Mom always said "Practice makes perfect." As such as I hate to say it mom was right. With the cost of bullet rising quickly and surplus ammo disappearing fast, it has become much more expensive to shoot. A box of 9 mm only cost about 6 bucks a box 2 years ago, now it costs 9 bucks. I used to go to Walmart and get Winchester White Box ammo, hundred packs of 40 S&W for 14 bucks. That same box is now 23 bucks.
Yet oddly, I can still get a box of 550 22 lr for ten bucks. I spend a lot of time firing my 22 rifle and pistol. I can work on skills and attempt to perfect my practices with a 22 for almost no cost. Now, I am not saying that practice with a more formidable weapon isn't required, I a stating that many of the techniques used for a 22 will also work for a 45 acp, just a lot cheaper. Practicing moving and shooting, pistol drawing, double taps, and other mechanics of shooting can be done over and over and not break the bank.
Th first gun I ever shot was a Marlin model 60 in 22 lr. The first gun I bought was Browning Buckmark, in 22 lr. I have drilled on that pistol over and over. Reloading exercises, jam clearing, target changes, etc. By the time I "upgraded" to my next pistol, a 1911, I was a fairly competent shooter.
I recommend everyone start with a 22 and learn the basics before rushing to a big bore. If you learn bad habits first, it is a pain in the ass to correct those habits.
