Picking a handgun

[s1mp13m4n]

Hello everyone. I do not own a handgun and some time in the future I would like one for myself and my wife. I want to handgun for personal/family safety and also for the fun of simply shooting it at a gun range. My cousin is a licensed gunsmith and does repairs for friends and people he may know. He is a huge fan of the 1911 45. His favorite brand of 1911 is Springfield Armory.
I have been shooting with him many times and I have shot several calibers and yet I keep coming back to the 45, mainly the 1911, I just like it. I also like the .38/.357 revolver. The ones I have shot are made by Taurus. I would like your thoughts and input here. My goal is concealed carry, personal protection, and fun. I want a jack of all trades sort of handgun. A snubnose .357 may be fine to carry but will not be that much fun at the gun range. :) My cousin also owns a Springfield XD .45 and likes it but still likes his 1911 better. Thanks for the advice. I am just window shopping, will not be buying tomorrow or anything.

[JoshD]

The Springfield 1911 is as close to handgun perfection as you can get. Get one. Sounds like you have your mind made up. Act on it.

The 1911 also comes in a short version. It is a little better for concealed carry.

Josh.

[s1mp13m4n]

What I liked about the Springfield is the value/bang for the buck. It seems to work well and not cost $1000 like a S&W or Kimber might. I am wondering about a Springfield in a compact as well. I tried a Prar and the grips are too fat for me. I prefer a short trigger pull as well, so I did not like the XD as much because of the long trigger pull. I like the mechanical feel of a revolver but the semi-auto holds more rounds and is fast to load should you ever need it.

[Jim B.]

Your wife may prefer something a little lighter and with less recoil than the .45 1911. Perhaps a 9mm?

[BCatl]

I don't see any problem with the Taurus .357. It will get the job done.

As far as short trigger pulls in a concealed carry, that can be good and bad (it leaves little room to change your mind....).

As long as you are getting along with your wife ok, and you don't think she'll shoot you, go ahead and flip a coin. You'll probably end up owning both one day anyway.

[s1mp13m4n]

LOL too funny. My wife wants a handgun as well some time in the future. She shot the 1911 and I think she likes the compact .45. It is not anything we would be doing too soon, but look now and save for it....you know the deal. Unless I could talk my cousin out of that Springfield 1911, LOL :). It is not like he does not have a few to pick from.

[Clem]

To the OP-

It might be a wise decision to purchase a defense gun and then save up for that wonderful Springfield to have fun with. This can be done inexpensively enough considering the relative low cost of good defense guns made by Taurus and a few other companies.

If you are looking for a gun for home defense, make sure it is easily handled by both you and your wife. I agree with BCatl, short (or light) trigger pull on a defense gun is bad news.
I wouldn't worry too much about a reload either. Most encounters happen inside of your personal space. If someone is that close, reloading is going to be a moot point. So don't rule out a revolver. In extreme close quarters, a revolver is less likely to jam or go out of battery.
When you and your lady do finally make your choice, be sure that you are both intimately familiar with the sidearm. It is also a good idea to find something that has very few bells and whistles, and easily accessible controls. Ask yourself if if you'd be able to put the gun into action when you're bleary eyed and suddenly called to act. If either of you answer "no", find something simpler.

Just some things to consider. Choice of handguns is a very personal thing and is always subject to opinion. Best of luck.

[blary54]

I own a Springfield 1911 Operator. Love the gun but .45ACP is so expensive to shoot I never use it.

That being said I also own an Springfield XD 9mm.(and a Glock 35 .40cal) Love shooting this gun. Super easy to take down and clean(compared to the 1911 which can be a little bit of a pain). Also 9mm is alot cheaper and more fun for me to shoot than 45ACP or 40S&W.

If you do decide on getting a 1911 you cant go wrong with Springfield.

[brian1g]

I am planning on getting a taurus judge , its too cool. Not sure how much fun it would be at the range but for home protection it is ideal imo.

I'm sure most of you know about this revolver but for firearm nubs such as myself here is a link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurus_Judge

Pretty sweet imo

[wuff]

Why not carry a Taser for personal protection, last thing you want is a murder beef. Just my opinion.

[Thebigspendur]

For home protection get a 12 gauge. Any handgun is very ify.

[bearbear]

don't overlook a 9mm for concealed carry. Easily handled, reliable, plenty of ammo.

Although i do agree, .45 1911 is very versatile, and just a beautiful specimen.

[badmammajamma]

My gun is determined by what my wife is comfortable shooting. After trying a number of ones, we settled on a .357 with .38 shells. We got the .357 because it has a little added weight cutting down on the recoil.

[ajkimmins]

My gun is determined by what my wife is comfortable shooting. After trying a number of ones, we settled on a .357 with .38 shells. We got the .357 because it has a little added weight cutting down on the recoil.

When you go shooting load .38's. When it's just sitting ready load .357's.

[warlandsboy]

Why not carry a Taser for personal protection, last thing you want is a murder beef. Just my opinion.

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.

[ajkimmins]

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.

It sure is a shame we don't just let people kill us!!

[Clem]

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.

I do believe OP was looking for suggestions and information, not inflammatory and offensive statements.

