Looking for a new gun

[GrandMoffBrandon]

I'm looking to get another handgun for self-protection. Right now, I have a .25, which is my very first handgun. I'd like to get something that packs a bigger punch. As a new gun owner, I'm wondering, what would be a good defensive gun for me?

One more thing, I have my CCW permit and I plan to carry whatever new gun I get.

[Drgong]

What price range are we talking about, and what are you confortable with?

[jad0110]

In addition to budget, you way you want to conceal carry it. How do you plan on concealing it? On-the-waistband or inside-the-waistband, pocket carry, ankle carry, shoulder rig ... etc. Is weight a conern? Also, is ammo price a concern, or can you afford just about anything? Do you prefer a revolver or semiauto?

Just a few more points to help us steer you in the right direction.

[springmom]

And...how tall are you, what is your general weight range, what kind of clothing do you normally wear, how willing are you to dress around a larger gun, and what do you like? Revolvers or semiautos? What have you shot, or at least looked at in gun shops?

All that stuff goes into the "what gun" question. What's great for me might not be workable for you.

Springmom

[GrandMoffBrandon]

Price Range: $250 - $500 for the gun (could go a little higher, if necessary) and ammo price isn't a biggie right now

How to Carry: Right now, I've been carrying my .25 on a shoulder holster, under my outer shirt; I'm willing to work around any size issue and will conceal my new gun elsewhere if necessary; weight is not a concern

Me: I'm 5'10”, 215 pounds, and I normally wear t-shirts and shorts in the summer and spring and sweatshirts and jeans in the fall and winter

Revolver or semi-auto: Doesn't matter, I'll go with either

What I Have Experience With: In addition to my .25, I've fired a .38 and a .45; I liked both and didn't have real issues with recoil or anything

[Thernlund]

As much as I don't want to say it <closes eyes and takes breath>... Glock.

Or a snubbie revolver. Used Smith, a Charter Arms, or maybe a Rossi.

Or maybe a CZ. Good guns.

Or a Stoeger Cougar (http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_cougar.php). I like mine and it is very inexpensive.

The EAA Zastava EZ line (http://www.eaacorp.com/zastava-ez-TP.html) would just hit the upper bounds of your price point. I have no experience with them though. Heard good things.

Or maybe even one of the Sig P225/P6 German police trade-ins that have been going around.

http://gun-deals.com/displaydeal.php?dealid=1473
http://gun-deals.com/displaydeal.php?dealid=1291
http://gun-deals.com/displaydeal.php?dealid=1264
http://gun-deals.com/displaydeal.php?dealid=1366
http://gun-deals.com/displaydeal.php?dealid=1416

I'm getting one as soon as I have the funds.


-T.

[springmom]

Bersa makes a good line of ccw's. Take your pick between .380, 9mm, and .45acp. They're pretty concealable even with summer weight clothes, too.

If you're willing to buy online, you might go to www.cdnninvestments.com and download their catalog. You have to call them to get prices. But they often have police trade ins that can bring the price of an otherwise out-of-reach gun into your price range.

Go shopping and spend lots of time handling different guns; if you have buddies who shoot, ask to go to the range and try out their guns. My DIL is about to get her CHL and is coming down soon to try out our handguns to get an idea of what might fit her best...that's a great way to figure out what's going to work best.

Good luck and happy shopping. :p

Springmom

[Drgong]

.38 snub revolver
Check out the CZ compacts
lots of people like the Bersa
and keep a eye out for overruns and police turn in specials.

[knicks118]

Glock 19
CZ Rami
Springfield XD subcompact
S&W M&P compact
Keltec Pf9, p11

There are so many...

[GrandMoffBrandon]

Wow, I didn’t realize there were so many options! Thanks to everyone that has answered my question.

Or maybe even one of the Sig P225/P6 German police trade-ins that have been going around.

This gun has actually been one that I’ve been really interested in. Do you have any experience using them? I imagine they are really reliable and will get the job done.

If you're willing to buy online…

I didn’t realize that I had the option of buying online. Are there any special concerns or requirements for purchasing a gun in this manner?

[springmom]

You have to have a FFL in your area that the gun can be shipped to. There is a fee for that service; sometimes as little as $10, sometimes much more. One way to find a local FFL is to go to www.gunbroker.com; they have lists of FFL's. The guy we've used several times locally was someone I found there; nice guy, charges us $20.

When you go to pick up the gun, you will have to fill out the standard form that you'd fill out if you were going to a retail store.

