[RaidenArmstrong]

Hi,
I'm new to shooting and i am planning on getting my first pistol, i was just wondering what you guys thought is better for target shooting, a Browning Buckmark or a Smith & Wesson 617?
Thanks,

[Colby]

Two very different guns.

The revolver would be ultra reliable. But it is a double action. That is a long trigger pull - and learning to control the gun movement while pulling the trigger.

The semi-auto - will be a much shorter trigger pull - which will be easier to control gun shake .

You said first gun - and for target shooting? to learn about guns? Or strictly trying to hit a target? I would vote the semi-auto for strictly hitting the target. But you will need to learn about semi-autos and their sometimes tendency to misfire and jam -- and learn how to clear those jams. ---- But learning this stuff is a good thing - because it carries over to anything larger - it is basicially the same with any semi-auto.

The revolver - on the other hand - much more traditional - no jamming. But long trigger pull.... which can be a good thing from a safety point of view.

There is a lot to learn here -- and these are two very different guns -- teaching you different things - but both good.

You will get a lot of opinion -- some people love semi-autos --- and some people love revolvers. Each type has it's strong points and weak points.

But for plain old - just trying to hit a target - the semi-auto would likely be simpler - quicker. It would allow lots of bullets out the barrel with less fuss about trigger pull movement. (But then you won't learn how to control the gun as well, either)

My personal preference - revolver - but I am in the minority - semi-autos greatly outsell revolvers.

[danf_fl]

I have to agree that a .22lr revolver would be a good firearm to learn on.

One problem that some have with the revolver is that they like to put the non-dominant hand thumb behind the hammer, then when they transition to semi-auto, the thumb automatically goes behind the slide.

Grip the revolver the same as a semi-auto (with both thumbs along side), cock it with the non-dominant hand thumb for single action. you should not have any problem.

[RaidenArmstrong]

Thanks so much for the help guys ,

I've heard that the Smith & Wesson 617 isn't a good revolver though? What a shame because i love the style of the firearm. Have you had any experience with them?
Thanks again,

[danf_fl]

Firearms are like the significant other.
You won't really get to know it until you spent some time with it.

S&W has been around for a long time. It should not give you any problems.

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by RaidenArmstrong

Thanks so much for the help guys ,

I've heard that the Smith & Wesson 617 isn't a good revolver though? What a shame because i love the style of the firearm. Have you had any experience with them?
Thanks again,

Never heard a discouraging word on the 617
Had a mdl 63 that was outstanding also -

[Colby]

Originally Posted by HOSSFLY

Never heard a discouraging word on the 617
Had a mdl 63 that was outstanding also -

I've heard good things about the Model 63, also.

[locutus]

Love my 63. great little gun.

I will ALWAYS suggest a revolver over an autoloader for a first gun.


And that from a die hard semi-auto lover!