Need a handgun recommendation

[Fear No Evil]

I'm going to go with a Sig Sauer P226.

Real men carry full sized 1911's with them to the grocery store. You can't go wrong with the Lord's Caliber of Choice... 45 ACP..

 

[JulesMaximus]

Well obviously your stupid, because he is buying a gun for home defense and dog is a hell of a lot better for home defense than any gun on the planet. Any guard dog instinctively will protect his home no training needed. And a dog will every time bark if he hears someone outside or trying to get in. And he won't get scared either. And a dog won't make this mistake

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,563480,00.html

What annoys me the most is not the buying of a gun or even gun ownership, I lived my whole life in a house with guns because my father was a hunter, its the attitude. Buying a gun so you can be bad assed is a joke. This notion that a gun makes you safer than other clearly more effective methods is just a lie. I have over the years come to respect some of the guys on this board who are gun owners, but they don't portray this cool hand luke attitude. You get a dog, a baseball bat, and call the cops. If where you live is so bad you need a gun, then move.

thepd7 needs all the help he can get.

 

[alfa147x]

I don't know anything about guns but I liked the p22:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_P22

 

[garritynet]

My serious suggestions from my own actual experience. I am not a professional trainer but I have often taken friends, women mostly, to the range and instructed using whatever handguns I happened to own at the time.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/products/sp101/models.html

In particular the .357 model with the 3 1/16" barrel. The Ruger is the perfect size if you are going to be sharing with your wife and she has small hands/limited upper body strength. Light enough to hold up and heavy enough to absorb some recoil. Its much bigger than the tiny air-weight revolvers people are recommending but still smaller than any of the other larger models. The thing to keep in mind when shooting a .357 is that most of the recoil comes from bad form or from the sound. If you are going to shoot a revolver have your wife stand more behind you and less at your side. Also, double up on hearing protection. Earplugs under your ear muffs. You should try to keep the firearm on target as the gun fires and not allow the recoil to move your hand up, this is called "follow though" just like in tennis, golf or any other sport. Basically try to keep the gun on target instead of letting it go where it wants. The muscles in your forearms make better shock absorbers than the bones in your wrist and you will be more accurate too boot. If you let it control your hand it will snap your writs back and this will hurt. If you shoot reasonably light loads, in my experience training women to shoot, it is not painful or difficult to use a SP101. Follow though with your hands and know that most of what you think you feel is just the noise. It will also fire 38spl rounds which should be much easier for your wife to handle if recoil is a problem for her. I would actually recommend starting off with 38spl and once she is comfortable moving up to .357

http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_tp.html

The Kahr TW9 is cheap, lightweight and easy to use. Its pretty Glock-like if that appeals to you. The slide is easier to work as well. I suggest going to the gun store and checking one out. It is similar in proportion to the SR9 but smaller.


Finally I offer this: "In times of emergency people do not rise to the occasion but are reduced to their level of training." If you are serious about owning a firearm then your "occasional range trip" should be "weekly" or "bi-weekly" for at least a year. It takes thousands of rounds before you start to truly feel comfortable with your sidearm. The reality is that anyone who is serious about self defense and about owing a firearm will spend more than the cost of the firearm in ammo in less than a year. Sometimes several times the cost of the firearm in the first year alone. These are the people that can actually, effectively defend themselves with a firearm. If you have ever been in an auto accident then you can understand how little time you have to react in a real world emergency situation.

Also: Be aware that most guns go mostly unfired for their whole lives. Most people purchase guns for one reason; they are scared. They 'want to protect themselves' or rather 'they want a talisman that will protect them'. Either way is fine because the odds that some one is going to break into your home and murder you are actually pretty slim in America. Depending on your neck of the woods, the odds can rise quite a bit but are still pretty low compared to say heart disease or an auto accident. The problem if you do a little soul searching and find that you really just want a talisman in the drawer to make yourself feel safe is that you still have to face, understand and accept the responsibilities and realities of responsible firearm ownership, self defense and of possibly taking the life of another.

