First Gun

Some Darned Yankee · February-11-19 11:02

I've never owned a gun before, though I've shot a few .22 rifles. How do y'all think a NAA .22 LR with the 1 5/8 barrel would be as a first gun?

Warthog · February-11-19 12:02

Welcome Some Darned Yankee!!

A Mini of any sort would be a fine first firearm. My first firearm was a Mossberg Palomino (mdl 402) Lever action 22 short-22 Long-22Long rifle (pic below), says so on the receiver. I still have it too, it has been and will continue to be a great gun. As far as Minis go, well I have a lot of those, they are very good little firearms. I would suggest you get the convertible, LR/Mag one of what ever one you choose, they are more versatile and when you are wanting a small carry gun, the Magnum makes a very good one.

So look them over and pick a good one and if you are willing, try to get one that is a convertible one. Take good care of yourself, may I ask where you live? State?

Uncle_Lee · February-11-19 14:02

Quote from: Some Darned Yankee on February-11-19 11:02
I've never owned a gun before, though I've shot a few .22 rifles. How do y'all think a NAA .22 LR with the 1 5/8 barrel would be as a first gun?

Welcome darnedyankee,,
You are in the right room. Set down and tell us all you know. Show us some pictures of what you have and of what you have done.
Yes that mini would be an excellent first gun. ANY mini would be an excellent first gun. Remember - - - more minis will follow.
Some will say "buy this one or buy that one."
Buy what ever one you want first then buy a Black Widow, then a Pug, then a Sidewinder, then a Ranger II, etc,etc.
Just always buy with dual cylinders when available.

Some Darned Yankee · February-11-19 19:02

I live in Pennsylvania, which, as far as I know, has some pretty middle of the road gun laws. I also live in the middle nowhere and as such I'd like to make sure I have a firearm capable of killing or teaching a lesson to any trash pandas or other little beasts that want to nibble away at my wiring or sanity. Would a .22 Mag or LR be able to do that?

grayelky · February-11-19 20:02

Some Darned Yankee Welcome!
First, you may not be able to help where you were born, but you can move!

Now, the important stuff. IF you want a mini as your first gun, I would suggest a Mini Master with both cylinders, and 2000 rounds of long rifle ammo. A better first choice for a FIRST handgun would be either a Ruger or Heritage single action revolver with at least a 5 1/2" barrel, or a Charter Arms (or similar) double action revolver with at least a 4" barrel, or a Ruger SR22 or a Walter P22, or something similar. Oh, and that 2000 rounds of ammo is for whichever you choose to start with. I would suggest not bothering with magnum ammo until you shoot about 1000 of the LR ammo. Shooting a handgun, accurately, is hard enough. Do not handicap yourself with a 1 1/8" mini to start with. While I have several, and can shoot them with some regular success, I have been shooting handguns for for about 47 or 48 years. The basics of handgun shooting are the same across the board, and it does not matter if you are shooting a 22 or a 44 mag. You have to hold it up. You have to align the sights. You have to control your breathing. You have to learn to gently squeeze the trigger. When your 2000 rounds are gone, you will have a decent grasp on how to shoot a handgun.

Boisesteve · February-11-19 20:02

Hey Yankee,
I agree with the GreyElk, on both counts. I lived much of my life in Maine, but moving is ok too: it's been Idaho for 10 years now and it's been great.
Also, although the little NAA revolvers are great great great, and I've owned my first one over thirty years, and carry every day, I think learning on something like a Ruger Single Six might be better for getting the fundamentals down. It's also a single action revolver and the manual-of-arms isn't too dissimilar between them. Way more similar than between a NAA mini and, say, a Glock 19.
Having said that, whatever you choose to get, practice and train with it, get familiar and good with it, and rejoice in having made one of the wisest choices one can make, stepping up and taking responsibility for your own safety.
Steve in Boise

Some Darned Yankee · February-11-19 21:02

Alright then, so the general consensus seems to be that something from the Mini Master lineup with dual cylinders would be a good choice. If I asked for a gun shop to order one in, what price ballpark would I be looking at?

Uncle Fatso · February-12-19 05:02

It appears to me that the consensus is actually for a larger, easier to accurately use gun than the NAA. And I "third" their recommendations. You'll be much less likely to become frustrated if you start out with a Revolver the size of a Ruger Single Six.