[Gravy]

The catch w/ concealed carry is that it's a bit harder to try before you buy.
You can't just strap it on and decide on the spot. You have to carry it for an extended amount of time to determine if its a good fit.
Here in Michigan, if you have a Concealed Pistol License, you can carry someone elses pistol. I'm not sure what the law is by you but you might want to find a way to legally carry one of your cousins pistols for a day if he has a holster for it.
I bought 4 holsters and a diff. pistol before I settled on a carry system that works for me, and depending on your body shape and the way you dress, what works for me may not work for you.

[petr]

http://usera.ImageCave.com/petr/sds.jpg

[Uncle Erik]

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.

Have you ever visited Los Angeles? If you are ever in this part of the world, I'll take you on a tour of South Central. At night. I could also drop you off on the street for 20 or 30 minutes before circling back. You could try being kind and reasonable and see how well that works. That would probably be enough for you to decide for yourself whether a taser would be sufficient.

Not to derail the thread, but I own a SA 1911 I picked up about a year ago. Very nice firearm and I recommend it. However, I don't know how it would work as a carry weapon. We're not allowed to here. Though I might move to a more civilized state in the upcoming months, and I'd consider carrying it. Though I'd probably tend towards wanting to carry the Sig P6 (retired police version of the P225), which is a 9mm. Check your gun stores to see if they offer any P6 models - it was about half the price of a new Sig and it only shows minor holster wear. Great gun that I love to shoot. It's as accurate as anything I've shot and 9mm is a lot more affordable than .45. I don't want to ignite the caliber debate, but I feel safe with either.

[wuff]

Well if a Taser is not enough stopping power and you want to own the streets of south central as well as have fun at the range. This might be a good option...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNgvwz-OTxM

[soapbox]

I am planning on getting a taurus judge , its too cool. Not sure how much fun it would be at the range but for home protection it is ideal imo.


The Judge has received iffy reviews. .410 is not a great self-defense round, and .45 Long Colt is a great cartridge, but less preferable to other self defense rounds because of controllability in a smallish revolver.


Why not carry a Taser for personal protection, last thing you want is a murder beef. Just my opinion.

+1 if you're in your house, but they're pretty big to carry around or conceal.

Always consider who might be using the gun -- and if your wife is comfortable having/practicing with/using a firearm.

At the range last weekend, I was very pleasantly surprised by the Glock 26 9mm subcompact; accurate out to 25 yards, very controllable recoil, and small. That's a nice thing about going to the gun range; sometimes you can swap guns with the guy next to you (especially if you're shooting a funky Kimber :001_cool:).

One possible problem with revolvers: no safety. Note that this is also a problem with Glocks. You can carry them without a round loaded. But, as with many tools, the most important safety is between your ears.

[Gravy]

One possible problem with revolvers: no safety. Note that this is also a problem with Glocks. You can carry them without a round loaded. But, as with many tools, the most important safety is between your ears.

...and Sigs, and M&P's, and XD's, many of the H&K's, etc. :wink2:

[WestTNbum]

The safety on a revolver is not having the hammer cocked. I carry my 1911 hot (loaded and hammer cocked) and have never had a problem. The best safety is keeping ones finger off the trigger till you are ready to destroy what you are aiming it at then. Glocks and the other guns use a trigger creep for safety. The problem is when people get careless with the handling of a loaded weapon. I know a guy that did an AD on himself with his service Glock, it got caught on a zipper of his coat. When he holstered the weapon it discharged, he got a nice hole in his butt cheek to show for it. I will get off my soap box with this, if you carry know your weapon well, your life may depend on it someday.

[Savor the Stick]

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.
I am glad that some people have chimmed in on this and put this foreigner in his place...please no bashing the U.S. of A.--I fought and split blood for the people in country to have the FREEDOMS they have.

I do believe OP was looking for suggestions and information, not inflammatory and offensive statements.

To Quote the OP: "My goal is concealed carry, personal protection, and fun. I want a jack of all trades sort of handgun. A snubnose .357 may be fine to carry but will not be that much fun at the gun range."

Concealed carry, and personal protection-- Factors for choosing this are: weight, concealablility, accuracy, stopping power
Fun--.38, .45, 9mm, .40 S&W--all fun cartridges to shoot. I have fired a .357 in a snub nose and personally do not consider it fun.
After having carried concealed in AR for many years before moving back to the peoples Republic of Kalifornia, if choosing today I would pick a small frame .357, Glock 23 (.40 S&W), chopped down .45---I would probably not hesitate strapping on the .357, and ( I think Taurus has a .357 that holds 7 rounds) for fun shooting low power .38's are a blast.:thumbup1:

ya gonna want a gun you really like shooting....cause practice practice, practice( familiarity with the handgun) is the name of the game.
I would also think about reloading your own cartridges for practice ammo....but for defense a 158 gr JHP (store bought) is for you.

~reloading is easier for a revolver then a semi-automatic
~Concealed carry---carrying everyday, everywhere, all the time, without fail. It should get to be as habitual as putting your wallet in your pocket, and shoes on your feet. :thumbup1:

[Mazeman]

For a first handgun for you and your wife, get a .38/,357 revolver. Simple, reliable, powerful, fool-proof.

Trust me, you'll eventually get more guns. You'll get your sexy semi-auto. But for now, until you're more proficient and know how to trouble shoot handgun failures (without thinking, while you're half asleep), stick with the basic standard.

