Wanting to buy my first gun and need some advice

[epaget]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first firearm. I grew up in the Seattle area and spent most of my youth as an active Boy Scout. Consequently, I had lots of opportunities to shoot rifles and shotguns at scout camp.

I have never owned anything but a BB gun. But now that I have a family of my own and am worried about their safety, I would like to purchase a firearm for self defense. I would also like something that I can take to the range and help my wife and daughter use to work on their skills.

I have been to the range a number of times in the past year, having gone with some friends of mine who own various rifles and pistols and have a pretty good idea of the types of guns I would like to buy. This is where I need some help and sound advice. I am considering a few different guns and could use some help:

1. The classic Ruger 10/22

My friend has let me use his Ruger 10/22 which I absolutely loved. It brought back memories of scout camp when I was younger. I think it is a great rifle. My wife has used it and enjoyed shooting it too. I've been told it is a tank and can handle a lot of abuse. If that is true, I think I wouldn't mind purchasing a used one unless someone has a good reason to buy new. Also, since I am also a student, money is fairly tight so I'd like to know that I am getting a good deal. Does anyone have an idea of what is a "good" price for a used Ruger 10/22? My friend said about $100-$150 sounds about right, but I think that might be a little low in our market here in Seattle. Wal-Mart sells them. Should I buy a new one there? Are there advantages/disadvantages?

2. Ruger SP101 Revolver (357 mag)

I love to take my family backpacking and we try to get up into the woods every opportunity we have. But in recent years, I have began to become concerned about my safety in the backcountry. From bears to cougars to weird naked hikers, I have encountered a number of less than savory creatures in my years. I'd like a gun that is fairly lightweight, compact, foolproof, and durable to use for home defense as well as defense while on the trail in the backwoods. I have been admiring this gun recently and figured it would have enough power to stop or deter any creature that I might find (two legs or four) here in the Pacific Northwest. Now, I know I need to go try it out at the range to make sure it is a good fit for me, but I have been eyeing the hammerless version since it would draw fairly easily and not get snagged. So, is this a good gun to purchase used? And if so, what is a "good" price?

3. Springfield Armory XD9

So, this is the gun I fell in love with at the range. I enjoyed shooting it and so did my wife. It fit my hand well and just felt good. In addition to the .357, I think this would be an excellent gun for home defense. I have noticed that Springfield put a thumb safety on the .45 version and I think if they put that same safety on the 9mm, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Although my wife enjoyed going to the range with me, with kids at home, my wife is a little nervous about having a gun in the house. So I know that having an extra level of safety would be a good thing. Does anyone know the likelihood that SA would put a thumb safety on the 9mm version of the XD?

So, these are my questions. If you have any advice that you'd be willing to impart - either on topic or off, I am all ears.

Thanks

 

[jpwilly]

All are great choices. I'd get the XD and the 10/22.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

I've shot each of those, and didn't care for any of them. But there's a lot of personal preference involved. None of those are bad guns.

Try the Beretta 92FS before you get that XD9. It's our Army's gun, as well as many police forces. It's out of favor these days for its metal rather than plastic frame, which in my eyes is a plus rather than a minus. It's highly accurate, unlike the XD9, and at least as rugged and reliable. Parts and magazines are plentiful and cheap. Prices on Berettas are down because of cop trade-ins and the fashion thing.

Try some Smith and Wesson .357 and .38 guns before you settle for the Ruger. Smith quality and accuracy are better.

Try the Marlin line, especially the Model 60, before you get the 10/22. I paid $99 new for my Marlin Model 60 about nine years ago and it is unbelievably accurate, especially with a 3-9x scope.

 

[MikePGS]

Since you said you wanted it partially for home defense, have you considered a shotgun? A 20 gauge in particular is pretty soft recoil wise for anyone to shoot, and you can always have a blast (roll eyes, yes yes) shooting clay pigeons with one at the range.

 

[SCKimberFan]

Give each of them a try. I would not recommend the Ruger 10/22 for self-defense. I prefer either a handgun or a shotgun. I have an SA XD 9 SC and like it very much, although my main gun of choice -for both carry and SD - is the CZ75 Compact (which btw, does have a thumb safety).

