I'm Thinking of Buying a Handgun --- Suggestions???

[mn-bush-man]

I have been a hunter for years, but now that I'm out of the folks' house and have a family of my own, I am serious about acquiring a handgun for my home protection. I don't know a lot about handguns, so I am curious if any of you have any suggestions. I'm on a bit of a budget, so try to keep it in the $300ish range. Thanks!

[oldsalt]

That Taurus 617T is my CCW also. I love that gun. The Suggested Retail Price of $600 at the Taurus website is a little high, I got mine at a gun show for $450 about a year or so ago.

It's my CCW though, for home defense I would go with what seems to be the consensus and pick a good short-barreled pump shotgun, like the Mossberg 500 series.

[dbbeebs]

Thats not saying a .22 shot in the chest or abdomen ...

IMHO, you don't shoot a .22 in the center of mass. There are three areas to pick: nose, and both eyes (assuming a head on shot).

[yarddog]

.22 LR Hollowpoints are very common, I think every major maker makes at least one hp and sometimes several.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

did you see this yet?

http://www.FreeRepublic.com/forum/a3bb3bc2c4499.htm

[from occupied ga]

I think shotguns have too many problems to qualify as the best home defense weapon (see post 131 for some but not all of their problems) I have an Uzi and I have a semi-auto AK handy for home defense.

[Brasky]

For under 300 bucks, your options are limited. I'd say try to look for a used Glock 17 or Colt 45 or a Colt knock-off, for something new, that CZ is a great value. Try gun-shows first, then a gun store, I take it you live in MN. There are plenty of gun stores up there.

[bullseye1911]

First suggestion, Take an NRA personal protection/basic pistol class. Not only will you learn the laws of your state and Federal statutes, you will be exposed to a wide variety of handgun options. When I teach, I encourage students to try other classmates firearms, to get a feel for what's available. Every handgun has tradeoffs and no one gun is appropriate for all circumstances. While a .45 cal 1911 style is my personal favorite, they're heavy and hard to conceal. a small .22 is easy to conceal, but underpowered ( better than a rock.) Finally, under no circumstances do I recommend ANY glock for a novice shooter, as the trigger safety is just not appropriate for anyone not highly trained to stay safe (ie: finger off the trigger, especially under stress) Good luck....Bullseye

[Gone_Postal]

Go up to the 440 dollar range and get the Taurus Millenium in .45 (PT145). I had my hands on it the other day and won't rest until it is in my hands permanently.

I shot this little gem the other day and was truly impressed with it, no recoil, light weight, and accurate.
In my area I priced them for about $380. My opinon a good investment.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Others on this thread have complained about the Taurus' triggers in general, but have not shot this pistol (PT145) specifically.

What is your opinion of the trigger?

[labusiness]

It is important to go to the range and try out several types.. I know lots of guys like the Glock - but it doesn't feel like my Wilson- You have to be comfortable with the weight etc... Don't get a .22, you might as well have a b-b gun

[MileHi]

Find a good .357 with a 4" barrel. You should be able to stay close to your budget. I would not suggest an auto loader for a novice. Practice with .38 to save money, then shoot enough .357 to get good with your load of choice. Good luck and have fun.

[clamper1797]

Don't tell the government that you have it.

[ZULU]

A shot-gun is a better home defense weapon.

[MississippiMan]

Don't forget the option of shopping at reputable pawn shops for good used handguns at significant savings.

[diotima]

Model: Walther PPK (stainless)
Caliber: 9x17mm (0.380 ACP, 9mm Short)
Capacity: 6 round magazine

This is going to be the first gun I buy.

[freedomlover]

IMHO, you don't shoot a .22 in the center of mass. There are three areas to pick: nose, and both eyes (assuming a head on shot).

I'm sorry but I'm a pretty good shot (in controlled situations) and I'm gonna get something in the body as soon as I can.

The eyes? Right. Maybe if you can shoot flying doves with that same .22.

I'm not going to start picking away at the head. Now maybe the last round, once things start to slow down .....

However you can't beat a simple pump 12ga .. any load ... and shoot towards the center.

[muleskinner]

Lemat - 9 shot .40 cal + bonus.

Bonus - .65 cal shotgun round, located under barrel

So what if it uses black powder, you won't have to deal with any registration issues. In addition, if you fire it a couple times, the smoke screen created will assist in a tactical retreat.

BTW, the favorite gun of Gen. J.E.B. Stewart and Col. George S. Patton, to name a few.

[dbbeebs]

However you can't beat a simple pump 12ga

I agree. My comment with the .22 is that if you have one for self defense, you've limited your range of shot placement options quite a bit.
Center of Mass shots don't work with a .22 - You've got to aim at "center of head"

[surfer]

SW makes a great .40, 13+1, light weight and high quality...they also have a nice 380 as well.

[surfer]

sorry make that 10+1...oops...