Dad wants a pistol - Help me suggest one please

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
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My dad is looking for a pistol to sit by the bed. He likes revolvers and wants a laser that can be turned to remain on (so you wont have to mash a button continuously to keep the dot on). He is therefore looking at the S&W bodyguard. I have second thoughts, though, because it seems like that pistol's design is aimed at concealed carry and the caliber seems too small. He stated that he does not want to carry it out of the house. Any suggestions?

I feel like a revolver is a good choice for reliability and simplicity.
 
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3inch SW M65 or 66 roundbutt (M13 in blue steel), 4inch Ruger GP100, CrimsonTrace grips if you really want laser... regards Les
 
i like the ruger gp100 as well. less expensive but better quality than the s&w, imo.

if he really wants the laser, you can add the grips.
 
Home protection SW get a 357. You can practice with 38 to keep the price down. 357 mag has good stoping power.
 
Les Snyder said:
3inch SW M65 or 66 roundbutt (M13 in blue steel), 4inch Ruger GP100, CrimsonTrace grips if you really want laser... regards Les
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MORIMOTOM said:
i like the ruger gp100 as well. less expensive but better quality than the s&w, imo.

if he really wants the laser, you can add the grips.
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+1 on this!
new in blue or stainless the GP100 will cost less than a S&W.
Used is even less expensive. (I've seen barely used ones go for $350)
 
MORIMOTOM said:
i like the ruger gp100 as well. less expensive but better quality than the s&w, imo.

if he really wants the laser, you can add the grips.
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+1:thumbup:
The Ruger GP100 (4" bbl) is beefy enough to handle all available loads.
 
You are correct that the Bodyguard is primarily designed as a carry gun, but it would give him the option to carry if he should so choose later. The disadvantages are, it's 5 round instead of 6 or even more with some of the newer designs. Being lightweight, he has to deal with more recoil. Also, being lightweight, it will be somewhat less durable if he shoots it a lot. Not a big factor though. With the short barrel, there's more muzzle blast, but they sure are handy and quick. There's nothing wrong with a .38 especially with the new loadings such as the Gold Dot 135gr. which was designed specifically for these types of guns.
If he's sold on revolvers and there's nothing wrong with that, I would consider a slightly larger heavier model with a longer barrel. The recommened GP100 in a 4" barrel would be a good choice or any of the other 4" guns. As mentioned, a .357 can shoot .38's no problem and he can shoot whatever he's comfortable with. Be aware that a full power .357 in the shorter barrels is intense! The Ruger SP101 is a good compromise with 6 rounds, heavier construction, .357 capable, but still available with a 2.25" barrel. A 3" is also available.

Many ranges offer rentals, so you can try the various guns.

BTW, he doesn't want a laser that stays on. Someone hiding in the dark can track his movement and ambush him. I personally don't like lasers. I don't think they are all that useful and it's just something else to fail when you want to depend on it. Even more so because it uses batteries.

Just my .02
 
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Might I suggest a compact or fullsize semiauto with a rail to mount a light? A light is 100 times more useful then a lazer because when something goes bump in the night being able to see what it is is well a good thing.

SW M&P and CZSP01 (or CZ P07 thought I don't know much about it and its ugly as sin IMO) are all nice options.
 
MutedRaccoon said:
Might I suggest a compact or fullsize semiauto with a rail to mount a light? A light is 100 times more useful then a lazer because when something goes bump in the night being able to see what it is is well a good thing.

SW M&P and CZSP01 (or CZ P07 thought I don't know much about it and its ugly as sin IMO) are all nice options.
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Not a bad idea. But you must also remember that with a rail mounted light anything that you put that light on you are also covering with the muzzle. Just something to keep in mind. Not only that but as mentioned above about the laser giving you up. Imagine a 100+lm light in a dark house. So weather you want to use a laser or light or even both. It would be preferable to have momentary On/off .the opposite side of the same coin it will take training to learn wen and how to use them effectively. Also as stated above a laser is not a sighting substitute. It's a sighting aid. What I would suggest is that you go to a local gun store and rent some. Or find a family friend that has a selection of different types. And let him shoot/handle practice magazine changes/using speed loaders and see not only what he likes. But what is easiest for him to manipulate wail being able to keep his eyes on target. And if it's going to be specifically for home defense. Then there is no reason it has to be small. Get a good used k or n frame in 357 if a revolver is what worked best for him
It will also help manage recoil. If a semiautomatic is what he gravitates toward. Then a glock would be easy to learn. I personally prefer the 1911 but it is slightly more difficult to learn and require more training. Any pistol ment for self defense should have night sights. Because if he ever has to use the pistol for it's intended purpose. It will most likely be in a low light situation. One more thing a good idea for people with older eyes try setting up some low Watt night light's throughout the house. To help with target acquisition and identification.Just my opinion Good luck.
 
Another vote for a four inch GP 100. If you come across a used S&W for a decent price, nothing wrong with them either.
 
+1 GP100

Reliable and affordable. Here's mine:

gp100.jpg
 
I too recommend a revolver over an auto for this application. I would go with something like the GP 100 3" or 4" (which is my current bedroom gun; looks just like Brother 5.56's), or a K-frame S&W. Big enough to fill the hand, and dampen some recoil.

My parents are 73 and 80, and I gave them an 8 shot .22 S&W revolver as I think thats the most they can handle. Giving a bad guy a face full of .22's is better than going unarmed.
 
scotchleaf said:
My dad is looking for a pistol to sit by the bed. He likes revolvers and wants a laser that can be turned to remain on (so you wont have to mash a button continuously to keep the dot on). He is therefore looking at the S&W bodyguard. I have second thoughts, though, because it seems like that pistol's design is aimed at concealed carry and the caliber seems too small. He stated that he does not want to carry it out of the house. Any suggestions?
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I suggest you don't argue too much with your Dad.

If he agrees to go to the shop and look at a GP-100 .357 with a 4" barrel, that may be a better choice, but maybe not the best choice for him.

The only real disadvantages to the snubbie is you have one less shot and firing it accurately takes more practice because it isn't intended as a range gun. The sights and sight picture are clearly inferior.

What I like about the snubbie is that it is significantly lighter than the Ruger, and you really don't need a piece chambered for .357, especially if he is older and has any problems similar to arthritis. At close range, from a snub barrel, decent +P ammo like Gold Dot is almost as good as the .357 with less recoil. With a longer barrel and heavier frame the .357 would have a clear advantage.

Your Dad may have valid reasons for preferring a .38 snubbie, even if he just thinks it is kewl . . . and you want your Dad to be happy. You should be happy he is considering buying a gun. I say let him get the kewl snubbie with the Crimson Trace grips. Maybe he will consider investing in the Ruger next year. :)
 
Take him to the range with a pistol and a shotgun with 00 buck.

Have him try and hit somethin at 20 yards.

Box up the shotgun.
 
all good Ideas, and now for something weird,

Buy him a Judge and get some #4 shot .410 shells and turn loose a wicked little bumble bee buzz saw nest.

but a GP 100 would be mighty nice.
 
SW& Ruger I would get either one best deal. Taurus maybe Charter Arms I would research more and then decide not to buy one. JMO
 
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