As to the cost-every gunshop will have different markup. I wouldn't pay over $400 for a Mini Master, though. I ordered mine through Bud's Guns online and had it shipped to a local dealer for the paperwork. Mine ran $285 or so, after the transfer fee was paid to my local dealer.

Ruger · February-12-19 05:02

Hey . . . .Yankee . . . . WELCOME to the Forum!! Great to hear from you!

grayelky · February-12-19 07:02

Some Darned Yankee
Whatever your decision, when you get it, give us a picture or 2, please.

jlh48 · February-12-19 07:02

Welcome to the world of Mini's. I also live in Pennsylvania, and have my entire life. Pennsylvania is not "middle of the road" with gun laws, they are EXCELLENT and are totally fair and supportive of 2nd Amendment rights. So why some are saying you should "move" to another state is absolutely beyond me. We have Concealed Carry Permits as I, and everyone I know, has a CCW. Do you know what the requirements are to get one? Fill out and application for $25 at your County Sheriff's dept. They conduct a proper background check, and in a few weeks, you have your permit. Nothing more, nothing less. Unlike all these other so called "gun friendly states" that require a training course before issuance of a permit. Buying a handgun, you go into any gun store, purchase your handgun, they instantly call your background check in, and within 15 min your good to go and take your gun home. Just wanted to clarify that Pennsylvania is a fair, proper 2nd amendment state all the way around, zero complaints. As for your first .22, I agree I would start with a larger .22 revolver and even a rifle first. Then get your first mini, believe me, you will love them, carry them everyday, and get plenty more than 1! :-) Get .22 Mag/LR conversion gun as you will regret not getting it later. Even if you never shoot .22 Mag. The gun is slightly larger, but fits in pocket just as well as the smaller versions, however you can shoot it easier as it fits in hand much better! :-) I have been carrying my .22 Mag/LR in pocket for over 20 years, its a joy to carry and shoot :-)

Canoeal · February-12-19 08:02

Another Pennsylvanian says welcome!

I bought the BW as my second Handgun purchase. It was a good choice. My first was not meant to carry, but to learn to shoot a revolver accurately. That was a 4" barreled Charter Arms Target Pathfinder. in 22 mag. I bought 22 mag because my experience with them in rifles as a kid. 22 mag was always way more fun to shoot that a 22lr...
You will want to personalize it with whatever suits you, especially grips...

Some Darned Yankee · February-12-19 09:02

Single Six looks quality, but it's also a bit expensive. Anybody know if it would be a good or bad choice to maybe get one used?

heyjoe · February-12-19 10:02

Quote from: jlh48 on February-12-19 07:02
Welcome to the world of Mini's. I also live in Pennsylvania, and have my entire life. Pennsylvania is not "middle of the road" with gun laws, they are EXCELLENT and are totally fair and supportive of 2nd Amendment rights. So why some are saying you should "move" to another state is absolutely beyond me. We have Concealed Carry Permits as I, and everyone I know, has a CCW. Do you know what the requirements are to get one? Fill out and application for $25 at your County Sheriff's dept. They conduct a proper background check, and in a few weeks, you have your permit. Nothing more, nothing less. Unlike all these other so called "gun friendly states" that require a training course before issuance of a permit. Buying a handgun, you go into any gun store, purchase your handgun, they instantly call your background check in, and within 15 min your good to go and take your gun home. Just wanted to clarify that Pennsylvania is a fair, proper 2nd amendment state all the way around, zero complaints. As for your first .22, I agree I would start with a larger .22 revolver and even a rifle first. Then get your first mini, believe me, you will love them, carry them everyday, and get plenty more than 1! :-) Get .22 Mag/LR conversion gun as you will regret not getting it later. Even if you never shoot .22 Mag. The gun is slightly larger, but fits in pocket just as well as the smaller versions, however you can shoot it easier as it fits in hand much better! :-) I have been carrying my .22 Mag/LR in pocket for over 20 years, its a joy to carry and shoot :-)

pennsylvannia has much better ccw laws than most southern and midwestern states. the places where you cannot carry in pennsylvannia are much less than states like north carolina, texas and florida.

Warthog · February-12-19 10:02

Indiana has some pretty good laws for firearms and carrying too.

Canoeal · February-12-19 10:02

In my county, you go to the sheriff's department (at the county courthouse) fill out the form, and wait until the background check comes back. They give you your permit then and there.

