What was your first pistol?

[andrews10]

I remember mine fondly. It was the Davis 380 pistol in stainless with a 6 round magazine. I was 21 and it was a gift to myself. 95.00 plus tax. I shot it so much the slide had a small hairline crack in it. I sent it to DAvis and they replaced it. However, I traded up to a Ruger p89. I miss that pocket pistol. I also got that slide bite too with it for free. : )

[NavyVet1959]

The first one I ever bought myself would have probably been a Series 70 Colt 1911, although a Ruger Mk-I or Mk-II would have been a close second, I suspect. That would have been in the late 1970s.

[220]

Given pistols are heavily restricted here in Aus I didn't get into pistol shooting until the mid 90's. First purchase was a Browning buckmark field. Still have it, would be close to 100k rounds now. My son now uses it for competition, won a few medals with it last month at the state championships and manages to outshoot me more often than I would like despite the $2k+ target pistol Im now using.

[winelover]

First pistol was a Browning HP, which was preceded by a Colt Python, my first revolver.

Winelover

[Beagle333]

Astra Cub .22 short. Something was wrong with it and it'd fire all 7 at the first pull. But it was my carry pistol and I figured I'd only pull it when they were real close, if I needed it, and unzip em.

[BST4227]

my first was a Browning HP I loved that gun and while it was one of the best hand guns I've owned I can remember how i wished it was a 22 when I was buying ammo for it, it would be another two years before I started reloading

[dale2242]

Benjamin .177 air gun.
Dad bought it for me when I was 8.
I have loved handguns every since....dale

[GoodOlBoy]

When I started college I was driving a long ways to school and back every day. I was given a Lorcin 380 automatic. Thing was supposed to be decent according to the schister that sold it to my folks. You couldn't hit the bottom of a bucket from inside of it, it would jam and stovepipe every other round, and sometimes it would randomly spit a extra unfired round out the top when cycling. Flip side is it did go boom on the first trigger pull. I only had to use it three times in a decade. Once to put down a badly wounded dog. Once to put down a badly wounded Doe. And Once to convince a feller with a switchblade knife that I was serious. Right after the knife incident it was retired in favor of a Ruger GP100.

GoodOlBoy

[Petrol & Powder]

If we're talking about the first pistol purchased, it would be a Ruger Mark II.
I miss that Ruger, it would outshoot some rifles!
I sold it to fund some other itch, thinking, surely...it could easily be replaced.
Well that bone-headed move resulted in a long succession of Ruger .22 pistols in search of the original's equal. I came close but never found one. My own personal Zeno's paradox of firearm acquisition - you can get really close but never there!

[docone31]

Raven .25 cal. It was the reason I did not get another pistol for a long time. Stove pipes, jams, couldn't hit the ground if I pointed it down. Ammo was expensive. A terrible pistol. Too small.

[mozeppa]

colt 22 /22mag six shooter!

wish i still owned it.

[w5pv]

Mine was an Iver Johnson 22LR/22mag,I think it was an Iver Johson been so long ago I don't rightly remember.But I do remember it being 22LR and 22Mag

[nagantguy]

When I started college I was driving a long ways to school and back every day. I was given a Lorcin 380 automatic. Thing was supposed to be decent according to the schister that sold it to my folks. You couldn't hit the bottom of a bucket from inside of it, it would jam and stovepipe every other round, and sometimes it would randomly spit a extra unfired round out the top when cycling. Flip side is it did go boom on the first trigger pull. I only had to use it three times in a decade. Once to put down a badly wounded dog. Once to put down a badly wounded Doe. And Once to convince a feller with a switchblade knife that I was serious. Right after the knife incident it was retired in favor of a Ruger GP100.

GoodOlBoy
I feel your pain my second handgun was a lorcin 9mm, worst poecenof junk I've ever owned and then shortly after got the post card advising me not to fire it and soon they would send a mailing label to send it back for replacement or repair, they went belly up. I turned it in to one of those gun buy back schemes some years later got 150 USD! Only paid $99, kept the mags as a reminder that you get what you pay for!

[atr]

mine was a Ruger Semi auto #1...$39.00 I bought with my paper route money...Mom had to sign for me
still have the pistol and the memories that go with it
atr

[pworley1]

Browning model 1922 32acp

[bedbugbilly]

I'm the oddball here . . . 1851 Colt (repro - 1966 or so)

[Mk42gunner]

CVA .45 cal Kentucky Pistol kit in 1978 or so for $33 or so. I had to buck a lot of hay bales to pay for that.

Robert

[youngmman]

Ruger Standard Auto .22 LR, when I was 13. I had just received my Jr. hunting license after completing the NRA hunter safety course. My Dad had to sign for it and I had to pay half (Lawn money). The total cost of the pistol was $35 and the Jr. hunting license was $1.25.

It was 1961

[dragon813gt]

Ruger MKII Target. It's been a love hate relationship because it's a picky SOB when it comes to ammo. And of course the ammo that doesn't cycle the action is the most accurate. I still have it. But a Beretta U22 Neos and GSG 1911 see a lot more range time.

[popper]

High Standard bull barrel target 22. I got the slide bite for free also. Second was a Star (Astro) 380 that looked like a mini 1911. Both gone now. Third is a workhorse XDm 40. Anything my mark III won't eat shouldn't be shot.

[Love Life]

The first pistol I purchased was a Springfield 1911. It was a jam-o-matic with everything and the slide release snapped on it. I put a new slide release in and traded it in on 625-8. Never regretted that decision. From then on it has been Glocks, Colt's, and S&W. Springfield handguns are not welcome in my home.

[WallyM3]

1917 DWM. I was 15 y-o.

[seaboltm]

Beretta 92 FS

[beroen]

.45 cal patriot muzzleloader by TC

[curator]

Remington-Rand 1911, .45ACP. (Not the "A1") A WWI relic I bought for $25 in 1963. I shot more than 100,000 rounds of GI hardball through it by the time the frame cracked. I still have a few boxes of the 1916 vintage .45ACP ammo my gun club sold to its members at $1.00 for 50 rounds. (back when $4 filled your gas tank) The gun lives on having had a frame transplant and some new innards. It is still my go-to carry gun when hiking or camping where the extra weight isn't an issue but reliability and effectiveness might be. Everyone needs a good .45 beater gun!

