Handgun recommendation wanted.

After a couple of days reading posts here, and on other sites related more specifically to handguns, giving thought to the various recommendations, and giving thought to my personal situation, here's my thoughts/plan:

1) Apply for the necessary permit(s) at the Sheriff's office so I'll be able to buy a handgun when I find the one I want. Also inquire if they sponsor/recommend any handgun safety courses, self defense training, or anything a newbie like me might need.

2) Join the local gun club, get acquainted and try out some different handguns.

3) I'm leaning very heavily towards a S&W 686 (perhaps a 10 or 64, but I think the option of using .357 would be nice), or a Ruger GP100. 4" barrel. Sounds like the heavier frame and 4" barrel might be best for a newbie, rather than a smaller, lighter, shorter barrel model. Some time behind the trigger should help me decide. As some have mentioned, I'm becoming more sceptical about trusting the local gunshop for advice on what to purchase - that's why I wanted to gather some knowledge on my own beforehand.

4) New or used??? Haven't decided yet. Perhaps once I get acquainted in the local gun club I'll find a member who has one for sale, or would go to a few gun shows with me.

5) Thank you all again for sharing your knowledge and opinions! I realize I still don't know squat, but starting from such a low base (essentially zero ;)) ........ well, you know what I mean! You've pointed me in the right direction and I thank you for that! :thumbup:

P.S. This has been very educational and lots of fun! Looking forward to more of both as I move on from here! :D
 
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Please go to the Taurus Firearms website and view the promo for "The Judge".
It's a simple to use revolver that will shoot both 45 "long colt" bullets and 410 shot gun loads.
The variety of ammo that can be used makes this gun suitable for nearly any situation, especially self defense.
No other manufacturer offers a similar pistol.
Also go to the Gunblast website for an impartial review of "the Judge".
Good luck, be careful.

CP
 
I wouldn't approve of the "pistol grip" on the shotgun. Go with the full stock for better control. My addl. 2 cents.
 
You're new to firearms and shooting and 60 years old (I turned 60 last October).
You need a simple to operate pistol that can stop a 300 pound meth addict or the mouse in the corner, (without penetrating a wall and eliminating a neighbor).
The 45 caliber "long colt" round has been proven man-stopper for 150 years...it is the classic cowboy round.
The 410 shot gun round can be had with "rat shot" (tiny grains that can be used to dispatch little rodents or snakes with short range and minimal penetration) up to double 00 loads that can shoot, with one trigger pull, 3 or 5 pellets (depending on the shells length). Each 00 pellet is about the equivalent of a 38 caliber bullet.
Shotguns are the ultimate self defense guns because with one shot a number of pellets are directed towards the target forming a pattern that allows for a better chance of hitting said target.
The different loads available for the 410 shot shell allow for both non-lethal and certainly lethal rounds.
The spread and coverage of the shot loads are especially important to those who may need to use their gun in a panic situation and self defense. Perfect for someone with limited firearm experience.
The Judge is a revolver BTW and simple to use.
The variety of loads you can shoot means that you can start out shooting without breaking your wrist or your confidence.
Many enthusiastic newbies have been discouraged by trying to start out shooting some cannon that some Dirty Harry wanna be recommended.
Check out the Gunblast archives before you buy anything.

CP
 
timcsaw said:
I wouldn't approve of the "pistol grip" on the shotgun. Go with the full stock for better control. My addl. 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Good point, but would vary from person to person. :thumbup: :)

PS/ I prefer a pump shotgun.
 
Many say not to dry fire your weapons, but I have done much of it just to work on my squeeze.
If you want to get obsessive with it, try stacking a few coins on your gun while dry firing.
You have a pretty freakishly steady hand if you can do multiple dry fires without dropping the stack.
Steady hands are GOOD with firearms.
 
I have owned and shot a variety of guns and the Glock is the one that made the most sense to me. A lot of people when just nipping out to the store leave their pistol behind rather than having to strap on a holster etc etc. At least with a pistol like the Glock (and 1911) you can carry it IWB without a holster in a pinch. This simply doesn't work as well with a revolver.

As to the safety issue. My method was to NEVER have a round in the chamber. The Israeli Defence Force advocated the same thing for their citizens (many of whom carry firearms all day every day). They train to draw and rack the slide in one motion, and found that it did not slow them down.

I had friends who carried one up and sure as nuts more than one of them had ADs as a result. The only AD I ever had was on the range and the pistol was pointing downrange as per the rules and no-one got hurt.

Glocks are perfectly adequate for beginners. They are as simple as revolvers but have the benefit of high capacity and light weight.

If you say a Glock in 9mm is a terrible choice you are discounting several dozen law enforcement agencies around the world who carry exactly that combination. But I guess they dont know what they are talking about either.


jdraizor said:
There is nothing about this statement that makes sense. You should never carry a handgun without a proper holster. I know you added the advice that you should leave the chamber empty. So my assumption is that if you ever had to draw the gun you would then ask the person you are drawing on to pause while to dig it out of your pocket and chamber a round? What if during your day you bent over and the magazine release has been pressed and the mag has fallen out? When carrying a handgun, time is going to be critical and your reaction time will depend on how often you practiced drawing from your current carry position. If you practice the hollywood gangster method of pants stuffing your Glock, then by all means, carry that way. If not, you will probably look like a fool fumbling for your junk while someone robs you at gunpoint.

