What gun when shot turns people to gun lovers?

[jrh84]

I typically start people out with a scoped 10/22...no recoil, little muzzle blast, and fairly easy to put rounds on the target when shooting from a rest. I've never seen anyone NOT enjoy that. Then move up to an AR...it's pretty funny to see their attitude change (especially if timid or apprehensive about "black guns") when they realize that it functions exactly the same as the tame, wood-stocked "Fudd-style" 10/22. A .22 handgun always gets rave reviews as well, provided you can shoot at close enough distances to actually get some hits....25 yards with a handgun is tough for a new shooter.

And yeah, a 1911 typically gets some grins.

 

[cjeffrey]

There's something about a 410 that really helped me Brett into shooting. Is helped a few people I know as well. Its easy, but still has the kick to let you know you are still firing a gun.

 

[nbunga]

An M1919 or a GE mini-gun sounds good to me

 

[Irukanji]

Try a 10/22 or other 22. A blast, love recoil, cheap to shoot, did i say a blast??? Kids, women, men all can handle with ease.

 

[RspecZX6]

I took my girlfriend to a range and after many months of trying, she shot my Marlin .22 bolt action and on the return trip she looks over with wide eyes and shouts "I want my own .22!!"

She used to be anti-gun. I am proud.

 

[TwinBFR's]

Walther p22 with laser and suppressor

 

[raptrbreth]

Ma Deuce.

Nothing beats thumbing the butterfly.

 

[heeringa]

I got to shoot an AK-47 and a Barrett M99 before I really got to liking guns. They were each an amazing experience. I just wish I had bought my AK back then.

 

[Niles Coyote]

I'd say a bb gun is likely responsible for turning more folks into gun enthusiasts but a good dependable 22lr would be a close second... At least that is the path I took with a Crossman then later a 10/22

 

[Sgtusmc]

A .22 that looks like a serious gun, ala the Ruger SR22p.

Fits a woman's hands nicely, easy to rack, no recoil, double and single action.

Next would be the Chiappa Rhino whether it be the 20ds, the 40ds or the 60ds as shown below. Serious calibers, low recoil, looks awesome.

 

[vanillagorilla]

Everyone can shoot the 22. Men, women, trained monkeys, everyone! Best gun to start with period. I gave a safety course to women and had an 80 year old grandma that hated guns shooting like a kid after getting her to try a Ruger 22/45.

 

[jbombelli]

Thompson Model 1921 with a drum.

 

[gemihur]

The aesthetic lines of the contender has captured many a heart.
Kinda Gothic, me thinks!
The balance and diffusion of recoil as it's soaked up by a big barrel helps, too.