[John Allen]

Ruger Mk1 22

[bob208]

colt frontier scout .22-.22mag. got it in 67. shot a lot of groundhogs, bottles and cans with it. father carried it in his lunch box during the riots of 68. I had it with me when I worked at the gas station. still have it and the box it came in.

[NavyVet1959]

I still have a few boxes of the 1916 vintage .45ACP ammo my gun club sold to its members at $1.00 for 50 rounds. (back when $4 filled your gas tank)

If you look at it that way, ammo is about the same price now. I noticed a station the other day as I was driving by and gas was $2.70 per gallon. That would be $70.20 to fill up my 26 gallon tank which would mean $17.55 for the ammo using the ratio above. Pretty close to what I see at some of the stores for .45 ammo these days.

[dancingbear41]

Although we can no longer have pistols now, my first was a .22 Smith and Wesson Model 34 with a 2" barrel. On a number of occasion people openly laughed at my little gun on the firing point. A few minutes later when their scores had been soundly trounced, the laughter stopped. It was a great little gun.

Simon.

[Dan Cash]

H&R .38 S&W top break, first revolver. I was 14 and this revolver with flaking nickel and pitted bore taught me about rifling as the thing literally would not hit the side of the barn from 50 yards; I tried a shot when the old man was not around. With that lesson under my belt, I traded up to a 1932 Beretta .32 ACP. Fine shooting pistol and very accurate. Don't remember when or why it got traded off.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Ruger 22 Single Six. Bought in 1956. My brother has it now but I have two SS in stainless.

[Char-Gar]

A byf 42 Luger.

[Geppetto]

EAA Witness in 38 super. Good sturdy gun, 1000+ through it with no problems.

[JSnover]

Taurus 66, .357 with target sights.
it was just about perfect for a newbie.

[gkainz]

Hawes Western Marshall .357 Mag ... and boy did I screw up - just checked google for prices ... :oops: oh well ... don't remember what I sold it for, but I do remember paying $60 for it in the early 70s.

[5Shot]

S&W Mdl 29...still have it, but doesn't get shot any more. Bought new in 1986 or there abouts. I think it cost $265.

[snoopy]

Ruger single six, but WINELOVER said python and I was 16 when they came out with the python hunter and I drooled so much on the case display the guys at the LGS ran me off!

[Jbiker]

High Standard model HD, from my grandfather, who got it from his cousin, Gus Swebilus

[funnyjim014]

If you look at it that way, ammo is about the same price now. I noticed a station the other day as I was driving by and gas was $2.70 per gallon. That would be $70.20 to fill up my 26 gallon tank which would mean $17.55 for the ammo using the ratio above. Pretty close to what I see at some of the stores for .45 ammo these days.Wow its been ten years or so since I payed that for fuel. Up here neer buffalo its down to 3.40 a gal. As far the first pistol.... browning buckmark. Two weeks later a tourus 1911

[georgerkahn]

Mine was a Ruger .22/.22wmr convertible, in blue. A few days later I saw it in stainless, and traded it for the stainless version. Both had grips too small; never really enjoyed shooting them...

[tigweldit]

Ruger Blackhawk .41 magnum. Christmas present from my folks in 1968. Of course I still have it. Too many rounds to count through it. Never sent back for transfer bar "upgrade", thank God.

[shooterg]

Ruger Super Single-Six convertible. Had to get the older brother to buy it for me. Still in the safe with the old red and black box, the felt bag for the .22 mag chamber/etc.

[ammohead]

Ruger single six convertable in 1973. I was 18, had my father sign for me. $69.99 in a shrink rap plastic display at Coast to Coast. Old model, still have it and the felt bag for extra cylinder. Lot's of jacks went down with it.

[NavyVet1959]

Wow its been ten years or so since I payed that for fuel. Up here neer buffalo its down to 3.40 a gal.

Cheapest I saw today was $2.49. 10 years ago, gas was $2 or less per gallon around here. So was diesel. But that was back when we had REAL gas, not this ethanol contaminated **** that they sell these days.

[mac60]

While not a "pistol" - my first handgun was an Astra .357 revolver with a 4" bbl. It was a good solid gun, wish I still had it.

[Daddyfixit]

Dad gave me a Ruger single six convertible when I was 13. My first purchased was a model 19 S&W when I turned 18.

[Balta]

Yugo M57 7,62x25 mm ( Tokarev clone) i was 18 years old, and just finish my basic training in army!

[Coffeecup]

First cartridge handgun was a S&W Model 10.

I was in jr. high and wanted to learn to shoot DA. One of the guys in my muzzleloading club swapped me ammo--actually, components and the use of his moulds, and Star to load on--for work on his rental properties. By the time I graduated I had gone through 4 or 5 revolvers and 6) 8# cans of B'eye.

Somewhere along the line I picked up a 1911, and I recall having a Luger for a while. A few years after graduation, when I no longer had to have my mom sign for purchases, I developed a serious handgun problem for 25 years or so.

[Bob in Revelstoke]

Forehand and Wadsworth, top break, 5 shot nickle plated .38 S&W. Next was a Browning H.P. with a three number serial number. Still have that.

[Patrick L]

My six inch S&W Model 66. This was in 1989. The L frames had pretty much taken over the .357 market, and as a result these "weaker" K frames could be had for a bargain.

Although the standard (and very practical) advice is always to start with a .22, I was already a seasoned shooter and handloader. The standard .38 target load (2.7 Bullseye and a 148 gr wadcutter) was just about as mild and just about as cheap, and I reasoned (correctly it turned out) that I could learn on that just about as well.

This was also the gun that started this lifelong fascination with boolits and molten lead!

[Shooter6br]

Dad talked me out of buying a Ruger Single Six for this Arminus 22RF/22 Mag...Payed $134 for it. I kicked myself for not getting the Ruger...I was 12. I did sell it for what i payed for it 30 yrs latter and got a S/S Ruger 22 rf /22 mag

[texassako]

First handgun was a stainless 6" barrel Ruger Security Six. Cheap, fun, bullet proof, and easy to load for. It is still my preferred gun for going on a walk around our pond. No piece of flotsam that has washed up on the creek bank is safe.

[sandman228]

an interarms Virginia dragoon 44 magnum . I happened across it used at a gunshop told the owner I wanted it but I wasn't 21 yet he let me put it on layaway for a month or so till I turned 21 .

