[Texasgirl]

Yeah, it would help if you were here. I'm getting input from my dad, too, but I can use all the input I can get.

One of the reasons I want a gun is to carry in the car. I've already looked up the concealed weapons laws and know what I need to do about that. I'm figuring that maybe a Derringer would work if I was ever confronted? It would go in the glove box so I wouldn't have to worry about small hands getting ahold of it (that's why it couldn't be torpedo size). I already carry a pair of throwing knives (that I don't know how to throw) in the side pocket of the car door. I like knowing if I get cornered at night on a dark road or something that I'll be able to defend myself.

What's up with all the guys in here? I just got done reading the post that was like 9-10 pages long about all the guns that've been carried. Are there a lot of (ex) cops, and service guys in here that you know of, or are they all good ol' down home guys that know how to handle guns?

[Jim Watson]

Not a derringer. I had a nice one once and sold it when I realized I was carrying it and depending on two shots to defend myself. That is just not enough.

Throwing knives?

For a glove compartment gun, I recommend something like a police tradein, either a 9mm auto or a .38 six-shot medium size revolver that has been carried daily but only shot annually and not very expensive. Plenty of room if you throw out all the other junk that tends to accumulate. But please don't leave it there regularly. There are a lot of crooks armed with guns stolen from parked cars.

I wager that most of us here are good ol' boys who just happen to like guns. Probably a good number with military service, not real many cops.

[xring44]

A derringer would certainly be better than nothing, but a small revolver would be even better. The key is find something you are comfortable with and learn to shoot it well. Time at the range will pay off in spades if you should ever have to use it to defend yourself from the bad guys. Although I am a S&W fan, you might want to look at the Ruger SP101, fairly compact, well made and reliable fire power. Good luck on your choice.

[afsnco]

Have you ever shot a derringer to see if you like it? Have you given any thought as to what caliber of derringer to get? Do you think 2 rounds is sufficient?

Have you ever looked at a small revolver? Like this S&W Model 60 Ladysmith?
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14753&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

Or this S&W Model 642 Ladysmith?
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14792&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

They're both low maintenance (compared to a semi-auto), high quality weapons which will give you a 5 round capacity vs. two for the Derringer.

But your best bet would be to go to a range that allows you to rent and test-drive various weapons (or go to a range with friends who own various weapons). Only then will you be able to determine what feels comfortable to you.