car or truck SD gun

Hello everybody. My first post here, though I've been reading here for a week or so. Have decided to get a handgun for general SD, the catalyst being a long drive I make 2 or 3 times a week in the early hours pre-dawn and returning after sunset.

My best friend and I took a marksmanship class this past weekend at the local gun shop/range; really enjoyed it and then shot some Glocks since we didn't either one have our own yet. She has ended up buying a Springfield XD 40cal, and really likes it. It fits my hand nicely too, but I am also a fan of revolvers, and have been considering the S&W 640. My mind is still very open, however, as there are so many beautiful and well-reviewed guns out there.

My primary request for you guys is your opinions on which type of handgun will tolerate being left in the car, winter and summer, for 12 hours at a time. I absolutely cannot take it in to my place of employment; so in order to have it with me for the drive, it will have to stay in the car while I'm at work. What are the considerations on this, would a revolver be better for extreme temps than an auto-reloader type?

My friend and I will be taking a CC class in three weeks, and I will apply for a permit to make it legal, just so you know.

Any comments, suggestions, advice appreciated. I'm a petite woman, baby-boomer era, but I'm pretty strong, and have plans to get stronger! (If I'll just use that YMCA a little more...:) )

Thanks everybody. I've learned a lot here.

Greeting's CJ, And A Big Ole' Hearty Welcome To THR-

You will find many varied opinions here, as too the choice of weaponary
recommended. As a rule of thumb, most folks will recommend a revolver
for a newby; me included. They are just much simpler to operate and/or
maintain; and with experience can be just as quick to swing into action.
The camp is divided as too whether we like stainless or blued revolvers.
In your case, a stainless gun is definitely the order of the day. Humidity
rakes havoc on blued weapons; especailly if you live in a climate of real
extreme temperatures.

For your choice of weapons, the S&W model 640 is a proven winner as
you can practice with the milder .38 Special wadcutters; then load it
up with the HOT 125 grain JHP .357 magnums for self defense. Practice
is the most important factor for you; and your friend with the Springer
XD. Ammo cost using the 640 loaded with .38's is a lot less expensive
than ammo for the .40 caliber weapons; so you should be able to give
it a good workout before going "armed and dangerous".:D

BTW, the Springer XD is one fine weapon in its own right; it just isn't
for everybody~!:uhoh: :scrutiny:

Welcome to THR!
For your particular application, a good 357mag revolver might be the best way to go for you. As Dan mentioned, it gives you the flexibility to use the cheaper and lighter loads for practice and to get used to then gun with the option of the hotter 357 loads for SD purposes.

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Since you prefer revolvers,I agree with Ala dan on stainless.The Ruger SP101 in 357 with a 3 1/16" barrel would be a good choice. It has 5 shots.In 357 for your needs, that would be plenty. It is heavier than the 640 but have an advantage of some recoil reduction due to weight. The extra length on the barrel would increase the velocity somewhat.The Winchester 145 grain Silver Tip is a good defense load. What ever you get,practice a lot.Practice with 357 with the 38's. That way the recoil will not be a surprise. Byron

Thanks for your quick replies. My plan is to continue to go to the range over the next few days and rent a variety of guns to try. All rental fees apply toward purchase.

As for preferring revolvers, maybe I do, but I can also envision wanting a semi-auto; I will probably eventually have more than one gun. My folks do, and I think it's just a good idea.

But first things first; this first gun, for this particular purpose, will have to tolerate extreme temps, and humidity too while waiting in the car for me to get off work. If all things are equal, and both a revolver and a semi-auto tolerate this well, then my options are more.

Thanks again, and I will let you know what I end up with. And I fully intend to practice, practice, practice. I do not want to be fumble-fingered, unsure, or afraid of my gun. That would be worse than not having one.

Glock 26 would do the job and give you more capacity. I keep one in my truck 24-7 and it doesn't hurt it at all.:eek:

Almost any good stainless revo (S&W, Ruger "SP101", etc..) or
Ploy semi, H&K or even Glock (if you are so inclined) should fit the bill.