[Lonegun1894]

My first handgun was a Tanfoglio TA-76 .22LR single-action revolver when I was 13, and a month or two later was a 1911A1 .45 ACP. A friend gave me a .22 Mag cylinder that fit perfectly in the revolver, even though the barrel was clearly marked ".22 LR only", and of course we had to try it. A few hundred rounds later, I got hit in the forehead with the dove-tailed in rear sight, which had popped off when the frame cracked at the dovetail. I still have the 1911, and have not done anything stupid to screw it up.

[Reverend Al]

First handgun was a Ruger 3 screw convertible 4 5/8" in .38 / .357 / 9mm when I turned 18. (Legal age to buy and register a handgun in Canada.) Surplus Canadian 9mm ammo was cheap and plentiful so I shot it mostly with 9mm until I started reloading and casting and then shot mostly .38 target loads. Got talked out of it a few years later and I sure regret letting that one go even though there have been many revolvers and pistols added to my gun safe since then!

[Lead Fred]

Smith and Wesson Model 29a in 44 mag

Do ya feel lucky punk? Well do ya?

Clint had a big impact on me

Wish I had it now

[avogunner]

Mauser 1914 7.65mm (.32ACP).

I was 15 and bought it from a friends older brother. I think I paid $50 for it but sold it a few years later after I joined the Marines. I don't remember exactly why I did (been over 35 years ago now) but I was just a young Pfc so I probably need the cash for beer and smokes. Ah, the good ole days.......
Wish I hadn't sold that pistol though, what a big dummy I was.

[Abert Rim]

Bedbug, you're not the odd man. My first was also a Colt 1851 Navy repro -- with the brass frame. This would have been about 1969. Dad bought me a Ruger Standard Auto .22 for my 18th birthday, and the day I turned 21 I bought a new Smith & Wesson Model 28 Highway Patrolman with 4-inch barrel. Think it was about $140.

[opos]

When working in a gun/boat store in Fort Collins Colorado while going to school in the mid 50's I bought a 30 Luger...like new...shot like a dream...think I gave under $40 for it. Used to shoot it without hearing protection (except a bit of cotton shoved in my ears) in the basement "range" at the police station ( a long concrete hallway)..that's why I have bad hearing today....Loved that old luger...sure wish I still had it....Also bought a Single Six flatgate about the same time..first new revolver.

[Nicholas]

Around 1969, I bought a Dan Wesson early model 357 mag with the exposed barrel nut and a 4 inch barrel and Sacramento grip. I shot CB through it till it got so out of time it was spitting lead through the cylinder-barrel gap. Eventually, as in a couple of decades later, I traded it a couple of other guns and a fistful of cash for a gun I really wanted. I sometimes wonder if it would have made sense to have the gun repaired for its possible value.

[Moonie]

Thompson Center Contender Super 14 in 7-30 Waters. I had just turned 21, had a much older friend that worked for my dad, he purchased a model 29 8 3/8" and we were going to go handgun hunting that fall. He had a heart attack and passed away on his way back from checking the stand about a month before hunting season started. Was to be my first hunting trip.

[Kegcaissy]

fire spitting TT-33!

[Hang Fire]

When was 14 years old, a Polish Random in 7.65x17 I picked up for $15.00

[aap2]

1973 high school graduation gift: Old Model (one of the last) Ruger Blackhawk .357 for $99

[TCLouis]

The first was a model 57 S&W 41 Maggie which was quickly (within a week) traded for an original Flat Top 44 Mag.

I sure do miss that ol gun. If you see her, easy to tell cause the serial number 13076 tell I a sorry I traded her off but i do still have the Remington Rolling Block in 219 D. Wasp.

Can't get the Wasp to shoot cast, but have not spent a lot of time on it.

Mostly a safe queen since 74

[Minerat]

Ruger SBH 7-1/2 barrel, came with pachmire (sic) grips, a holster and 17 round out of a 20 round box of mag loads. The guy who sold it to me said he shot it 3 times and it kicked too much. Still have it. Second was a Ruger MkII cause it was cheaper to shoot then the SBH :).

[michiganmike]

My first pistol was and is still my only pistol: a Ruger SR 40 S&W. I bought it new from Williams Gunsight, Davidson, Michigan, just east of Fling. They sold it to me for $400, best price I could find anywhere. Great people there.

[jabo52521]

1975 Campion Air Force base, Alaska. Ruger blackhawk convertible in 357/9mm. Wish I still had it.

[Synthesis]

Ruger Red Hawk, for a PCS move to FT. Wainwright, AK.

[jabo52521]

Ruger Red Hawk, for a PCS move to FT. Wainwright, AK.
Bear protection?

[Cmm_3940]

The first pistol I ever bought was a new Ruger 22/45 Mk. III Hunter. I ended up modding it with just about every action/trigger upgrade Volquartsen offers. I'm planning now to retrofit it to take 1911 grips.

[22-250ohio]

Beretta 92f. Great gun wish I still had it

[PB234]

High Standard Sharpshooter that still feels good in my hand and has a safe spot to spend its retirement in my safe. It is not going anywhere but to range rarely.

[3006guns]

Colt Officer's Model Match .38 special at the tender age of 12...a birthday present...and that revolver had every bell and whistle that the old King Gun Works in San Francisco could install. Got pretty lethal with it at the police range too (Dad was a cop). Lost it in a trade years ago. Stupid....really stupid.

There have been many, many pistols and revolvers since then. Wish I had 'em ALL back! :)

[cuzinbruce]

First was a S&W Model 52, target auto in 38 Spl. Thought I wanted to be a target shooter. Bought it just after they were introduced. Still have it,

[goodolejim]

Remington 1858 by Navy Arms. Wonderful gun, that .44 round ball puts a hole in a board I can stick my finger in. Only down side to me is worrying if a cap might fall off when carried for self defense. If you can't do the job with it then you need something belt fed and crew served.

[texaswoodworker]

My first was a M1895 Nagant, which was also the first gun I started reloading for. It was followed by a Remington 1911R1.

[merlin101]

Dan Wesson .357 blued with 8" barrel, I shot that thing so much that the steel around the firing pin hole actually was getting deformed a little and 'flowed' into the hole making the pin stick and jamming the gun. I sold it off (yes I told them) and promptly bought another in stainless, still got it.

[prsman23]

Not the best first choice. Sold it off to a friend and bought a 1911.