I have had a .357 (mine was a S&W 686), but it may be too much gun for your daughter - depending on her age. Find a range that rents them and allow them to use each one to see which they feel most comfortable with.

 

[epaget]

Yes, I have considered a shotgun, but I have much less experience with them and there are fewer ranges in the Seattle area that allow shotguns. But it is definately something I would consider.

 

[Huddog]

I own and often fire a 10/22 and an SP-101. I have never fired an XD. I like all three as far as I know. You pretty well explained the reasons you are considering each of your choices. To start, especially with a young one I think you need a .22. However, if you can only have one you can learn on the SP-101. The XD or the SP would be the best self defense guns. You pay the money so you get to choose. Remeber you can shoot .38s in the .357 and look at used if money is really tight. You may want to consider a used Ruger .22 auto pistol.

 

[MikePGS]

If its going to be a house gun, I'd recommend a full-size revolver over the SP-101. Ruger also makes the GP100 (kind of a L-Frame I believe) which not only holds another round but can be had in more variations, such as a 4 or 6 inch barrel. The longer sight radius will make it easier to shoot what your hitting at, and the additional weight will soak up a bit of the recoil. If your just going to use it at home, you really should just go with a full size providing that it fits the hand comfortable. Another one you might want to check out is the S&W M&P 9mm which is not only very soft recoiling (9mm is probably the least expensive ammunition next to .22) but comes with additional grips which can be changed to fit different sized hands.

 

[Prophet]

XD is a really nice gun, fits great in your hand and very durable. I have one in .40 sub-compact. Don't know how likely it is that Springfield would put a safety on the 9. If you're worried about everyone in the house being able to shoot one gun I'd go with a 1911-style pistol. They're rumored to be the most comfortable fit for a large range of hands. Remember though its all in practice, shoot before you buy.

(p.s. my opinion is worth what you paid for it! Picking a firearm is a very personal decision.)

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I reccomend the ruger sp101, if that's the only one you can have, since it is the only one that would be suitable for black bear defense. Just keep in mind handgun sight pictures are usually different than rifles sight pictures.

'd also reccomend an airsoft or BB pistol to go with it, so you can practice frequently indoors. (A pellet pistol would be bad because of lead concerns since you have children.) Frequent practice is the key to good accuracy.


If you're going to get a rifle too, instead of the 10/22, why not get a rifle that can also be used for defense? An SKS(it fires the7.62x39 round) or saiga rifle(you should get this in either .223, 5.56x45 or 7.62x39. 5.56x45 can also fire .223, but .223 cannot safely fire 5.56x45) were cheap before the election, but I'm not sure if they still are. On thanksgiving weekend or so, I saw a Yugoslavian SKS for $250, but it might be more expensive now, due to fears they will be banned. Then, I would reccomend an airsoft or BB rifle to go with that. The diasy avanti 499 has a reputation for being very accurate, but the stock might not fit you.

 

[Treo]

I think all 3 of your choices are sound. My preference would be the XD but only because I'm an autoloader guy.

If your kids geting ahold of the gun when you aren't around is a concern (and even if it's not) a quality gunsafe is in order.

 

[franconialocal]

I'll mirror the "XD" crowd. Although I've never shot one, I do own a Springfield (EMP 9mm) and can speak to the quality, workmanship, and company "feel". I've been really impressed with Springfield.

I think the XD would probably be the most versitile choice (covers home defense, open or conceal carry, the wife can use it, etc.) The 10/22 is a nice gun but I think you've "outgrown it" in some respects. I have no experience with the other sidearm you have listed.

I'm a Sig man myself. You should really check out what Sig has to offer too if you are leaning toward the XD. Our whole PD uses them (P-220 .45 autos) and I also have the P-220 in .22 L/R as well. Worth checking out the new P-250 or other models too. Don't limit yourself too much by brand name.

Good luck!!

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

I own a Ruger 10/22 and my brother owns a Marlin 60. I'd recommend feeling the 60, it's the other popular choice, loads differently, feels different and is cheaper (I think).