Uncle Fatso · February-12-19 19:02

Quote from: Some Darned Yankee on February-12-19 09:02
Single Six looks quality, but it's also a bit expensive. Anybody know if it would be a good or bad choice to maybe get one used?

Most of the guns I buy are used. The Single Six is pretty rugged. They've made LOTS of them over the past 50-60 years. You should be able to find a used one in pretty decent shape without much trouble.

WyoShooter · February-12-19 20:02

Quote from: Some Darned Yankee on February-12-19 09:02
Single Six looks quality, but it's also a bit expensive. Anybody know if it would be a good or bad choice to maybe get one used?

If you do find a nice used one, make sure you get both cylinders with it--the LR and the Mag.

Bernie707 · February-12-19 20:02

Welcome Darned Yankee. I'd say it depends on what you want the gun for. Since it's your first, you might want a gun to plink at tin cans or shoot paper targets at a range. That's if you want something you can have fun with and think you'd like shooting. A mini is not your best choice for that. You mentioned wanting something for self defense. If you want to carry, that eliminates rifles. It really depends what you want it for. I just got my first mini - a 22 LR but I already had a couple 9m and 38 specials. I got the mini as a gun I could always carry in every situation where it's legal to carry (no schools, government buildings, etc.).
I wouldn't invest too much in a first gun until you know if like having one. There and a couple 9m you can get for $200 or less. You can also get the NAA 22LR or 22 mag free a little over $200. Let us know what you decide. Whatever you chose, remember to treat it as though it's always loaded.

Dinadan · February-12-19 21:02

I think that Grayelky's advice is excellent. A Ruger Bearcat or Single Six revolver, or for a cheaper option a Heritage revolver, would be a much better choice than an NAA Mini for a first firearm. I love Minis and have more of them than any other kind of handgun, but they really are not the best handgun to begin with. If money is not a big consideration I would go with the Bearcat, otherwise a Heritage.

Ruger · February-13-19 06:02

Hey . . . jlh48 . . . WELCOME to the Forum! You almost slipped by me! Glad to have you and thanks for the advice. Keep reloading and stepping up to the firing line. We need your opinions, hopes, dreams, and PICTURES!

Uncle_Lee · February-13-19 14:02

Dog gone it, jlh48, you sneaked by me also.
Welcome, join in.
Looks like you like to type.
I hope you like pictures too. We sure do.

Texduk3 · February-13-19 16:02

A Yankee Welcome,
to the world of firearms.
i had still have a .22 rifle as a first "real " gun. (16 yrs old). ny
and a .22 semi auto Browning BuckMaster, when I relocated to TEXAS in 1990, ( FREEDOM) !!
My first mini I bought 3 years ago at the young age of 60..
the rest is up to you

glenn · February-13-19 16:02

Quote from: uncle_lee on February-13-19 14:02
Dog gone it, jlh48, you suck by me also.
Welcome, join in.
Looks like you like to type.
I hope you like pictures too. We sure do.

Come on Uncle Lee .... I KNOW you want to fix this.

.

OV-1D · February-13-19 16:02

Quote from: uncle_lee on February-13-19 14:02
Dog gone it, jlh48, you suck by me also.
Welcome, join in.
Looks like you like to type.
I hope you like pictures too. We sure do.

See that's how it all starts Ha HA Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha . A little misspelling and away we go Ha Ha HA HA HA .

Warthog · February-13-19 17:02

I just wanted to say, Glenn, you only THINK you are not watched. LOL

Bigbird48 · February-13-19 20:02

Well I'll throw in my 2cents Oh hey Welcome first. Then my humble opinion since your asking about Minis and concealed carry. OK first I agree with what others have said that a 22 single six or maybe a 38 single six would be a better choice for a first gun BUT if your hearts set on a mini and you want some punch, some accuracy and some concelability <<<spell then I'd have to say the Black Widow. Its small enough for good conceal carry , 2 " brl makes it accurate enough to hit a man at 20 feet, with mags its got pretty good punch and with LR cyl its cheap to practice with.

grayelky · February-13-19 20:02

jlh48 and Some Darned Yankee-

Perhaps I should clarify a little: I was attempting to poke fun at SDY. I was not serious about him (her?) moving. I am glad you posted about Pennsylvania's carry laws. I was a little surprised at how 2A friendly they are. Excellent to hear. I guess my prejudice stems from places like NY, N J, Illinois, etc. That will teach me to not to jump to conclusions, huh?

