Which pistol for protection?

Gen. Sherman · 05-27-2006, 10:30 AM

Thinking about getting a pistol for home defense/concealed carry. I own a Mosin Nagant rifle, and would like, if possibe, to get a milsurp as they are considerably cheaper (usually). So, What are the recommendations?

grndesert · 05-27-2006, 11:41 AM

Really depending on what your comfortable shooting(caliber). Sig P226,
H7K P7..Iam carrrying a Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl righ now, small,dependable,and def a stopper.

silentknight · 05-27-2006, 12:19 PM

Since your looking for mil surp. Id look for a Makarov. I'm not an expert on these pistols, it just looks like it would meet your needs well. NRAJoe has had some of these pistols, He'll be able to tell you alot more about them

FutureMarine · 05-27-2006, 01:27 PM

the makarov is VERY reliable and you can always be confident that it wont screw you over!

toolman · 05-27-2006, 03:02 PM

I would recommend a Star BM because of its 9mm chambering. They are very simple rugged guns and are very similar to the 1911 in operation. I have a Star Super which is the larger version chambered for 9mm Largo and love it. Another option is the PA-63 or 64 chambered in 9x18. These are basically the same as the Walther PPK with alloy frames. http://www.militarygunsupply.com/sho...?itemid=FISTBM http://aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Hunga...ak_Pistol.html

troylaplante · 05-27-2006, 06:26 PM

If you are looking for an inexpensive mil surp instead of a more modern handgun, I would go with a CZ52. Accurate, reliable, ammo is reasonably priced. Personally, however, I would not go with a mil surp for primary home defense.

BattleRifleG3 · 05-29-2006, 09:25 PM

Any gun, mil-surp or factory, I would only consider suitable for home defense after shooting it and proving its reliability and my competence with it.

SPOCAHP ANAR · 05-30-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troylaplante

Personally, however, I would not go with a mil surp for primary home defense.

What reason Troy? Just Curious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FutureMarine

the makarov is VERY reliable and you can always be confident that it wont screw you over!

I concur, the Makarov is an outstanding pistol based on the Walther design.

Mooseman684 · 05-31-2006, 02:31 AM

I have 4 -.45 autos, a P38, A Ruger Redhawk .44, and 2 Makarovs.
I use one of the Makarovs as My CCW gun and Truck gun due to its light weight, Reliability, and being double action is a plus, Plus it is a "Flat" Gun so it is very easy to conceal, and very accurate!
The .45's make me walk like one leg is shorter than the other one !!!
Rich

BattleRifleG3 · 05-31-2006, 07:40 AM

Hmm, I've always considered a 1911 to be "flat" despite its large size in the other two dimensions. My Steyr M40 is thicker I believe, even though it has a shorter barrel and grip. I would tentatively consider them comparable for CCW.

troylaplante · 05-31-2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOCAHP ANAR

What reason Troy? Just Curious.

Several reasons. First is availability of ammo for practice. You have to be selective if you are going to shoot a lot for the sake of proficiency. That is not to say that you can not find a 1911 or something of the sort, but the consideration was for cost of the initial purchase. Something like 7.62x25 still has availability, but is certainly not my first choice for a home defense weapon.

Also, should I use the weapon for CCW or just to take along, I want something for which I can walk into Wal-Mart and get ammo. It is hard to do that with some of the calibers that mil surps use.

I also like the idea of putting Hydrashocks with hollow point in my personal defense gun. I can't do that with just any mil surp gun.

I really don't like the idea of the old European latch for a mag release on some mil surps. Forget tactical mag changes on those.

Next is serviceability should anything need repair. I do prefer having something more modern with a great deal of parts availability and smiths that are competent to work on them. It will be easier to find that for something newer. This is not a problem for something other than a primary defense weapon, since I can take time to find a competent smith for service. That is one reason why I use my mil surps for secondary consideration.

Don't get me wrong, I have mil surp pieces loaded and ready for use, since I feel confident with their use. However, they are just not the first thing I reach for in either a home defense or CCW situation.

