Ideas for "trainer"pistols

[punkndisorderly]

I'd like some suggestions on 9mm pistol, 4" 38/357 revolver, and. 22 pistol suitable for high volume shooting by new shooters. Ones that would work for a variety of people with different sized hands, abilities, etc.

I've been considering picking up a few pistols for instructional purposes to teach new shooters with. The ones I already have, while suitable for me, probably aren't the best solution for most new shooters. My River MKIII Competition Target is on the heavy side, especially for women. My S&W 327PD is too light; recoil is heavier than it meets to be and I don't like the thought of wearing it out or having it abused. My Glock 34, is fairly well.suited, but is also my primary home defense pistol. I'd rather me put wear on it practicing myself. I also think the lack of a safety wouldn't allow training with and without one.

I'm thinking a lighter weight version of the Ruger22/45 for a .22. Thinking S&W M&P 9mm with thumb safety for pistol, and a 4" S&W in 357 for revolver (using 38 specials only).

[The Annoyed Man]

The Ruger 22/45 comes in any number of configurations, as do the MkIIIs, in any number of different weights. I have a 22/45 for NRA Basic Pistol Classes, and it has a 4.5" bull barreled action on a polymer receiver. Nobody I've ever trained with it has thought it was too heavy. In fact, for a novice shooter, a certain amount of weight is desirable because it dampens perceived recoil. I recently helped Crossfire Training with the range portion of a basic pistol class. The students were given Ruger MkIII bull-barreled target pistols to start off with, and they did very well with them. I wouldn't worry too much about the weight of a .22 caliber target pistol for new shooters.

For the .38/.357, I'd pick up a Ruger GP100 or its equivalent in a S&W with a barrel in the 4"-6" range. Although there are other less expensive guns in that class, you specifically mentioned high-volume use, and if that's the case, go with either of those two brands.

The M&P9 with or without the thumb-safety, and in either full size or compact size would be a good choice. Otherwise, I would recommend a Glock 19 or 17 or an XD9.

[Greybeard]

Our most versatile "work horse guns" for CHL training are full size XD-9M and S&W M&P 9 Compact. Both have adjustable backstraps (3 sizes). The Smith with the smallest backstrap insert installed has a very short trigger reach, at least for having a double stack magazine. Another one that lots of people like is the Kahr K-9. Narrow grip and a full 32 ounces loaded helps with recoil. Then everyone needs a Glock. ;) Ours is the Model 19.

Am contemplating a Sig Mosquito in 22LR. Have borrowed a buddy's a few times for certain people. It has so many widgets (controls) along the slide, anyone who can learn to run it, should be able to understand the features (or lack of) of other semis.

[srothstein]

I recommend the Ruger Mark III and Browning Buckmark in their basic configurations. They are light enough and small enough for even children to learn on. Both are time proven beginner's pistols and plinkers, and can be very accurate in some of their more expensive configurations. You might also consider one of the 1911 22's on the market now. I have a Sig but a friend has a GSG (and I can only tell them apart by reading the markings). In addition to being easy to shoot, they have controls that match up tot he 1911 so that later transition to the 45 is much easier.

For a revolver, I recommend a K-Frame S&W, especially if you can find a good used one. If you get a square butt, you can replace the grips with pachmayrs or something similar to get a smaller grip and still have a good overall size. A 4" barrel would be the best overall, IMHO. The GP100 or the L-Frame smiths would be a good second choice, but are generally a little bit larger. Taurus does make a clone of the K-Frame Smith, so you might keep an eye out for one of them also.

For the 9mm, I have had several I like. But I recently picked up a used Ruger P-95 for this exact purpose. I needed a traditional double action semi to teach a person on, and the P-95 was perfect for it. I then gave it to my 18 year old daughter and she really enjoys it. So far, it has been pleasant for everyone to shoot, small to medium sized hands. I have nopt had anyone with really large hands try it yet, though.

[warhorse10_9]

I love my mkIII 22/45. I have the 5.5" bull barrel. Its a great training gun. 500 rds for $15 makes for really cheap practice.

[mr surveyor]

In .22 cal, my personal preference is the Ruger MKx 22/45 since the grip angle and grip feel are the closest to most standard single stack handguns.

In the revolver category, I would suggest the SP101 (DA/SA with hammer) due to it's rather short length of pull. The weight of the SP101 buffers target .38 spl rounds down to very manageable recoil, and it can handle some pretty heavy use. I still don't like the idea of shooting large volumes of .38 spl in .357 chambers, but with proper cleaning and care even that isn't a major glitch if you opted for the SP101 (or ant other brand/model) in .357.

edit to add: the OP did state 4", so the SP101 in it's currently offered configuration may be out of consideration....but my 3" SP shoots like a 4"