidearm.html

 

Thank Y'all! I will talk to my dad and we will decide on what gun to buy.

 

9mm is a good start.

 

As a starter gun I usually recommend a revolver, 357/38 spc. However, since your sights are military also look into an AR15.

 

Honestly I’d start you on a .22lr of some sort. Maybe even a 1911 style .22lr. But before your senior year I’d get you whatever they shoot in the Navy. Or at least whatever you have to qualify with in basic/boot camp.

A foundation needs to be set as well the ability to break down and clean your own weapon.

 

I have the civilian version of that gun, Sig P320. Easy to strip, clean and is extremely reliable. Very much like a Glock in my opinion, but I like the grip angle better. That's just me, though. We have several gun ranges around town that will let you rent multiple guns and test them out. I fired about nine guns at the range on the same day and settled on the Sig, but there were several other choices that I really liked including the Glock, M&P from Smith and Wesson, and the Kimber 1911. The Kimber was a .45 and was a blast to shoot, but way out of my budget.

 

What @NAAC3TACO said. Try some out before settling on any one sidearm. But the .22lr approach will pay dividends in the end.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/search.php?q=.22lr+1911

 

I will also add its great to be comfortable being around and handling guns, but they will teach you how to shoot when you join. Sometimes its worse to try to learn before hand due to the fact that you may learn bad habits that you may have to try to change later on

 

I can say from first hand experience with navy boot camp and the firearms training that it would GREATLY benefit OP to learn everything beforehand. The level of “training” is very basic.

 

Also it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get familiar with shooting a 12 gauge pump action shotgun at some point. You’ll shoot it in basic, but it’s only a “familiarization”. They rush people through it, and friends who hadn’t shot before said it was a little scary for them.

 

Nothing wrong with starting with a 22, but you can't go wrong with a Glock 19.

As far as the Navy goes. Basics firearm training is well, basic. Just do what you're told, and NOTHING else. Like if you have a jam, don't clear it yourself etc etc.
It's styled in a manner for people who have never seen a gun. If you go in and instinctively do something to correct a "malfunction" and get caught, chances are you'll get chewed/disciplined for it.

BTW, there's plenty of us Salty Navy guys on here. If you have any Q's let us know.. Do you have any idea what you wanna go into?

 

Interesting, AF Basic they try to teach you the "proper" way lol

 

They try the same as well, but some people still had problems and couldn't shoot for shit. I went in being comfortable with guns and had a good foundation, and it was a cake walk. A very relaxing day, which was nice compared to the other stressful days of training.

 

A .22 is a perfect starter gun. Cheap and abundant ammo, and no recoil so you can focus on honing your accuracy.

 

Look at Ruger also, very good brand in my opinion. Every one I’ve owned has always been reliable.

 

When I went thru Navy boot camp (50+ years ago) the firearms training was minimal. Part of it was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. I say learn as much as you can now. In my area there are hunter safety programs. Well worth going through. Any other formal training you can get will be worthwhile. As far as actual firearms use while in the service, I saw very little. Mostly carrying a .45 while on watch as a petty officer; never firing it.

For a first firearm I would recommend a .22 rifle. Unless you learn to reload center fire cartridges, the .22 rimfire is the cheapest way to go. Cheaper ammo results in more shooting per dollar. Then look at a .22 handgun. (one cannot have too many .22s)