[blary54]

I am glad that some people have chimmed in on this and put this foreigner in his place...please no bashing the U.S. of A.--I fought and split blood for the people in country to have the FREEDOMS they have.


To Quote the OP: "My goal is concealed carry, personal protection, and fun. I want a jack of all trades sort of handgun. A snubnose .357 may be fine to carry but will not be that much fun at the gun range."

Concealed carry, and personal protection-- Factors for choosing this are: weight, concealablility, accuracy, stopping power
Fun--.38, .45, 9mm, .40 S&W--all fun cartridges to shoot. I have fired a .357 in a snub nose and personally do not consider it fun.
After having carried concealed in AR for many years before moving back to the peoples Republic of Kalifornia, if choosing today I would pick a small frame .357, Glock 23 (.40 S&W), chopped down .45---I would probably not hesitate strapping on the .357, and ( I think Taurus has a .357 that holds 7 rounds) for fun shooting low power .38's are a blast.:thumbup1:

ya gonna want a gun you really like shooting....cause practice practice, practice( familiarity with the handgun) is the name of the game.
I would also think about reloading your own cartridges for practice ammo....but for defense a 158 gr JHP (store bought) is for you.

~reloading is easier for a revolver then a semi-automatic
~Concealed carry---carrying everyday, everywhere, all the time, without fail. It should get to be as habitual as putting your wallet in your pocket, and shoes on your feet. :thumbup1:




Very hard to read your post with the green block letters. Just a heads up for future posts. :wink2:

[Savor the Stick]

Very hard to read your post with the green block letters. Just a heads up for future posts. :wink2:

There I raised the font size up for ya. :huh: You might want to get your eye prescription checked.:wink2:

[baba]

I am planning on getting a taurus judge , its too cool. Not sure how much fun it would be at the range but for home protection it is ideal imo.

I'm sure most of you know about this revolver but for firearm nubs such as myself here is a link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurus_Judge

Pretty sweet imo

Brian,

Cool gun. Didn't know there was a handgun that could fire shells. Seems like a perfect home defense handgun. I was leaning towards a shotgun, but after seeing that gun in action, I'll have to at least take a look at the Taurus Judge.

Although I pray that I only ever need to use it at the shooting range.

Thanks for the link.

[SRock]

Since your cousin is a gunsmith I'd say don't worry about internet advice. Just continue to pick his brain and shoot any/all models you think you might be interested in. Don't buy anything you haven't had the opportunity to shoot.

[airplanedoc]

I have said it before and I will say it again

Don't but anything without having shot that make and model before. Espically if it is you first gun. When you have 20 or more firearms you can disregard this advice you will have a idea what you are doing and what you are getting into.

[gaseousclay]

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.

I tend to sit on the fence when it comes to gun laws in the US. I was born and raised in Japan (my dad was in the Air Force) which bans guns and has the lowest crime rate in the world - this has always made me critical of gun violence and laws in America. even though I won't buy a handgun for self-protection I do understand why there are people that think it's necessary. my wife is very anti-gun and won't allow any in our house. we used to live in a fairly bad neighborhood in south minneapolis where robberies and gun violence were pretty common. there was a drive-by shooting down the block from where we lived and there had been several neighbors who were robbed at gunpoint while taking out their garbage. there had also been several rapes reported in the nearby park. there were times when I wanted to get a handgun because I feared for our safety, especially when we were out taking the dog for a walk. but, I didn't want to feel like Charles Bronson and look over my shoulder every night either. we have since moved to a nicer neighborhood that has almost no crime. problem solved

with that said, my wife isn't opposed to me getting a shotgun or rifle for hunting purposes, with the understanding that the guns are kept at her mom's house on the farm. i'm ok with this because gun safety is important to me and there's no way i'm keeping firearms in our house if we plan on having kids. at the end of the day it all boils down to safety and responsibility. yes, there are a lot of overly paranoid gun owners who think the government, aliens or apocalypse will require them to take up arms and defend themselves, but there are also a lot of responsible gun owners who take firearm safety very seriously. it's unfortunate that we live in a gun culture but it's not going to go away anytime soon.

[airplanedoc]

it's unfortunate that we live in a gun culture but it's not going to go away anytime soon

If you don't like living in a gun culture you are free to find somplace that is not a gun culture if you so desire.

Nobody forced you to live in a neighborhood where guns and violence are prevalent, or a state where firearms/hunting are prevalent or a nation that protects the individual right to bear arms.

[82R100]

If you don't like living in a gun culture you are free to find someplace that is not a gun culture if you so desire.

Nobody forced you to live in a neighborhood where guns and violence are prevalent, or a state where firearms/hunting are prevalent or a nation that protects the individual right to bear arms.

I don't think he asked you to give up your guns.

Let's get back to "Picking a handgun".

- Chris

[gaseousclay]

If you don't like living in a gun culture you are free to find somplace that is not a gun culture if you so desire.

Nobody forced you to live in a neighborhood where guns and violence are prevalent, or a state where firearms/hunting are prevalent or a nation that protects the individual right to bear arms.