.... and welcome to THR.

Edit...

And I fully intend to practice, practice, practice. I do not want to be fumble-fingered, unsure, or afraid of my gun. That would be worse than not having one.

That's a great mind set.

Another vote for the Glock 26.

I leave guns in my cars 24/7. A couple are stainless but most are blue. Stainless is better.

As far as functioning in extreme temperatures , a revolver or semi auto would be OK.
Just give it normal care and cleaning and it will be fine in the car no matter what the conditions (within reason).

I doubt that you will have this extreme a problem but this frozen Makarov functioned fine.:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/Makfrozen_2.jpg

i must heartily disagree with ala dan. whether you choose a revolver or automatic should be based on personal preference and not some perceived idea of reliability. but if you choose a revolver, you should NOT practice with light loads and carry heavy loads. this is a common feeling but there can be a huge difference in recoil and muzzle blast and you need to be prepared for what is going to happen. if you decide you prefer an automatic, the slightly more complicated manual of arms and clearing procedures should not put you off. to say that you can't handle that is chauvanistica at best. all it requires is training. you are doing exactly the right thing. try lots of different types and calibers of gun and seek out advice from people who have been doing this longer. doesn't mean we know what we're doing but it's nice to have different angles on the subject. i'd like to note that you probably should not let someone try to talk you into a "ladies' gun" unless you have a genuine need for a small, difficult to control, underpowered handgun. pick what feels comfortable in your hand and the most powerful cartridge with which you can hit accurately, quickly and repeatedly. think about how you are going to carry as this will affect your choice of wepon. keep doing what you're doing and when you decide, go with what YOU feel most comfortable with.

Try before you buy is always a good idea. After that, buy the gun that is best for you.

FWIW I like a revolver for it's simplicity. The fewer moving parts and the less round handling, the better. Fewer parts means fewer opportunities to fail. Also the cold weather can be a problem. I know all about the frozen auto that fires just fine. I also know that if you go to that extreme, you've probably cleaned and very lightly oiled that gun. In reality, most of us over lube our autos. Oil does get thicker as it chills and can be a problem in extreme situations. Do you want to bet your life on that?

I prefer revolvers also for their operational simpicity. As a self defense gun, I would lean toward an airweight such as the S&W 442/642 (38sspl+P) or if you prefer a Lady Smith. This would allow you to carry it easily if you chose to. Ruger-SP101-cheaper. Larger frame... GP100, but not easily concealable.

Remember a gun chose for self defense may be different that one chosen for regular target practice. Not to say you don't shoot the small handgun, they just aren't as comfortable to shoot often.

Glock-Model 23 for general purposes. I had one in my vehicle for years.

A firearm stored in your vehicle is more likely to be stolen than one otherwise stored on your person or at home. You just have to accept the risks. Get what you like!!!

I with the S&W people get it and shoot the 38's for practice then at end run a couple cyl. of 357's This way you will be used to both. The old 158gr. LSWCHP+P 38 spl. Has worked for years on the street might give them a look for carry.

Revolver, S&W, Colt, Taurus, Ruger. All good. Keeping in a car? Stainless is the only way to go.

Kevin

Again, thank you all for your excellent advice and suggestions. At this point I am leaning pretty hard toward the S&W 640, with night sights (my old eyes don't do as well as they used to). I took another look at it and some others today. I rented and fired the S&W 64 though, not thinking of it as a carry gun, but later on just to have it for more friendly shooting. It was Nice!

I've read some about the benefits of SS and do intend to get that for this car gun; however, I also looked at a Model 10 which was blued and absolutely beautiful. I'm sure there are threads here from the past on pros and cons of blued vs. stainless, and I will find them and read them. But for a gun that will be a practice and nightstand gun, does it matter very much?

Thank you all again. I'll let y'all know what and when I get something.

