[Solson]

thoughts?

[OHelix]

For home protection, I think a shotgun is your best bet. Less likely to penetrate walls, and less need to be presice when aiming. Also, the really cool click sound the pump actions make are an extremely effective psychological deterant... That sound may be enough to make the bad guys decide to run away...

[2Am4Sure]

I like my Ruger SP-101. If you live in a state that let's you carry, it fits nicely in a shoulder holster or a pocket.

[El Gato]

While the Rossis are probably fine, Taurus, also of Brazil, is generally thought to produce higher quality firearms. Don't know about relative cost, but in general you do get no more than you pay for, although often you get less.

[D2BAH]

If you wanna shop some more afore the final decision. . .check out the most incredible firearm website I've seen (so far). . .www.gunsamerica.com Gun fans can sit at the computer, ooh, ah, drool and dream for hours.

[donozark]

Can't help you with Rossi. I'm a COLT and S&W man myself. Ya, I know both Corps have broke it off in us. But mine were purchased long ago. My PYTHON is to die for. 6 inch barrel. Mepro-Light sights. Pachmyar grips. Very accurate. Down side? $$$$$

[Robert357]

Rossi, especially of recent vintage are just fine. Many many years ago there was a question about the quality of metal they used. I have a stainless Rossi 38 special from my late father-in-law. It works very nicely.

Personally, I prefer Taurus revolvers, but Rossi has good prices. 357 is a good all around cartridge with both stopping power and the ability to digest 38 special ammo.

I would strongly recommend that whatever pistol/revolver you purchase, you get one with adjustable sites and at least a 4 inch barrel. This will allow you to do some reasonable target practice so that you will learn how to use the handgun.

If you are hooked on a revolver (which I am) you need to understand that hot, high pressure gas comes out from between the cyclinder and the barrel. If you are not careful you can hurt yourself or others from the blast of hot gas. Purchase hearing and eye protection and a cleaning kit for your revolver. You may also wish to consider going to a gun show. If nothing else they are a great place to buy inexpensive ammo.

I suggest that you get some instruction or at least ask someone who has done lots of shooting to take you to a range. Remember to practice and I strongly suggest that you invest in some kind of locking device for either the revolver or ammo. Now go get it and enjoy!

[The KG9 Kid]

Excellent pistol. Great caliber.

[Gordian Blade]

I recently got a Mossberg 500 pump shotgun with a pistol grip. Holds 6+1 shells. Ugly looking, but compact and gets the job done. The gun shop owner who sold it to me made the same comment as a previous poster about the sound of the action being an unmistakable deterrent. A nervous voice saying, "I have a gun!" doesn't cut it. Also, you can load it with ammo that will take out a person on the other side of the room but will not go through a wall with force enough to hurt an unintended person seriously.

I'm currently looking for a long gun to polish my marksmanship. 9mm semiauto looks like the right choice for me. Again, I don't want the bullet to carry too far for safety reasons. Another consideration is that my spouse needs to be able to fire the weapon with confidence, and 9mm doesn't kick back very hard. The ammo is also reasonably priced.

But in the end, you have to go with what is confortable for you. Is there any way you can try it on a range before buying, or get a trade-in guarantee if you don't like it?

P.S. It's pretty difficult to get a pistol permit where I live.

[g'nad]

I have a Rossi 971, a .357 w/4" barrel...Put over 10,000 rounds through it. Reliable and accurate. Cost me $189.00 back in '94. It's my wife's preferred handgun. All in all, I'm extremely satisfied with it.

[mercy]

1. Buy American.

2. If you are not VERY proficient with guns in general ... stay away from handguns untill you take a good class and shoot several thousand rounds.

3. If you have kids the only safety is the same as when you have a pool ... teach them to swim.

4. If a woman is involved ... stick with the double action revolver.

5. If home protection is your goal ... get a mean dog as well as the gun.

6. If walking around protection is your goal ... get a big mean dog as well as the gun.

[mrgolden]

I've owned and shot many fine pistols of Colt, SW and Ruger. I recently bought a Taurus Titanium in .45 colt. It is by far the finest I have ever shot. Dead on accurate with extremely tight groups. Moderate recoil with the titanium. Excellent power with the large caliber. My pistol of choice.

