Suggestions

deltadawn · 07-07-2008, 04:47 PM

Hello everyone...I am new to the board and I am interested in buying a handgun. I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions!! I am not looking for anything huge...it is essentially for protection; and the occasionally shooting trip to pop off a few rounds. Thanks!!

knightRider · 07-07-2008, 05:57 PM

9mm or 38 sp , you will probly get a hundred different opinion's . i like sig's and berreta's best in a 9 mm and smith and wessen's in a 38

MrsS · 07-08-2008, 08:04 AM

First, welcome deltadawn! Like knightrider said, you will get many suggestions. For me, the very first gun I learned to shoot was a .380 semi auto. The recoil wasn't bad and its compact enough to carry. Once I got comfortable with that, I moved up to revolvers and now have a .38 special. That is usually my carry gun. You can try the two types of guns I listed and try a 9mm, as well.

Windwalker · 07-08-2008, 09:15 AM

If you have a local shooting range that rents guns, look over their selection and pick out several that you would like to try. For a new shooter I would recommend a 9mm in semi automatic or a .38 or .357 in a revolver with no more than a 4" bbl. You will probably find one of these guns that just feels best to you. This will be the make of gun you want for if it feels good you will shoot more and that is what is required to become a good shot, practice, practice, and more practice. Good luck on your choice.

PONTIACDM · 07-08-2008, 12:25 PM

Knight, What is that black one in the middle?

Jersey Jailer · 07-08-2008, 02:52 PM

Pontiacdm, Looks to me like its a S&W 327 M&P R8 N frame 8 shot 357.

deltadawn, My wife started shooting my S&W m-36 3", it's a 5 shot 38 Spl. She has since taken over my competition gun, a S&W 6" 686 6 shot 357 mag. She never liked the semi auto pistols. I've tried to get her to shoot 9mm, 40S&W and 45ACP. SHe likes the revolvers probably because she's deadly accurate with them, even my 44mags. She can shoot the auto's just not as well.

The M- 36 may be a bit light for shooting full house 38 Hollow points. I always liked the M-10 4" bull barrel for a DutyGun when we carried revolvers. As an entry handgun for home defense I would suggest either a 9mm pistol or a 38 spl., they have the lightest recoil of a "man stopping" round. 38's would be the cheapest to shoot, if you have a reputable reloader around. Never shoot somebody elses reloads. Windwalker said it all, if you don't have a range that rents guns, go to your local gunshops, look and hold different guns. When you feel comfortable with a gunshop, then ask for help choosing, go to your local range and ask questions, you might get the offer to shoot someone's handgun.

bellx1 · 07-10-2008, 07:13 PM

welcome deltadawn, the .38 sp snubby is a good size for carry, is a nice revolver for protection too, but if you prefer a semiauto, berettas 9mm is nice so long as your hands arent too small.

Mike Franklin · 07-10-2008, 10:22 PM

If you get the chance, go to a gun show and handle everything you might like. If the gun is for home protection size may not matter. If you're going to carry a gun you need the combination of enough caliber and convenient size. I like at least .38 caliber.

FS00008 · 07-11-2008, 02:30 AM

.38 Special with 4" BBL and +P+ rated, or a .357 Mag with at least a 4" BBL in order to have fun with it and have the maximum availability of rounds (interchangeability with .38s etc.) or a .380 Hi-Point Semi-Auto or a 9MM Hi-Point Semi-Auto. There are people on here who would disagree with me about the Hi-Point, but I've been a believer lately. They're cheap, go bang every time, have the BEST warranty for firearms... hands down, reliable, and would fit the bill perfectly. Eventually when you feel comfortable enough with it and if you like it enough you could get something nicer, but I'd start out with a .38 or .357 wheel gun or the HI-Point due to ease of use and price.

FS00008 · 07-11-2008, 02:30 AM

You are not looking for something to CC right?

GlockMeister · 07-11-2008, 02:37 AM

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and welcome you to the site deltadawn...

As far as your question, I don;t think I'll throw anything different out there. You've gotten and will continue to get great advice and I'd hate to make your choices any harder then they will be simply because there is a lot out there to choose from..

Only thing I will say is this. Find a range near you and handle as many as you can that are close to what you're wanting and or looking for. Then when you've narrowed it down, rent them if this place has that option or find one that does and rent them there and see not only how they feel holding them but how they shoot. You do that, you'll be happy with whatever you get.

Even though it's your first, once you get it, you'll be hooked and it will not be your last... lol Good luck...

Guns&Dobes · 07-26-2008, 10:51 AM

Welcome deltadawn, I personally like a semi auto better than a revolver but everyone is different, I agree with the suggestion to see if you can find a place that rents handguns to try out, then you can find what you are comfortable with before purchasing something you may end up not liking. It may be a few bucks to do so but it's better than spending a few hundred and then hating what you bought.