Ruger P95 bi-tone

121727

[DR Owl Creek]

My first handgun was an H&R 922 revolver (used) that my father gave me when I was a young boy, somewhere back in the 1950s. The first handgun I bought for myself was a S&W Model 28. The next was a Beretta 92 F, with deep blue slide and the heel type magazine release, sometime in the early 1980s BEFORE the Beretta 92 was adopted by the US military. The next was a Springfield Armory 1911 A1. After that...

Dave

[kopperl]

Mine was a High Standard Double 9. Still got it but haven't shot it for 40 years or so.

[turbomech77]

A Colt series 80 Officers. Picked it up new at the BX on Elmendorf AFB, AK while I was stationed there. It was my 21st birthday present to myself.

[woodbutcher]

Well,the first that I ever shot was a 1911a1.The first that I ever owned was a Ruger Bearcat.What an *** I was for letting that one go.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[Outpost75]

Great thread. My first handgun a 4" S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman in .357 I bought in 1967 at Harkraders in Christiansburg, VA. My bunkie flunked out winter quarter 1968, was drafted and went to Vietnam. When he visited on leave before shipping out I gave him the gun. He came home 6 months later in a body bag. The gun never returned, but somebody in MACV ended up with it.

[clum553946]

Ruger Mark 1, just like my Dad's. Got it when I was 14!

[ncbearman]

Dad got it for me when I was 8. .22LR, .22Mag

121787

[357Mag]

Andrews -

Howdy !

A replica 1860 Colt Army.


With regards,
357Mag

[Silverboolit]

S&W 41. Bought it at Harvey's TP in LuVerne, Mn in 1974. Paid 135.00, brand new in the box. Wish that it was still mine.

[Stoats]

A Pardini GP-9 9x19mm target pistol.

Shot my only ever one-handed 50 ex 50 5-shot group on the ISSF 25m precision target and then it ruined my shooting for years. In short, it pitched cases at my head, so I developped a terrible gun-shyness that took me years to get over.

Traded it for a SIG-Sauer P226 I still have although I haven't used for ages.

Am now definitely a revolver man.

[Wayne Smith]

A replica 51 Colt Brass for me too. Traded a single barrel 16ga shotgun for it - I was in HS. First modern were a Convertable Single Six and a SBH bought together when I was in Grad. School.

[Mtnfolk75]

4 5/8" Ruger New Model Single Six Convertible, bought from the NAVEX in Charleston, SC. I was stationed there on a Tin Can when I turned 21 .... [smilie=s:

Packed that ole gun a lot of miles before I decided I needed something bigger for traipsing thru the woods & swamps. sold it to fund a Ruger 4" Security Six. That was a damn fine shooting 22/22 mag and I have regretted selling it for 38 years. Have had 2 others trying to find the magic again, but it has eluded me .... :mad: FWIW, the 4" Security Six turned into a 6" that also shot like a damn Lazer, but unfortunately that too went away as I got more ejumicated in handguns. Oh to be young again, I certainly wouldn't make as many bad calls .......:bigsmyl2:

[Patricklaw]

Ruger Security-Six. Dad told me about the local gunsmith that was selling it and asked if I'd be interested. I was 16. The next day when I came home he was wearing it in a large black gun belt. The GS had installed a vented rib, Pachmayr grips, rubbed gold into the lettering, jeweled the hammer and trigger and smoothed the action. I have many shooting choices today but I've always loved that gun.

[hooverdm]

An early Colt Woodsman (five digit serial #) from my grandfather. First pistol I bought when I turned 21 was a S&W Model 28 .357 Mag. Still have both.
Dave
San Antonio, Tx

[oger]

Well used model 10 Smith.

[WallyM3]

None better of the class of revolvers. I have more of them than any other model.

Over 6 million of them made.

[MT Gianni]

You guys know we have a pistol forum and this is Military Rifles, right? Mine was a spring loaded BB gun my neighbor gave me that may have been homemade. First goes bang was a H&R 22 dual cylinder 22 lr and 22 mag. It went down the road in a few years, first center fire was a model 28 S&W. Traded that for a Contender.

[wv109323]

High Standard M103 with a 6 3/4" tapered barrel with the weights. I could not believe the accuracy of that pistol. It started me in the sport of NRA bullseye.

[rintinglen]

Ruger Single Six convertible was the first gun I bought, only because a few years earlier another one was the first handgun I ever shot. When that tin can bounced of the stump on my first shot, I was hooked. 42 years later I am still hooked, though the Single Six was replaced by a K-22 back in 74. The K-22 I still have.

[WRideout]

Astra Cub .22 short. Something was wrong with it and it'd fire all 7 at the first pull. But it was my carry pistol and I figured I'd only pull it when they were real close, if I needed it, and unzip em.

Broken disconnector. BTW; I always wanted one of those.

Wayne

[FlatTop45LC]

My first auto was a High Standard 22 Target and my first revolver was a Colt King Cobra 8 3/8" Nickel with a gold bead front sight.

Both are safe queens today.

[c1skout]

Springfield loaded 1911 in 45. I put on Pachmayer gripper grips and a Wilson Combat bushing. Sixteen years with this gun and it still shoots better than I can hold.

[375supermag]

Hi...

Without trying to find the receipts, I really can't remember what my first handgun was.

Been a few purchased over the years...only got rid of a few(because of a divorce).

The first three I bought were a SA .22LR/22Mag in stainless from Kimmel Industries(actually a pretty good shooter), A S&W 686 Silhouette and a Springfield Armory 1911 in .45ACP.

Next revolver was a Ruger Super RedHawk in .44Mag with a 9-1/2" barrel and a Bushnell(IIRC) 2x scope. Wonderfully accurate...went away in the divorce. This was the handgun that I used to kill my first handgun buck with.

Could not begin to tell you what handguns came next....there are about 30 or 40 laying around the place, ranging from .22LR to .375Super Mag to .44Mag.

I am pretty sure what the next one will be...and it won't be for me, either.

My son turns 21 in january and is politicking pretty much incessantly for a Beretta 9mm.

[Forty Rod Ray]

My first was a twenties vintage commercial Colt 1911. I never shot it. I was 9. It was a dying gift from Arthur Gideon. Mr Gideon worked for my Grandfather and was a real tinsmith.

