What's a good starter $200 handgun?

[lazs2]

rpm... what is wrong with a used 38 k frame smith for under $200 or a surplus makarov in your expert opinion.  

lazs

[genozaur]

Originally posted by JB73
with taxes i'm thinking on buying my first gun.

i love to shoot, will probably spend tons on ammo paper-punching at a local range.

i looked a few years back at a .22 revolver that felt real good in the hand, ammo is cheap and easy.

though it has no practical purpose, and only 6 shots so lots of reloading.

From my personal experience Makarov 9 mm  can also be an excellent choice for the sharpshooter at small ranges. I was shooting it from the stand-up Russian duelling posture (torso and feet in one line with the line of aiming, left hand on your hip or behind your back).Achieved good results.  That besides meeting the above-mentioned demands. Also easy stripping and cleaning (you have just a handful of parts). Not sure, but the price tag for the original Soviet model Makarov is slightly higher than that of the rest of licenced Makarov family. Still  easily could be within your price range. Just check some price lists.

[lazs2]

Just shot the K22 masterpiece yesterday... in the wind and a little rain outdoors...  If I held it right and timed the wind so that it wouldn't move the 1940's spindly barrel around too much.... the rounds allmost touched at 25 yards range.

The factory used to guarentee that a out of the box K22 would shoot 1.5" groups at 50 yards or they would take it back.  

lazs