I said it was unfortunate we live in a gun culture, I didn't say I didn't like where I lived or that my quality of life was being threatened - there's a big difference. if you had read my post you would've been clued into the fact that I wasn't condemning gun rights per se - my in-laws hunt, I want to hunt for recreation purposes, therefore I don't think owning a rifle or a shotgun could pose a threat, so long as i'm responsible. what I do find ridiculous is this tendency for gun enthusiasts to stockpile firearms as if they're planning for the second coming of Christ. if you're a genuine gun collector, fine, but having your own armory seems a little paranoid to me

[TimmyBoston]

Guys, this thread is about someone looking to find a specific gun. It has no bearing on gun culture nor gun rights. Please stay on topic, thank you. :001_smile

[FlyinAg05]

what I do find ridiculous is this tendency for gun enthusiasts to stockpile firearms as if they're planning for the second coming of Christ. if you're a genuine gun collector, fine, but having your own armory seems a little paranoid to me

How is it any different than stocking razors and shaving creams for the second coming of Christ as many do here? It's called a hobby, and is a freedom we can enjoy. The only people causing gun problems are those who are irresponsible/criminal/unstable and shouldn't have them anyways. Most of them probably did not get them legally because they can't.

Back on topic:

revolver pros: RELIABLE! concealable (unless you get a big one!), light
revolver cons: rounds capacity, reloads take longer without builky speed loaders

semi-auto pros: rounds capacity, flat (1911's), quick reloads
semi-auto cons: can jam, "plastic guns" or double stack mags are bulky

Remember a revolver is always going to go boom when you pull the trigger if it is a double action, or single with the hammer cocked. They are 99.99999% jam free. Semi's can be very tempermental. Every gun has it's own personality and ammo that it likes to eat. A snubby is super easy to conceal in a purse, a boot barrel, a waistband or even a pocket. A flat semi like a single stack 1911 is very comfortable to carry inside the waitsband since they are so skinny. My carry gun is a fullsize 5" Kimber 1911. If you get a short barrel they get even easier to carry. Some of the plastic guns (glocks, etc) are very fat and bulky from the double stack mags. Of course you can also get something really small like a Ruger LCP or a Kahr. Remember with the smaller guns you trade concealability/comfort for more recoil or less stopping power (smaller caliber).

For a good all around gun that is fun to shoot, looks good, is pretty damn reliable, and is good to carry, you can't beat a 1911. For the money, a Springer is great. They have a great, solid feel to them you don't get with a plastic gun, and though it is a larger round than the .40 or 9mm, the recoil ain't bad. Since they are heavier and the .45 is a slower round, the recoil is nice and slow. The recoil from a 9mm and .40 is very sharp and snappy. I don't mind any recoil as I love shooting my .44 mag, but some people like the smooth recoil of the .45 vs the sharp recoil of the smaller cals. Hope this helps!

As for safeties.... Revolvers are a no brainer. Don't carry it cocked. use double action if it has it or just cock the damn thing when you need to fire. Semi-autos have too many safety types to cover at once. Grip safeties and trigger safeties are great, but if you must have a slide safety then you might want to stay away from guns like glocks.

The bottom line is you are your own best safety. Keep your gun concealed well so someone cant see it and grab it, or discharge it. Keep your finger off the trigger until it is time to hammer down. There is nothing wrong with carrying with one in the chamber and the hammer cocked, it is all about how you feel comfortable. What ever you do, always do it the same way. If you dont want one chambered make sure you practice drawing and racking the slide as you would in a SHTF situation.

[Gravy]

I also agree w/ whoever mentioned that it can be difficult to find one gun to satisfy all needs. I put guns in the same class as razors, soaps, knives, watches, brushes, etc.

One thing I think you could check into are the .22 slide/barrels you can swap onto your 1911 frame or other popular handgun. Not needing any more .22 pistols, I've not tried them but I hear they are quite accurate and loads of fun while saving you a bit of $.

[SRock]

I have said it before and I will say it again

Don't but anything without having shot that make and model before. Espically if it is you first gun. When you have 20 or more firearms you can disregard this advice you will have a idea what you are doing and what you are getting into.

My thoughts exactly!


Since your cousin is a gunsmith I'd say don't worry about internet advice. Just continue to pick his brain and shoot any/all models you think you might be interested in. Don't buy anything you haven't had the opportunity to shoot.

You always test drive a car you are about to buy don't you? How is this any different? Try to shoot any/all you are considering.


Guys, this thread is about someone looking to find a specific gun. It has no bearing on gun culture nor gun rights. Please stay on topic, thank you. :001_smile

+1 Please focus on the question at hand not opining on rights or what is right. Thanks for the reminder Tim! :thumbsup:

[The Nid Hog]

Glad a fellow Canadian chimed in on this issue. IMHO Americans really take their "personal safety" issue WAY too far, which is reflected in their murder rates. It's a shame all the handguns around Toronto are all being smuggled in from Detroit/NYC.


I am glad that some people have chimmed in on this and put this foreigner in his place...please no bashing the U.S. of A.--I fought and split blood for the people in country to have the FREEDOMS they have.

I've been half following the news cycle today and I have been pleasantly surprised that no cranky arguments have been posted. I didn't expect to be blindsided by this old chestnut. Let's try to keep our discussions civil, shall we? It's one thing if we're all joking around about Lilac Vegetal--even then, someone will suddenly get overly serious.

