Looking to purchase a handgun...

[HandGunOwner]

I am looking to purchase a handgun to keep in my house for security purposes. I was thinking of something along the lines of a 9MM although think that may be a little much. Can I please get some suggestions? Please remember I am looking for something for the home so any info as far as power, magazine size and practicality would be great. I appreciate the help and look forward to hear some of your responses.

Thanks,

HandGunOwner

[strat81]

Ever shoot a 9mm? They aren't that bad, assuming it's a semi-compact or full-size weapon. Metal frames soak up more recoil than polymer, generally speaking. A nice full size 9mm is the Beretta/Taurus 92. If you want something a little smaller in a metal frame, look at the CZ 75B and 75 Compact.

If you can't handle those, look into a medium frame revolver in 38 special. Go to a gun shop and see what fits and/or go to a range that rents weapons.

[TX1911fan]

A CZ is a great choice. The P-01 is a great weapon as well.

http://cz-usa.com/products_handguns.php?m=1

[CountGlockula]

Head out to the range and rent out a Glock 19 or 17.

[hockeybum]

walther ppk, its not like your gonna have a shoot out inside you house... unless you go james bond on the guy...

[Steve H]

Do you have any experience and also how much do you want to spend?

[Ala Dan]

I agree, try to rent [and shoot] as many handguns as you can; as you
may actually decide on something quite a bit different than a 9m/m. For
first time owners, I actually think a .38 Special would be more along the
lines of what you really need for home 'D. Quite frankly, a 4" barrel .357
magnum would be the gun I would recommend; cuz then you could use
.357 magnum ammo; or .38 Special. The OAL of the .357 magnum is only
1/16" longer than the .38 Special; to prevent its use in older revolvers
that might not withstand the higher pressures of the magnum cartridge.

Lot's of good used Smith & Wesson .357's on the market, from 'bout $225
on up; depending on model and condition.

[SoCalShooter]

Hi, and welcome we can definetly thow a lot of suggestions your way but we kinda need to know how much you want to spend and what kind of experience you have with handguns.

[Hemicuda]

If it is for pure HOME DEFENSE only, I'd actually recommend a pump shotgun with a short (18") factory barrel... (Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Winchester 1300)

as for handguns, if that is what you want, then a good revolver (Ruger, Smith & Wesson, or Taurus) is a good bet... it depends on pricerange...

[ronto]

A Ruger GP100 or a good used Ruger Security-Six either in 4" would be a good choice for HD. I don't think you want to blast away with a semi-auto in your house.

[Cacique500]

As others have said, your best bet is to go to a range and try out some different guns and see what you like and what will fit your needs. At this point you may also want to seek some instruction - any competent instructor will be able to make some suggestions based on what you tell him (experience, use, price level, etc.)

It'll be a whole lot cheaper to rent a few and try them out rather than buying the 'wrong' one.

[ArchAngelCD]

Other than my shotgun loaded with either 00 or #4 buckshot I have a S&W 4" .357 Mag. I keep it loaded with .38 Spl +P rounds for the house since I don't want to "flash-bang" myself if I have to fire in self defense in the middle of the night. You really don't want to squeeze off a round from a .357 flamethrower which is as loud as a cannon in a dark and quiet room.... Trust me!!

[lamazza]

Head out to the range and rent out a Glock 19 or 17
+1
A really reliable and light 9mm ^^.
I think that the most important thing is to get one that feels good to you. There are alot of handguns out there that I love the looks of, but don't feel right in my hand.

[Shipwreck]

We have a "sticky" here that covers this topic a bit...

http://www.handgunforum.net/showthread.php?t=2496

[10-Ring]

Honestly for a green shooter, I would try to keep things simple. Personally, I would recommend a 357 magnum revolver. It will allow you to gain practical experience shooting economical 38 specials & still have the power of a proven stopper in the 357 magnum.

[HandGunOwner]

I do not have much experience with handguns, I am looking to spend around $600. I have shot a few different guns, .38 and a 9MM at a range with some friends. Thanks again for everyones responses... Quick question though, are there any gubs which are easier to remove a trigger guard opposed to another? Like I said this purchase is going to be for home security so... Though safety has to come first.

;) ;)

[Hemicuda]

Remove a trigger guard? that is a VERY unsafe practice, or did you mean a trigger LOCK?

[ArchAngelCD]

HandGunOwner,
You don't put a lock on a home defense gun because it takes too long to remove if you need to use it for defense. That's the whole reason for having a gun that's designated for home defense. That's the one that is left unlocked and ready to use. All your other guns, rifles and handguns included, are locked and in the safe but that one is always ready.

[Waitone]

Good, now that we know you are a noob, welcome.

Now to the question at hand. Attend an NRA certified Noobie course where you will get a great overview and be able to fondle all kinds of firearms at no additional cost. The course will give you the basics in safety and handling. After the course go to a range that rents what you took a hankerin' to and shoot it. Once you are grinnin' go buy what makes you happy. You can do a lot of learnin', shootin', and buyin' for $600.

Guns are like Lays potato chips. One is not enough. Your first firearm will not be the last so don't get wrapped up in finding the perfect firearm. It doesn't exist.

Once you've made your choice of firearm, spend time at the ammunition rack to determine if you can afford to shoot your choice.

Keep us posted on your journey.

[GunNut]

Fondle as many as you can to figure out which one feels the best in your hand.

If you just want to pick up something while deciding, pick up a use S&W 66/686 or Ruger GP100 in .357mag. These guns are fool proof and are good for a beginner.

Good luck,

Steve

[RP86]

I agree with Waitone, at least take the basic pistol course offered by the NRA. Then possibly take the Personal Protection class. Here's a link to find a local class: http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp. I've been shooting rifles with my dad for a while, but I recently started becoming interested in handguns. So we decided we'll both take the NRA Basic Pistol class, we were both very impressed with the skills learned that day.

9mm in my opinion is great for home defense, especially since ammo is affordable so you'll get plenty of range time. As many have said before go shoot/rent as many 9mm's as you can. Choose what fits YOU the best! Most full sized 9mm pistols will have 15 round magazines, unless your state has the 10 round limit. There are constant arguments over the 9mm vs. .40 vs. .45. 9mm is definitely better than nothing!

-Ryan

[gazpacho]

About 6 months ago, I was witness to the negligent discharge of an AR-15 pistol in a 10' x 15' room. While it was loud, and my ears were ringing for many hours, in no way was the muzzle blast debilitating.

[brett30030]

About 6 months ago, I was witness to the negligent discharge of an AR-15 pistol in a 10' x 15' room. While it was loud, and my ears were ringing for many hours, in no way was the muzzle blast debilitating I have no idea what that has to do with this topic, maybe it is just the voices in your head:what:


Many times the range store will discount any purchase for what you have spent on rentals. But usually you have to ask. For self defense, i would agree that 9mm is a very good first choice. I also agree that it sounds like you would benefit from a basic handgun course. If you post where you live, i am certain that some folks would be able to point you in a direction of a good source. Good Luck!

[Mandirigma]

Great website by one of the Mods here :)

http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC/TOC.htm#FirstGun

[possum]

get a xd service or tactical model 9mm throw a m6 light laser combo on there and 17rds of jhp and call it a day! :)