Stepping up from my Browning 9mm (FReeper advice needed for higher caliber pistol)

vanity ^ | 8-5-10 | wac3rd

[wac3rd]

I bought a 9mm and love using it, but am debating what to get for home protection at a higher caliber.

I like the looks of the 1911 45's and I also like the idea of a 40 caliber Glock or 10mm Glock. I think I want a semi-automatic, so the revolver is out...

Finally, should I get a shorter barrel (4" or less) or stick with the standard 4.5 - 5" barrel?

Your advice would be very much appreciated...

[piytar]

Home defense? You 9mm is OK. Get Hornady Critical Defense or XTP rounds for it, and you are good to go.

That said, if you don’t have a 12 guage shotgun, get one. Preferably a pump. The sound of a shell being chambered will make most thugs wet themselves and run (have been there). If they don’t, it’s the ultimate close quarters home defense weapon.

If you already have a 12 guage, I’ll defer to other Freepers re handgun choice. (My preferred is a .357 magnum wheel gun, but you stated that wheel guns are out.)

[wac3rd]

Thank you, I have a 12-gauge pump shotgun with 7 shells loaded right now...I may buy some of your ammo, thank you.

[smokingfrog]

10mm is probably overkill, but sure sounds like a lot of fun.
Uncle Ted seems to like his 10.

I like the Glock 23.

[Krankor]

I prefer the ED-209 for home protection.

[USNBandit]

If you are looking to carry concealed, I liked the baby Glocks. I've tried several other guns, but that was the easiest to conceal, decent capacity, very reliable.

I've always felt that the .45 has more of a push type recoil and the .40 is more of a slap type recoil. Both are manageable for most shooters with reasonable hand strength.

I am in federal law enforcement now and carry an HK P2000 SK as a concealed gun. It's okay, but the Glock was smaller. We have also had problems with corrosion on the HK since some of our agents are on the water a lot.

[wac3rd]

It’s hard to get a CCW permit here in California for the obvious reasons that Boxer, Pelosi and Feinstein prefer the citizenry to be less armed than the illegal drug cartel members who shoot up our towns and cities...but I digress...I like the Glock 22 or 23 in concept and will shoot one next weekend.

Thanks for the advice.

[Rashputin]

I had and practiced with a Browning for years but needed something a bit smaller. I got an H&K USP Compact in .40 and practicing with it was a very easy transition from my Browning. I didn't have to get used to a new feel or something. At any rate, I'm very pleased with my H&K and got a full size USP as well to carry as my sidearm when I go hunting. The full size USP is a change from the Browning, but the Compact didn't seem to be, go figure.

You need to go somewhere and try out several different things if you can. What you got used to and transitioning to something new is the biggest thing. I have friends who had a hard time getting used to something new and others who tried a half dozen different things before they could shed the handgun they first got used to. So, everyone has an opinion but what fits you is the most important thing.

Regards

[HushTX]

I know jack about firearms. At least right now. In theory, BCT will change that. ;-)

Still, I want to get something for my wife, so maybe some FReepers can chime in as to what is a good option for a 4’10 woman with small hands. My brother has given some great advice, but I enjoy talking to people about this stuff.

Heck, if anyone that reads this is in the DFW area, I’d like to get to know you folks as I want some shooting buddies for my wife to go with while I am away.

Cheers!

[shibumi]

I recommend baby steps. Try this one next:

[count-your-change]

Colt 50 cal. revolver.

[60Gunner]

Others here may laugh, but I like my Bersa Thunder .380 for close personal protection. It's accurate (I can nail a small bullseye in the black at 30 feet one-handed with it), it's ridiculously easy to maintain, and my Corbon DPX rounds can penetrate 14 inches into ballistic gelatin and mushroom quite nicely, thank you. Plus I can pack it and nobody will ever know it.

It's like a friend of mine (who happens to be a firearms expert with my local PD) says: "Spreading is nice, but it's all about penetration, baby."

Should anyone here discount my fondness for the larger caliber, I used to swing both the M-60 and M1911, and would have married them both if the Army (and polygamy laws, I guess) had let me.

[chuckles]

For home protection, I use a Colt Combat Commander in .45. I just don't like a Glock and I like large lead. A .40 would be good, I suppose, but why not just go on the the .45? If I was a Cop on duty, I would look at the Sig .357 or the 10mm. Flatter shooting with good knock down. As it is, I use 185 grn or 200 grn HP in my .45 when I target shoot at any distance. Shooting down a hallway in a house, the 230HP is like throwing a sinker into someones chest.

Longer barrels are always better than short unless you are trying to conceal it. Conceal Carry almost demands a short barrel. If it's something in the nightstand drawer, I would go with longer for the sight radius and heft.

[Hardraade]

1911 is the best thing since, oh, ...bacon? The one ideal gun.

[fish hawk]

Besides my loaded pistols I also keep my 12 ga. close by loaded with buck shot, slug, buck shot, slug.... you get the picture.

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

I see you already have a shotgun,,,

Mossberg ?,,,

I bought a Model 88 a while back,,,8 shot(2 3/4”)

It holds about $40.00 worth of Flechettes,,,
(www.rareammo.com)

Can't beat that up close with a tommygun!,,,

I guess I'm like many folks around here,,,

1911 all the way,,,

A pocket full of mag’s and your good to go...

[Quiller]

For home defense? A handgun more robust than a 9mm? Not necessary, so your desire for a heavier caliber goes beyond home defense — carry? Competition? Esthetics? Which of those is the primary motivation should drive your decision.
That being said, a home defense handgun is notoriously under-maintained and poorly secured (not saying you in particular, just the public in general). So honesty in consideration of those two factors should weigh in your choice.
A home defense handgun is most commonly used in a crisis situation, not a deliberate response. So something you (or your spouse / kid / partner can grab and use safely, effectively, and reliably should be the next thought. When the adrenaline’s pumping, a single-action trigger can be a dangerous thing.
Finally, try to find something that is comfortable to shoot and points naturally for you. To be competent with it means practice, and if it is uncomfortable to shoot, or it makes you look like Barney at the range, you are not going to practice. And pointing naturally (pick a target, close your eyes, bring the pistol up to where you think the pistol is aiming at it, then open your eyes — how far off is it?) is a good thing in a darkened home regardless of what sights you have on it.
But for one of the other considerations, you have other factors to work out. Esthetics? In the eye of the beholder, and you want to show it off. Competition? Depends on the sport. Carry? Weight, location, access, comfort level.
Good luck with your shopping.

[Joe Boucher]

Kimber 1911 .45 with built in laser.
Put some hollow point teflon tipped bullets in her and knock down a bear.

[cweese]

Wow! Looks like something Charles Bronson would’ve carried.

[oldenuff2no]

now that depends on what part of cali you live in. Both my wife and I have permits as do most of my friends.
Your 9MM is plenty big enough for your house gun. I second the motion that you need a riot gun around too.