Posted on 03/09/2009 4:50:02 AM PDT by masterbeaver
I can relate to your question, as a few years ago I was exactly where you are now. I did considerable research, and I eventually chose my firearms based on these criteria:
1. The ability to find cheap, plentiful ammo to stock JIC
2. Ease of operation & to a certain extent, maintenance
3. Absolute, when it all hits the fan, rugged dependability
4. The ability to not only defend my home & family, but also suitability for other uses such as hunting if need be
With these factors in mind, I have purchased several guns, but these are my favorites...
1. Handgun- Glock 9mm
2. Shotgun- Mossberg 500 12ga
3. Rifle Marlin 336 30-30
Hope this helps
CZ makes an awesome 9mm subcompact in solid metal (no plastic guns for me) about $450 and fits a woman’s smaller grip perfectly!
I’ve been where you are...
I made my decisions based of these criteria, with a balance of all four entering into the purchases:
1. The ability to find plentiful & cheap ammo
2. Ease of operation & to a certain extent, maintenance
3. Absolute ruggedness & dependability
4. The ability not only to defend my home & family, but to use the weapon for other things if need be (i.e. hunting)
With these criteria in mind, I have purchased several guns, but my three faves are:
Handgun- Glock 9mm- while some poo-poo on these for various reasons, 9mm ammo is cheap & plentiful, their knock-down power is adequate, and they are virtually indestructible. The reason I chose 9mm over .45 is I want my wife, 16 YO son & 18 YO daughter to be comfortable & proficient in using it as well....
Shotgun- Mossberg 500 12ga- versatile easy to supply and very dependable pump shotgun. Have also purchaded 100 rds Centurion home defense shells in addition to various numbers of buckshot, birdshot, & turkey loads
Rifle- Marlin 336, 30-30- The king of the brush guns...rugged, lethal on anything up to brown bear, and easy to shoot, with scope or without. While ammo is pricey relative to the 9mm or 12ga, this is a fantastic gun and well worth having & supplying
Hope this helps....
Why do I doubt your integrity?
Sig is fantastic - if you can get the new 250, they sell the kits to change calibers. I’ve heard they are hard to find though and mostly 9mm right now.
I recommed 20mm for "newbies" (Oerlikon makes a nice one) ... and GE makes a wonderful 30mm Revolver for more advanced shooters.
Go to www.sportsmansguide.com...they have it!
Read some of these chapters.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/theboxotruth.htm
I bought the same gun for my wife for Christmas except her’s is stainless steel. It’s is a good gun except shooting .357’s in there really gives your hand a jar. I have a Ruger blackhawk that I shoot .357’s thru with no problem but it is a heavier gun with a longer barrel.
Some revolvers aren't as easy to conceal as semiautos. I prefer a "Noisy Cricket," myself:
I’ve heard from some trainers that revolvers tend to twist when used by someone (such as a woman) who have weaker wrists.
Check out the new Glock 30sf. It’s made for smaller hands.
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