Lookin' for a handgun, any advice?

[RGD]

Originally Posted by Mark C

. . . I have no experience with hand guns now, . . .

And most of the guys replying to this thread do have experience - LEO's, military, etc etc. - and since they depend on their sidearm for daily protection they are going to recommend higher caliber rounds. Fact is a 9mm or even a .380 will kill some one dead just as a .45 or .357 will.

The last hand gun I bought was a Sig chambered in 9mm (click here). I could have purchased it in a different caliber - but I already own a 9mm and didn't want another caliber to keep track of - and 9mm is inexpensive and readily available. I keep Ranger +P+ rounds in it. That said - my advice is to get something you can afford - take lessons and practice practice practice. And then practice some more.

You mentioned your wife using it. Is she going to practice as much as you are? Personally I don't want my wife or kids trying to defend our home with something they are not proficient with. Just as soon have them barricade themselves in a room and call the police. There is nothing in my home worth a life.

Most guys say they want a handgun for home defense. Really they just want a handgun. In that case - buy what you like - buy what you can afford to shoot. For home defense use a dog, get an alarm system - buy a 12 gauge. A handgun requires aiming - 12 gauge is point and click.

Ron

[elderboy02]

Glock 23 - .40 S&W 13+1 capacity. It is great for home defense and the perfect size for concealed carry.

S&W M&P 9mm - 17+1 capacity. Great for anyone who is recoil sensitive.

[DETROITPHA357]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Sig Sauer 45 is the only way to fly.

I love that gun

Originally Posted by sailchaser

That's my first choice ,2nd S&W,3rd Glock and the fate of a 300.00 buck gun is hard to digest if if jams when you need it my

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

If you aren't a *guy guy*,a wheel gun (revolver) is the way to go.They are very very simple to shoot and operate. VERY GOOD ADVICE
On the home defense side of things,a short(legal)barrel smooth bore 12ga. shotgun is the only way to go imo.

I use to keep two. I carried one at work and had one in the home. Very nice t have.

Originally Posted by RGD

And most of the guys replying to this thread do have experience - LEO's, military, etc etc. - and since they depend on their sidearm for daily protection they are going to recommend higher caliber rounds. Fact is a 9mm or even a .380 will kill some one dead just as a .45 or .357 will. True, very true but having that knock down power is always good For home defense use a dog, get an alarm system Best Best advice so far, Dog's and alarm is the one things B&E guys say then dont like messin with- buy a 12 gauge. A handgun requires aiming tell that to some of the people I work with- 12 gauge is point and click.

Ron

I've interviewed countless B/E guys/crews. The #1 reason they give me for not breaking into someone house is a LOUD/BIG AZZ DOG OR A EXTERNAL HORN (ALARM) ON THE OUT SIDE OF THE HOUSE, SECOND LEVEL-SOMEWHERE THEY CANT GET TO) NOW WHY AM I TYPING IN ALL CAPS/YELLING HELL i DONT KNOW (forgot to take it off)

Protecting your family and yourself is a great responsibality. Please invest in a good safe (when company/kids are over, not to keep locked up all the time. remember if u cant get to it- it serve no purpose) Teach your kids and family about guns safety, how to handle them and not to be scared of it. (fingers off the triger) Take gun classes, rent some guns and see what your comfortable with and make a decision from there. Take a secondary person with you just in case your not at home or they need to use it to protect you and the family. Make sure you know the shoot to kill laws in your state (dont get trigger happy and shoot everything that moves) Most of this post is for other people to read and educate themselves with but why dont u give me a call on my cell PM sent (damnmmnmm I can talk)

[Ace$nyper]

I must say my P series Ruger .45 has done nothing but treat me like a King.

It's a P97 DC to be exact.

[rwhit37]

I'm kind of surprised no one has said this yet but maybe its just me.

Taurus "The Judge" Holds 410 shotgun shells and and .45cal Colt Rounds

I shot one this weekend for the second time and WOW. You can load it up with buckshot, slugs, or hollow points. The buckshot is sure to catch him somewhere, the slug will do some serious damage, and if he still moving 2 .45cal hollow point rounds should do the trick.

[Diesel Kinevel]

choose something that your comfortable with. what ever you choose get with it a tactical flashlight. you cant shoot what you cant see.

Streamlight and Surefire are 2 of the best.

[weak_link]

Guns and cigars go together like bees and honey.

I like my Sig 226 in 9mm because .45 is just too darn expensive to shoot these days.

imho-The only way to get better is to go shoot. If you can't afford to practice and can't hit anything the biggest round in the world isn't going to help.

[Mark C]

Lots of good info here, thanks again. I follow the shotgun logic, might have to put that on the list too... but Ron kinda hit the nail on the head, I want a handgun and saying 'home defense' makes it easier for the wife to swallow.

Daily carry is not an option. I'm not LE, and carry permits are very few and far between here in the Peoples Republic of Maryland. From what I've read, the best way to get one is if you own a business and make routine cash deposits, and even then it's only allowed while en route to/from the bank.

I've heard the revolver suggestions at a few other places too. I was actually pretty surprised the guys at the gunshop didn't say anything about them.

Sounds like I've got some shooting to do. Might hit the range this weekend, my sister is getting married and the groomsmen were planning to spend the day shooting before the ceremony.

Thanks again guys!

[68TriShield]

Originally Posted by billhud

Wheel guns are great for *guy guys* too. No gun collection is truly complete without several!

I wont argue with you

[Rob]

You might consider a Taurus 24/7 9mm. I recently picked one up for $350. It was the NRA handgun of the year a while back.

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by rwhit37

I'm kind of surprised no one has said this yet but maybe its just me.

Taurus "The Judge" Holds 410 shotgun shells and and .45cal Colt Rounds

I shot one this weekend for the second time and WOW. You can load it up with buckshot, slugs, or hollow points. The buckshot is sure to catch him somewhere, the slug will do some serious damage, and if he still moving 2 .45cal hollow point rounds should do the trick.

We didn't mention it b/c it is a PIECE OF CRAP! Read here: http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm

[Gone Dave]

Originally Posted by billhud

How experienmced are you and how often do you plan to shoot? If your answer to both is not much, I highly recommend you get a revolver. And then to look to Smith and Wesson. Great used S&W wheel guns can easily be found in your budget. Their manual of arms is simple. And they are the most reliable handgun choice out there. Again, I highly recommend you go with a revolver first. You can always get a pistol later if you choose.

Regardless of handgun choice, I also recommend you receive training.

S&W revolver in 40S&W , with 2 moon clips.. or what I keep for night time , in case shite hits the fans and I am not home, my wife can blast some ass.. and plus it looks SCARY TOO!

My neighbor has a "Thunder Five" in 45LC or .410.. and that is some funky stuff!!

[Rob]

Originally Posted by rwhit37

I'm kind of surprised no one has said this yet but maybe its just me.

Taurus "The Judge" Holds 410 shotgun shells and and .45cal Colt Rounds

I shot one this weekend for the second time and WOW. You can load it up with buckshot, slugs, or hollow points. The buckshot is sure to catch him somewhere, the slug will do some serious damage, and if he still moving 2 .45cal hollow point rounds should do the trick.

I guess they don't have shotgun barrel length restrictions where you are?

[rrplasencia]

go with taurus for handguns they make a good resonably priced gun or for 300 you can get a mossberg 500 series 12 gauge with the 18 barrel and tactical grip. just point in the general direction and you'll hit something.

[MarbleApe]

My vote:

Ruger SP101.

Built like a tank. Comes in .357 so you can "plink" with .38's, and it's easy to use. Just point in the desired direction and pull the trigger until the loud bangs stop.