Posted on 06/01/2020 8:47:23 AM PDT by Sharkfish
Forgive the vanity post (my first ever) but I need advice from Freepers. I have never owned any firearm other than a shotgun for duck hunting. I feel a real need now to own a gun. I'm looking for insight into the type of handgun I should research and test. Remember, it's for a newbie. I intend on getting a Florida concealed carry permit and undergoing training.
Find a range that rents various weapons. Check out several to help you decide.
My advise is KISS, a nice little revolver. .357 magnum, something easy to conceal and will work guaranteed in a panic if you pull the trigger.
Perhaps you should outline your parameters. A hogleg or a pink purse pistol might be appropriate depending on your needs.
.38 revolver. Point and click. Easy for newbies.
A good quality used revolver chambered in .357 magnum.
Ammunition.
Training.
Practice.
Lots and lots of practice.
L
They’re not popular, but for a newbie to handguns and concealed carry, you could do worse than starting out with an appropriate revolver.
Personally, I’m a Glock guy for the simplicity of the manual of arms. I have nothing against 1911s, though I’m sure that discussion will come up.
Whatever you do, get plenty of training.
I strongly recommend Massad Ayoob’s two books on lethal force, mindset, and legalities.
Deadly Force - Understanding Your Right To Self Defense
https://smile.amazon.com/Deadly-Force-Understanding-Right-Defense-ebook/dp/B00PMIGVKI
In the Gravest Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0936279001
I would recommend reading both before moving forward.
A small .38 Special revolver, hammerless.
Yep!
Go to a range and rent several.
What you think you want, is not what you usually end up getting.
I found out I hated Glock triggers.
Ms Kimber called to me
An AR-15 pistol in 300 Blackout. Good short and medium range weapon with knock down power. 300 Blackout is optimized for suppressed fire with heavy bullet subsonic loads but can also be used with supersonic ammunition when extra range is needed. An AR-15 pistol is more maneuverable in tight spaces than a M4. The down side is you can’t carried it concealed.
Put double OO in your shotgun assuming it is a pump or auto. You don’t want to send fmj rounds into your neighbor’s house. Lots of hand guns around, 9mm, 380’s, and many surplus goodies to save you $$$, like the CZ’z and Maks.
Consider the threshold proposition of a handgun. There are a variety of .556 clip fed weapons out there with 10 inch barrels built on AR-15 frames which make more sense in the current environment than handguns.
I carry a Sig P 365. It’s a great gun. But until you are ready and familiar w a semiautomatic I would go with a .38 revolver. It’s a never fail and nothing to remember under stress.
As many posts above advise, a revolver is the best choice. Low velocity ammunition is advisable if in heavily populated area. Jacketed hollowpoint rounds if legal in your municipality.
Get a revolver. I recommend a Smith and Wesson .38 bodyguard for concealed carry.
As others have said, a revolver is the best choice. It is a long story, but one time a naked psycho with a semi-auto handgun tried to shoot me in an ambush he set up. What saved me is that he was not familiar with his new toy and had put the cartridges in the magazine backwards. Pretty hard to do that with a revolver.
Go to an indoor range and rent several that look interesting to you.
then purchase the one most appealing.
Forget all the advice you will get here.
The one thing to remember is: “You will learn to shoot the gun you have”
Couldn't agree more! Semi-auto pistols in inexperienced hands very often result in accidents and when really needed are best described as inefficient clubs in an actual emergency due to no cartridge in the chamber (people forget to rack the slide)! My Daughters have .32 magnum revolvers which are best for them since they only get out to the range 1-2 times/year.
I will always have a wheel gun handy
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