[Ithaca Gunner]

A U.S. Army Model 1903 .38 Colt DA revolver. I bought it at a gun show when I was around 16-17. Shot it quite a bit, until the supply of .38 Colt ammunition dried up in the 70's then discovered it would shoot .38Spl. wad cutter target ammo just fine. I finally swapped it off for a 1911.

[jayjay1]

A Glock 17, liked it, but I needed a lot of practice to get that dang trigger under control.

When I bought my first sport pistol, a CZ 97 Sport with a single action trigger, I sold it and never looked back.

Glocks are fine pistols for what they are built for, but if you are trigger-sensitive, like I am, I would stay away from them.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

My first pistol was a revolver, a Colt .22 Peacemaker 4". Paid $75.00. Took me six (6) months to save up $75.00. That was in the early 70's. Sure wish I'd have kept it to have now. Defining pistol as a bottom feeder, my first was a Sig 226 which I bought about 1989 to carry on duty as a peace officer. I always went bang which I pulled the trigger and was very accurate but I didn't keep it very long. That's about all I have to say about it.

[primersp]

a colt trooper mk3 in 357 mag in 1978 , i have payed it the same price of a python

[Epd230]

Lightweight Colt Officer's 1911.

Loved that gun then, and still do today. 20 years later it is still my first choice for a daily carry.

[SGTM9]

My first pistol was a 45 caliber CVA Philadelphia Derringer kit. Came with every thing I need to get started including a 2 cavity brass mold. Still own it. Used to carry it loaded when I worked midnights at the gas station. Boss thought I was nuts.

[beppe]

hello guys!!! my first weapon was the Bernardelli mod 060 in caliber 7,65 browning....was also the one that bit me your hand:smile::smile::smile:

[doc1876]

Yes great thread,
My first was an 1851 Italian Navy in .36. I learned a lot from that gun (I was 15), and I have had several since. While I seem to be able to keep Peacemakers, 1860s Walkers, and anything else, I just can't seem to keep a Navy.

[TomcatPC]

My first handgun was a 1966/1967 era S&W M&P Model 10-5 .38 Special Revolver. Still have it, and don't plan on letting it go. I now have two more M&P Revolvers. One is a 1942 British M&P Revolver in .380" Revolver Ctg. (aka .38 S&W). The other is a circa 1943 US S&W M&P "Victory Model" .38 Special Revolver, the same type of side are my Dad had with him in the War.
I have yet to get an automatic pistol, I just tend to like vintage revolvers for now.
Mark

[daniel lawecki]

I think it was a High Standard sport king 22cal fixed sights. Sold to a friend and when he died its now in my safe again.

[Rio Grande]

A s&w m and p .38 special, someone nickel plated ....and gold plated hammer and trigger. Picked it up at 15 years old.
I loaded home cast 158 rn, 358311 if I recall right, and used a Lee Loader. Learned to reload with that revolver.
That would have been...1967.

But I remember shooting my first .45 acp not long after, a similarly nickel plated Colt 1917with GI ball....down at the creek. Scared to death, after all, it's a mighty .45...
It was so gentle..

[Rio Grande]

My first pistol was a 45 caliber CVA Philadelphia Derringer kit. Came with every thing I need to get started including a 2 cavity brass mold. Still own it. Used to carry it loaded when I worked midnights at the gas station. Boss thought I was nuts.
If that's all I had, I would have carried it too.

[Rick Hodges]

A Browning Challenger .22 Rimfire. 6.5" bbl.

[Quiettime]

First pistol I bought myself was AMT Backup .380 when I was 16. Paid $200 like new in box. Shot it very little, the shape of the backstrap would kill the web of your hand. Finally sold it a couple years ago and eliminated .380 from my stable

[Thin Man]

In the early 60's I bought a Ruger Bearcat .22 revolver from a friend. It was a fun pistol but was so small in my hand I had fits keeping it on target and eventually sold it. That was a regretful decision from hindsite, but back then the market choices and availability were much different than now.

Thin Man

[sargenv]

T/C Contender in 30-30 Winchester... I still have it..

First repeating handgun I got was a 6" Ruger GP100... I still have it also.

[WRideout]

Mine was an H&R .22 cal 9-shooter revolver, don't remember the model number. Terrible trigger. My ex-wife kept the H&R Sportsman, which was really a very good little .22 revolver. When I got back from Ft Sill in 1986 I had travel pay that was burning a hole in my pocket, and caused me to acquire the 6" Mod 19 Smith I still have.

Wayne

[prs]

Daisy Spit'n Image 6 shooter to match my Spit'n Image Daisy '94 lever action. Didn't shoot my eye out either.

prs

[Green Frog]

I got my first handgun in the Summer of '70 when I turned 21... a used High Standard Sentinel Deluxe snubbie I traded for and still own. My first pistol was also a High Standard, the forgettable Dura-Matic with the one piece plastic grip that also served as the grip frame and the magazine carrier. It got sold in almost new condition after only a box or two of ammo. I've been through quite a few in the intervening 44 years and would be hard pressed to pick a single favorite, but I still can't get rid of that Sentinel for nostalgic reasons!

Froggie

[twc1964]

Ruger mk2 standard model. That gun would eat any ammo i fed it and ask for more. I tradex it for a 850 yamaha and now i have neither. I should have kept the ruger.

[jonp]

Ruger Single Six. I've bought and sold probably a hundred pistols but still have that one. I'll never let it go

[High Desert Hunter]

First one I ever bought myself was a 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt, still have it, throats are all .4525, and I plan on passing it to my son when the time comes.

[Markbo]

My first pistol I still have. A mid 70's Colt Python. It still has the prettiest bluing of any handgun I own I have taken very good care of it. I was 16 at the time so had to have an adult with me to actually make the purchase. My first actual purchase was a day after my 21st birthday...the just introduced stainless Redhawk in .44 mag. I still love both of these guns though I havent shot the Pyyhon in years. I just take olit out occasionally and rub it with a silicone cloth and admire my reflection in the finish.:D

[mtnman31]

My first was a Grendel P-30, .22 mag. I was teenager and saved up my summer job cash. Mom bought it for me, her boss at the time had an FFL. I got it new from the factory. Grendel closed its doors a few years later. Of course, I still have it but with cost of ammo, it doesn't get shot much.

[Artful]

My First purchased pistol was a Dan Wesson Model 15 357 magnum
- early "pork chop" model
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/rowdyfisk/FAL/DanWesson15-Bwith6and4inchbarrels.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rowdyfisk/media/FAL/DanWesson15-Bwith6and4inchbarrels.jpg.html)
still got it - still shoots well - still got the ringing from that first 100 rounds of 357 magnum.