[chnsmok]

With my husband the question is "Which gun NOT to buy?". Narrows the the field somewhat. Home protection = shotgun...I am a terrible shot!

[Drammach]

I bought a Rossi 22 cal revolver some 20 years ago, and still have it.
It has 2 cylinders, one for 22 short and another for 22 long rifle and 22 magnum.
First time I used magnum ammo, the brass swelled, and it took a hammer and steel rod to get the brass out of the cylinder chambers.
It works just fine with 22 long rifle though.

My suggestion? If You decide on the Rossi based on price, see if the dealer will let You test fire it first.
Make sure it's got the right "feel" to it, and the ammo doesn't stick in the chamber, easy to reload, etc..

Ask the dealer to recommend a few other handguns as well, and test fire them as well.
You might try finding a local Shooting range that has various handguns in stock for shooters to try out, as well.
They use them for training and educating new shooters.
In your case, You can try out several calibers and configurations, and see what suits You, as well as recieve some shooting experience, and possibly, if You're willing, some training in gun safety.

I would probably prefer a heavier frame weapon than the Taurus, but they make an excellent 357 identical to the pictured Rossi, and in Titanium, which is much lighter.

The advantages of the 357 is the interchangable ammo.
It will fire 38 special just as well, and 38 wadcutter reloads are a lot cheaper than 357 ammo.
Also, for greater accuracy, 38 special will provide less kick and muzzle climb in a 357 frame. Results? More shots accurately placed in a shorter time.

As long as You're not considering concealed carry but home defense, You might consider something with a longer barrel as well.
The snub nose is a more comfortable carry gun, but less accurate at longer ranges.

I noticed several people recommending a shotgun. I would ask You to consider one as well.
A 12 gauge pump shotgun will provide protection and some serious "show of force" power.
the sound of a pump shotgun is sure to get the attention of anyone bent on mischief.
Likewise, a 12 guage can be loaded with either shot, slugs, or specialty rounds like "flechettes" or even emergency flares.
I recommend a #9 bird shot, and for more serious work, a few #00 buckshot, alternating with slugs.

I hope this hasn't bored all the other "gun nuts" like me, but new shooters need to carefully consider what they are doing when buying a gun.
It is the power of Life and Death, and as You hold that power, You are responsible for Your actions.
Make sure You recieve proper and extensive training with an approved NRA instructor.

[KneelBeforeZod]

I don't know about know but Rossis used to be right down there with Llamas and Lorcins

[donozark]

In the "old days" when cops carried revolvers, all that I knew carried Colts/S&W. Even as backup weapons. Their lives depended on the weapons they had. Rossi? I'd research the heck out of 'em! I looked through some old issues of AMERICAN RIFLEMAN to see if I could find anything on them. I don't have any index, however, perhaps if you contact NRA or American Handgunner or some other magazine you night find a review of this particular weapon. GOOD LUCK! And remember, a .357 Magnum is a VERY unforgiving round! I have a GLOCK, a Makarov, CZ, etc. But I still love my PYTHON. I shoot 125gr. However, I have run some 158gr. through it and it BLASTS!!

[KeyLargo]

OH NO! WHAT WILL BABS SAY! ANOTHER BAD, BAD, GUN THREAD.

Anyway, I like a good old Colt Python. I have one of the originals. Boy, smooth action and solid pistol. You point that in some moron's face and he thinks that you have a Howitzer in you hand.

[SurferDoc]

For the same money you can get a police trade-in Smith&Wesson. I have several. The Ruger is excellent also. If its for your protection and your family's protection, buy the best you can afford. I prefer American revolvers, older ones in good condition especially.

[sheik yerbouty]

If you're in an apartment, a shotgun or a 45 Colt Auto would be best. Both have "pointability" and are not overly penetrative; or else use the 357, but with frangible bullets like a Glaser.

[Don Myers]

bttt