Zaydok Allen
Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2011
- Messages
- 13,274
Ok, lets open a can of worms. My dad is a non firearm user, and has recently expressed a desire to learn to use a handgun, and this is strictly in a home defense situation. Carrying a concealed gun is illegal where my parents live. I told him to get a 12 gauge, and he insists that he wants a handgun.
I say, get what you want, because then you'll practice with it. So thus far my suggestion to him has been to get either a full size Ruger or S&W in .357, and put a laser on it. I feel the .357 is the best balance of economy for target practice (38 specials), home defense cartridge power, and ammo capacity (especially if you get a S&W 8 shot).
My dad is a big guy, but getting a bit to old and out of shape to really defend his home without a gun on hand. I know, if your home is that unsafe, then you should move. Well do to the care of my elderly grandfather that isn't an option right now. On the note of his size, he has some big meaty paws on him, so please don't suggest a S&W Bodyguard or carry sized gun. He needs a full size handgun. (In fact I sugested a Desert Eagle in .357 or .44)
My father is also cheap, so if the ammo costs him too much, then I know he won't practice with it. So ammo costs is a factor. He tends to fumble with things do to the size of his hands, so I'm thinking a revolver is the simplest and safest option.
I showed him a Judge, and he liked it, but I have personal doubts as to the quality of the Taurus company due to the problems that two of my friends had with brand new revolvers. So maybe the new S&W Govenor is a good choice. I admit though, being a handgun shooter who strives for precision, I am reluctant to suggest anything as sloppy as a .410 bore revolver.
I'm just looking for suggestions and for people to point out if I am neglecting anything in my suggestion to him. This is the only gun he is probably ever going to buy.
They do plan to move to a heavily black bear populated area some day as well, so I'm concidering the future as well. Is a .357 with heavy hard cast bullets enough in that situation?
Thanks all for any wisdom you care to share with me.
I say, get what you want, because then you'll practice with it. So thus far my suggestion to him has been to get either a full size Ruger or S&W in .357, and put a laser on it. I feel the .357 is the best balance of economy for target practice (38 specials), home defense cartridge power, and ammo capacity (especially if you get a S&W 8 shot).
My dad is a big guy, but getting a bit to old and out of shape to really defend his home without a gun on hand. I know, if your home is that unsafe, then you should move. Well do to the care of my elderly grandfather that isn't an option right now. On the note of his size, he has some big meaty paws on him, so please don't suggest a S&W Bodyguard or carry sized gun. He needs a full size handgun. (In fact I sugested a Desert Eagle in .357 or .44)
My father is also cheap, so if the ammo costs him too much, then I know he won't practice with it. So ammo costs is a factor. He tends to fumble with things do to the size of his hands, so I'm thinking a revolver is the simplest and safest option.
I showed him a Judge, and he liked it, but I have personal doubts as to the quality of the Taurus company due to the problems that two of my friends had with brand new revolvers. So maybe the new S&W Govenor is a good choice. I admit though, being a handgun shooter who strives for precision, I am reluctant to suggest anything as sloppy as a .410 bore revolver.
I'm just looking for suggestions and for people to point out if I am neglecting anything in my suggestion to him. This is the only gun he is probably ever going to buy.
They do plan to move to a heavily black bear populated area some day as well, so I'm concidering the future as well. Is a .357 with heavy hard cast bullets enough in that situation?
Thanks all for any wisdom you care to share with me.