Plus either the sp101 -- I saw one in the paper used for $300, or the GP100 because you don't have to worry about a magazine. Can work for people and bear defense.

Then a shotty, a hunting rifle, a semi auto, an over and under, a .50 cal...whoa, dreaming sorry.

 

[BHP FAN]

Get the 10/22 first,and when you can afford it,the SP101. I think the Ruger SP101 is a good revolver,and would be good for carry as well.The 10/22 is cheap to feed and fun to shoot.You've obviously put a lot of thought into this.

 

[cbrgator]

Definitely the XD. I wouldn't be too concerned about the thumb safety. I'm not sure if the reason you want it is your own safe handling in the presence of your family or if your kids get to it somehow. Either way, it won't offer much. If it's for you, it has internal safety's and a grip safety, it won't go off unless you want it to. If it's for the kids, a safety isn't going to stop them. It's just another switch/button/gadget they'll assuredly figure out. If you want a line of defense for the kids' sake, only some kind of lock or safe will do that.

Conclusion: XD

 

[zombienerd]

Personally, I'd change the list a little...

You really do want a Pistol, Rifle, and a Shotgun.. Once you have one of each, that's when you should buy another pistol, another rifle, and another shotgun

Each gun should have a set purpose, In my house, The wife and I both have a pistol and a shotgun.. If there were an intruder, I would most likely be the one who "checks it out" with the pistol, the wife would be going into my daughter's room with the shotgun and phone to call 911.

When I'm not home, she carries the pistol to check out any noises.

If the SHTF, the rifle will most likely be my #1 choice, and the shotgun/pistol are only back up weapons.

 

[starboard]

I have never owned anything but a BB gun. But now that I have a family of my own and am worried about their safety, I would like to purchase a firearm for self defense. I would also like something that I can take to the range and help my wife and daughter use to work on their skills.

A 10/22, a simple reliable pistol (I like the Glock 19, but an XD 9mm is a great choice) with a handful of high-capacity mags, and a shotgun such as the quintessential Remington 870 should round you out. A boatload of appropriate ammo for each, as it's not going to get any cheaper or any less encumbered by governmental restrictions.

I would recommend getting the handgun + mags and its ammo first, and then do yourself a future favor and get an AR-15 lower and some 20 round mags. The 10/22 and the shotgun are not going away any time soon.

 

[Waibaddayu]

+1 for the 10/22 and XD9. I myself have a XD45 Tactical, and I like the trigger on the XD. I also have a pair of 10/22's that I used to introduce my wife and daughter to the joys of shooting and responsible firearms handling. My wife has since graduated to her own Colt LE6920, and next for her will be a Walther SP22. Her 10/22 is now a bull barrelled tack driver.The 10/22 platform is a good introductory firearm, with endless customization possibilities. The XD is limited in options, but for your purpose, it should serve you well.

 

[ljnowell]

I would like to take the time to talk in circles here. The 357 revolver is a great platform. They are very reliable. You can download it with .38 spcl. A lot cheaper practice that way. That model is a very accurate gun also. That being said, lets play devils advocate. If you load it with full house .357 for defense, thats a pretty stout gun. Can your wife handle that if need be? With the advancement in bullet technology nowadays a 9mm hi-cap is a pretty good choice. There is also the old saying that you can clear an auto jam rather quickly, but a revolver will usually require some tools. But, it is not very common for that to occur.

As far as the 10/22, IMO that is more of a plinking toy than a home defense weapon. Not saying that hitting someone with several .22s isnt going to get the job done, it will. There is also the issue of reduced reliability of rimfire ammunition. More duds per 1K than centerfire ammo.

The XD is a great weapon, as is the glock and M&P. Is external safeties important to you? What about a grip safety? These are all questions that should be addressed if you are thinking of an auto. Are you limiting yourself to a 9mm for any reason inparticular? The .40 S&W is a very potent round also, but does have issues with being rather snappy.

