Hello from newcomer and the usual question

[TrinitySlim]

Hello all,

This is my first post and I'm about to ask the usual--and I'm sure somewhat annoying--"Which gun?" question. I have done some internet research and the more I research, the more options I find, so I thought I'd post the question here. I am relatively inexperienced with guns. My business partner and I keep a S&W .38 revolver at the shop and I go to the range infrequently, which would, of course,change should I purchase a handgun for everyday carry.

Unless I'm going somewhere with the wife and kid I get around by bicycle, so I need something reasonably light but more importantly easy to conceal while wearing normal shorts and can be stashed in a handlebar bag while on the bike. I carry the .38 when I'm taking cash deposits from the shop to the bank, but I certainly wouldn't want to carry anything that heavy or bulky around at all times on the bike--or off it, for that matter.

I don't have a ton of money to spend ($300-$600), but will pay for quality and have a bias for products made in the US. I'm also not against buying something used of high quality, which is in my experience often the best way to get the highest quality to price ratio.

Also, if anyone has a better suggestion for mode of carry while on a bicycle, let me know. I'm thinking my handlebar bag, which has a flip top and is three inches away from my hands while riding would be best. In a shorts pocket wouldn't work while riding, and torso holsters seem like they'd be uncomfortable and sweaty--but there could be something out there that would work perfectly of which I'm not aware.

If I've left out any pertinent information you need to make a good suggestion, let me know. Thanks.

 

[Brian Williams]

S&W model 10 or 642

 

[Trebor]

You may seriously want to reconsider stashing the gun in the bike bag. Whenever you carry the gun "off body" like that you increase the risk of losing the gun or not being able to quickly access it in an emergency. Yeah, your hands are just a couple inches from it when your on the bike, but what if the first realization you have that you are under attack is when your attacker knocks you OFF the bike? You get separeted from the bike, and your seperated from your gun.

Even in shorts and a T-shirt, there are plenty of small guns you can conceal while on a bike. If nothing else, a fanny pack holster would work.

In additional to range time on your own, you may want to invest in a good training class. The more you learn, the better you can make decisions on what will really work for you.

 

[DavidVS]

I'll recommend a J-frame in .22LR or .22 Magnum. It will give you a simple introduction to carrying with as generic a platform as you'll find, along with inexpensive ammunition and used holsters.

Once you decide where on your body you prefer to carry, and if you prefer revolver or semiautomatic, you can sell this first gun and get your optimal choice of gun and holster.

Since you are just starting your accuracy will be limited by your ability, not the snubbie, and it will be a harsh mistress in teaching you to use the seven Marksmanship Fundamentals during range time. At the same time low recoil and financial cost will mean you enjoy practice.

(If you feel that you need a more self-defense appropriate caliber immediately please disregard this advice. But from your post it seems you are not in that situation.)

Oh, and ditto for the "reconsider stashing the gun in the bike bag." You'll eventually find something comfortable to wear IWB (inside the waistband) and thus be able to avoid the liability inherent in owning a loaded firearm that is not always under your control. If you can get away with wearing slacks while biking, I have found an ankle holster works fine during my bicycle commutes. If not, there are many "tuckable" IWB holsters for J-frames that work fine as long are your bicycling is not done in super tight clothing.

 

[rich0372]

Why does it seem like everyone says to get a .22 first

Now I may agree if it was going to be a range/practice gun but, this poster said he wants to carry for self defense. Lets face it a .22 isn't going to work for that purpose.

I know I'm new here but, I feel if I wanted a gun for carry that was small I would look it to a Glock 19, Spingfield xd, S&W m&P, CZ PO1, I'm sure there's a lot more these are just the ones I was looking at that are in your price range.

Just my 2 cent

 

[Mantua]

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=302&category=Revolver
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y
Both are lightweight, the S&W is American made. The MSRP is about the same, but the Taurus is likely to be cheaper. Neither is bulky or heavy, in my opinion. Good luck.

 

[40SW]

An S&W J Frame or Taurus clone in .38 spcl or .357MAG is an excellent choice, If you can afford to, I would also recommend a similar size revolver in .22LR or .22MAG. A .22 will offer a novice a great and economical way to reinforce the shooting fundamentals of triggercontrol, muscle memory, etc, and in a very economical way. If you cant afford the second, then get dummy rounds aka Pachmayr snap caps, etc, Dryfiring is the next best thing. It will have reinforce the fundamentals as well. Practice, practice , practice.

 

[1911 guy]

My choices, if I were you.

Since you want a lighter pistol, I'd opt for a 5 shot .38spcl. or small 9mm. Weight of the handgun is mitigated by a good belt and holster, so figure that into your expense, as well. A good rig will allow you tote more weight with less discomfort.

 

[strat81]

Glock 26 or M&P Compact if you want an autoloader.
Most any J-Frame snub nose revolver if you want a wheelgun.

DO NOT JUST THROW IT IN A BIKE BAG! Always use a holster. Always.

 

[bdjansen]

What about a fanny pack? That wouldn't get in the way on your bike and would still be on your person. I agree about not leaving the gun on the bike. If you wanted to leave the bike for even a second you would have to be taking the gun out and with you.

I vote for a used Smith and Wesson in 38 special. You should be able to get a mighty fine one for your budget and still have a couple houndred left.

 

[Lonestar49]

Always a good research question

...

Greetings and welcome to THR..

I would suggest staying with some smaller gun in "9mm", both for ammo cost are reasonable allowing you much range time for practice, which is a good thing.

9mm, with the right ammo load for HD/SD will do the job, and have a better all around performance, smooth, light, recoil, allowing for quick, getting-back on target, 2nd, 3rd, shots if needed.

Just stay away, IMOH, from some of the smaller guns of the *380's caliber as they use a blow-back method to operate the slide, and they get dirty quick, and they have more recoil, snap, than 9mm's, *I know, I have one.

Here's a photo of a small 9mm, which looks good, and from the reports I have read of it, it is a very reliable gun and accurate and, as you can see, it's small, very CCW, and holds max, with one chambered, 8 rounds, which should do the job, along with you having, carrying, a backup magazine of 7 more shots, if a need to get out of Dodge..

Also, if in a pinch, or your main shooting hand is injured, this type small 9mm, can be shot comfortably and accurately, at close range, is also a 9mm bonus IMO, as a one hand shooter, if necessary.

Good luck in your endeavour


LS
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PS: This is a pic of the following make and caliber, along with a quote from this thread: "S&W 3913 lady Smith. 3913 little bigger than a PPK/s and very nice shooter. I ve had a 3913 and is my 9mm carry pistol. when I want a DA/SA pistol."

From here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=294422

 

[TrinitySlim]

Thanks for the tips.

After thinking about it more, y'all are right that having the gun in a bike bag would be a dumb idea. I'll look for holsters that will work well while on the bike.

I will also look at more formal training. I feel pretty good about my shot when I go to the range. But of course then its daylight, the target isn't moving, isn't going to shoot back at me, etc. You get my drift.

Thanks again.