[SlowToady]

Originally posted by red-beard

I still think you're next pistol should be an "inexpensive", $200-250, 22lr pistol. It will help you learn with minimal cost. Never be intimidated by people firing .357mags while you are firing a .22lr. You know you are learning and you will be a better shot in the long run, than shooting a ton of expensive ammo.

Also, buy some snap caps. Use them in your house so you can see what your trigger pull is doing.

Definitely, don't let it bother you what other folks are shooting. I grew up shooting air guns (Beemans) and then switched to a .22 after 9 years or so. I used to sit at the range for hours shooting my .22 while everyone shot their 7 mags, .308s, etc. On more than one occasion I have out-shot people older than myself equipped with very nice target guns with my run of the mill .22. Part of it is that I happened to get a really good shootin' stick, and the other part was lots of time, patience, and skill. After a few years with the .22 I moved to a .270 and a .243. Neither are target guns but with good handloads I get good results.

Snap caps are a wonderful invention. Practice with them as often as you can, if you're really serious. It allows you t get the trigger break, breathing, and form down without the big boom or outlay of $$$ on ammo. I used to sit in my family room practicing with snap caps so that when I got to the range, all the movements would be fresh.