Hello from Georgia

Sweet .38 · 04-20-2008, 09:34 PM

Hi,
I've been browsing and you all seem like a great group of people. I am shopping now for my first hand gun, to be used for personal protection. Gotten lots of different opinions on revolvers vss. semi-automatics. Have looked at some .22s and picked up a .38 today to "try it out". Any suggestions?

jimkim · 04-20-2008, 11:01 PM

welcome aboard. I'd definitely go with a revolver. A medium frame double action .357 S&W or Ruger with a 4" barrel would be my first choice. With the .357mag. you have the option of shooting .38 special as well as .357. If you live near Danville you can go talk to Charlie Bellflower at Steven's Gun shop. Here is a link on the subject. Selection of a handgun for self defense

sell33 · 04-20-2008, 11:04 PM

Welcome aboard....you say the gun is for personal protection, as in a carry piece or to put in the nightstand or what? lol

GlockMeister · 04-20-2008, 11:47 PM

Welcome to the site. Glad to have you aboard.

Since this is your first handgun, and since you'll also be using it for personal defense, I'd also have to suggest and recommend a revolver.

Sounds like you're going about it the right way in asking questions and checking them out and seeing how they feel to you in hand. Good luck

privateer · 04-21-2008, 12:09 AM

Yep GlockMeister and JimKim have said it all, now all you gotta do is decide what you are gonna feed it, and that is sometimes a harder choice then the gun itself. My best advice is buy a few different brands and spend some time on the range and see what works best for you, if you cant hit your target it's all for nothing. goodluck and welcome.

TXplt · 04-21-2008, 01:52 AM

Welcome--glad to have you on the site, and please enjoy things here. Great bunch of people.

I'm a wheelgun fan in general, expecially for folks new to shooting. Try shooting a few different guns and see what you like and "fits" you. If it's going to be used for CCW and/or personal defense, I'd recommend something .38/9mm or up. .38/.357 (you can shoot .38 rounds in a .357, but not vice versa) might be hard to beat. Do get some form of instruction from someone who knows what they're doing as well.

A handgun is a tool like any other -- if you're going to be using one for both carry and home/car defense it'll be a compromise between longer sight radius and ease of carry. Snubbies are great for carry, but difficult to shoot well due to their short sight radius (intrinsically they're very accurate). The first rule of being in a gunfight is to have a gun, so you need something that you'll be able to have with you as much as possible--if it comes down to a choice between smaller/lighter or bigger/heavier. Weight is an asset for shooting but not carry; same as for barrel length. You can be a good shot with a snubby, but it does take alot of practice. Hi-Viz sights are a definite bonus.

Smith and Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all have websites where you can look at the different products and see what you might like to try shooting. Smith 442/642, Ruger SP-101, etc. Home/car defense I'd lean to GP-100 type; more snubby for carry.

Practice ammo can be whatever you like; carry ammo needs to be some type of high-performance round (Hollowpoint or Safety Slug--Glazer, Cor-Bon, Federal, and Buffalo Bore -- 158GR SWCHP -- all make quality ammo as do many others). Do shoot the gun with your defensive ammo--points of aim will vary.

Best of luck, and enjoy.

neophyte · 04-21-2008, 05:31 AM

Sweet .38: Asking and discussing are the proper ways to find a ?new? or ?first?
Something to consider: What suites me may not suite you.

A cheaper and more responsible research tool.
RENT and shoot as many different makes and models. One will have that ?feel?
?Feel? is the most important aspect. Feels right; you'll have a better shooting ?feel? "redundant" for sure

Caliber for defense and pleasure shooting? Tough question. Anything from? .38's and up. Cheapest to shoot being the 9mm. Cheaper shooting means more practice, more practice means more proficiency.

Follow up with your thoughts and Thanks

WELCOME

Windwalker · 04-21-2008, 05:58 AM

Welcome to G&G. We have a greatr bunch of folks here and you have already gotten a lot of good advice. Enjoy the site.

CalifgirlinOk · 04-21-2008, 06:19 AM

Welcome to G&G !!!!!! There's a bunch of good people here,so enjoy yourself....

Seabeescotty · 04-21-2008, 09:38 AM

A revolver has less that can go wrong with it, and as was stated earlier, if you go with a 357 mag, you have a choice of specials, or magnum loads. And with a speed loader, it's darn near as fast as an auto to reload. And welcome to G&G! By your username, it looks like you're already leaning toward the revolver. Go to a shop where you can rent handguns, and try before you buy!

andrew cochran · 04-21-2008, 09:46 AM

Welcome to G an G! You can't go wrong with a revolver.