Jim Rau · 08-01-2008, 04:51 PM

Delta,
I spend my off-duty time in CO giving the CCW classes. (I retired from the CSPD with 26 years service)
My first question to you is, what is your background and experance in gun handeling and shooting?
From there we can discuss what you may wish to consider for a hand gun.

TexasT · 08-01-2008, 04:55 PM

Do you want a semi-auto or revolver? I also think .38 or 9mm is the smallest I'd go. You can find compact guns in either caliber. The advice about renting before trying is excellent advice.

Mike Franklin · 08-01-2008, 10:28 PM

BTW, the gun in your avatar. Don't get one of those to start.

kim russell · 08-18-2008, 12:17 PM

My first gun was a keltec 32. It is tiny and weighs nothing, easy to conceal and 32 is a decent size ammo. The problem then is how to get good at markmanship and all the carry/conceal possibilities. My mother in law is a shapshooter and uses a 22 for target practice. the sound is nil and the re-coil non-existant, cheap to play with since the ammo is cheap and accurate. Get one and have some fun! then when you use your carry gun you will feel confident and comfortable with shooting. Now, carry, do not throw it in the bottom of your purse! stuff gets in the barrel and it is impossible to find in a crisis. It can also get damaged. Try a concealment purse designed with a holster or use an in the pants holster that can be clipped into a pocket. this keeps the gun and you safe!

Victoria · 08-20-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

...
Only thing I will say is this. Find a range near you and handle as many as you can that are close to what you're wanting and or looking for. Then when you've narrowed it down, rent them if this place has that option or find one that does and rent them there and see not only how they feel holding them but how they shoot. You do that, you'll be happy with whatever you get. ...
Good luck...

I think that's a super idea.

I'm new to shooting and joined a range. I took a basic handgun class there. I try different handguns sometimes when I go to shoot my rifle. Members can use any of the rental guns at no extra charge. I still find the large Smith and Wesson revolver the easiest, but I did like the 1911 style semi-automatic pistol. I'm not ready to buy a self-defense handgun yet. Just finding out about shooting, what first, second, and third, impressions are like, and comparing.

You might check out the Women and Guns forum, too.
Women & Guns :: View Forum - Women & Guns

All the best to you!

.22hustler · 08-20-2008, 06:39 PM

Bersa Thunder .380. Wife's first gun, she's 5', 118lbs.

Mike Franklin · 08-20-2008, 06:54 PM

It's just nearly impossible to beat a S&W M 10 as a first handgun.

LakerDad · 08-20-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Franklin

It's just nearly impossible to beat a S&W M 10 as a first handgun.

I can agree with that, I've got one in the 2" tube. But how about a .38 Diamondback? [.22 DB would be nice too]

07-07-2008, 04:47 PM	#1
deltadawn Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 2	Suggestions Hello everyone...I am new to the board and I am interested in buying a handgun. I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions!! I am not looking for anything huge...it is essentially for protection; and the occasionally shooting trip to pop off a few rounds. Thanks!!

07-07-2008, 05:57 PM	#2
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,794 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	9mm or 38 sp , you will probly get a hundred different opinion's . i like sig's and berreta's best in a 9 mm and smith and wessen's in a 38 __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

07-08-2008, 08:04 AM	#3
MrsS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 16th state. Posts: 1,810	First, welcome deltadawn! Like knightrider said, you will get many suggestions. For me, the very first gun I learned to shoot was a .380 semi auto. The recoil wasn't bad and its compact enough to carry. Once I got comfortable with that, I moved up to revolvers and now have a .38 special. That is usually my carry gun. You can try the two types of guns I listed and try a 9mm, as well. __________________ "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the LORD." Luke 2:11

07-08-2008, 09:15 AM	#4
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 4,016	If you have a local shooting range that rents guns, look over their selection and pick out several that you would like to try. For a new shooter I would recommend a 9mm in semi automatic or a .38 or .357 in a revolver with no more than a 4" bbl. You will probably find one of these guns that just feels best to you. This will be the make of gun you want for if it feels good you will shoot more and that is what is required to become a good shot, practice, practice, and more practice. Good luck on your choice. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

07-08-2008, 12:25 PM	#5
PONTIACDM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OHIO Posts: 754	Knight, What is that black one in the middle? __________________ I Did Not Hit You!!! I Simply High-Fived Your Face!