[blueeyephil]

My first was a RG .22lr 6 shooter. I think about 30 bucks and I was 16. Back then you didn't have no stinking restrictions like today. Several of us had them but if you had scrimped and saved you had a Ruger Single Six. My cousin still moans to this day that he ever sold his Ruger.

[WallyM3]

Isn't it amazing how we ever managed to survive without those Regulations!

[flint45]

my first pistol is my colt commander in 9mm and first revolver was a colt frontier scout .22lr and a .22 mag. cylinder.

[upr45]

Back in 1986 a Ruger security six 4" .357 bought from a security guard after they went to 9's. Put a couple of boxes thru it then traded for a 10/22. Only firearm I ever traded and like most -- wished I'd have kept it. At least I learned my lesson about trading.

[tazman]

My first handgun was an RG 4inch 357mag purchased in 1974. I got a quick education in poor gun quality and the need for ear protection. I couldn't hit anything except by accident with it.
The side of the barrel right in front of the cylinder blew out about 5 boxes in. The gun shop replaced it and I traded the replacement off without firing it.

[k2nd]

Ruger Old Army. I read about it in the 1972 or 73 Shooters Bible. I knew I had to have one, so I got on my bicycle and rode to Sportsman's Headquarters in downtown Grand Forks ND. Inside was my prize, a blued Old Army, the price tag read $125.00. I asked the guy at the counter if they had lay-away and he said yes. 25% down and 25% for the next 3 months. I gave him $40 to start and when I made the 3rd payment he told me "next month when you come in bring your dad with you.". The next month I brought my dad with me as I made the last payment. The clerk looked at my Dad and asked him if he was OK with this purchase. My Dad said he was OK with it. I also bought powder,caps and balls. We headed out in the country and loaded it up and cut loose. I don't know who had the bigger smile, Dad or me.
Dad has been gone since 2002, but the Old Army is still with me and always will be.
k2nd
I was 15 at the time and made my money delivering the GF Herald!

[frank505]

Four inch 1950 target smitt and western 44 special. Shot it to death

[claudesapp]

My first was my Dad's S&W 22 kit revolver. He's gone, but that pistol still keeps us in touch. First one I bought myself was a Beretta 92FS.

[johniv]

J C Higgens mod 88(Hi Standard sentinel ) still have it. About 1960.
John

[Hunter]

Colt Delta Elite, bought in the PX on Camp Lejeune.
That was in 1994 and I still have it though it is a bit worn it is and always has been 100% reliable.

[Spector]

High Standard Duramatic. Dad's idea. He liked the machining and thought the stampings made the Ruger MK1 look cheap. The Duramatic had quality control issues, but was accurate and I squirrel hunted with it. Sold it to a friend and bought a 10 3/8 barrel MK2. Nice pistol, but I wish I had that High Standard back as well.....Mike

[MrWolf]

My first was a Berretta 92F in 9mm. Bought it around 1984 or so and never fired it until two years ago. For some reason never got around to it then kids, life, etc.. Nice shooting pistol.

[nrdewalt]

Ha!! I had a ruger SR9 and though it was the bomb.. Such a poor confused soul.

[lawdog941]

S&W Model 19 with 6 inch barrel. Never can understand why I traded it.

[paul h]

Ruger 22/45 with 4" bull barrel. Good little pistol but I didn't care for the neutral balance so I sold it. Ended up getting my wife a 22/45 ss with a 5 1/2" bull barrel, perfect balance and the ss is better in the field.

[Lex]

Ruger Mk 2

[crazy mark]

Mine was a RG 22lr/22mag. Still have it in my gun safe. Shoot it once in a while. Paid like $39.00 for it in 1977.

[charlie b]

Colt 1911 (not an A1), got if from my dad, who got it from his dad. Now son-in-law has it.

[Brett Ross]

Rossi 357 mag, 4" barrel. I have only shot 6 357 mag rounds the rest 38sp. I have added a few since.

[MT Gianni]

Four inch 1950 target smitt and western 44 special. Shot it to death


A grail gun for a first handgun? Do you mind sharing the story of how you got it?

[Combat Diver]

Still have and shoot my first pistol when ever I can. Bought a used Ruger New Model Super Single Six 5.5" convertiable in 81'.


CD

[GSaltzman]

Royal blue 4" Colt Python. Set the bar kinda high.

[robertbank]

My Great Grand Dad's Colt in 41 Long Colt when I was 15 years old. RCMP Constable nearly feinted when he registered the gun in my name. Back then all I had to do is carry it down to the RCMP office in a brown paper bag. Now....don't ask. The gun goes to my youngest when I am done with it. I intend to ask him to turn it over to the Nelson, BC museum if he fails to have children. That is where my Grand Dad was raised and shot the gun.

Take Care

Bob

[Maine1]

..My very first pistol was a cap-N-ball colt, shoots as fast as lightin' but it loads a mite slow...

But REALLY? i toted my dad Hy Hunter 22 lR when i was a kid. But MY first pistol- bought for me by my dad, as i was 19 and home on leave- was a Ruger blackhawk in 44 mag.

[Tn Jim]

Mine was a 6" nickel S&W model 19. Bought it the day I turned 21. I wish I still had it.

[Markbo]

...Bought it the day I turned 21. I wish I still had it.....

Why is that such a common refrain? Just young and lack of experience I guess.

[NavyVet1959]

Why is that such a common refrain? Just young and lack of experience I guess.

I think it is something about being young. You think that you should sell one gun before you buy another. As you get older, you're probably less likely to sell anything and just call it your "collection". That sounds so much better than being accused of "hoarding", doesn't it? :)

Looking back, I've sold very few of the firearms that I've owned over the years. Might have misplaced a few or loaned them out and forgot which relative I loaned them to, but that's about it.

[bcr]

Ruger GP-100, 4" stainless with adjustable sights. 1993, I had just turned 15. $360 New, IIRC. It has a good trigger now, but I can't remember if it always did. I had Roy Fishpaw put a pair of grips on it a couple of years later for $200, which seemed like a king's ransom at the time.

[MarkP]

Ruger Standard 22 Auto 4-3/4" bbl, my Dad signed the papers for me.

