Advice: Handgun for range, fun

[BadWolf5150]

Hi all,
I'm interested in purchasing a handgun mostly for firing at steel and other targets at my backyard range. Not looking for a carry gun. Looking for a fun gun to shoot, that won't break the bank. I'm interested in a revolver because they seem interesting, but am not opposed to a semi-automatic either.

What do ya'll use? Any advice or suggestions? Any brands to stay away from? What caliber would you recommend?

Thanks!!

 

[jagee]

I'd have Allen finish it up for me as I'm not that skilled...this would also break my personal bank, but I don't know what your bank looks like.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns-pistols-revolvers/452098-2011-10mm-build-kit.html

 

[diver dan]

I have a ruger charger in .22LR.Its a blast to shoot, accurate for backyard fun , and cheap to shoot, with the ability to add options.Love mine, I got the original full wood stock.

 

[00Buck]

Although it doesn’t have adjustable sights I would recommend a pre lock Smith and Wesson Model 10. They are still affordable if you want a shooter grade one. All of mine have shot to point of aim out to 20 yards with 158g ammo.

As a matter of fact there is a very reasonably priced one posted in the classifieds.

 

[sdb321]

ANY 686!!!

The 686 is a "hoot to shoot"!!! The 4 inch barreled models are very well balanced. I started with a standard 686(4 inch/.357 mag). Now I have a SSR and I love it.

 

[OutdoorDad]

If you want to have fun affordability, ammunition is going to be a pretty significant expense at some point.

Will .22 scratch that itch? Or are you wanting to shoot centerfire?

 

[EricG]

I just got a 6" Stainless Steel Ruger GP100 with the unfluted cylinder and wood grips. I bought it specifically for range fun. I really have to make a concious decision to shoot my carry pistol because I enjoy shooting my Ruger so much.
I also picked up a Glock 41MOS and dropped a RM06 with supressor sights on it and I really get the giggles hitting the 10 ring at 50 yards with boring consistency.

I highly recommend either...or both.

 

[rvb]

I'm interested in purchasing a handgun mostly for firing at steel and other targets at my backyard range.
...
Looking for a fun gun to shoot, that won't break the bank.

.22LR w/ silencer

-rvb

 

[rhino]

If it's for shooting steel and other targets only, get a .22LR.

 

[Bfish]

.22LR w/ silencer

-rvb

I'll second this! It doesn't get a whole lot more fun for plinking. i've got a 22/45 with a volquartzen trigger and a can on it. It's probably the most fun gun I have to plink with.

 

[doddg]

It is not the price of the gun that will matter in months or years if you really enjoy shooting it, but the ammo.
You can always find a good used gun that will not break the bank: I have, I do and I will.
I've even bought a couple of new ones on occasion.

.22LR = 6 - 10 cents per round and I have a dozen guns from $175 - $600: revolvers and semi-autos,
Most around $300+/-

9mms = 20 -25 cents per round.

Everything else costs 30+ cents, 40+ cents, 50+ cents and on per round.
Hittng steel, in my younger life I had a little steel swivel target that I loved hearing the "ping."

 

[88E30M50]

At the very low end of the scale, a Heritage Rough Rider revolver in .22lr can be picked up for around $160. I have one and it's a whole lot of fun to plink with. If you are looking for something bigger than .22lr and don't mind a semi-auto, a CZ 75B makes a great all around pistol that's just plain old fun to shoot. You should be able to find them for under $500.

 

[Ggreen]

Glock 17 or 19, or m&p 2.0 in 9mm choose your flavor. These will leave you witha ton of versatility and reliability. Neither will break the bank.

 

[yetti462]

686 as mentioned earlier, 617 10 shot fun for range, and 625.

 

[Bigtanker]

This is excactly what you need right here.

 

[SteelDude91]

I love rimfires, while I own a lot of centerfires it seems as if the .22s just get the most love come range day.
I would recommend a ruger single six or a heritage rough rider as both can be had relatively cheap and can be shot qll day for very little.

If you wanted to go centerfire, I would suggest an Uberti SAA clone. You get a very high quality gun for what you pay and imo single action revolvers are just so much fun.
It'll also give you a reason to get a matching caliber lever gun later!

 

[Zinga]

If looking for a revolver, I would also suggest a S&W Model 10. Can be had for less than $400 and great shooting gun.

 

[Expat]

For just fun plinking at the range, my current favorite is my MPX.

 

[gregkl]

Badwolf, you are getting a lot of differing replies and suggestions. This is partly due to us here on INGO who like to promote what we like and partly due to you not providing some more guidance on your interests.

Do you have a budget? If you give us a range of money you are willing to spend on a firearm, that will help. Also, how much do you think you will shoot it? This plays into ammo costs.

Any chance you will branch out and go shoot some event, competition or take a class of some sort?

If you can fill in few more details, you might start to see a pattern to what we suggest. Or maybe not. We are INGO after all.

Now for my . I agree with those that say any of the 9mm semi-autos mentioned (Glock, S&W) or a revolver in .22lr and/or .38/.357. Semi-auto .22's are fun also.

If all I was going to do is plink in my backyard and had to pick one gun only, it would probably be a S&W Model 617. Or a Ruger MKII. Or a Model 586/686. Or a 1911. Or a Glock 17. Or a ...

 

[throttletony]

If you dont own a revolver, then get one!! They're a blast, they make you a better shooter, and they're very versatile (shooting 38 special out of any 357 magnum revolver)

I can certainly recommend the ruger gp100 (i like 4" barrels on my wheelguns, but the 3" and the 6" are good too) or any S&W 686