07-08-2008, 02:52 PM	#6
Jersey Jailer Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 516	Pontiacdm, Looks to me like its a S&W 327 M&P R8 N frame 8 shot 357. deltadawn, My wife started shooting my S&W m-36 3", it's a 5 shot 38 Spl. She has since taken over my competition gun, a S&W 6" 686 6 shot 357 mag. She never liked the semi auto pistols. I've tried to get her to shoot 9mm, 40S&W and 45ACP. SHe likes the revolvers probably because she's deadly accurate with them, even my 44mags. She can shoot the auto's just not as well. The M- 36 may be a bit light for shooting full house 38 Hollow points. I always liked the M-10 4" bull barrel for a DutyGun when we carried revolvers. As an entry handgun for home defense I would suggest either a 9mm pistol or a 38 spl., they have the lightest recoil of a "man stopping" round. 38's would be the cheapest to shoot, if you have a reputable reloader around. Never shoot somebody elses reloads. Windwalker said it all, if you don't have a range that rents guns, go to your local gunshops, look and hold different guns. When you feel comfortable with a gunshop, then ask for help choosing, go to your local range and ask questions, you might get the offer to shoot someone's handgun. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Austrailian Shepherds are like potato chips... You can't have just one

07-10-2008, 07:13 PM	#7
bellx1 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kalifornia Posts: 182 Blog Entries: 1	welcome deltadawn, the .38 sp snubby is a good size for carry, is a nice revolver for protection too, but if you prefer a semiauto, berettas 9mm is nice so long as your hands arent too small. __________________ gun owner or victim??? decisions, decisions!

07-10-2008, 10:22 PM	#8
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	If you get the chance, go to a gun show and handle everything you might like. If the gun is for home protection size may not matter. If you're going to carry a gun you need the combination of enough caliber and convenient size. I like at least .38 caliber. __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.

07-11-2008, 02:30 AM	#9
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,092 Blog Entries: 1	.38 Special with 4" BBL and +P+ rated, or a .357 Mag with at least a 4" BBL in order to have fun with it and have the maximum availability of rounds (interchangeability with .38s etc.) or a .380 Hi-Point Semi-Auto or a 9MM Hi-Point Semi-Auto. There are people on here who would disagree with me about the Hi-Point, but I've been a believer lately. They're cheap, go bang every time, have the BEST warranty for firearms... hands down, reliable, and would fit the bill perfectly. Eventually when you feel comfortable enough with it and if you like it enough you could get something nicer, but I'd start out with a .38 or .357 wheel gun or the HI-Point due to ease of use and price.

07-11-2008, 02:37 AM	#11
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 6,292	I just wanted to pop in and say hello and welcome you to the site deltadawn... As far as your question, I don;t think I'll throw anything different out there. You've gotten and will continue to get great advice and I'd hate to make your choices any harder then they will be simply because there is a lot out there to choose from.. Only thing I will say is this. Find a range near you and handle as many as you can that are close to what you're wanting and or looking for. Then when you've narrowed it down, rent them if this place has that option or find one that does and rent them there and see not only how they feel holding them but how they shoot. You do that, you'll be happy with whatever you get. Even though it's your first, once you get it, you'll be hooked and it will not be your last... lol Good luck... __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

07-26-2008, 10:51 AM	#12
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	Welcome deltadawn, I personally like a semi auto better than a revolver but everyone is different, I agree with the suggestion to see if you can find a place that rents handguns to try out, then you can find what you are comfortable with before purchasing something you may end up not liking. It may be a few bucks to do so but it's better than spending a few hundred and then hating what you bought.

08-01-2008, 04:51 PM	#13
Jim Rau Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Moreland, AL & Atigun Pass, AK Posts: 238	Delta, I spend my off-duty time in CO giving the CCW classes. (I retired from the CSPD with 26 years service) My first question to you is, what is your background and experance in gun handeling and shooting? From there we can discuss what you may wish to consider for a hand gun. __________________ Selfdefense is an absolute and natural right! Keep your powder dry.

08-01-2008, 04:55 PM	#14
TexasT No Whining Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Somewhere. Posts: 4,951 Blog Entries: 17	Do you want a semi-auto or revolver? I also think .38 or 9mm is the smallest I'd go. You can find compact guns in either caliber. The advice about renting before trying is excellent advice. __________________ I walk like this because I can back it up.

08-01-2008, 10:28 PM	#15
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	BTW, the gun in your avatar. Don't get one of those to start. __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.

08-18-2008, 12:17 PM	#16
kim russell Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	first gun, then what? My first gun was a keltec 32. It is tiny and weighs nothing, easy to conceal and 32 is a decent size ammo. The problem then is how to get good at markmanship and all the carry/conceal possibilities. My mother in law is a shapshooter and uses a 22 for target practice. the sound is nil and the re-coil non-existant, cheap to play with since the ammo is cheap and accurate. Get one and have some fun! then when you use your carry gun you will feel confident and comfortable with shooting. Now, carry, do not throw it in the bottom of your purse! stuff gets in the barrel and it is impossible to find in a crisis. It can also get damaged. Try a concealment purse designed with a holster or use an in the pants holster that can be clipped into a pocket. this keeps the gun and you safe!

08-20-2008, 06:39 PM	#18
.22hustler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,112	Bersa Thunder .380. Wife's first gun, she's 5', 118lbs.

08-20-2008, 06:54 PM	#19
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	It's just nearly impossible to beat a S&W M 10 as a first handgun. __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.