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Advice on firearm purchase needed
Vanity | pepsi_junkie

Posted on 11/23/2010 4:41:59 PM PST by pepsi_junkie

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To: pepsi_junkie

Glock 19 or SigP226 - 9mm platforms, high capacity magazines, ammo is relatively cheap and plentiful. Both are very durable and easy to maintain. Glock is much less expensive.

Take basic gun safety and shooting training courses and practice every time you can. Then, take a course dealing with what happens when you shoot someone and the ethics of self defense. You must be confident you can do it if the time ever comes.


41 posted on 11/23/2010 5:06:53 PM PST by GRRRRR (He'll NEVER be my President, FUBO!)
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To: pepsi_junkie

.357 revolver.

Utterly reliable, no complex immediate action in case of misfire, minimal training, can fire .38 or .357 rounds and can be regripped to fit any hand.

If you each get one, then your weapons and ammo are interchangeable.

In case you’re wondering, why my wife and I travel she has a S&W model 10 and I have a 686.


42 posted on 11/23/2010 5:07:59 PM PST by Eagle Eye (A blind clock finds a nut at least twice a day.)
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To: pepsi_junkie

40 cal glock for you. Wife any big name 32 cal. Sotgun would be nice too..


43 posted on 11/23/2010 5:07:59 PM PST by Mere
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To: pepsi_junkie

Hi-Point-— American Made Lifetime Warranty

and affordable,,though have been called ugly.

http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns/handgun_main.html


44 posted on 11/23/2010 5:08:35 PM PST by silentreignofheroes
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Comment #45 Removed by Moderator

To: yarddog

A .22 is way underrated for defense, it may not have immediate stopping power but it will stop em. (eventually)

Cheap ammo, easy to find and fun to shoot.

TT


46 posted on 11/23/2010 5:08:35 PM PST by TexasTransplant (I don't mind liberals... I hate liars...there just tends to be a high degree of overlap)
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To: driftdiver

If you do not have a gun you need to get one. NOW!


47 posted on 11/23/2010 5:08:44 PM PST by FightThePower! (Fight the powers that be!)
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To: pepsi_junkie
Have to agree with driftdiver on all counts.

Stick with a semi auto, it'll make the recoil a little better for your wife.

If your wife feels the 45 acp is just a little too much try a 10mm or .40.

9mm's are ok , but not a lot of stopping power.
Now that being said, its still not a bad round and the ammo is easy to get and inexpensive. The SEALs carried the Sig P229 until they went to a 45acp with the H&K MK23 (BIG gun). Also, many cops and military carry the Beretta 92 fs.

Find the frame you like, then find the round you like.

Like I said the Beretta and Sig both have military backgrounds, meaning they are reliable. H&K, in my opinion is the best out there. And their price is going to be 30-50% higher than the Sig or Beretta. H&K has the USP and you can get it in 9mm, .40 and .45. The USP is basically the little brother to the MK23, with most of the same workings, but on a smaller frame.

Remember to try different combinations of frames and calibers. A 45 in one gun might feel too much, but in another it might feel fine.

You said you shot some friends guns. How did you like any of them (the guns, not your friends)

48 posted on 11/23/2010 5:09:22 PM PST by mountn man (The pleasure you get from life, is equal to the attitude you put into it.)
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To: pepsi_junkie

Go with the Taurus Judge. It shoots 45colt and 410 that you can alternate in the chamber if you like or just load it with 45 hollow points. With a semi you have to chamber a round before firing where you only have to pull the trigger with the revolver. I have a s&w 38 that has more recoil than the Judge. Taurus has even come out with one that has a pink grip. I keep mine handy in my house and vehicle. For concealment I have a keltec 380 and a Taurus 9mm. But my favorite hands down is the Judge.


49 posted on 11/23/2010 5:09:54 PM PST by spitter
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To: Yehuda

Thats why I live in Florida, sorry. Although I do fly up there and work sometimes.


50 posted on 11/23/2010 5:10:00 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: pepsi_junkie

Here is my heartfelt advice:

1. Buy and read Boston’s Gun Bible. His advice will be 100x more valuable that you get here (except for mine ;-) and you’ll end up wiser than 90% of those who post on this thread.

2. Buy the gun you enjoyed shooting most at the range (even if you just has a little sense that it was the coolest, or felt best in your hand). Don’t force yourself to buy the one that you were most accurate with. You’ll learn with you new gun and do just fine.

3. Don’t get caught up in cartridge wars. 9 and 38 are fine, but if it starts with “4” it’s probably better. And don’t let anyone tell you that little ladies can’t handle larger calibers. The issue is not size, but whether someone has learned to shoot confidently without flinching.

4. Practice, practice, practice. Everyone says this (and they’re right) but few do enough. Also if you buy the gun you “love” or think is “cooler” you’ll want to practice more.

5. Don’t worry about making a mistake. Guns can be resold, believe it or not. If you buy at a shop, ask about a buy-back/trade-in deal. If you buy from a private individual (if legal in your state) you can check out prices online and end up paying what you could sell it for. And lemons among name brand modern pistols are almost unheard of, so don’t worry about getting taken.

6. If you can buy in a private sale, that means you are still a “virgin” with respect to federal records. Smart move, even if you have to pay a small premium. Look in your want ads, on gunsamerica, gunbroker, auctionarms (search by area code or state), or post a WTB postcard at the range. Be sure this is legal in your state, which it is in most “red” states.

