[Clemenza]

Any Freepers care to advise me about picking up a handgun from a pawnshop. Local gunshops in Miami are expensive (ex. Taurus .22 Automatic goes for over $300).

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Find what you want online, then shop around for the best price.

You may find an online price that is better even with an FFL transfer fee. Most FFL dealers will drop a price to match a local competitor rather than lose a sale.

[Dog Gone]

Does Florida allow gun shows? There is no better place to see what's out there and actually hold it.

The prices can't be beat, either. New or used.

[Tree of Liberty]

You might want to check the Blue Book of Gun Values.

Also, here's some other threads on what firearms to use for a given application:

So You Want To Buy A Gun (different article than the one posted above)
Packing Light, Packing Smart: Essentials of Concealed Carry
Hey Freeper Gals what handgun should I look at....
Gun Experts, need recommendations

[discostu]

Depends on how good you are at gun maintenance and if they'll actually let you touch the guns. Most pawn shop guns have been ill treated and will need an overhaul (thurough cleaning and oiling, maybe replace some worn springs) when you get them (good pawn shops do the overhaul but it's rare). If they'll let you take the gun apart you can usually look for tell-tales (scratches, weak springs, damaged pin) in the chamber and other important areas of the weapon to see if it needs more than just basic work and make the call from there. Anyplace that won't let you break it down at least as much as you do in a normal cleaning shouldn't get your business. You'll probably also want to check around your local ranges and find out which shops don't cater to criminals; last thing you need is a hot gun, or worse one that's tied to a murder with no suspect. Because of that aspect you should save your receipt very carefully for the rest of your life (even if it's from a good shop, you just never know when dealing with pawn shops), proving when you bought the gun could save your butt.

[wtc911]

Here we go again....advice on home protection. I am former Law Enforcement and still an active handgun shooter/owner. I have been shot at (1x)...(he missed) and I have been in finger-on-the-trigger situations (2x). This is what I always suggest.....

Unless you are well trained and practice at least monthly do not go with any weapon other than a revolver. They are the essence of point and click simplicity. With an auto you have to think about too many things (is there a round in the chamber...is the safety off?) Get the revolver that fits your hand but do NOT go smaller than .38. S&W makes a number of nifty small frame five or six shot .38s. They are all reliable and accurate to 15 yds. (The average encounter takes place within seven yds.) NYPD used a .38 Colt with ball ammo for over a century and NEVER had a malfunction. Go with pre-fragmented hollow-points using a low load. They pack a punch and you won't have through-and-through issues.

If you are a big person and get the training then think about the M1911 .45. Almost any variation from a reputable mfg is good, but costly. Even then there are recoil, stovepipe and over-power issues.

Ignore anyone who praises riot or trench guns. I have never heard of any instructor or experienced officer who opted for any shotgun as his first choice. They are two-hand weapons...not a good idea in the dark, coming down a narrow stairway or turning a corner. Leave them to the SWAT teams. Besides, where in the bedroom or the car or your bag are you going to keep a shotgun?

Ignore anyone who tells you that a .22, .25 or .32 is acceptable. I personally know one dude who got shot SEVEN times with a .25. His street name is Champ and he's still around.

Ignore anyone who tells you to aim for a head shot. You're not a Mafia hitman. No professional will ever train you for this. Just take a look at qualifying targets...no points for a head shot. Two quick ones to the center of the torso ends all arguments.

Whatever you do get, keep it clean, learn how to use it, stay practiced, and pray you never have to use it.....good luck and God bless.

[Eagle Eye]

Guns n Knives in Ft. Lauderdale used to be reasonable.

[RebelDawg]

Clemenza,

If you want a smaller caliber I would suggest trying a .32 H&R magnum revolver.It is a nice round despite what soem people may tell you. Taurus makes an ultra-lite model revolver chambered in .32 H&R magnum which is the perfect conceal and carry weapon.

Of course they make an ultra lite .357 mag but it has considerable more recoil especially in such a light weapon. The .32 H&R mag is quite capable of stopping an intruder.

The ultra lites are pricey though. Check

Taurus for details.