Posted on 11/23/2010 4:41:59 PM PST by pepsi_junkie
I've never posted a vanity before so I'm ready for the scolding I'll get for doing it, but I need help. My wife and I are considering buying a handgun and while I've fired a variety of guns previously at a range with friends, I've never bought or owned one. I know FR is full of 2nd amendment advocates and was hoping I could get some help as to what to buy.
It would be for both my wife and I for occasional use at a range and, in the unlikely event of a home invasion, self defense.
I don't want something too powerful for my wife to easily handle but at the same time I don't want something that would be ineffective in a self defense situation. Any suggestions?
Well...tell pepsi_junkie that, not me...I already have a few handguns... :)
I am always reluctant to recommend Glocks to new gun owners. That safety on the trigger is not much of a safety until you learn to keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. I have a G19 and it is very reliable. It is just the light trigger pull and where the safety is located that makes me reluctant to recommend it. A 357 magnum can be loaded with 48 special for lower recoil so that could be an interesting option.
my 2 cents...a .45ACP or a .357. A shotgun (12 gauge with slugs)is nice, but your average drug addict breaking into your house is not going to respond to the “slide” sound. In any case, all 3 are one shot weapons...avoid the 9 millimeters and .22’s. Let us know what you choose.
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. You’re looking at $700-$900 new for one of those models. 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
I’m in the camp that thinks that you use the hand gun that would be most helpful in getting you from your bed to the closet where your 12 gauge or assault rifle is. I use a .38 because my closet is about 5 steps from my bed. 1 shell for each step with one left over for caution.
I forgot: Stick with a more standard caliber such as .38, .357, 9mm, or .45. .40s have some great characteristics, but you can end up paying quite a bit more for ammo, and when ammo gets scarce, it can be harder to find. (Actually, I had a heckuva time finding .357 for a while in 2009.)
Also, forgot H&K in my list of good manufacturers. Oops. And I know some people who hate Glocks, while others love them.
Your wife's best gun: A firearm, that she can afford (ask "What is her life worth to me and my family?"), and that she can shoot accurately and is comfortable.
40 posts before the first mention of Glock! We love our glocks. I personally have trouble with any slide on any handgun so for my personal regular use I have a Ruger SP101 revolver, what a beauty she is. I might add, every home should have a shotgun for home defense.
BUT...If you might be thinking doing some varmint hunting also, a hand gun and a rifle in .22lr is great. Just make sure to double tap for home defense.
Heck just for shooting experience, a .22 is fun and cheap. And a hand gun an rifle can be had for less than the cost of 1 Berretta.
That’s how I ended with my first Kimber the TAC II. I shot several guns over two weeks and just loved the TAC II. Turned out is was puppy love.
I fell hard in love with the Kimber Eclipse Target II and it’s the one I go to the range with...Always.
Can’t be making my baby jealous.
My brother loves his H&K 9mm, I don’t. Though I do envy what he pays for ammo.
Freepers and guns!?
He wants his wife to be able to shoot it also.
man thats purdy
Get a used Smith and Wesson 38. Either a model 10 or a model 15 with a 4 inch barrel. A nice example of either can be found at most gun stores for under $400.
The 38 special round has plenty of power for what you want, and it is easy enough for anyone to become proficient .
The revolver is as simple as they come, they kept the peace for citizens, the police and the military for nearly 100 years, and work as well today.
Hornady Critical Defense in .45 is an excellent choice. I have a couple hundred rounds.
But, I like the Winchester PDX1 .45 and 230 grain. It’s 45 grains heavier and doesn’t cost anymore than Hornady.
I have no real idea if 45 grain more is a true advantage but what the heck.... Can’t hurt....me.
I like both ammo’s though.
How sad... :)
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