Too much of our information about firearms comes from movies and video games. There is a lot of misinformation and a lot of people talking out of their ass too. In general it is taboo to speak of firearms in public and this creates an environment of ignorance and myth about firearms, self defense and killing.

I suggest reading Massad Ayoob's In the Gravest Extreme and Jeff Cooper's Principles of Self Defense as a start. I also strongly suggest reading Lt. Dave Grossman's On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society. The title is off putting to most but it is important to understand what you are committing yourself to when you decided to use a firearm for self defense.

http://www.amazon.com/Gravest-Extrem.../dp/0936279001

http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Per...0755791&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Psycho...0756204&sr=8-4

I also suggest TheHighRoad.org as a forum for intelligent discussion about firearms. The most civil, intelligent and gregarious forum I have ever participated in.

 

[duragezic]

No doubt, the Sig P226 is an outstanding handgun. Expensive as all hell though.

But I don't necessarily recommend it because OP still hasn't given any information. If a full size is too large then no go on a P226. Likewise if it's for concealed carry, not many can conceal a full size.

It's like asking what car to buy without specifying needs, budget, type, features, etc. Sure it will drive (just like any gun will shoot) but it's a shot in the dark as to what is desired.

So with that, I'm going to recommend getting a Deagle with a big ol' clip.

 

[garritynet]

durgegzic- Obviously the OP does not know enough to give us the information you are asking. It is up to us to inform and educate the OP as to what information is pertinent when it comes to firearms rather than criticizing and making obviously poor recommendations involving giant Desert Eagles.


Perhaps a larger slide stop in the Glock 19 would help? A little more surface area, a lot less pain and a lot easier to put some force into the movement.

http://glockstore.com/pgroup_descri...umbs=&filter_1=&filter_2=&filter_3=&filter_4=

I also forgot to mention any of the CZ compacts. In my personal opinion CZ makes freakin' outstanding firearms and are always worth a consideration.
The PCR compact comes to mind. It uses a decocker instead of a safety which makes it easier to transfer your manual of arms when coming from a Glock. The decocker lowers the hammer to about 25% from 100% and thus resets the trigger to a DA pull instead of a SA one. Like the Glock the DA pull is your safety and not a lever.

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-75-d-pcr-compact/

 

[duragezic]

Perhaps a larger slide stop in the Glock 19 would help? A little more surface area, a lot less pain and a lot easier to put some force into the movement.

http://glockstore.com/pgroup_descri...umbs=&filter_1=&filter_2=&filter_3=&filter_4=

Yep, Glock 34 slide stop lever is a common upgrade on models without it.

So the problem was actuating the slide stop lever? I thought he meant pull it back to chamber a round. Either way it's hard to say without information, and it could be as simple as that extended lever (which I'd probably prefer regardless) or just a different gun that fits the hands better.

 

[GasX]

Oh, it was most definitely a slide stop issue. That ah heck is hard to work and I have big hands.

 

[garritynet]

wow what type of case would that take? Might take a while to 'defend' yourself with that one.

Chrome lined barrels are for shooting corrosive ammunition or for guns that may not be cleaned regularly.

 

[sourceninja]

I love my walther P99 (40) and my walther pps (my 9mm daily carry)

 

[garritynet]

Oh, it was most definitely a slide stop issue. That ah heck is hard to work and I have big hands.

You get used to it. It was a big pain in the butt for me years past come to think of it. Now its no different than opening a door or turning on a water faucet.

 

[garritynet]

I stand corrected, I apologize.

Rimmed cartridges in a semi-auto are extremely rare, however, and do not work well.

.22lr is the most popular cartridge in the world in both long arms and side arms. It is rimmed.

 

[nick1985]

Can we stop bickering and go back to making fun of classy?

 

[FlashG]

.22lr is the most popular cartridge in the world in both long arms and side arms. It is rimmed.

You are obviously the Yoda of this subject. /thread

 

[IGBT]

did AMT ever make the back up in 45 auto??

 

[P120_T31212AN]

I have only shot a few handguns, but the .45 GAP Glock was my favorite

 

[Zebo]

nevermind

 

[IGBT]

nevermind

a wasted mind is a terrible thing to waste.