ArkansasHunter · 04-21-2008, 09:52 AM

Hey !!! Sweet.38 WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller !!! Say ! Before you buy a revolver check and see if your state is like mine in regards to what type of pistol you can carry.
What I mean is in Arkansas if you qualify with a revolver when you go to the range after you do what ever you do at your concealed carry class you'll be limited to only carrying a revolver. YEP that's right !
You want be allowed to carry a semi-auto.
If you use a semi-auto when you go to the range you'll be allowed to carry either one.
So if you ever decide you want to carry a semi-auto borrow or rent one to use when you take your class, other wise you'll be stuck only being allowed to carry a revolver.

Your state may not be that way, but many are so check and see...A.H

STITCH · 04-21-2008, 09:56 AM

Welcome from Central Missouri!

oldjarhead · 04-21-2008, 10:15 AM

Welcome from South Eastern Missouri.

Sweet .38 · 04-21-2008, 11:52 AM

Thanks. In Athens so I'll do that!

As in carrying it! Any ideas?

Thank you so much! That was great information.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

Hey !!! Sweet.38 WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller !!! Say ! Before you buy a revolver check and see if your state is like mine in regards to what type of pistol you can carry.
What I mean is in Arkansas if you qualify with a revolver when you go to the range after you do what ever you do at your concealed carry class you'll be limited to only carrying a revolver. YEP that's right !
You want be allowed to carry a semi-auto.
If you use a semi-auto when you go to the range you'll be allowed to carry either one.
So if you ever decide you want to carry a semi-auto borrow or rent one to use when you take your class, other wise you'll be stuck only being allowed to carry a revolver.

Your state may not be that way, but many are so check and see...A.H

Thanks for the info. I never thought of that! I haven't applied for my license yet. When I do, i'll ask those questions. Thanks again

.22guy · 04-21-2008, 02:20 PM

Welcome to the site!

7mmremmag1995 · 04-21-2008, 03:04 PM

Welcome to G&G

MrsS · 04-21-2008, 04:13 PM

Welcome to the site.....by all means, try a variety of guns...you, and you alone, will know when you have found that perfect piece; you can rent guns at ranges. have fun and good luck in your search.

JASON6969 · 04-21-2008, 10:35 PM

WELCOME I would reccomend a ruger security six .357 in 3 inch barrel

mwatson · 04-23-2008, 03:42 PM

To decide is a big question, whatever you choose...practice and become confident .
Mike

04-20-2008, 09:34 PM	#1
Sweet .38 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 3	Hello from Georgia Hi, I've been browsing and you all seem like a great group of people. I am shopping now for my first hand gun, to be used for personal protection. Gotten lots of different opinions on revolvers vss. semi-automatics. Have looked at some .22s and picked up a .38 today to "try it out". Any suggestions?

04-20-2008, 11:01 PM	#2
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near the Little Ocmulgee river in GA Posts: 2,040 Blog Entries: 11	welcome aboard. I'd definitely go with a revolver. A medium frame double action .357 S&W or Ruger with a 4" barrel would be my first choice. With the .357mag. you have the option of shooting .38 special as well as .357. If you live near Danville you can go talk to Charlie Bellflower at Steven's Gun shop. Here is a link on the subject. Selection of a handgun for self defense __________________ Jan. 4, 2007...Gasoline $2.10/gallon HMMM? Jim

04-20-2008, 11:47 PM	#4
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,377	Welcome to the site. Glad to have you aboard. Since this is your first handgun, and since you'll also be using it for personal defense, I'd also have to suggest and recommend a revolver. Sounds like you're going about it the right way in asking questions and checking them out and seeing how they feel to you in hand. Good luck __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

04-21-2008, 01:52 AM	#6
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,777 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	Welcome--glad to have you on the site, and please enjoy things here. Great bunch of people. I'm a wheelgun fan in general, expecially for folks new to shooting. Try shooting a few different guns and see what you like and "fits" you. If it's going to be used for CCW and/or personal defense, I'd recommend something .38/9mm or up. .38/.357 (you can shoot .38 rounds in a .357, but not vice versa) might be hard to beat. Do get some form of instruction from someone who knows what they're doing as well. A handgun is a tool like any other -- if you're going to be using one for both carry and home/car defense it'll be a compromise between longer sight radius and ease of carry. Snubbies are great for carry, but difficult to shoot well due to their short sight radius (intrinsically they're very accurate). The first rule of being in a gunfight is to have a gun, so you need something that you'll be able to have with you as much as possible--if it comes down to a choice between smaller/lighter or bigger/heavier. Weight is an asset for shooting but not carry; same as for barrel length. You can be a good shot with a snubby, but it does take alot of practice. Hi-Viz sights are a definite bonus. Smith and Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all have websites where you can look at the different products and see what you might like to try shooting. Smith 442/642, Ruger SP-101, etc. Home/car defense I'd lean to GP-100 type; more snubby for carry. Practice ammo can be whatever you like; carry ammo needs to be some type of high-performance round (Hollowpoint or Safety Slug--Glazer, Cor-Bon, Federal, and Buffalo Bore -- 158GR SWCHP -- all make quality ammo as do many others). Do shoot the gun with your defensive ammo--points of aim will vary. Best of luck, and enjoy. __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas

04-21-2008, 05:31 AM	#7
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,500 Blog Entries: 2	Sweet .38: Asking and discussing are the proper ways to find a ?new? or ?first? Something to consider: What suites me may not suite you. A cheaper and more responsible research tool. RENT and shoot as many different makes and models. One will have that ?feel? ?Feel? is the most important aspect. Feels right; you'll have a better shooting ?feel? "redundant" for sure Caliber for defense and pleasure shooting? Tough question. Anything from? .38's and up. Cheapest to shoot being the 9mm. Cheaper shooting means more practice, more practice means more proficiency. Follow up with your thoughts and Thanks WELCOME __________________ Craig By the standards of most Last edited by neophyte; 04-21-2008 at 05:32 AM. Reason: Welcome

04-20-2008, 11:04 PM	#3
sell33 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,176	Welcome aboard....you say the gun is for personal protection, as in a carry piece or to put in the nightstand or what? lol

04-21-2008, 12:09 AM	#5
privateer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Anchorage , Alaska Posts: 382 Images: 1	Yep GlockMeister and JimKim have said it all, now all you gotta do is decide what you are gonna feed it, and that is sometimes a harder choice then the gun itself. My best advice is buy a few different brands and spend some time on the range and see what works best for you, if you cant hit your target it's all for nothing. goodluck and welcome.

04-21-2008, 05:58 AM	#8
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,541	Welcome to G&G. We have a greatr bunch of folks here and you have already gotten a lot of good advice. Enjoy the site. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

04-21-2008, 06:19 AM	#9
CalifgirlinOk Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,733	Welcome to G&G !!!!!! There's a bunch of good people here,so enjoy yourself.... __________________ "Most of the troubles in the world is caused by people wanting to be important". T.S.Eliot

04-21-2008, 09:38 AM	#10
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 3,994 Images: 18 Blog Entries: 1	A revolver has less that can go wrong with it, and as was stated earlier, if you go with a 357 mag, you have a choice of specials, or magnum loads. And with a speed loader, it's darn near as fast as an auto to reload. And welcome to G&G! By your username, it looks like you're already leaning toward the revolver. Go to a shop where you can rent handguns, and try before you buy! __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge

04-21-2008, 09:46 AM	#11
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,140	Welcome to G an G! You can't go wrong with a revolver. __________________ If you don't have anything good to say... Don't say it!

04-21-2008, 09:52 AM	#12
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,678	Hey !!! Sweet.38 WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller !!! Say ! Before you buy a revolver check and see if your state is like mine in regards to what type of pistol you can carry. What I mean is in Arkansas if you qualify with a revolver when you go to the range after you do what ever you do at your concealed carry class you'll be limited to only carrying a revolver. YEP that's right ! You want be allowed to carry a semi-auto. If you use a semi-auto when you go to the range you'll be allowed to carry either one. So if you ever decide you want to carry a semi-auto borrow or rent one to use when you take your class, other wise you'll be stuck only being allowed to carry a revolver. Your state may not be that way, but many are so check and see...A.H

04-21-2008, 09:56 AM	#13
STITCH Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 114	Welcome from Central Missouri!

04-21-2008, 10:15 AM	#14
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mansfield, MO Posts: 814	Welcome from South Eastern Missouri.

04-21-2008, 02:20 PM	#16
.22guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,140	Welcome to the site! __________________ Guns: they are like baseball cards except they are cool and you can kill things with em. -Billy

04-21-2008, 03:04 PM	#17
7mmremmag1995 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,270 Images: 1 Blog Entries: 1	Welcome to G&G __________________ Just LeDoux it

04-21-2008, 04:13 PM	#18
MrsS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Originally from the 26th state of the union; now living in the 16th. Posts: 1,386	Welcome to the site.....by all means, try a variety of guns...you, and you alone, will know when you have found that perfect piece; you can rent guns at ranges. have fun and good luck in your search. __________________ Gun Control...is the ability to hit your target.

04-21-2008, 10:35 PM	#19
JASON6969 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vidalia GEORGIA Posts: 125	WELCOME I would reccomend a ruger security six .357 in 3 inch barrel __________________ THE MIND IS THE BEST WEAPON

04-23-2008, 03:42 PM	#20
mwatson Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Rogers, Arkansas Posts: 236	To decide is a big question, whatever you choose...practice and become confident . Mike