CJ

Greeting's Again CJ-


To field your question, a blued weapon does require a bit more up-keep
than its stainless counterpart. On the average, blued weapons need to
be inspected periodically; and lubed 'bout every three months on the
average. Where as the stainless guns could lay around indefinitely in
a drawer (or pistol rug) without much more than an occassional wipe
down with a silicone cloth. Hope this helps a bunch~!:D

Thanks Ala Dan, it does help. Though I might have to just plan on doing more maintenance, it is just so fine-looking. :)

But I do understand that the stainless is more durable and requires less attention; maybe I'll just get the one blue, and all the rest (dreaming already) in stainless.

Have a good evening.

CJ

cj, stainless is, of course a good idea for a gun that will be subjected to temperature swings, humidity and other environmental stresses but it's not your only option. glocks come with a finish called tennifer from the factory this finish is at least as, if not more rust resistant than stainless. many other manufacturers offer polymer, ceramic or other types of coatings and treatments to limit corrosion. there are also aftermarket treatments available. this is more common on autos than revolvers but by no means unheard of in a revolver. if you plan on carrying, one option that hasn't been mentioned yet is the alloy framed revolvers from companies like taurus and s&w. the titanium, aluminum or scandium alloys are more corrosion resistant than blued steel, though i'm not sure how they compare to ss. the reduced weight makes carry more comfortable but recoil more harsh. there are also some alloy offerings in autos. there are quite alot of options to consider. if you plan on carrying i suggest a small frame revolver or compact pistol. it is important to pack as much power into as small a package as possible but you still need to be able to shoot it accurately. if you're not carrying, then you can go with a full size handgun because concealabilty and comfort will not be factors.

IMHO, nothing takes abuse like a Glock. The exposed surfaces have one of the best corosion resistant finishes available, and a large portion of the pistol is polymer.

Whatever gun you choose, please spend an extra $100 to get a pistol safe and have it mounted in your vehicle. This is to prevent the random thug from breaking into your vehicle and easily getting your gun.

Hello Calamity Jane: My Glovebox/nightstand gun is a Rossi 357 mag 6-shot revolver with a 2" barrel that I got for $125. It's blued and shows no rust or corrosion.

In your case, a used Smith, Taurus, or Ruger .357 mag, either blued or SS, would do just fine. Don't know if I would spend an inordinate amount of money on a handgun that is going to be sitting and doing nothing for long periods of time. Keep it simple and basic. I doubt your blued handgun would corrode or rust sitting in your glovebox if it is properly lubed.

A revolver can sit for years, then be brought into instant and effective action. Ammo is cheap, plentiful and you can use either .357 mag or .38 spcl.

Caution: I always practice with what I carry in the gun full-time. That way, I get real-time feedback on my carry ammo and know what to expect, should I need to shoot in an emergency. Practicing often and keeping an alert/situational awareness is paramount for your safety.

I applaud you for making a wise and prudent choice to arm yourself! I wish more women would make the same decision.

To the original poster, I second the idea of securing any firearm left unattended in a car. My car gun is a stainless snubby revolver, and it is locked into a lockbox under the front seat.

Like my friend Mill Creek and others, I caution you 'bout leaving a
weapon unattended in a vechile. Too many times, I've been on calls
whereas a firearm was left unattended in a vechile, and it ended up
being stolen and used on the owner~!:uhoh: :(

I'm in accord with M2 Carbine. My Makarov is my "Car Gun" and it stays there no matter what... even in freezing cold weather when it takes 20 minutes for my 'Tour to even start warming up.
But that's just my car gun. My self defense gun, the one that I carry on my person, it is a S&W 640 most of the time... alternating with my CZ P01 when I feel the need/want for more firepower.

Out here in Rural Utah, guns in vehicles are common.

i thought i should clarify the statement i made about carry ammo. i think it is important to practice with a load that shoots to the same point of impact and recoils as much as your carry ammo. it needn't be exactly the same as that is likely to get expensive but it should shoot the same and feel the same so you won't be surprised if the baloon goes up.

CalamityJane,
Welcome to THR ! :)

May I suggest for safe storage and to comply with jurisdictions ( local or travel out of state):

http://www.handgunsafe.com/

I have used these since - forever.