Here's what I think. It's easy to be a gentleman when you're talking about aftershave, but you should keep the same standard if you're going to get into politics, religion and women. Let's not try to straighten out one another's countries. That's not what this place it about. Use your head--that kind of comment is absolutely going to start a fight. And if the bait is thrown out there, don't rise to it. Don't look for a fight. And if you give somebody a gift, don't keep fishing for thanks. A little humility goes a long way here (or anywhere, for that matter).

[SRock]

Here's what I think. It's easy to be a gentleman when you're talking about aftershave, but you should keep the same standard if you're going to get into politics, religion and women. Let's not try to straighten out one another's countries. That's not what this place is about. Use your head--that kind of comment is absolutely going to start a fight. And if the bait is thrown out there, don't rise to it. Don't look for a fight. And if you give somebody a gift, don't keep fishing for thanks. A little humility goes a long way here (or anywhere, for that matter).

Very well said! Very well said indeed. A true gentleman you are!

[JRichmond]

I love the 1911. It's a simple, reliable mechanism that really makes for a good conceal weapon. Although for home defense, I have to agree with the others that have posted: a 12gauge Mossberg is a better bet, both for the money and intent.

[Axel_]

But is safety really a good reason to buy a gun? I mean, if someone is pointing a gun at you and you're taking up a gun yourself, you can be pretty sure he will shoot you first? Or am I totally wrong there? Notice that I'm from Sweden, where barely the criminals have weapons :biggrin1:

/A

[SRock]

But is safety really a good reason to buy a gun? I mean, if someone is pointing a gun at you and you're taking up a gun yourself, you can be pretty sure he will shoot you first? Or am I totally wrong there? Notice that I'm from Sweden, where barely the criminals have weapons :biggrin1:

/A

:yesnod: Safety is always paramount. Choosing to own and/or carry a firearm is a great responsibility and safe handling should be the number one priority. That's not to say that the gun has to have any particular type of safety but more importantly that the operator knows how to safely handle/carry it without being a risk to themselves or others outside of that situation no one ever wants to encounter where it has to be used against another human being.

Yes, safety first.

[osueng800]

For home protection get a 12 gauge. Any handgun is very ify.

+1

Especially a pump action.

[bigmo]

A 1911 is nice, I'm currently looking at a Springfield. But, I am also a fan of the .40S&W round, if I had my choice in this caliber I would go with either a GLOCK or the Smith & Wesson M&P line. IMHO both companies make an excellent gun for home defense, concealed carry, and fun.

[tblech]

get a shot gun, keep it on a gun rack so it is easy to get ahold of when needed

[Axel_]

:yesnod: Safety is always paramount. Choosing to own and/or carry a firearm is a great responsibility and safe handling should be the number one priority. That's not to say that the gun has to have any particular type of safety but more importantly that the operator knows how to safely handle/carry it without being a risk to themselves or others outside of that situation no one ever wants to encounter where it has to be used against another human being.

Yes, safety first.

I see that, but as I see it, if someone pointing a gun at you and see that you have a gun and/or you're taking your gun from the pocket I think that guy will rather shoot than get shot. A knife on the other hand won't be seen in a pocket and is easy to grab if someone is attacking you unarmed (how often that happens).

/A

[ofelas]

To the OP - see what you shoot best & then carry that. That process made me conceal carry either a 1911 or GP-35 these past couple decades, as I like they way they point & fit my hand, and cocked & locked carry is what I am most comfortable with.

Similarly, you will arrive at what you like & shoot well by experimenting & the process of elimination.

As far as the missus - a hammerless snubnose .38 seems to work well for a lot of women, can be slipped inside a handbag, grasped blind without worrying about safety's, levers etc. They are easy to point with & handle well in close situations.

Either way, familiarity & practice is key; good luck!

[s1mp13m4n]

Thank you everyone for the help and advice. Here is what is going on and also some responses to your replies. :) My cousins friend's brother is a cop. Now his advice to me for "personal/home protection" is a round with more punch like a .357 or a .45 acp. He says the 9mm round or the .38 round in an extreme life or death situation is not enough. He said that in an extreme rare case that the man entering your house or "jumping" you on the street....they may be high, drunk, on drugs, etc and the .357 or .45acp will put them on the ground. He says he has seen people on various drugs still stand after several rounds of 9mm have been fired. In other words the attacker was still a threat and fighting. Now in time I would like a 12 guage shotgun as well. :) My cousin let me borrow his Taurus 5 shot .38 revolver. The holster I have with it will mount on a belt, in a coat pucket, or on a boot for leg carry. The laws here say that you can legally carry in the open (which I am not carrying it at all) as long as the gun is not hidden in anyway. I do not yet have my concealed carry permit. I like the size of the gun, but it only holds 5 shots. I do like the size as it would be easy to carry concealed. I like the simplicity of a revolver, just load and shoot. No need to worry about a weak spring in the mag causing a jam, etc. I do like the rab and go part, no need to worry about a safety should you ever need it fast and do not have time to think in a surprise situation. I like for target shooting the feel of pulling back the hammer thus giving me that "hair trigger". The 1911 I find easy to field strip and easy to clean as well. Right now I will simply keep learning and trying what I can. I want to take that Taurus .38 and go shoot a box and see how well my wife and I can shoot it and see how acurate we are with it.
The issue that I have with a knife or a stungun is that you must engage the attacker and be close to them thus allowing them to fight you and maybe getting that knife from you and turning it on you. I wish you could buy and carry non-lethal ammo but you can not. I wish I could get a .45 that fired a beanbag and knocked the attacker down allowing you to get away without any lethal harm, but no such ammo for the consumer exists. I do not want to kill any one, but I do not want any harm to come to myself or my wife and 18 month old baby girl either.

