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Gun Enthusiasts: Please advise

I'd throw in another vote to check out a revolver, for more reasons than already listed too. If its going to be a CCW piece, things like dirt and pocket lint don't effect their operation like an auto-loader.

Check out the Ruger LCR.
 
If you look at revolvers take a look at the Ruger SP101 (.357mag/38 Special) and load with 38 Special (.357mag may be too much recoil). It's more of a night stand revolver than CCW due to weight.
 
jj-cyclones said:
I have a Smith Wesson 40. Love it, but it has a very long trigger pull that pry wouldn't be the best for your other half.

If you want the most simple gun on the market, I would go with a Glock. They make a 40 and a 9mm in a mini size, that will fit anyone's hand.

Rugers are good guns, but I had some problems with rust, so make sure to clean it often.
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I've never have been able to shot a Smith Wesson 40, however I have heard before that women tend to like it better than most. I know that was a factor in the guns bought by ISU Police.
 
JBone84 said:
Best gun for home defense = shotgun.

That said, Glock 19 or 17, both 9mm. You can go pick one up for $500 new in box (not at Gander Mountain, Scheels, etc - they will charge you $575 or so). Will shoot anything you put through it, won't fail, no external safety for your significant other to forget to flip off when SHTF. Will also work great for conceal carry if you decide to go that route.

You don't want .380 as your only defense load. .380 is good for carrying in the summer when you don't have any concealment options (with your carry license, of course) and for a backup gun.
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Beings Glocks do not have an external safety, I think it may not be the best handgun for a newbie. Did see later here that someone says you can now get a Glock with an external safety. Did not know that. I own a Glock (have for some time) & it is a great firearm - just did not consider them in this context.

Good point on the revolvers, too. Some company came out with some ultra-light revolvers that appear to be nice. Do not know anything about accuracy, etc. I like Taurus & Ruger revolvers better than I do their autos - fwiw
 
BigLame said:
Beings Glocks do not have an external safety, I think it may not be the best handgun for a newbie. Did see later here that someone says you can now get a Glock with an external safety. Did not know that. I own a Glock (have for some time) & it is a great firearm - just did not consider them in this context.

Good point on the revolvers, too. Some company came out with some ultra-light revolvers that appear to be nice. Do not know anything about accuracy, etc. I like Taurus & Ruger revolvers better than I do their autos - fwiw
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I think Glocks are great for newbies because there is no external safety - you point it and push the go switch. To clarify an earlier statement I made that you can get the S&W M&P series with external safety if you want, but not a Glock from the factory. I have seen ads for aftermarket external safeties for Glocks.
 
IzzoClone said:
Remington 870 12 gauge, 3 inch magnum chamber, 20 inch Deerslayer barrel, loaded with double-aught buckshot. Take the duck plug out and you have 5 shells at the waiting and then maybe just the distintive sound of the pump action cycling a shell into the chamber could ward off the intruder.
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Pretty much my approach.
 
CEO said:
Taurus Judge Revolver 45/410 3" 3" 5rd BL#



Shoots a .410 shotgun shell or .45 long colt. It's a big gun, but the recoil isn't bad at all due to the weight of the gun. Perfect combo of shotgun and pistol for home defense.
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Cool idea, but I've seen some ballistic gel test results with the .410 shotgun shell and pistol cartridge, and neither load performs well to penetrate the target. So, I would be wary of this option (but I do think it is a cool gun).
 
3TrueFans said:
Most people say a shotgun for home defense. I don't own a gun and am not a gun guy, but that's what I've read on the internet, so it's true.
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That's what I have... I always figure if something terrible happened and I had to use it, I'd want something with a big spread, I doubt I would be calm enough to take careful aim so I'd need the spread, kinda like pheasant hunting.
 
Just remember the stories back when Glocks became more widely used by police in the 90's & a number of them shot themselves in the legs as they were pulling the gun from their holsters. Fingers automatically went to the trigger before clearing their holsters & voila!

Since then, kind of thought for beginners an external safety isn't such a bad thing. When you are in Delta Force or on the SWAT team, or at least have quite a bit of shooting experience, then go Glock - at least that is what I concluded
 
Kyle said:
Check into a Glock 19. If you can go somewhere that you can actually shoot the guns prior to purchase that is highly recommended.
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This is what the Armed America radio show is always pushing. They said a shortage of ammunition is developing in the stores more quickly than in 2008 election. Buy now.

You can buy happy holster kits also for $20 with coupon.
 
Kel Tec does have a pretty new 22-mag handgun - if the bugs have been ironed out, it should be sweet. P-30 I think. Reasonable in price, too, if you can find one @ MSRP - not inflated prices @ shows, etc.
 
One option that you may want to look at is the Ruger LC9. It's a smaller framed 9mm which would be easier for her to conceal. It's also a single stack so the handle is quite a bit thinner than the average semi-auto and may fit her hand better. It has a slide lock safety and a longer trigger pull (also a form of safety) if you don't want to carry it with the safety on.

From going to a few gun shows and purchasing a couple of pistols, I would not go to any store like Scheels, Bass Pro, or Cabellas to buy. Find a local gun show and save yourself about $100. You may even be able to find a used version of the gun you are looking for at a cheaper price.

If you want a larger framed pistol, I would look at the Springfield XD 9mm Sub-Compact. It's got a shorter barrel and comes standard with 2 mags. 1 short mag that holds 13 rounds that you can conceal easier, or a longer mag that holds 19 rounds that you can take to the range and plink around with.

Springfields and Glocks are some of the best guns on the market for new shooters. Simple mechanics and very easy to shoot and clean.
 
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BigLame said:
Just remember the stories back when Glocks became more widely used by police in the 90's & a number of them shot themselves in the legs as they were pulling the gun from their holsters. Fingers automatically went to the trigger before clearing their holsters & voila!

Since then, kind of thought for beginners an external safety isn't such a bad thing. When you are in Delta Force or on the SWAT team, or at least have quite a bit of shooting experience, then go Glock - at least that is what I concluded
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Operator error - finger is not to go on the trigger until ready to destroy target. Say it with me now:

1) All guns are always loaded
2) Never point the gun at something you are not prepared to destroy (your leg?)
3) Always be sure of your target and what is behind it (your leg?)
4) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target (your leg?)
 
djcubby said:
One option that you may want to look at is the Ruger LC9. It's a smaller framed 9mm which would be easier for her to conceal. It's also a single stack so the handle is quite a bit thinner than the average semi-auto and may fit her hand better. It has a slide lock safety and a longer trigger pull (also a form of safety) if you don't want to carry it with the safety on.

From going to a few gun shows and purchasing a couple of pistols, I would not go to any store like Scheels, Bass Pro, or Cabellas to buy. Find a local gun show and save yourself about $100. You may even be able to find a used version of the gun you are looking for at a cheaper price.

If you want a larger framed pistol, I would look at the Springfield XD 9mm Sub-Compact. It's got a shorter barrel and comes standard with 2 mags. 1 short mag that holds 13 rounds that you can conceal easier, or a longer mag that holds 19 rounds that you can take to the range and plink around with.

Springfields and Glocks are some of the best guns on the market for new shooters. Simple mechanics and very easy to shoot and clean.
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Quoted this post because it is full of excellent advice.
 
madcityCY said:
I've decided to purchase a handgun for home defense reasons. It's possible it will be used for concealed carry in the future (but it wouldn't be often), but compactness is not a big priority, as long as its not huge.

9mm because it holds more rounds. 17 rounds.

40 caliber because it is stronger. Holds 15 rounds.

45 ACP typically are 9 rounds. Very strong.

The 9mm is cheapest to shoot.

Compact or full size, either way is good.
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