Please recommend a good handgun

[Charlotte M. Corday]

I need the advice of an expert. Two nights ago, in nearby community, a high school football coach and his teenage son were murdered by a home invader. In the wake of this, I have finally decided to buy a gun and take a class in how to use it.

Here's what I am looking for in a handgun:

1. Easy to use, but not easy to discharge accidentally.

2. Powerful enough to stop an attacker, but not difficult for a small woman to handle.

What would you suggest?

[Puppage]

LOL!!!

[captbarney]

definatly go to the local range,talk with the people(they will certainly be helpful),try various weapons, THEN CHOOSE A REVOLVER (ease of use and safety)

[ladyrustic]

Hi Charlotte- Are you going to be carrying this weapon with you, or just leaving it in the home? The answer to that question will affect the size weapon you choose.

I would recommend a revolver as the safest weapon to have in the home, or to carry. If you will carry it and worry about accidental discharge, just leave one chamber empty and there is no way the gun will go off unless you pull the trigger with a good amount of force.

And Charlotte, even though you're small, I'm certain that with a little practice you could handle and enjoy shooting any pistol caliber you choose.

[The Toll]

I live in the area that you are referring to also. The suggestion to go to a local range and ask for help is very good advice. I suggest (American Classic Marksman) on Peachtree Industrial. It is free for women on Thursday's. Plus the guys there will be more than happy to offer you instruction.
If you have little experience with guns I would suggest a revolver. Taurus makes a .38 Ultra Light that is smaller and I think it fits your situation. Plus they are not terribly expensive.

[zencat]

I second this.

The .357 revolver would have to be my top choice for personal defense and reliability. Not quite as sexy as a mag fed pistol, but more reliable, easier to use, and less costly.

[ThePointer]

I love these threads, they seem to come up once a month. The common theme I have seen is a Mossberg shotgun for home protection. Probably would never have to use it.

If it has to be a handgun go with what stylin_geek said. I got a shooting range in my town where I could rent almost anything.

[Hammerhead]

Please do not listen to these knuckleheads who are telling you to get a semi-automatic. The just like to get excited hearing themselves talk.

go get a .357 revolver with a short barrel and load it up with +P+ .38 ammo. You wont be able to handle a .357 load.

[from occupied ga]

You say nothing about how big or strong you are. Makes a difference. Since you obviously don't already have a gun you should start with a revolver. A Taurus titanium .357 with a 4 inch barrel is a nice all purpose handgun. It's light, and if the .357 recoil is too much for you , you can go to .38. I got the best price at Dave's Gun Room on Bufford Hiway, but I think that the management has changed since I got mine, so call around.

[CapnMcK]

Your best bet would be a revolver in .38/.357mag., and there are several good ones on the market. The S&W Ladysmith series might be a good choice, but I'd strongly recommend trying as much "hands-on" experience as you can get before buying. Perhaps taking that shooting course before buying your weapon might be a good idea.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Most of the new revolvers have a transferbar system that makes them safe with all six chambers full.

[MediaMole]

You should consider a shotgun.

If are going to get a handgun, then I would recommend getting a .357 revolver and loading it with .38 special ammunition.

If you want an automatic, make sure you can try any model before you buy. You need to make sure you can..

1. Hold it comfortably and consistently pull the trigger. Some grips are large and the trigger pull is long.

2. Rack the slide. Some slides are very difficult to retract, so you may not be able to clear a jammed cartridge.

3. Handle the recoil. Lighter guns have more recoil, but heavy guns can be tiring to hold.

My personal recommendation would be a Browning High Power in 9mm if you want an automatic. It has many safety features. Firing pin safety, magazine disconnect and a safety on the weapon.

Get good training, both in handling the firearm and in the legal aspects of self defense.

[OXENinFLA]

http://www.thearmedcitizen.com/infolink.htm#women

[ChuckShick]

A Glock 27 or a Smith & Wesson "Shorty .40". Both are excellent with great safety features. If you want something small get a S&W titanium .38, and use +P rounds.

[captbarney]

definitely

[Jim Cane]

...i'd recommend a .357 revolver with 4" barrel. ruger make several models which have a frame that fits female hands better. you can load .38 special and/or .357 loads which will stop just about any methed out intruder...

I second that. Also take a look at a stainless Taurus if you want more of a S&W feel in the hand without the price.

[aviator]

Get a revolver that shoots .357/and .38 special rounds. A revolver is simple to operate. Pull trigger; gun goes bang. The .38 special bullet has good stopping power and my wife finds it easy to shoot. She is a small woman. If you become proficient, you can load .357 rounds in the same gun which give an even more effective bullet but also more recoil. Handling the additional recoil can be learned with practice.

Join a local gun club and practice until you are comfortable with it. Good luck!

[sandydipper]

Taurus model 85 stainless 2" barrel - 5 shot .38 revolver. No maintenance - aim and pull the trigger - about $250.00 new in the box.

[from occupied ga]

I actually have several weapons, and my carry choice is a Colt .380 SA on most occasions simply because it is much easier to conceal, but the Taurus titanium .357 goes in my fanny pack when I wear one.

My personal choices for home defense are 1 UZI 2 AK47, but I understand that other people are more comfortable with other things.

[from occupied ga]

The taurus TI .357 has a 7 shot cylinder

[Little Ray]

Springfield XD (Extreme Duty) Compact in .40 or 9mm. .40 is better. This is a compact polymer framed auto with a pretty good rep.
Smith and Wesson Bodyguard (or clone) in .38. Use hollow points. This is a 5 shot revolver with a fairing over the hammer so it doesn't snag when pulling it out. Revolvers are not finicking about ammo like autos, but (obviously) don't hold as many bullets.
Glocks, don't know the number. Get the .45 or .40 compact version.
Taurus snubbie revolvers in .357 or .44 spcl.