No matter what you decide with the choices you have laid out, I dont think you will go wrong. I would recommend that you find a good indoor range and rent some of the weapons you are considering, possibly others that you find browsing that catch your eye. You may spend a 100 bucks or more doing this, but it beats spending 500-700 on a gun and not liking it.

 

[Titan6]

While a great round both the .38 and the .357 can you in the poor house these days trying to shoot them often. Reloading might be putting the cart before the horse for you.

The 9mm is a better choice economy wise and saves about 30% on ammo per round. There is nothing wrong with the 9mm as a carry or HD round.

The 101 makes a good carry gun but there are better and cheaper choices out there. But there isn't anything wrong with it.

While less than ideal there is nothing wrong with the 10/22 for home defense and may even be preferable depending on what your living accomadations are like. Keep in mind always that .22 is primarily a target and small game round though.

If you get a handgun take a course on handguns and make the effort to find out a bit more about them rather than relying strictly on range lore.

 

[dmw16]

I bought my first gun a few months ago and I decided on a Glock 19. It is similar to the XD you like, but after shooting both I felt the Glock was better built and (at least in my hands) shot more accurately. You may like it too as the XD is pretty much a copy of the Glock.

As for safeties...
I don't think that additional safeties on the weapon should alleviate ANY concerns about the gun in a child's hands. If the gun getting into your kid's hands is a worry, get a gun safe. For about $80 you can get one that will fit under your bed and is easy to open in the dark (4 finger code pad). A safety on a firearm is NOT meant to prevent a child from getting hurt in the event of them finding your weapon.

For ammo, I don't think that 357 is necessarily a better choice than 9mm. More recoil can make it harder to put your 2nd, 3rd, etc rounds on target, so sometimes a little less is a lot more. Also, 9mm hollow points are very effective at stopping and will be less likely to over-penetrate. There are a lot of article floating around the web discussing different calibers and their effectiveness for defense.

 

[CZ223]

All are good guns

but they all have there niches and their limitations. I think you need to prioritize your wants and needs. If home defense is of great concern I would definitely consider getting either the XD or any good quality revolver. There will be plenty of opinions on which is best for home defense but either of those handguns is a good choice in a lot if not most peoples opinion. The problem with either however is that they are not cheap to shoot and neither will be good for the kids. The Ruger 10-22 or other 22 rifle is a great choice for the kids and is cheap to shoot. While I would not choose it as primary defensive weapon I could definitely make due with it. Someone has already suggested the Ruger Mark II as an alternative and I would have to agree that it would be a good choice especially when it comes to hiking.

 

[wankerjake]

Sounds like each one is something you need. I, however, understand not being made of money and not being able to have it all at one time. I guess I would pick what is most important to you. If home defense takes priority over cheap ammo and strictly shooting for fun, then you'll want one of the handgun purchases. I would say it sounds to me like the XD9 is your best bet, unless you really are scared of animals when hiking, then you may prefer the .357. I would definetely shoot one first though before just buying one. A ruger .357 is on my list wanted list as well. As for the .22 rifle, that really isn't a bank buster and you could probably get one fairly soon after your handgun purchase. I think a marlin 60 goes for like $175 new, so I wouldn't pay more than that for either the 10/22 or the marlin. I own a 10/22 and I love ruger, but I would not pay more for a used 10/22 than a new marlin. Good luck, gun shopping is great fun, and finally owning one is even better!

 

[SeanSw]

I suggest the .22 rifle first, more are sure to follow but you'll get the most trigger time with a .22. My only other suggestion, which I don't think has been mentioned yet, is to not bother buying a used 10/22 or Marlin 60. They're priced well enough that you can buy them new and not worry about poor resale value or problems caused by the previous owner, a concern which will grow as your purchase more used firearms. The money I spent bringing a 10/22 carbine back to good function completely negated the small discount from buying it used.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

I suggest the Marlin 60 instead of the Ruger 10/22. You can find a used Marlin 60 for less than $100, and they are very accurate out of the box, more so than the 10/22. If you'd like to customize your 22 however, the Ruger has more options.

The Springfield XD is also a very good choice. I personally wouldn't own one because it doesn't fit me, but it's a very good gun and I like it. You can't go wrong with one.