[The Nid Hog]

I think that your decision to consider this carefully is admirable. Since you have a connection with a LEO, I would recommend that you also look into training in close quarters combat with whatever firearm or firearms you choose. I would also go so far as to suggest that you try out the kind of training that people like Tony Blauer (just one among many) offer and explore all of the options that are available to you in self-defense. Your own confidence, your personal safety and that of the people around you will increase if you are well trained. I'm a gun owner and an NRA member myself, but I know far more ordinary people who were killed or injured in hunting accidents, domestic incidents and accidental discharges around the house than successfully used their sidearms to protect themselves. Be safe and be careful--once a round leaves the spout, you don't have any more control over where it goes.

[s1mp13m4n]

The handgun that I have from my cousin is a Taurus .38 special. Those are the only markings other than its serial number in it and the Taurus logo and made in Brazil. The barrel says .38 special and it looks like a 2inch-ish barrell on it.

[Gravy]

I see that, but as I see it, if someone pointing a gun at you and see that you have a gun and/or you're taking your gun from the pocket I think that guy will rather shoot than get shot. A knife on the other hand won't be seen in a pocket and is easy to grab if someone is attacking you unarmed (how often that happens).

/A

Sorry for the offtopic response.

As a concealed pistol carrier, if someone is pointing a gun at me and not shooting, the best option is to do what they say. I would rather give someone my wallet and watch and car than get shot or shoot someone. There is a saying that even though you are justified in the shooting, your troubles have only just begun.

Then why carry a gun?
Because there is a lot of misinformation put out about what happens during a crime. There are people who make money teaching others that they can fend off attackers w/ a set of keys or that if they don't resist, they won't be harmed.
Sadly, some find out this is not the case.

Just last year, if I recall correctly, here in my city a store manager and employees were taken at gun point by some robbers at a market just as it closed. The manager, who had a legal concealed pistol, didn't draw his gun probably thinking it was just a robbery. But then he and the employees were herded to a back room and the possibilty arose that it might not be just a robbery. At that point he did use his firearm and he and the employees turned out ok.

Same thing w/ an old Marine at a Subway sandwich shop (google Marine subway sandwich shooting) who complied until he was forced into a bathroom.

In these cases (sadly there are many) I don't think the victims were wishing for a knife or a taser and they didn't draw until it was certain it was their last choice. Concealed legal carry does serve a purpose in 4 out of 5 States now and the number keeps climbing w/ positive results.
This is why the question of "Which handgun?" pops up here every now and then on the forum.

[TimmyBoston]

Guys, myself and Rob have already addressed this, the original question asked has nothing to do with gun rights nor gun culture. Please do not post anything that is not related to the specific question asked.

Further posts ignoring this warning and the previous ones will be dealt with. Thank you.

[s1mp13m4n]

Sorry folks, I did not mean to start a thread with so much of an issue. I am looking for some advice but did not mean to start an issue. :)

[DC Plumber]

I hate picking apart a particular brand of gun, but if you're going to spend $600, just spend $400 more and get perfection. I have a Kimber 1911 with night sights. Unbelievable quality! Silky smooth slide action, nice fit all around.

For new shooters, you can't go wrong with a Smith and Wesson model 686, 586, 19, 66 and a few others that are .357 magnums and will shoot 38 specials for practice.

It has been written about for years in gun rags, unless you are a "every weekend shooter", get a double action revolver. Simple and reliable!!

Don't just buy a gun because it is cheap, looks cool or shoots big bullets. I had my wife try and load my Kimber. No Go. She can't rack the slide.

He very own personal protection gun is a Smith and Wesson 696-0 double action revolver in .44 special with a 3" barrel. It is loaded with 5 rounds, which is all she'll need if someone comes through that door and I haven't been able to dispatch them with my Kimber.

Shoot as many different types and brands of handguns as you can before you buy. It's difficult to sell junk once you've purchased it. Start high and don't look back.

[s1mp13m4n]

I hate picking apart a particular brand of gun, but if you're going to spend $600, just spend $400 more and get perfection. I have a Kimber 1911 with night sights. Unbelievable quality! Silky smooth slide action, nice fit all around.

For new shooters, you can't go wrong with a Smith and Wesson model 686, 586, 19, 66 and a few others that are .357 magnums and will shoot 38 specials for practice.

It has been written about for years in gun rags, unless you are a "every weekend shooter", get a double action revolver. Simple and reliable!!

Don't just buy a gun because it is cheap, looks cool or shoots big bullets. I had my wife try and load my Kimber. No Go. She can't rack the slide.

He very own personal protection gun is a Smith and Wesson 696-0 double action revolver in .44 special with a 3" barrel. It is loaded with 5 rounds, which is all she'll need if someone comes through that door and I haven't been able to dispatch them with my Kimber.

Shoot as many different types and brands of handguns as you can before you buy. It's difficult to sell junk once you've purchased it. Start high and don't look back.