7. I’m serious about Boston’s Gun Bible. Even if you buy a gun first, you should read the book ASAP.

Now, for my personal opinion: buy a nice name-brand semiauto. Revolvers are not nearly the self defense gun, assuming you have a little training. If you intend to be incompetent and untrained, you could buy a revolver, but I’d suggest buying nothing.


51 posted on 11/23/2010 5:10:47 PM PST by Atlas Sneezed ("If you touch my junk, I'm gonna have you arrested.")
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To: FightThePower!

I lost mine in a terrible boating accident.


52 posted on 11/23/2010 5:10:58 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: pepsi_junkie

Depends on what you mean by “occasionally.” If you mean once a year or less, I recommend a decent 12 ga pump shotgun, not a handgun.

If you mean “enough to get proficient,” a .38 revolver or 9mm semi-auto is a good choice. Forget the .45 - can be a bit much until you practice enough. As far as stopping power, just get some high end ammo. I like Hornady XTP or critical defense. That stuff will drop a perp. You should practice at least a little with that ammo - it can kick a little differently - but you can use plain cheap FMJ (full metal jacket) for most practice.

As far as brand goes, any “mainstream” brand is fine: Ruger, Colt, S&W, Sig, Kimber, Glock, etc. (Although I’m partial to Sigs - accurate, rugged, and fit my habd well.)

And then pls do practice more than “occasionally.” If the SHTF, you want to be proficient. Seconds or less could really matter.


53 posted on 11/23/2010 5:11:55 PM PST by piytar (0's idea of power: the capacity to inflict unlimited pain and suffering on another human being. 1984)
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To: pepsi_junkie; Vendome
I second Vendome’s suggestion of going to a range that has rentals. Go multiple times, try many different handguns. Consider how well the firearm fits your hand, how easy it is to operate the controls, how well can you fire it. Does it make you flinch? How easy can you load, unload, and check weapon condition under low light? Does the firearm “bite” the web of your hand or does the trigger pinch or blister your finger.

Find the largest caliber firearm that satisfies the above mentioned criteria for both you and your wife and then practice, practice, and practice some more. Remember, a solid hit with a .38 or 9mm, beats a miss with a larger caliber.

54 posted on 11/23/2010 5:12:02 PM PST by Sergio (An object at rest cannot be stopped! - The Evil Midnight Bomber What Bombs at Midnight)
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To: driftdiver
I don't know why I keep saying I shoot the Tac II.  I have one but the gun I shoot the most is the Kimber Eclipse Target II.
 
I went to the car and got it out to make sure.
 
Don't remember the difference but just prefer the Kimber Eclipse Target II
 

55 posted on 11/23/2010 5:14:11 PM PST by Vendome (Don't take life so seriously... You'll never live through it.)
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To: pepsi_junkie

Go with a 9mm. It is pretty much the minimum effective self-defense caliber. My wife isn’t comfortable shooting a .45. Too much pop for her.

For brands — I am partial to Heckler and Koch. The USP Compact 9mm and HK P30 9mm are both fantastic all-purpose weapons. They’re effective, durable, reliable, accurate, and concealable. Everything you’d want in a sidearm. The down side is the cost ... HK is a high-end brand. But, you definitely get what you pay for.

Other options that I like in 9mm — Walther P99, Beretta PX4 Storm, and Sig Sauer P228 or P229.

The Glock 19 is a popular model in 9mm, but I personally didn’t like the ergonomics.

SnakeDoc


56 posted on 11/23/2010 5:14:16 PM PST by SnakeDoctor (Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum -- If you wish for peace, prepare for war.)
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To: pepsi_junkie
Buy a 6 shot .357 Mag revolver with a 4 inch barrel. Get it in stainless steel with rubber grips. A .357 can be shot comfortably with .38 ammo for the range. Once you and your wife get used to it work up to full .357 mag loads.

I recommend a revolver because and no offense meant, but it's idiot proof. Stainless steel requires less maintenance and it can live in a drawer for years. The rubber grips are for comfort.

The .357 is a man killer. Keep the gun loaded and put away but readily accessible.

And lastly a firearm in the home is not for show. Never point a gun at something you do not intend to kill.

Best of luck

57 posted on 11/23/2010 5:14:43 PM PST by BigCinBigD (Northern flags in South winds flutter...)
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To: Osage Orange

My hide outt gun is a colt .38 Detective Spec., sadly lomg discontinued. The Sig .380 is nice but I still prefer a wheel gun. Longer range I will use a 12ga. ..22 are cheap to shoot and can be used in apinch for SD, Sure beats fingernails


58 posted on 11/23/2010 5:14:43 PM PST by barb-tex (What else did you expect from the likes of 0?)
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To: pepsi_junkie

Let me add that looking over the replies, you are getting some good advice, and some poor advice (sometimes in the same post).

Filter accordingly.

PS, I bet my life on Hornady Critical Defense pistol ammo, for what’s it’s worth.


59 posted on 11/23/2010 5:14:50 PM PST by Atlas Sneezed ("If you touch my junk, I'm gonna have you arrested.")
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To: Brent in TN

I love that gun but might it be a bit much for a lady?


60 posted on 11/23/2010 5:15:53 PM PST by Vendome (Don't take life so seriously... You'll never live through it.)
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