...that way I can use the same ammo for my sidearm and primary weapon ;-)
Posted on 03/09/2009 4:50:02 AM PDT by masterbeaver
I want to buy a handgun and would like some opinions on to what I should be looking out for and what kind would be best for me.
I do not know much about the features of most handguns and what would best fit me.
I like to go to shooting ranges and would like to use my own gun. I would also like to have one in my house just in case.
I want a basic pistol that is easy for novice shooters. I don't need anything overpowering or too flashy.
What kind of mm do I need and what is the best type of gun to buy for recreational/protection purposes?
Thanks for your help.
Get a Ruger SR9 ( 9mm) semi-auto . Great price , Great grip, Made in America, Lifetime warranty , and built like a tank . Good for carry also .
Don’t forget the double (00) buckshot.
This is exactly what I was going to post today.
I am going to a gun store this week to buy a handgun.
I already have a Mossberg 20-guage shotgun but want a handgun.
I see most people are recommending revolvers. Yesterday on a reply I mentioned that I was going to get a concealed carry permit and then someone replied to my reply saying don’t do it, that it merely puts me on record with potential gun-grabbers.
However I live in Texas and that is not too likely right now.
Also I see a lot of people are recommending Glocks. I have two women friends who have Glocks.
My brother keeps telling me to get a .38 revolver. Well, whatever is simplest is best for me, I think. I am an amateur at this.
This is what I always tell anyone looking for a gun. FWIW. This is in addition to the excellent comments made previously.
1. Before you plop down any cash, go to a store, and do some research. Buying a gun is like buying a car or a set of golf clubs. *YOU* have to find the BEST fit for YOUR HAND. Pick up a few, heft them, see if it is comfortable in your hand and you like the grip. Can you grip it quickly and easily? Does it have a smooth feel to you?
2. Line up the sights at a target. Be sure you are not pointing it at anyone! Can you get on the target swiftly and compfortably? If the gun is right to you, you should be able to line up on a target quickly, with no fidgeting or excess movement. If you can’t, find another one. After all, your life may depend on this ability.
3. Get something ubiquitous. While the Glock Automatic Pistol is cool, rounds are hard to come by. Find a weapon you can get ammo for in Walmart, and not at a gun shop. Good choices are .45 and .357
4. Make sure you get something that has knockdown power. The 9mm is great, but law enforcement teach you to double tap with this round because it is so small. You want to be able to neutralize, not wound.
5. After you find what you like, PLEASE get training from a licensed firearms instructor. It is like golf again, perfect practice makes perfect shooting.
6. MOLON LABE!:)
Let me know what you get. Always glad to meet another well-armed citizen.:)
.357 mag. You can practice all day with .38spl. All you have to do with revolvers is point and click.
I second that choice. We have two XD’s in our home. The Marines have now tested them again the Glock. The Marines pick the XD.
...that way I can use the same ammo for my sidearm and primary weapon ;-)
My advice is to stick with a revolver because it's just point and shoot. No issues regarding magazine feed, stovepipes, jams or all the rest of it. Once you are proficient and comfortable with a good revolver, then you can get a semi-auto if you like.
.38 Special just isn't sufficient for self-defense in my opinion (I worked for the Atlanta P.D. when they carried .38s and "Reggie pellets" and they were definitely undergunned). The .357 Mag will shoot .38s for practice, and if the recoil doesn't bother you it's adequate. I would get .44 Special myself, the Charter Arms Bulldog is back in production and it's a nice little carry gun. Little hard to find ammo but it's available (if more expensive than .38s). You do NOT want a .44 Magnum for any reason - that was the big recoil gun that macho types bought, put 6 rounds through, and never fired again, until even more extreme monsters like the .454 Casull became available.
I carried a .32 S&W revolver (a/k/a 'the mouse gun' - not recommended) when I was a teenager, then carried a .45 ACP Combat Commander for years and years. Recently switched to the Sig-Sauer P245 because it's double action. But, like I said, I would stick to revolvers until you get plenty of practice.
I tend to agree with the revolver idea. And as mentioned if you get a .357, you can shoot .38 ammo for practice. You might want to consider one with a durable stainless steel finish. You may actually be able to find some deals in the used market but you would need someone experienced to go with you.
As for an automatics, they tend to be a bit more expensive and do require more maintenance. The classic full size Beretta 92, which is the standard military sidearm is pretty easy to break down and maintain. Plus it has a 15 round capacity and 9mm ammo is still fairly plentiful and easy to obtain. Again try shooting a variety of the types mentioned and see what you like. Look for a price of mid $500 for this Beretta.
For effective home defence on a budget, I have a Maverick/Mossberg 12 gauge pump which can be had for $200 or less. For a good quality, new handgun, remember you are looking at about twice that.
I’m wondering how easy it is to find a good handgun and the ammo to go with it right now? Again 9mm and 12 ga is fairy easy to come by but I’ve had real trouble finding anything in .380ACP.
Good luck. Whatever you do, I suggest you do it quick. I do think semi-automatics in any form could be targeted by the commies in charge at any moment.
I am considering buying “The Judge”. Its a 45 cal revolver that also shoots 410 shotgun shells.
I agree, my first was a Security Six by Ruger. It has a five pound trigger pull and a sliding firing pin. The five pound trigger pull makes it real hard for young hands to accidentally pull the trigger. The sliding firing pin is great for preventing the round under the trigger from firing prematurely. There is no safey as most gun accidents occur when the safety is “on” or when the gun is “unloaded”.
Never point the gun at anyone, never, never, never. Even when you are cleaning it and have checked to make sure it is unloaded. Never joke with anyone about shooting them or anything like that.
It is stainless which makes it more rust and corrosion resistant. The stainless makes it easier for the bad guy to see, and he may just give up saving you a massive clean up effort and cost. It is always better not to have to shoot. Mine is a 357, but I can always load it with 38s. 38s are cheaper to shoot. A 357 is a more powerful load.
Have fun. The first day I got my 357, I picked it up at lunch. Then decided to take it home rather than bring it into my government office. When I arrived at my rental house, the front door was wide open. For the first time in my life there was no reason to call the Copperooskis. I sat down on the front steps and took the gun and ammo out of the bag and calmly loaded it. I shouted into the house that if anyone was in there they could leave if they wanted with no harm, otherwise... Luckily there was no one home. Luckily for them.
I agree with those that would recommend a revolver for a first pistol.
Along the same note - can anyone suggest a good small concealable 9mm I’m considering for my wife? Thanks.
I like the 12 ga constellation round for home defense. It has a .65 cal slug and six double 00’s in a star patteren. Hard to find as most online sellers are out of stock.
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