So you are saying in a nutshell to go "high end" up front and get the best you can afford therefor having the best overall handgun rather than giving in and getting a lesser quality unit? That makes sense to be honest. I have been swayed from a S&W by my aunt and cousin and their argument is that you are buying a name and a Taurus will do the same thing for less. I like the idea of the S&W because they seem to be the standard that others are compared to. I like the idea of the revolver because of the simplicity as well. One day I want to purchase my first handgun so I guess start saving now. A Springfield is $500 or so and the S&W is double that. I have only shot two Kimber 1911's and because I am not a pro I did not notice a difference from it and the Springfield. :) I will look at the guns that you listed. I like the idea of the .357 revolver because I can shoot both .357 and .38 rounds in it. Thank you all for this great help and advice.

[Hansel]

I'll toss my two cents in...

Theres many good pistol designs out there. Glock, the 1911, the Sig series guns, and the M&P. (Avoid the Springfield XD, and consider avoiding the Berettas too...) My favorite two of the bunch have to be the Glock (9mm series, especially the 17 and 19) and the 1911.

As for caliber, you'll probably encounter a whole ton of choices for a self defense gun. .380 Auto, 9mm, .40 SW, .45 ACP, .45 GAP (Glock Automatic Pistol), 10mm Auto, and .357 Sig are all pretty common.

Both 9mm and .45 ACP have a history spanning more than 100 years of service, and I'd suggest one of those for starters. Both are effective, reliable, and widely available. 9mm is cheaper, but .45 isn't exactly expensive either. 9mm tends to be more controllable especially in lighter guns, but .45 hasn't got much recoil either.

.380 Auto/ACP is, essentially, a less powerful and more expensive 9mm. .45 GAP is a less powerful and more expensive .45 ACP. Avoid them. If .45 ACP is too big for your hands, get a 9mm, and if 9mm is too big for your hands........Well then you've got some freaky small hands.

.40SW, .357 Sig, and 10mm Auto all tend to be expensive rounds with a rather sharp recoil (10mm especially!), and generally don't usually offer that much more over a 9mm or .45 ACP.

If you're going with a 9mm pistol, the Glock-17 or 19 are hard or impossible to beat. In .45 ACP the 1911 is again hard or impossible to beat. If you MUST have a .40 or 10mm, get something with a steel frame. Be warned that 10mm pistols tend to not last very long. If you MUST have a .357 Sig, I would probably buy a Sig pistol.

EDIT TO ADD:

I have NOT addressed revolvers at all in this post, as I'm not a revolver shooter, have fired less than 50 rounds from less than 5 revolvers, and generally don't have an interest in them. Look elsewhere for information there, but generally speaking, they're simple, reliable, and effective.

"He says the 9mm round or the .38 round in an extreme life or death situation is not enough."
Bull. 9mm will kill you dead, so will .38, though .38 is less powerful. Remember that many MANY people have been killed by the lowly .22LR. For the record, 9mm is more controllable (Recoils less, flips the muzzle around less, etc) than the larger calibers, and scoring a hit with a 9mm will do much more to help you survive than missing your target with a .44 magnum or a .40 SW or other such calibers.

[TimmyBoston]

Sorry folks, I did not mean to start a thread with so much of an issue. I am looking for some advice but did not mean to start an issue. :)

You have absolutely no reason to apologize. You were not one of the people taking it off topic. :wink2:

[bamafan64]

But is safety really a good reason to buy a gun? I mean, if someone is pointing a gun at you and you're taking up a gun yourself, you can be pretty sure he will shoot you first? Or am I totally wrong there? Notice that I'm from Sweden, where barely the criminals have weapons :biggrin1:

/A
A friend of mine was in to IDPA shooting. He showed me a few tricks and after a couple of hours I feel confident that I could draw and shoot an attacker holding a gun on me. If someone holding a gun on you averts their eyes for a split second, it can be done. Also, who's to say they wouldn't shoot you anyway, whether you have a gun or not?

[s1mp13m4n]

Thanks for all the help. :) I think I am going to take more time with a 1911 and a .357/.38 revolver for now and see what I like. I have access to shoot these guns through my cousin. I did shoot a 9mm and I did not like it, it feels whimpy to me. I will let you know how it goes. Again I am window shopping for now but want to get the research out of the way so when it comes time to purchase all I have to do is go get it. :)

[Hansel]

I did shoot a 9mm and I did not like it, it feels whimpy to me.

Again, just as a reminder, 9mm can kill you just as quick and just as dead as .45 ACP. The Germans were very fond of the 9mm for pistols and submachine guns, and they killed PLENTY of allied troops with those weapons. British forces had a 9mm submachine gun of their own and they killed plenty of Germans with it in return.

The fact that it feels "whimpy" to you may actually be a good thing. If you were to start shooting under serious stress (Gunfight, etc) having a pistol that you can control easily through multiple shots or against multiple threats is a BIG plus!

Felt recoil also changes with the pistol and ammunition used. 9mm ammunition runs the range from 95 grains (Grains are a measure of how heavy the projectile is) to 158 grains. The most common weights are 115, 124, and 147 in that order. 115 grain ammunition seems to have perhaps twice the felt recoil of 147 grain ammunition. Ammunition of the same caliber with heavier bullets will generally feel 'softer' than ammunition with lighter bullets. In handguns of the same caliber, heavier pistols will feel softer than lighter ones.