Beer Forever · 05-31-2006, 08:43 AM

For personal defense I would have to Ruger .357 revolver. If you want to protect you and your family don't cheap out, get the real thing. You know it will fire when you pull the trigger and what you point the business end at it will hit and go down hard. I have a .357 under my bed, ready for any bad guy who wants to taste the hollowpoints.

Ach Du Liebe · 05-31-2006, 08:34 PM

cut 2/3 of your mosin nagants barrel off....(just joking). For home defense i think what SKS said is what id go with.

SGT-MILLER · 06-01-2006, 06:46 AM

My choice would have to be the old M1 Carbine (.30 Caliber) for the house, and I have a soft spot for the old 1911 style GI .45s for CCW (the only drawback is the 1911's are a little spendy nowadays). If I'm not mistaken, you can pick up a standard S&W revolver in .38 or .357 for pretty cheap.

Beer Forever · 06-01-2006, 11:17 AM

If you want something that is small and powerful for home defense and for the CCW, go with a revovler. You can not go wrong with a revovler because it will fire every time. For the CCW I have a hammerless Taurus .357 5 shot. It is small, powerful, lightweight, and not too expensive ($400). When it comes to you and your family spend the extra money for the extra reasuarnce that you KNOW you and yours are protected. Another thought would be a 12ga.

Dallas · 06-01-2006, 12:24 PM

For a handgun you can't go wrong with a .357 revolver. You can shoot either .357 or .38 special from it, you can get the ammo anywhere and you don't have to worry about jamming.

SPOCAHP ANAR · 06-01-2006, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troylaplante

Several reasons. First is availability of ammo....

I see your point Troy; some Milsurps can be hard to find ammo for in smaller towns. Overall if ammo isn't a problem then the other issures you mentioned should be considered. However I don't think that some of the issues mentioned are that serious to someone who is an avaid collector as you and I; but I do see the relevance for a beginner having to depend on a single pistol/rifle and being put on the spot of needing parts or needing a repair etc....

JSosbe · 11-03-2006, 02:34 AM

It may seem crazy, but I keep a Colt 1851 Navy repro black powder revolver close to hand. I know about the problem of reloading, but I don't ;plan on having to use all six anyhow. I like the feel of it, and I think that's important in a defense weapon. Get something you are comfortable with and can handle effectively and it doesn't matter what it costs. If you like a light hangun, go for a PA-63 type weapon, if you like something a little heavier, like me, go for something bigger.

billy · 11-03-2006, 07:09 AM

ruger SP101 357 mag crimson trace at least thats what i have, that and a SA 1911 GI

Orlando · 11-12-2006, 11:23 AM

You are willing to trust yourlife and your familys with a mil surplus? Yes they have the stopping power but something about using a cheaper surplus pistol and old ammo to defend life and limb makes no sense to me. Go with the best for yourself and family.Just my opinion

05-27-2006, 10:30 AM	#1
Gen. Sherman Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1	Which pistol for protection? Thinking about getting a pistol for home defense/concealed carry. I own a Mosin Nagant rifle, and would like, if possibe, to get a milsurp as they are considerably cheaper (usually). So, What are the recommendations?

05-27-2006, 11:41 AM	#2
grndesert Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Harris Co. Texas Posts: 133	Really depending on what your comfortable shooting(caliber). Sig P226, H7K P7..Iam carrrying a Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl righ now, small,dependable,and def a stopper. __________________ I Protect my 1st amendment right by my 2nd amendment right!! :guitar: :gangster:

05-27-2006, 12:19 PM	#3
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,125 Images: 3	Since your looking for mil surp. Id look for a Makarov. I'm not an expert on these pistols, it just looks like it would meet your needs well. NRAJoe has had some of these pistols, He'll be able to tell you alot more about them __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum

05-27-2006, 01:27 PM	#4
FutureMarine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PRK Posts: 1,946	the makarov is VERY reliable and you can always be confident that it wont screw you over! __________________ Semper Fi