[bnelson06]

First was a Taurus 92fs and I haven't looked back since, my wife will have a lot of beautiful hand trinkets when I am gone :)

[FlatTop45LC]

First was a Taurus 92fs and I haven't looked back since, my wife will have a lot of beautiful hand trinkets when I am gone :)
I bought a 92fs as my second auto and it now rides guard with my grandfather each day in his truck. That one was a good piece.

[bnelson06]

It is, I need to find a new rear sight to get it back into the action

[Tn Jim]

Why is that such a common refrain? Just young and lack of experience I guess.
More commonly called "young and dumb". :veryconfu

[retread]

Mine was a Colt Frontier Buntline Scout given to me by my older brother in about 1960. Still have it and shoot it often. Great little gun.

[Maine1]

..nobody recognized that quote??

[Zouave 58]

My first back in 1964 was a Colt 1860 army revolver. My first "real" pistol was a Browning Hi-Power (I still keep one of them around).

[Combat Diver]

..My very first pistol was a cap-N-ball colt, shoots as fast as lightin' but it loads a mite slow...

But REALLY? i toted my dad Hy Hunter 22 lR when i was a kid. But MY first pistol- bought for me by my dad, as i was 19 and home on leave- was a Ruger blackhawk in 44 mag.

Johnny Cash, The Devils Right Hand

CD

[doc1876]

my friend actually has Johnny Cash's 1860 Colt

[Ben]

1968, Ruger , 6", 357 Mag.

Wish I had that one back..................

Ben

[alamogunr]

My first pistol was a S&W Kit Gun w/2" bbl. I was a junior in HS and somehow found $60 to pay for it. Couldn't hit the broadside of a barn so returned it to the store where I bought it and took a $10 loss and felt lucky. It was 4 more years before I bought the next one.

[hpdrifter]

I bought a Hawes (JPSauer) 357 Western Marshall for $50 many, many years ago. Taught me to use ear protection pretty quick.

[Ben]

My first pistol was a S&W Kit Gun w/2" bbl. I was a junior in HS and somehow found $60 to pay for it. Couldn't hit the broadside of a barn so returned it to the store where I bought it and took a $10 loss and felt lucky. It was 4 more years before I bought the next one.

You think it was the revolver or you or both ? ?

Ben

[alamogunr]

You think it was the revolver or you or both ? ?

Ben

It was mostly me, but that short barrel didn't help. I was too inexperienced to be able to analyze the causes. I don't remember what I actually blamed it on. It was about 55 years ago.

I wish I had kept it. At that age I probably could have worked things out. Now! No Way. The eyes aren't there.

[Ben]

Ha, I've been there and done all that myself.

Best,
Ben

[Skirmisher]

1972 just after I got out of the Army after tours in SE Asia. I decided I needed my own 1911A1. Went looking locally and none to be found. Went to see a high school buddy who was selling guns in his dad's jewelry store. He said he would get one for me and while I was there anxious to spend money he showed me a 4" Ruger Security Six. He threw in a box of .357s and I left $85. Fortunately the Colt came in a few weeks later because that Ruger and I just never got along together. I ended up giving the it to my best friend who decided he had to have one.

[rintinglen]

Ha, I've been there and done all that myself.

Best,
Ben
Yah know, the guy selling those T-shirts must be making a killing. So many of us have them.

[Pinsnscrews]

My own personal first pistol was a Glock 20 when they were first released.

[JeffG]

Beretta .25 Jetfire

[Maine1]

Johnny Cash, The Devils Right Hand

CD



YES! Though i am more familiar with steve earles version.

[paralaska]

Ruger .22 single 6 convertible . . . I was 28 . .. stationed in Colorado. . . and wanted to be a cowboy. That was in 1978. I still have it and will give it to one of my grandsons when he is old enough . . .

[paralaska]

Ruger .22 single 6 convertible . . . I was 28 . .. stationed in Colorado. . . and wanted to be a cowboy. That was in 1978. I still have it and will give it to one of my grandsons when he is old enough . . .

[captaint]

My first was a new 4" S&W mod 19, blue. That was truly a beautiful revolver. Somehow, I got bored with it and traded it for a new Browning HP.. For some reason, I never got along real well with the Browning ??? Sold that and got my Dan Wesson mod 15, 6" full lug barrel. That one I still have, happily. That'll never leave, not while I'm breathing air. Mike

[Mohillbilly]

An Automag III in .30 carbine , as it was so unusual as a rifle cartridge in a pistol , and that Kimbell s broke , were hard to find , and expensive . My second pistol was a L.A.R. Grizzly MK I in .45 Winmag new and unusual as well . I still have and shoot them .

[waco]

Ruger P-89??? 9mm auto. Ugh. That gun sucked......

[lostsixgunner]

1973 S&W Model 27 .357. Still have it, and shoot it. A week later a Ruger Mk I 5" bull bbl. target. Still use it for bullseye winter league.

[therealhitman]

Cool to still have that 27 Sixgunner. I love my 4" and miss the 28 I let go, looking back on it, for absolutely no good reason. Why I swore of selling my guns and believe in adding gun safes instead.
My first pistola was a Third Generation Colt Woodsman. Dad got me a new Python after a bit and sold that little 22. Wish he'd have kept it for my collection! I have a couple of Woodsmans and a Challenger now, but nothing's like yer first.

[waltherboy4040]

Ruger mkii little rough but still goes bang.

[wdr2]

Smith Wesson K22, $81 in 1967, still have it.

[alamogunr]

Smith Wesson K22, $81 in 1967, still have it.

A K22 was my second pistol. I too, still have it.

[gnoahhh]

My first pistol, at age 15, was an old nickel plated "British Bulldog" .32. We were at a country auction back in the late 60's where there were a few pistols on the block. My dad wanted me to go for a mint Stevens Tip-up .22 target pistol, I had to have the Bulldog. (Who wants a stupid old single shot .22 anyway", I said.) The Stevens fetched a whopping $10, I had to pay $15 for mine. What a maroon! Loosey-goosey cylinder lockup, woefully inaccurate, but it was mine- right up until I shot into a telephone pole and the bullet bounced back and hit me in the leg, and didn't even make a black and blue mark. (Blackpowder reloads in the .32 short case.)

Another sad remembrance of that auction was the minty M1842 Harper's Ferry Musketoon that fetched $60. Oh to go back to 1968 with a pocketful of hundred dollar bills!