 

[SSSnail]

I can hit a melon from 100 yards with a 9mm, impressive?

As far as home defense, you may want to go with a katana or something of sort. Consider the advantage, it never jams and will never run out of ammunition.

 

[garritynet]

I can hit a melon from 100 yards with a 9mm, impressive?

As far as home defense, you may want to go with a katana or something of sort. Consider the advantage, it never jams and will never run out of ammunition.

A watermelon?......so a 2 sq/ft target 100 yards? Its pretty good but not outstanding. On a great day I can put a full magazine into a single hole with a CZ75BD at 25 yards. Its not earth shattering but its the best I can do and a personal goal I try to meet when I go to the range. I have accomplished this three times in the past two years. It is very hard for me, although its nothing to pistol marksmen. The ones that compete. To hit your target at 100 yards I would just have to have a 3" group at 25 yards instead of .355". A 3" group at 25 yards is pretty good though. It may not seem like it but take a look around next time you are at the range. Very few 3" groups even at 7 yards.


A katana is a terrible idea. I know you are joking but none the less; a terrible idea. Katana are not like the in movies, they are actually somewhat delicate. Without years of practice you can easily break one while attempting to cut with it. Most importantly they are incredibly difficult to use indoors. If you decide to actually use a real katana in a HD situation I hope you do not break the blade against a wall/doorframe/the ceiling/furniture before you get a chance to employ it against your aggressor.

Edged weapons are also much more psychologically damaging to use. No reason to subject yourself to that. Human beings are very poor at predicting how they will feel when speculating events that they have not experienced before. You may think you will be emotionally "OK" if you have to take the life of another in self defense but you will not be. The more you can spare yourself the better. Using an edged weapon to save your life is one of the most difficult and painful trauma a person can experience and emerge physically intact. There is a reason why most people are more afraid of being cut than shot.

Finally, it just looks bad. I am not sure where the OP is from but depending on local laws you may have to explain yourself to the police if you injure/kill an intruder. It would be difficult to explain in a court, where it is likely that the judge/jury's only knowledge of katana comes from movies, why you choose to use a sword to defend yourself.

Good lighting outdoors, good doors, and a good dog go a long way. If one day, God forbid, its not enough your own training and preparedness will have to make up the difference. If you are planning to use a katana for home defense: Plan better.

-"It may be my time to go, but your gonna have to prove it to me..."

 

[Modelworks]

I like the Desert Eagles, the newer baby eagles are very easy to carry, almost forget its there sometimes. I never had it jam and cleaning is easy.

A good review of it here:
http://www.gunblast.com/RKCampbell_BabyDesertEagle.htm

 

[SSSnail]

blah blah

Do you like to type just to see yourself on the message board? Or, do you also talk to hear yourself?

Springsteel katanas don't break easily (I'm sure you can google it), and if you think the psychological effects it have on you when you use it, think what your the intruders will think. Half jokingly, but if you're proficient enough to use a katana, then your mind is ready.

And yes, I can ALSO hit a melon from 100 yards away, with a katana. (I typed that just to see you argue and tell me how physically impossible of a feat it is)

 

[garritynet]

Do you like to type just to see yourself on the message board? Or, do you also talk to hear yourself?

Springsteel katanas don't break easily (I'm sure you can google it), and if you think the psychological effects it have on you when you use it, think what your the intruders will think. Half jokingly, but if you're proficient enough to use a katana, then your mind is ready.

And yes, I can ALSO hit a melon from 100 yards away, with a katana. (I typed that just to see you argue and tell me how physically impossible of a feat it is)

Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. No need to project your feelings on me.

I am already aware of spring steel katana shaped objects. Not to sound overly snobbish but those are not katana, the geometry of the blade is just a loose approximation of an actual sword, and they remain difficult to use indoors. I am sure that there are many makers of fine swords made from the leaf springs of old trucks but my only IRL experience is with Cheness. Ugly and poorly fitted. Tough though, I'll give you that. When I can get a well made shotgun for $200-300 why would I spend a similar amount on a sharpened leaf spring with garbage fittings? Those are for "back yard cutters" who want to cut water filled 2lt bottles on their day off. Nothing wrong with that. That said, there is a difference between a spring steel kraptana and what I thought you were talking about.

