I'm moving to Ohio from the UK soon, and will thus be purchasing my first handgun.
Initially I will have more pressing things to spend my money on, so my first handgun will have to be something of a jack of all trades so to speak.
Although I'm a huge fan of the 1911, I have had to concede that a .357 magnum revolver will make a more sensible choice for my first gun.
My reasoning for this is:
A) When I buy my first 1911, I want it to be a good one, and my first gun needs to be inexpensive.
B) Although I am well versed in the theoretical side of things, I am from the UK and therefore have very little practical experience. A revolver seems to make more sense initially.
C) A .357 magnum will allow me to cut my teeth on .38 special yet still give me 'growing room'
D) One required role for the gun will be home defense. I'd be happy with a 1911, but I am a gun nut who is prepared to practice. My wife is not.
E) .38 special is relatively cheap and readily available, so I'll be able to afford to put plenty of practice in.
Ok, so my first question is, is my reasoning sound?
If so, I need some recommendations based on the following criteria:
1) The gun needs to be inexpensive (not 'cheap') I don't want to buy crap, but my firearms budget will initially be low until I have all my ducks in a row. I need a basic no frills .357 magnum revolver.
2) I will only buy a stainless steel revolver. I know they are marginally more expensive, but I really don't want a blued one.
3) I would prefer a medium frame six shot revolver.
4) The gun will be used for target shooting, general plinking, home defense and possibly concealed carry.
5) For the same money, I would rather buy a higher quality used gun than a lower quality new one.
6) The revolver must be all steel. I want this gun to be capable of digesting .357 magnum ammunition on a regular not occasional basis.
I've been looking at guns from S&W, Ruger and Taurus. I like S&W a lot, but they tend to be on the more spendy side. Taurus seem to be S&W clones but I have read mixed reports about their quality.
I also need advice on barrel length. Obviously a 6" barrel would be better for target shooting/home defense, and a 2" barrel would be better for concealment, but I don't have the luxury of buying both just yet. What would be a good compromise for an all rounder? 3" maybe?
Initially I will have more pressing things to spend my money on, so my first handgun will have to be something of a jack of all trades so to speak.
Although I'm a huge fan of the 1911, I have had to concede that a .357 magnum revolver will make a more sensible choice for my first gun.
My reasoning for this is:
A) When I buy my first 1911, I want it to be a good one, and my first gun needs to be inexpensive.
B) Although I am well versed in the theoretical side of things, I am from the UK and therefore have very little practical experience. A revolver seems to make more sense initially.
C) A .357 magnum will allow me to cut my teeth on .38 special yet still give me 'growing room'
D) One required role for the gun will be home defense. I'd be happy with a 1911, but I am a gun nut who is prepared to practice. My wife is not.
E) .38 special is relatively cheap and readily available, so I'll be able to afford to put plenty of practice in.
Ok, so my first question is, is my reasoning sound?
If so, I need some recommendations based on the following criteria:
1) The gun needs to be inexpensive (not 'cheap') I don't want to buy crap, but my firearms budget will initially be low until I have all my ducks in a row. I need a basic no frills .357 magnum revolver.
2) I will only buy a stainless steel revolver. I know they are marginally more expensive, but I really don't want a blued one.
3) I would prefer a medium frame six shot revolver.
4) The gun will be used for target shooting, general plinking, home defense and possibly concealed carry.
5) For the same money, I would rather buy a higher quality used gun than a lower quality new one.
6) The revolver must be all steel. I want this gun to be capable of digesting .357 magnum ammunition on a regular not occasional basis.
I've been looking at guns from S&W, Ruger and Taurus. I like S&W a lot, but they tend to be on the more spendy side. Taurus seem to be S&W clones but I have read mixed reports about their quality.
I also need advice on barrel length. Obviously a 6" barrel would be better for target shooting/home defense, and a 2" barrel would be better for concealment, but I don't have the luxury of buying both just yet. What would be a good compromise for an all rounder? 3" maybe?