The best part about the 10/22 for newbies is the lack of complication. Controls are the charging handle, a cross bolt safety, a magazine release, and that’s about it. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to learn.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is more or less the most common and ubiquitous pistol in existence, and certainly on the American market. By now, everyone knows it’s virtues.
It does make a great beginner’s pistol for its lack of complication, market presence, aftermarket support, and overall great characteristics. One would hazard to say that if you only ever owned one handgun, it would be a great pick.
However, it isn’t perfect. The takedown procedure – requiring the gun to be fired – has led to accidents, though plenty of those accidents have befallen people who knew better but let their judgment lapse. Handguns are also the hardest weapon to become proficient at.
Definitely, a great first handgun, though not without some downsides.
Smith And Wesson Model 10 Or Other Service Revolver
Another great pick for the first time gun owner? The Smith And Wesson Model 10, the most proven combat handgun in existence. Or, alternatively, any service-size revolver in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, such as a Ruger GP100 or any other one might mention.
How come? Simplicity. It’s tough to get simpler than a wheelgun. Load, aim, shoot, dump brass, repeat. Cleaning is easy, and takedown doesn’t require dry firing. In a medium-frame wheelgun, .38 Special is soft as a kitten.
That said, the cost can be a barrier to entry; the Model 10 isn’t cheap, and the GP100 doesn’t exactly go for a pittance either. The double-action trigger, which is the only way to use a revolver for fighting, has a learning curve. However, they’re simple, reliable, and effective.
BY MIKE DICKERSON | PUBLISHED AUG 19, 2020 7:00 PM
Small Game Rifle
Produced continuously for more than 50 years, the Ruger 10/22 is one of the most successful .22 rimfire rifles ever designed. It spawned an entire industry for aftermarket parts and accessories, giving owners endless options for customization. The basic design, however, has changed little from the original, which used a then-unique 10-round rotary magazine to feed a reliable blowback semi-auto action.
Lightweight and compact, the 10/22 is just plain fun to shoot, and it serves the small-game hunter well. It has been and continues to be offered in a staggering number of variations (most have 18.5-inch barrels), so you’re sure to find something you like in the lineup.
If you prefer a bolt-action, take a hard look at the CZ 457 American in 17 HMR. It’s a great little gun chambered for a great little cartridge.
Glock 17 Gen 4
There are a lot of handguns that are prettier, ones that chamber more powerful rounds, and models that bear brand names you might like better. But the Glock 17 is the best choice, and here's why: It's durable and reliable.
While not as concealable as a subcompact,, the Glock 17 is the AK-47 of handguns. In unknown conditions for extended time, I want a gun that will run no matter what. It is also the single most popular (and therefore most plentiful) handgun ever made. This means that there will be lots more of them out there for parts, extra magazines, holsters, you name it.
Designed for professionals, the GLOCK 17, in 9x19, is the most widely used law enforcement pistol worldwide. Because of its unsurpassed reliability, above-average magazine capacity of 17 rounds in the standard magazine, and its low weight, it is trusted by law enforcement officers and civilians for home defense around the globe.
While not as concealable as a subcompact,, the Glock 17 is the AK-47 of handguns. In unknown conditions for extended time, I want a gun that will run no matter what. It is also the single most popular (and therefore most plentiful) handgun ever made. This means that there will be lots more of them out there for parts, extra magazines, holsters, you name it.
Designed for professionals, the GLOCK 17, in 9x19, is the most widely used law enforcement pistol worldwide. Because of its unsurpassed reliability, above-average magazine capacity of 17 rounds in the standard magazine, and its low weight, it is trusted by law enforcement officers and civilians for home defense around the globe.
With the revolutionary "Safe Action" trigger system, the G17 9x19 pistol is safe, easy, and quick. It's just what you need in high-pressure situations. The downside is the lack of a manual safety makes some people nervous. We suggest trying one at the range first to make sure you're comfortable with that.
Whether Gen4 or previous, you should be able to scrounge parts. And practically every gun shop will have parts or be able to service it. You can disassemble the entire gun with just a paperclip. Simplicity - there are two controls on a Glock, the slide stop and the trigger. Unless you've been on another planet you know what each does and where it is. Anyone in "the group" that needs to use it will be able to.
Why did the G17 edge out the G19, for the best handgun on this list you ask? Mostly because of the spare parts consideration, but also because the slightly longer barrel will give gun owners a wee bit more velocity, energy, stopping power and a longer sight radius.
You might need to hunt small game with your handgun and the size and capacity advantages of the G17 are worth its slightly larger size. I don't think deep concealment is going to be the biggest consideration in a survival situation, and the Glock 17 can still be tucked away pretty well.
So there you have it, a full top five list, and help with where to find them for a good price. Which one will you go with?
Remington 870 Express
Available Gauges: .410, 20 Gauge, 12 Gauge Barrel Lengths: 26 Inches, 28 Inches Chamber Length (Max Shell Length): 3 Inches Capacity: 4 + 1 Action: Pump Weight: 6.5 lbs – 7.5 lbs
The Remington 870 Express is hands-down the best entry level shotgun on the market today. This gun has literally been made since 1950, with more than 11,000,000 being made! That means there is definitely a large enough sample size to be able to be able to say that this shotgun has enough longevity to be worth your money. Since this model has been around so long (almost 70 years) it has been fine-tuned to give you the most out of your entry level price point. This shotgun is great for all hunting & shooting types, whether you’re at the sportsman’s club, grouse hunting, pheasant hunting, or waterfowl hunting.
Another great feature of the Remington 870 Express that makes it the best beginner shotgun is that you can also purchase different barrels for deer hunting. While Remington calls these “replacement barrels”, in actuality they are simply expanding your menu of options. These barrel options include a fully rifled option & even an option that is super easy to attach a scope mount to. This essentially means you are going to be able to both bird hunt & effectively deer hunt with the same shotgun. All you need to do is swap out the barrels.
If you’re in the market for the best entry level shotgun, we can recommend the Remington 870 without hesitation!
Comments