Hey guys, I am looking into purchasing a handgun. I just want something to protect my family, as I am getting married soon. I have grown up around guns my whole life, but I was just wanting to know your opinions on what is out there today. I am not looking for anything extravagent, just something simple.

 

What kind of a price range are you in? For 450-500 you can get into a Glock. I personally have a Ruger P89 9mm, and it is 100% reliable, but you can't hit a damn thing with it.

 

I am looking from about $300-$500. I have been looking at the glocks, but have not gotten a chance to do any pricing.

 

mshaeffer- IMHO, I'd suggest the Glock 19 (9mm) medium frame pistol. The 9mm round is a commonly found, readily available caliber that offers a good balance of price, speed and knockdown capability. (Let the threads begin...) The size of this particular frame allows both concealability (if properly CCW liscensed) and "gripability". It's not so small that the gun becomes difficult to hold on target when firing. Glock also offers the newer models w/ a tactical rail system beneath the muzzle area that allows a tactical light to slide on and clip into place. ( I have this system w/ an M3 light powered by 2 three-volt lithium batteries) The light is VERY bright and offers tactical advantage over bad-guy in low-light conditions. You may not have to fire if the BG is blinded. Also, The prosecuting attorney will ask you how did you know that your life was in immediate danger? "Because yu could see what was in his hands when you lit him up". There are many options, this works for me. Read and learn the laws in your area! If I'm allowed, I would suggest this site...packing.org

 

Another vote for the Glock. I have a Glock 31 chambered in .357sig. Love it. Very accurate and has a natural point of aim. I paid $560 but that was with the Trijicon nite sites. I also plan on using this firearm for my duty pistol as soon as I depart the military. Very easy for the wife to use. If you plan on shooting alot or the expense of ammo is a concern, you may want to pick a caliber that's been around a little longer though like 40 S&W or 45ACP. I'm not particularly fond of 9mm and have seen their performance in the sandbox and would never own one for the self defense.

 

One more vote for Glock. I've got the 27 which is .40 S&W. I've got the +1 finger extension so that's a full 10 rounds in a nice small package.

 

Since you're familiar with different handguns, I would see what the future "Mrs" is comfortable with, if you're just considering one firearm.. I usually recommend a revolver to most new purchasers. It's less complicated; usually cheaper (price) than an auto; you can see the rounds in the chamber vice mag so you know it's loaded; and is easier to clean, usually..

I recommend taking her to a range where you can rent different guns or hook up with a buddy who has several to try. If she gets kicked around too much, she'll be less likely to use it in a 'situation'.. Glocks are great, I can't say enough good about them, but you have to remember to 'keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot' which has seemed hard for new shooters to remember, especially with the blood pumping....

Good Luck,

Russ

 

glock glock glock, i carry one every day. they are simple to use and absolutely reliable. i would recomend the .40 cal with the compensator, look at either the full or medium frame, which ever fits your hand better

 

Thanks for all the input. Seems to be a glock friendly board. I will definetly find out what the Mrs' is comfortable with. Keep the ideas coming.

 

Ruger, P-90 DC. I've got two. .45 ACP, lots of ammo around. I think they could knock an elephant on it's butt. One for each front paw...

 

Yeah, I agree with fordruss, start with a good double-action revolver and work up from there. A S&W .357 would be perfect. And whatever you do show her how to use it. I hate the story about the woman that was a victim of a home invasion. At one point she had her husbands .45 pointed at the perp but couldn't get the gun to fire, he proceeded to beat and rape her and kidnap their kids. The gun was loaded, and had a round chambered already, but she didn't know she had to **** the hammer back.

We have a Ruger P89DC 9mm that my wife loves. It's a double action semi, and has a longer trigger pull than other 9mm's but once you get used to it it's not bad, she's deadly with it. The innacuracy associated with this gun is in most cases the shooter, as was in our case when we first got it. A few clips and some paper plates proved invaluable though, we both were doing good to hit a 10" pie plate at 25 yards at first, but after a couple of clips we were both holding about a 3" group. Get a good hollow point bullet and the 9mm will do fine for home protection.

My sister has a .357 revolver that her and mom keep around for prot. and if I were going to recomend anything that would be it. It's just a good all around gun. I do like the glock compact .40 for a concealed though, very light and easy to conceal, and still feels good enough in your hand to shoot ( your not afraid your finger is going to get stuck in the trigger housing )

 

Two votes for the Glock. I have both the model 17 (9mm) and 22 (.40); I'd suggest getting the .40 cal of some form. On the other hand, if you like target shooting, the 9 will be cheaper to shoot.

 

Ruger GP-100, 4" barrel, .357mag, in stainless. For a nightstand gun it works well. You can shoot .38's out of it. It is heavy enough that recoil is not bad at all. It is a wheel gun so there is no "stovepipes" or "failure to fire" for whatever reason. Best part is it is built like a tank and retails in the $400 area.

 

Both revolvers and semi's have advantages and disadvantages. Semi has the advantage that much of the recoil is taken up in the slide, making it a more shooter friendly firearm (until you get the webbing of your hand in the way). A semi is also far easier to load and reload than a revolver. Yes, reloading is an issue for home or self defense. With double action semi's available, I think you get the best of both worlds. Revolvers have a much lower chance of a jam than a semi, that is probably the most important plus for them.

I have a S&W model 586 .357 Mag 8 3/8" barrel, along with a Bersa Thunder .45 semi auto, double action, 3 1/2" barrel. The Bersa is much easier on the hands, which I think you'll find will make a difference to your future wife. Remember, comfort while shooting is very important. As for accuracy required, self defense shooting is NOT long range target shooting. 7 yards is about the max range. Any further than that, and you will probably find yourself on the other end of the law since the assailant was not within a dangerous distance. If you can hit a basketball at 7 yards with 2 or more rapid fire shots, you are well within the needs. Remember, you are trying to legally disable and stop the assailant, not kill them. Big legal point.

While I won't recommend the Bersa, I suggest a good quality semi-auto, no smaller than 9mm. I have had a lot of problems with the Bersa not feeding steel cased ammunition. I have found the problem and getting it remedied now.

One other point, I HIGHLY suggest taking the NRA's home defense course. 8 hour course, not only teaches basics of shooting for self defense, but brings to the forefront YOUR responsibilities should you decide to use deadly force. Trust me, it teaches shoot as a last resort, but not too late. This class covers the education requirements in the state of Colorado, and most others, should you decide to go the CCW route. Either way, it was a well spent $100 and 8 hours.

Sorry for the long post....

 

I completely agree on the shooting as the last effort, but I want to be safe. The handgun that I learned on was a Smith and Wesson .357 revolver. I love the gun and it is more than deadly, but I think that it might be too much for the Mrs. ( she has feminine hands). The recoil issue is why I am looking into something semi auto. Also, where is a good place to look to make the purchase? I plan on going to some of the local gun shops and shooting range, but I have heard that a gun show is where the best prices are. I just do not know if the gun shows are as reliable.