I had forgotten about the Ruger Bearcat. Another fine choice. As to buying used guns. Given your seemingly limited knowledge about guns, I would offer the same advice I would to someone buying a used car who knows little to nothing about the mechanics: Take a knowledgeable friend with you. Don't have one? Ask if the gun could be checked over by a qualified gunsmith. This may cost you a little in the beginning, but could save you a bunch on the back end. I would ALMOST say if it is a Ruger, unless it looks abused, don't sweat it, just buy it. Almost. Since I am not sure of your knowledge base and what you may, or may not, call abused, that is my hesitation. I have been shooting handguns for 47-48 years. I feel kinda confident in buying used guns.

jlh48 · February-13-19 22:02

Thank you everyone for welcoming me to the forum. Yes, I can type super fast and write way too much sometimes lol!! I would like to get more active on here, so hopefully that will happen as time goes on. I do like this forum, and love NAA Mini's. I carry my 1 5/8 Mag/LR Convertible all the time which is my favorite as I have 4. Its a 1996 so its been in my pocket a very long time. I will attempt pics in the future as well! No problem grayelky and others that commented about the PA carry laws, I totally understand poking some fun about the issue of moving lol Haha. But glad I clarified how great PA is for CCW permits. To me, they do it the right way all the way around. Yes, New Jersey really is horrible and what is so sad is, we live close to Jersey and love going to the beach, but its a felony to carry for protection in NJ, and I feel "naked" without my NAA Mini and/or Ruger LCP .380 on me while walking the boardwalk. So used to carrying in PA! Again, thanks for all the welcome's :-)

LHB · February-13-19 23:02

I know that some of the forum members have stated that they never buy used, always buy new, but the first hand gun I ever bought, 58 years ago was used, and most of the guns I have bought since then, both long guns and handguns, have been used. I haven't seen a brand new (not ANIB) flat spring Colt or a 3 screw Ruger in years. I have also bought several guns on GunBroker, and haven't got burned yet. Look it over, and don't get carried away and pay too much.

Uncle_Lee · February-14-19 05:02

Quote from: OV-1D on February-13-19 16:02
Quote from: uncle_lee on February-13-19 14:02
Dog gone it, jlh48, you suck by me also.
Welcome, join in.
Looks like you like to type.
I hope you like pictures too. We sure do.

It sneaked by my spell checker. I was trying to say snuck. The rest is history.

See that's how it all starts Ha HA Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha . A little misspelling and away we go Ha Ha HA HA HA .

It sneaked by my spell checker. I was trying to say snuck. The rest is history.
It is corrected now.
Thanks, Folks for correcting a very bad post.

seaotter · February-14-19 22:02

I think I would stick to 22 rifles for a year or two. Shoot the heck out of them, maybe a couple thousand rounds thru it. After that, I would start thinking about getting a sidearm of some sort. Probably a 22 revolver with a 5 or 6 inch barrel and decent sights. Put another thousand rounds thru that, learning the basics. Then you'll be ready for a mini. It will still be a challenge to shoot it well, but it will then be a fun challenge. Not like all the guys who buy a mini and then complain about how terrible it shoots! And I would definitely buy a Black Widow first. I started off with a 22or, which I still have and like, but the BW is better in every way.
Contrary to many, I don't think the minis are a beginner's firearm. They can tricky to handle and shoot. Just my opinion. Others will differ!

RogueTS1 · February-15-19 10:02

I tend to think a single action revolver, especially a very small one such as the NAA Minis, is probably not the best choice for someone new to guns. They have a lot of intricacies that can get one hurt if not very familiar with firearms.

Something simpler and larger would probably be a better choice.

OV-1D · February-15-19 12:02

Most agreed Rogue , well said and to the point .

dsnitker · February-18-19 18:02

I don't think a SA revolver is a good carry gun necessarily, but a SA 22 like a Bearcat or Heritage Arms is likely what I will teach my daughter to shoot pistol with, since it will limit focus to a single trigger pull to get hand position and sight alignment worked out. I might consider a double action 22 as well - but they are pretty heavy for younger hands in comparison. I'm looking at a Ruger Shopkeeper (preferred) or birds head heritage arms 22LR (second choice) now for those reasons.

She's been shooting 22 rifle for a while, this is simply to get into the pistol side of things.