-The Simplex designed lockable container is NOT deependent on electronics, or batteries.
-One does NOT have to have a key.
-Combinations may be changed by the owner.
-These bolt down VERY secure.
-Various sizes and configurations to meet one's needs.
-Versatile.

i.e. bolted in any style vehicle, for not only firearms, also leaving valuables while going to a gym, doctor's appointments, traveling and extra cash,traveler's checks, Credit cards, for that College Student needing some privacy and security...etc.

Used in one's abode/ office setting -bolted into nightstands, heavy furniture, hiding areas to keep kids, landlords, nosy folks ...out of sight- out of mind.

Rule one is have a gun.

Another Rule is to NOT tell or advertise what you have, and where have stored.

If you should require some Ideas, feel free to PM me.
I mean Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Professors , Students, Traveling Sales Reps...have/ do.

Why even some private airplanes need more than a Folger's Coffee Can, might need to have a extra set of keys to the family home, the personal car left at airport...or something.

;)

Regards,

Steve

a lock box is a good idea but you need to make sure you get the gun back out of the box every time you get in the car. a gun locked in a box will be absolutely worthless if you ever need it. also doesn't help much if they just steal the whole car. remember that a firearm is most secure when it is loaded and attached to a person well trained in its use.

I have a Sig 220 [stainless] in my truck. It lives there, hidden away. I shoot it once or twice a year, clean it and put it back.
Sigs are flawless in shooting reliably, out of the box, from under the seat, it just shoots.
.45 may be too much but there are 9mm, .40. .357 Sigs and in smaller packages,
I like Sigs and trust them.
Blessings

Here I come to save the day. My opinion is a car/truck gun is one that you do not care if it gets beat up. I would take a long look at a used Star BM 9mm from J&G or a used Bersa Thunder 380. Both of these handguns are reliable and do not cost an arm or leg. Lastly, small 38 Special revolvers are cute but they kick a lot! Regards, Richard :D

Here I come to save the day. My opinion is a car/truck gun is one that you do not care if it gets beat up. I would take a long look at a used Star BM 9mm from J&G or a used Bersa Thunder 380. Both of these handguns are reliable and do not cost an arm or leg. Lastly, small 38 Special revolvers are cute but they kick a lot! Regards, Richard :D


Thanks Richard for your reply. I got the 640, which is a small 38 revolver, and while it is "cute", (although I haven't caught myself thinking of it as cute--:) ) the recoil hasn't been a problem. The more I shoot it, the less I notice it. This isn't to say that there isn't any recoil, just that it is very manageable.

I actually probably won't leave it in the car all the time, because for now, it is my only handgun, and I will want it with me in the house also.

Thanks again, and Happy New Year.
CJ

outstanding. congratulations on your new family member. have fun, be safe and shoot alot. oh, and get training as often as you can afford it.

outstanding. congratulations on your new family member. have fun, be safe and shoot alot. oh, and get training as often as you can afford it.

Thanks chop. I appreciate your previous input too. I do plan on shooting a lot; and we just took our CCW class a couple of days ago.

You know, I expected to do "OK" with the shooting, although I was primarily concerned with having additional self-defense capability;you know, something in addition to the baseball bat.
But I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy shooting. At paper targets. I want to go shoot every day; and I already can tell that one gun won't be enough!

So I guess I am officially hooked. Line and sinker.
Thanks again, and Happy New Year to you, and Safe New Year too!

But I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy shooting. At paper targets. I want to go shoot every day; and I already can tell that one gun won't be enough!

So I guess I am officially hooked. Line and sinker.
It begins!! Kiss your money goodbye now, and welcome to the club :)

I keep a S&W 640 in my car.

I chose the 640 for a number of reasons: very simple manual of arms, high degree of reliability, no hammer to worry about somehow getting snagged on something, easy to conceal, can shoot standard pressure .38 specials, or +P, or .357 magnums (I load mine with 125gr JHP +P), stainless is more rust resistant than blued steel (especially important in humid FL).


nero