[Texas Tinker]

The first hand gun I purchased for my self was a Ruger Super Blackhawk 7 1/2" barrel on my 21st birthday :). It cost $199.00 (so guess how long ago that was :) ) I still have it grips and sights have been changed over the years but it still shoots better than its owner.
"

[NavyVet1959]

Another sad remembrance of that auction was the minty M1842 Harper's Ferry Musketoon that fetched $60. Oh to go back to 1968 with a pocketful of hundred dollar bills!

But $100 now was worth $14.66 back then. Or $100 back then would be worth $682.28 today.

http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

It's all part of the planned devaluation of the currency by the US government so that they can borrow today's dollars and pay back with a dollar that is worth significantly less.

[Charlie, AKA The Deacon]

TC Contender 222

[Geezer in NH]

1966 a High Standard DA 22 9 shot revolver. Dad gave it to me when I passed freshman year of high school. Shot many bricks of 22 Sears and Roebuck shorts and Long rifles through it most DA. Let me learn DA was the way to shoot a revolver.

[ruizhernandeztrust]

Mine was a glock 40S&W I don't remember the exact model (was a full size), but I sold it several weeks later after I realized I'm a revolver guy. Never touched another auto since then.

[Bodean74]

Dan Wesson .357 spent allot of time with her

[NavyVet1959]

Mine was a glock 40S&W I don't remember the exact model (was a full size), but I sold it several weeks later after I realized I'm a revolver guy. Never touched another auto since then.

Awh, don't let a Tupperware gun turn you off on *all* semi-autos. :)

[NC_JEFF]

Smith & Wesson model 66 357, 4inch barrel. I still compare every trigger to the way that one felt.

[RogerDat]

A cap and ball revolver purchased from a friend who had done some silver vine and leaf inlay into the grips. Sold the pistol after daughter was born and money was tight. Lost track of the friend who I found out later made a name for himself as a gunsmith in the California area.

Followed by Ruger Vaquero in 45 LC. That one, cartridge belt & field holster is going to my daughter who I'm sure recalls it as my back country side arm when she was growing up.

[BD]

Mine was a SS Ruger 2-3/4" Service Six in .357. Carried a lot, but only shot about 200 rounds a year.

[JWFilips]

Mine was a 1914 Mauser (7.62) won it in an online live auction in Illinois. Didn't even know I won ( Slow Connection) until the next day.
Still one of my favorites!

[Fergie]

The first pistol that I was ever given was by my granddad and I still have it...an old H&R .22LR. My daughter shot it on her sixth b-day a few months back.

The first pistol I bought on my own was a Taurus 650 CIA, about 11 years ago. Still carry it several times a week.

[blackpowder man]

CVA 1860 army kit from CVA at Friendship muzzleloading championships. My Dad was not happy with my decision to purchase that without permission, but he let me keep it. $35.00 I believe and I still have it.

[photomicftn]

I purchased a Ruger Old Army .45 revolver at the age of 17, having spent a year saving up for it. I bought a fishing tackle box to keep all the BP stuff together.

I think of it now as reloading and shooting at the same time ;-)

[pjames32]

From my maternal Grandfather, Colt Official Police .22 on a .38 frame with a 6" bbl. He started me shooting it at age 6 (heavy gun) and gave it to me at age 10. Still have it and will never sell it.
PJ

[huntnman]

EIG 36 cal. 1851 Navy that I saved for and bought when I was 14, I wore it out by shooting reactive targets. My favorites was a 1lb coffee can (unable to keep them moving), small rubber ball on a rope,walnuts and all assortment of small game. Still miss it!

[ddixie884]

A Ruger Bearcat. I was 13 and Mom had to sign for it. $39.99 plus tax was a lot of money back then. Bought it at Sears.

[scarry scarney]

My first was an Arminius 22 revolver. What a piece of $@#t!I don't even remember what happened to it, I just remember the barrel kept falling off! My second was a Colt Huntsman. Sure wish I still had it. Third was a Webley 38 (hammerless), it was ok, but is long gone now. Fourth was a Erma ET-22, wish I still had that one as well....

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

West German made Sig P228. DAO with night sights. 9mm, of course.

[odfairfaxsub]

Para ordnance 1911 in 45 acp. Bought it used from someone who bought it used. That gun was literally worn out. The hammer had a portion of itself worn off where it hit the firing pin etc all kinds of poor metalurgy and such.

[TJF1]

high standard sports king.
just wish I had not sold it.
terry

[billybadmedicine]

Ruger Black Hawk in 45 long Colt, was 1st purchase, first firing was with a Bearcat

[Shuz]

Ruger Blackhawk flat top in .44 mag with a 6-1/2" bbl. Still have it too!

[daniel lawecki]

Thompson Contender super 14" 30/30 with the silhouette sights.

[RJH]

Ruger Single Six .22LR/.22 mag. I was about 9 when Santa brought it for me for Christmas one year. I still have it and love it.

[idaboy]

A Ruger single six, mag cylinder only, at a pawn shop. Sent it back to Ruger and they rebuilt it and matched a 22lr cylinder, all for $9.00. Still have it. Taught my kids and now grandkids. Love it.

[BUFFALOW RED]

38 S&W top break single action 4" barrel pocket pistol has no trigger guard form factory for easyrer pocket carry
2nd was 1858 remy copy in 44 C&B

[Groo]

Groo here
A Colt Fronter Scout 22/22mag- still have it..

[One Gun Andy]

Ruger 6" stainless Security-Six, purchased within days of my 21st birthday in 1975.

[DuckHunterJon]

Another Ruger Single Six here, convertible model. Traded my Aunt for labor to build a paving stone walkway/stairs. Still have it and still enjoy shooting it!

[Certaindeaf]

Browning Hi Power, target sights.. of course.
yep, code for a wad a cash

[flylot]

1911A1 government issue that belonged to my dad. Love the gun, perhaps that is why I completed the set with a 1911, 1927, 1991 officer model and a Gold Cup.... hmm I forgot about the S&W revolver in .45acp. Did I mention that I really liked the gun?

[dlbarr]

Ruger Single Six with both .22 LR & Mag cylinders. Bought it as a youngster, probably age 23-24, and sold it when hard times came.

Like all things in tools or guns, I wish I had it back.

[Para82]

Belgian Browning HP 9MM. Bought it brand new. Still have it and shoot it.