Posted on 09/26/2001 8:04:00 PM PDT by 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!
Actually that is the best choice in the home, assuming you don't want something to carry along too. I keep mine loaded with #7 1/2 birdshot though, so I don't kill the neighbors. I figure an ounce of birdshot to the face at point-blank range should be very discouraging.
A .22 is nice, probably something to keep in a location you can get it near where you can get of need . Put the money to getting a laser sight and if it comes up, aim for the head and make some cottage cheese in a coconut . The only mess from that would be from the scums' hair after he's dead or labotomized on the carpet .
Cheese .
For home defense, Bommer is right. The shotgun is the most effective and safest firearm you can own. A 12 guage shotgun loaded up with large birdshot or small buckshot is more potent than any handgun. A cylinder or improved cylinder choked barrel is recommended, and if you can get a short barrel (must be 18+inches by law) it throws a nice wide pattern. The Mossberg 500 is cheap, very reliable, and there are tons of parts available to turn it into a tricked-out street sweeper. Any Academy or Oshmans should have them at a fair price, and if you have gun shows in your area, I'd start there and look for a used one.
If you are set on getting a pistol, there are lots of models that are in your price range. You will need to decide if you want a semi-auto or a revolver. Revolvers are usually more reliable, but they have a lower ammo capacity and slower rate of fire. For a revolver a 38 Special or .357 would be the smallest and cheapest available. Taurus, Smith and Wesson, Ruger and Rossi make some good guns in your price range, but the S&W and Rugers will probably be used for that price. For the semi-autos, I would not go any smaller than a 9mm, and I would recommend at least a .40. Taurus also makes some nice semi-autos, but if you really want quality and reliability, I'd go spend a little more money and get a Colt, Kimber, Beretta, Glock, or Springfield. Most of these come in a 45ACP. It is the most field proven round for defense, and many police are handing in their 40's and 9mm's for the old tried-and-true 45. It has a little more recoil than other pistol rounds, but if you practice you will only need 1 shot. ;)
As a final bit of advice, don't get in a hurry to buy one. Take the time to do your research (the internet has a lot of info), and pick the one that is right for you. Local gun stores are usually more than happy to help out if you tell them you don't know what you want, and you need help picking the right gun. Good luck.
If you really want a handgun, though, get a .45. My Ruger P90 is in the $300 range, and it is an excellent gun.
The only reason you would ever shoot someone is because you want them to stop what they are doing THIS INSTANT, and in a handgun, a .45 gives you the best chance of doing that.
Back that up with a revolver, 38 or 357.
L
For handguns, there are so many to choose from.
If you DO opt for the handgun, go .40 cal (more stopping power than a 9mm) and -- especially if you have KIDS -- go SEMI-AUTO in something with a separate SAFETY (Glocks have none). While they're easier for the ladies to use, a REVOLVER is ALWAYS "ON" and if a kid gets ahold of it...
A semi with a full mag in the butt and an empty chamber and the safety latched is tough for a kid to operate. The slide spring on a .40 is probably too hard for a youngster to snap to chamber a round.
Whatever you get, EVERYONE who may someday have to use it MUST spend enough time at the range to become comfortable with it.
I DRILLED the FIRST RULE OF FIREARM SAFETY into my kids and grandkids: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UNLOADED WEAPON! If they don't learn anything else (but they DID), that one could keep them out of trouble.
Be safe -- and we all hope you NEVER need it.
Most people go out and buy a 45 or whatever and throw it in the drawer. Don't do that. Practice.
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