Call CDNN and tell them what you're interested in, and tell them your price range. They might be able to do something for you.

Springmom

[owlhoot]

Best carry gun for the money in my book is the Kahr CW9, small, accurate, light, low recoil, and easy to shoot, all for under $400 around these parts.

If you don't mind a little more size and weight, then there are many good candidates.

[GrandMoffBrandon]

One way to find a local FFL is to go to www.gunbroker.com; they have lists of FFL's.

Thanks for that link. I quickly found a guy in my small city that does it for $20.

If you don't mind a little more size and weight, then there are many good candidates.

Neither of those are problems. I’m a fairly heavy fellow and don’t have any issues with that stuff.

[Shade00]

It's too hard to pick one. If I had $500 to spend, I'd probably get a used S&W J-frame snubbie .38 and spend the rest on some kind of affordable semi-auto. If you look around for deals you could get certainly afford two for that money.

[J Lambs]

Budsgunshop.com has Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm for $439 delivered to your FFL. That would be $459 out the door. That sounds like a good deal to me.

[wnycollector]

Here are a few options in four different calibers:

9mm- SIG P6, for $270 at aim how can you beat it! Ya its "only" a single stack (8+1), but if you do your job with shot placement... OR FNP 9mm at http://cdnninvestments.com/ for $379 W/ 3 16 round mags

.40 - CZ 40B $289 at CDNN. toss in a few mecgar cz75 12 round mags you have a great combo.

.45 - Ruger P97 tough, reliable, lightweight, soft shooting and most of all INEXPENSIVE! Here is one for $235!
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIte...Item=105402699

.38/357 - Used S&W 3" model 64 (.38) or model 65 (.357). Do not overlook the older Ruger "sixes" with the 2.75" barrels either!!!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/928630600/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/S_W_64_3_SS_3_in_RB_VG_1983.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/920639804/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/S_W_65_5_357_SS_3_in_VG_Exc_1995.htm

[Goblin]

Stainless Charter Arms .357 "PUG" Ported 2 1\2" Barrel. Will fit in your front pocket. $375.00(I think).:)

[Thernlund]

Or maybe even one of the Sig P225/P6 German police trade-ins that have been going around. This gun has actually been one that I’ve been really interested in. Do you have any experience using them?

I don't, but I do with Sigs in general. I would absolutely get this pistol without hesitation based on that experience.


-T.

[pioneer461]

First, get rid of the .25. The minimum caliber I'd recommend is .38 special, or 9mm, with quality (expensive) self defense ammo. Pracitce with the cheap stuff, but carry the good stuff.

There are a wide variety of firearms on the market, some in major calibers but small enough to be carried concealed with ease. I'd recommend finding a range, or gun shop that will let you rent different kinds of guns and see what works best for you.

Many will suggest things that work for them, but may not necessarily work for you. Once you find a hand gun that you like, do the same thing with different ways to carry it.

Get professional training.

[GrandMoffBrandon]

The minimum caliber I'd recommend is .38 special, or 9mm

I've actually been wondering what the minimum caliber should be. Does anyone else have thoughts on that?

And not to sound stupid but what's the difference between a .380 and .38?

[doc2rn]

Sigs are good guns I especially like their single stack .380s with the decocker.

[3KillerBs]

You need to choose a gun that fits your hand well and that you can shoot comfortably.

You need to choose a gun that fits your lifestyle and that can be concealed in your wardrobe.

You need to choose a caliber that gives you the best combination of affordability (IMO, practice is NOT optional), hitting power, recoil, # rounds in the gun, etc. This combination is different for each person.

My DH's choice is a S&W M&P in 9mm. He likes it so well that he's getting the compact too for use in lighter clothing because the butt of the full-size one prints. My search for something suitable is well documented in a couple threads here. Search for "Does this Gun Exist?" for the main part if you're interested.

I'll be getting a Taurus 85 .38 special revolver because the ergonomics suit my hand better than the S&W snubbies do.

What training classes have you taken? Can you rent or borrow some guns to try out and see what you like?

[hobgob]

+1 on s&w j frame. I have a 638 that i carry on my ankle all the time.
+1 for sigs as well. they are comfy and built well. steal frame makes them easier to shoot accurately.

[Defensory]

Another vote for the 9mm or .38 Special as absolute minimum calibers.

[orygunmike]

I suggest both you and your wife checkout this site

http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx


written by a female shooter/trainer....for women

includes pieces on selecting a handgun