And just to throw this out here again...

Scoring a HIT on your attacker with a 'lowly' 9mm or a .45 will be far more likely to help you survive than MISSING your attacker with Dirty Harry's .44 magnum or a .50AE hand cannon.

[dod.e.ratherwell]

I have tried the Springfield 1911 and think there is good reason that model has been around forever. I like the STI Edge at the range very accurate and lovely workmanship.

I used to use a .38 S&W revolver at work and if I were to choose a home defense product that would likely be it as anyone can figure out how to work it under duress.

[Snappy Lunch]

I would go to the range and try them out. My local range rents just about anything you want to try. I know that's not the same as concealed carry, but it will give you a start. Take some firearms training classes, well worth the money. I have had training from several different LEOs and learned at lot.
As for selection, you can't beat a 1911, been around a long time. I have one for range time only. I carry a Glock 23 (.40 S&W), and love it as my primary. I also carry a Ruger LCR .38 as a backup. This is a poylmer frame revolver, very light. By the way, I carry my glock with one in the pipe, and feel very comfortable with that. Keep your finger off the bang switch and you will be alright. And yes, Glocks do have safteys, three of them.
When all is said and done, you have to be comfortable with your choice. Saftey is king, then get as much range time as you can.

[Gaston]

Dear Original Poster with the Difficult-to-Remember Nickname, :laugh:

I haven't found anything better than a full-frame, full-length 1911 with a few minor improvements to suit your own tastes. Before you drop a lot of money on one of the big-name fancy guns, consider consulting a reputable pistolsmith (although one of the truly BIG names cost more than they're worth most of the time), and ask about them making for you just what you want. Talk to several about your likes and dislikes, but listen very carefully, as the old salts tend to be rich with information but lean with words. I bought a Gold Cup, tinkered with it on my own, then sent it off for some work (welding and machining) that I couldn't do. The smith told me when it was done "next time just tell me what you want before you buy anything, let me buy the gun and alter it for you. I could have saved you $300 (1978 dollars)".

As for barrel length, I've been a skinny fellow for most of my life and I found that unless you insist on an extreme forward-rake holster like the "FBI Cant", an extra inch of barrel doesn't hurt your carry ability, and greatly increases control and accuracy in a .45 ACP. I bought one of the early Detonics, and it was a miserable little thing to shoot despite being well made and all the rage at the time. I carried a 1911 loaded, cocked and locked, inside the waistband in a minimal holster (more often using no holster at all), the pistol sitting in that slightly flat place in the strong-side butt cheek that most men have just below the beltline and just behind the iliac crest of the pelvis. With no more than an ordinary shirt tail over it, it's undetectable even to a trained eye unless I bend from the waist toward my off side. I don't make that movement that anyway, it's hard on my poor mistreated back. :biggrin1:

I used a shotgun for home defense until I was finally convinced by an unexpected demonstration by a deputy sheriff one night that a flashlight (he took me for a burglar, and the light rendered me effectively helpless) is not only essential, but also a great first line of defense if it's a bright one. Mounting one on a shotgun means that you have to point the weapon at whatever you want to see, which is not good if it happens to be your child coming home late or your neighbor looking for his trashcan lid. I've since switched to a flashlight and handgun, as for me it's a better solution and requires no more hands than the shotgun did (2).

As far as the "shooting through walls" argument, a shotgun with buckshot at actionable ranges (or any shotgun load at close range) penetrates about as much as the average handgun shooting hollow points. I found more variance from shot to shot than I did between the two. Set up some materials and try it yourself,. The handgun is easier to handle in tight quarters; to use a shotgun well you either have to let the barrel precede you, or you must keep it pointed up or down at a fairly steep angle - neither of which is optimal if the bad guy is waiting at the edge of the corner.

There are probably as many opinions as there are posters, I just thought I'd throw these ideas out as food for thought.

I hope you're happy with your purchase, whatever it may be. Just remember that the best gun for carry is the one you will carry. Better the pipsqueak in your pocket than the cannon you left back at the car.

[DS/B MCS]

If you decide to go with a 1911, take a look at the offerings from Dan Wesson. Not much more expensive than the Springers, but higher quality. I had one of the CBOB's for about a year and loved it.

It was great at the range, but I could not get used to the safety (I'm a Glock, XD, Kahr man) so it was no go for CC. I didn't want to have that kind of coin tied up in a safe queen/range gun so it had to go.

If you decide to go the wheel gun route, spend the extra cash and get the S&W. You don't have to buy new, and its a great way to save yourself some coin :thumbup1:

[SRock]

Guys, myself and Rob have already addressed this, the original question asked has nothing to do with gun rights nor gun culture. Please do not post anything that is not related to the specific question asked.

Further posts ignoring this warning and the previous ones will be dealt with. Thank you.


Sorry folks, I did not mean to start a thread with so much of an issue. I am looking for some advice but did not mean to start an issue. :)


You have absolutely no reason to apologize. You were not one of the people taking it off topic. :wink2:

Everything here simply needed to be repeated.

Everyone, please stay on topic. IF you've forgotten the original question please re-read the first post.

Thanks Gents! :thumbup1: