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Originally Posted by drywallguy  Hi everyone. Let me start by saying that I am new to this site and firearms in general. I was hoping to get some good advice from people who know a thing or two about handguns and after reading other threads, I think I found the right place. Basically what I would like to know is what kind of gun I should buy? I already have an idea of what I want but I have no clue as to the differences in brands and caliburs and all the other specifics. The gun that I am looking for will be used for home defense and some target shooting (I have to learn how to use it, right?). It needs to be small enough that my wife won't be scared away from having to learn how to use it, but big enough to have good stopping power in the event that it ever needs to be used. My budget is roughly 300-$400 and I have no problem with purchasing something used. Thank you for reading and any input! |
Howdy.
First, you have to realize that nobody here can answer a question like that for you. It's like asking, "what kind of car should I buy?" Or "What is the best pair of jeans?"
It comes down to what you need it for, your proficiency and intentions to learn and several other factors.
I saw that someone already mentioned renting guns. YES, YES, YES. This is a fine way for a newbie to firearms to learn about different handguns. Talk to a knowledgable dealer and don't be afraid to ask questions. Take your wife along and have her hold different firearms. Find something that is comfortable and something she can fire safely, with confidence.
It is also beneficial (maybe before doing what I suggested above) to take a firearms safety and orientation course. There are many kinds of these courses available just about anywhere. A local dealer may have more information on it. Try a Google search if you can't find much--they are definitely available. One MUST gain confidence with a firearm to use it successfully under stress, and a part of that is safety. Safety is PARAMOUNT for any new gunner. It cannot be stressed enough.
Once you get the basics and have chosen a firearm, find yourself a range and practice. Have your wife practice, too. There is NO substitute for this step. If you ever want the ability to use a gun effectively under stress, you must become highly proficient with it. Practice, practice and more practice.
Do you have little kids in the house? This may be a factor in choosing a weapon. I keep all my long guns locked up and keep two pistols nearby in gunvault gun safes. I do this because I have a quite inmature 7-year-old. I've taken him shooting and try to teach him safety, but I'm not quite ready yet to trust him fully. If you have kids, teach them about firearms now, and factor it into your plans.
I think I could go on and on, but I'll just leave you with a couple other thoughts...
Be sure to learn about the laws in your state. It's imperative that anyone owning a gun, and one thinking of using it for defense, to understand the law. They vary greatly and you must have a good grasp of your responsibilities where you live.
Last thought...hmmm... Be sure to think about ALL the other factors that affect your safety and play into the defense of your family. By asking about a firearm for you and your wife, I'm guessing you're making a step towards protecting you and yours. If that's the case, be sure to think about so many other things... Do you have a house? Do you trim bushes away to reduce hiding areas for criminals? Do you have good outdoor lighting? Do you have a dog? Do you have a security system? Or motion detectors (which I LOVE)? Do you always lock your doors? Do you ever answer your door without looking? Do you have a phone near the bed? Do you have a plan on what to do if you hear an intruder at night? Do you have stairs? Are you going to defend the stairs? Or go looking around your home? Do you park under lit areas at night? Do you always look around before you get out of your car? Again, this is something that can go on forever. In short, there are a ton of aspects that a lot of people don't consider (and a lot do). Protecting yourselves goes way beyond buying a gun and putting it in the nightstand...it's educating yourselves, practicing sound procedures, reducing risk and plannning (physically and mentally) for contingencies.
By asking your question, hopefully you're off to a good start. Read forums, get a few books on personal or home defense? THINK about the risks in your lives. Condition White is where the oblivious live (they live in a world where bad things don't happen)...avoid that thinking; learn to see risks and take steps to avoid them. This doesn't mean be paranoid; it means be cognizant of your environment.
I'm rambling. I need to hit the sack.
Okay, one last thought. Remember this--caliber is not nearly as important as bullet placement. Repeat that in your head. You will hear a lot of talk about calibers and stopping power, but what is really important if things turn into a gunfight is that you or your wife have confidence with your chosen weapon and have the ability to fire it effectively and efficiently under stress. You must have a weapon you guys are comfortable with. A .45 is completely worthless if you or your wife can't control (or won't practice with because of the recoil/weight) it and the round ends up in a wall. Think about that before you make a purchase. I'd rather have a single, well-placed .22 in my assailant over 10 missed .45s any day of the week. Make sense?
To recap:
1) Find a gun that is YOUR gun, not based off others' recommendations.
2) Get educated quickly on SAFETY, laws, risks and risk-reducing behaviors.
3) Learn your gun and get (and stay) proficient with it.
4) Understand that security for your family is serious, and it is much wider than any single firearm. There are a ton of factors to consider, both at home, on the road and where you go away from home. Do your best to recognize and reduce risks.
Best of luck...hope to hear things went well. Update us.