Replies

I am not certain I can add anything that already hasn't been said, but maybe it will emphasize something.

I've owned pistols for over 40 years and always qualified expert in the Marine Corps annual pistol qualification course.

You are smart to get a 22 pistol. Even after you move to a larger caliber pistol, you need to shoot the 22 to keep bad habits from forming. I typically shoot a 22 at the beginning and end of every range day. It is normal for me to have some glitches at the beginning and end of each session. Usually, I am flinching a wee bit.

I like a 22 revolver vice a semi, because they are easier to clean (22 ammo fires dirty) and are not prone to jamming.

Most modern guns are manufactured using computers, so the tolerances are better than 40 years ago. Consequently, even a lot of "cheap" guns shoot well. So unless you are going in to competitive shooting, you don't need an expensive pistol. I have a Heritage 22 single action that is just as accurate for me as my old S&W K22. Now the K22 is more accurate than the Heritage, but not in my hands.

If you can, borrow or rent the pistol that you want to buy at least twice. Think of the first time as a first date- you are enamored and are on your best behavior. The second time, you begin to notice the small things (good and bad).

Now the hard part- learn to love your gun. What that means is shoot that gun a lot and become familiar with that particular pistol so that you have muscle memory. I have a pile of pistols, but I keep coming back to the same three. Those three aren't the best or highest quality, but because I have used those guns for decades, I can just pick them up and shoot well. Why? Because I know at a subconscious level when the trigger will break, what it is capable of doing, how to manage the recoil and which ammo they like. Think of it like the car you drive daily, you probably don't even have to give parallel parking much thought,