05-27-2006, 03:02 PM	#5
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,582 Blog Entries: 22	I would recommend a Star BM because of its 9mm chambering. They are very simple rugged guns and are very similar to the 1911 in operation. I have a Star Super which is the larger version chambered for 9mm Largo and love it. Another option is the PA-63 or 64 chambered in 9x18. These are basically the same as the Walther PPK with alloy frames. http://www.militarygunsupply.com/sho...?itemid=FISTBM http://aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Hunga...ak_Pistol.html __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

05-27-2006, 06:26 PM	#6
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	If you are looking for an inexpensive mil surp instead of a more modern handgun, I would go with a CZ52. Accurate, reliable, ammo is reasonably priced. Personally, however, I would not go with a mil surp for primary home defense.

05-29-2006, 09:25 PM	#7
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Any gun, mil-surp or factory, I would only consider suitable for home defense after shooting it and proving its reliability and my competence with it. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

05-31-2006, 02:31 AM	#9
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	I have 4 -.45 autos, a P38, A Ruger Redhawk .44, and 2 Makarovs. I use one of the Makarovs as My CCW gun and Truck gun due to its light weight, Reliability, and being double action is a plus, Plus it is a "Flat" Gun so it is very easy to conceal, and very accurate! The .45's make me walk like one leg is shorter than the other one !!! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

05-31-2006, 07:40 AM	#10
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Hmm, I've always considered a 1911 to be "flat" despite its large size in the other two dimensions. My Steyr M40 is thicker I believe, even though it has a shorter barrel and grip. I would tentatively consider them comparable for CCW. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

05-31-2006, 08:43 AM	#12
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	For personal defense I would have to Ruger .357 revolver. If you want to protect you and your family don't cheap out, get the real thing. You know it will fire when you pull the trigger and what you point the business end at it will hit and go down hard. I have a .357 under my bed, ready for any bad guy who wants to taste the hollowpoints.

05-31-2006, 08:34 PM	#13
Ach Du Liebe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pasco, Washington Posts: 166	cut 2/3 of your mosin nagants barrel off....(just joking). For home defense i think what SKS said is what id go with. __________________ tic tac sir?

06-01-2006, 06:46 AM	#14
SGT-MILLER Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: GRAND FORKS AFB Posts: 7	My choice would have to be the old M1 Carbine (.30 Caliber) for the house, and I have a soft spot for the old 1911 style GI .45s for CCW (the only drawback is the 1911's are a little spendy nowadays). If I'm not mistaken, you can pick up a standard S&W revolver in .38 or .357 for pretty cheap.

06-01-2006, 11:17 AM	#15
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	If you want something that is small and powerful for home defense and for the CCW, go with a revovler. You can not go wrong with a revovler because it will fire every time. For the CCW I have a hammerless Taurus .357 5 shot. It is small, powerful, lightweight, and not too expensive ($400). When it comes to you and your family spend the extra money for the extra reasuarnce that you KNOW you and yours are protected. Another thought would be a 12ga.

06-01-2006, 12:24 PM	#16
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,595	For a handgun you can't go wrong with a .357 revolver. You can shoot either .357 or .38 special from it, you can get the ammo anywhere and you don't have to worry about jamming.

11-03-2006, 02:34 AM	#18
JSosbe Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: University of Kentucky Posts: 81	Get what feels right It may seem crazy, but I keep a Colt 1851 Navy repro black powder revolver close to hand. I know about the problem of reloading, but I don't ;plan on having to use all six anyhow. I like the feel of it, and I think that's important in a defense weapon. Get something you are comfortable with and can handle effectively and it doesn't matter what it costs. If you like a light hangun, go for a PA-63 type weapon, if you like something a little heavier, like me, go for something bigger.

11-03-2006, 07:09 AM	#19
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,106 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	ruger SP101 357 mag crimson trace at least thats what i have, that and a SA 1911 GI

11-12-2006, 11:23 AM	#20
Orlando Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 541	You are willing to trust yourlife and your familys with a mil surplus? Yes they have the stopping power but something about using a cheaper surplus pistol and old ammo to defend life and limb makes no sense to me. Go with the best for yourself and family.Just my opinion