I also argue that thugs and criminals who break into peoples houses and kill them are not likely to be afraid of you regardless of how you are armed. Killers are not afraid of you or your guns/knives. They have "been there" and "done that". Your only hope is to quickly respond with a level of violence that meets their own, in an instant. If you have ever been driving down the road and suddenly, completely on reflex, avoided what would have been a serious accident then you probably have a good idea how quickly things happen and how little time you have to react when they do. That is how fast you need to be to save your life. That is how prepared. How familiar with your chosen tool you need to be.

I am not arguing that someone who has studied iai-jutsu, batto-jutsu, ken-jutsu or even kendo/gmundo would not be prepared to defend themselves with a katana if they had to, just that its a pretty awful idea for anyone else.

As for the last part, whatever. I said the watermelon thing was pretty good. In fact I said it was probably better than most people at the range I go to could do on any given day, just not much compared to serious Bullseye competitors.

 

[SSSnail]

You sir, are a tool. Your assessments on Spring Steel (sharpen leaf springs) has proven that your understanding of the subject is minimal and amateurish at best. You also assumed the position of an "expert" in a matter where most people aren't, and you also assumed that the people you're arguing against have no inkling of the subject.

You, are the epitome of internet smugness and ignorant.

What I said was in jest, but somehow you made an expert out of yourself, and went on a tangent that no one really cares for, explaining your reasoning, which is as useful as John Madden's football analysis.

100 yards with a melon, standing, standard 3 dots sight is pretty damn good in my book. And I'm near sighted...

 

[garritynet]

You sir, are a tool. Your assessments on Spring Steel (sharpen leaf springs) has proven that your understanding of the subject is minimal and amateurish at best. You also assumed the position of an "expert" in a matter where most people aren't, and you also assumed that the people you're arguing against have no inkling of the subject.

You, are the epitome of internet smugness and ignorant.

What I said was in jest, but somehow you made an expert out of yourself, and went on a tangent that no one really cares for, explaining your reasoning, which is as useful as John Madden's football analysis.

100 yards with a melon, standing, standard 3 dots sight is pretty damn good in my book. And I'm near sighted...

I said it was good. Very good. I applaud you. Hugs all around. Better than most people at the range I go to on any give day. Thats a compliment. Not the best compliment but its not the best accomplishment either. I think its the right amount of compliment.

I acknowledged your post was a joke. I felt it was important regardless to point out that I it was a poor idea and I outlined why I felt this way. I feel strongly about self defense and I try not to make assumptions about how reasonable people on the internet are willing to be. I felt strongly enough that I decided it worth my time to post what I feel is important information to someone who may actually be seriously considering using a sword as a home defense tool. I seemed to have hit a nerve but you have been completely unwilling to disagree with me on any specific point. Just sort of a general "you suck" attitude which is not making much of an impression on me nor is it giving me much reason to reconsider my point of view.

I also never claimed to be an expert at anything. I know about as much about firearms and self defense as I do about computers and photography and cats or any other subject that I have had an ongoing interest in my life. If you disagree with anything I have said I would love to discuss it with you. Just tell me what I have stated that you feel is in error.

I know for a fact that many kukuri are made from sharpened leaf springs as are bolo that are reputed to be of high quality. So I will admit that there can be well made blades formed from sharpened leaf springs. I will also admit that perhaps Cheness only uses the same metal that truck leaf springs are made from and not recycled leaf springs.

I have put myself out there, if you will, by writing concrete statements and given the "facts" as I understand them. I acknowledge that I could very well be wrong on any number of things. If I thought I was wrong I would not have posted but I do allow that I am human and may have made one or several mistakes in one or more of my post on this board. You however have stated nothing. You just dish out insults and childish taunts. If you really feel that I am wrong about something, type up a post with substance. If you are going to fill the room with your opinions, back them up.