Also, I am very surprised at all these suggestions to "just get a Glock." A Glock has a single safety, on the trigger. Anyone who picks up the gun(including children) are sufficiently capable of discharging it, whether they should or not. Without proper practice I think the Glock is a back idea. The OP has little or no handgun experience. He needs to start with the basics, learn firearm safety and find a gun that fits him. Glocks may be durable, but they are far from the best weapon for everyone. The triggers leave a lot to be desired, and the grips are uncomfortable to most. If the OP is like me and a lot of other people, the Glock will not fit his hands well. If he simply takes the internet advice of "just get a Glock" then he won't even know that other guns fit him better.

For all new prospective handgun owners, you need to go to a range, get some training from someone there and shoot a variety of guns in different calibers. Describe what you are planning to use the gun for and then pick your gun accordingly. If you plan to practice once a year and keep the gun in a drawer the rest of the year, a Glock in 9mm is a terrible choice. You will see no benefit from a gun that doesn't need maintenance if you never shoot it and there are several better calibers for home defense than 9mm.

OP: Check out your local gun range and try a few out. If you have any friends that shoot, try their guns out. Find one that fits you and you can shoot accurately. Glocks are fine guns for what they are, but like knives, each gun has a different purpose. Analyze what you need and find one to fit.
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"Any young man who limp wrists a Glock deserves to be shot.
Women,old people,someone with hand or wrist problems would be better off with a revolver because all semi-automatics can be limp wristed. "
Funny thing was that two of my friends were in the military and were very familiar with weapons. They were hard hitting, no playing around martial artists. One is currently in M.I. and he's not in charge of hugging people, if you know what I mean.
They blamed the specific style of training that they'd been focusing on for the supple wrist thing. Our teacher had been getting them to soften up their styles. He'd show 'em how harder can be more brittle and softer stuff is much more difficult to break.
It was just the weirdest thing. The guns would jam on them, but never on me.
Weird.
Most of the competent firearms owners on the planet seem pretty happy with Glocks.
I guess that says it all.
 
Buffalohump said:
I have owned and shot a variety of guns and the Glock is the one that made the most sense to me. A lot of people when just nipping out to the store leave their pistol behind rather than having to strap on a holster etc etc. At least with a pistol like the Glock (and 1911) you can carry it IWB without a holster in a pinch. This simply doesn't work as well with a revolver.

As to the safety issue. My method was to NEVER have a round in the chamber. The Israeli Defence Force advocated the same thing for their citizens (many of whom carry firearms all day every day). They train to draw and rack the slide in one motion, and found that it did not slow them down.

I had friends who carried one up and sure as nuts more than one of them had ADs as a result. The only AD I ever had was on the range and the pistol was pointing downrange as per the rules and no-one got hurt.

Glocks are perfectly adequate for beginners. They are as simple as revolvers but have the benefit of high capacity and light weight.

If you say a Glock in 9mm is a terrible choice you are discounting several dozen law enforcement agencies around the world who carry exactly that combination. But I guess they dont know what they are talking about either.
Click to expand...

I never said a Glock was a bad pistol. It is far from ideal for most people. I own several and shoot them on occasion to stay practiced with them. I even carry my 21SF sometimes. They are not my primary carry handguns because they do not point naturally for me and I am faster and more accurate with different guns. It is completely subjective to each person. When you bring politics(police carrying a certain model handgun) you are bringing up government contracts, which seldom have much to do with the best tool for the job even though the Glock is durable and reliable. I am friends with many LEOs and each of them are issued Glocks for duty weapons. Every one of them carries a different gun while they are off duty, their personal preference.

Glocks are durable and reliable. A higher capacity of 9mm rounds does not seem to be a concern for this OP. His needs are different. I was simply stating that the generic "Get a Glock 9mm" response is not always the best option for everyone.

As far as your opinion on just throwing a Glock or any other semi-auto in your waistband and going out like that, I will never agree with this. The gun is simply never going to be as secure as it should be. This practice is also illegal in most states, including mine.

I have read many things about the Israeli drawing method of drawing and chambering a round at the same time. I am not personally familiar with it but with the added steps I can only imagine it would increase complexity. This would require more practice. Again, the OP in this case is not at this level of handgun handling. Carrying with one in the chamber is the way handguns(excluding older hammer striker revolvers) were designed to be carried. They are safe this way. An accidental discharge is seldom the fault of the gun and ammo, it is always going to be caused by someones finger getting into the trigger guard when it shouldn't be there. Police carry with rounds in the chamber.

Again, Glocks are fine weapons, but not for everyone. The OP should go out and try a variety before he picks one. If the Glock is for him, outstanding. If it turns out a Sig, 1911, XD, Smith and Wesson, or H&K is the one, also outstanding. It is always good to have another gun owner out there with a firearm they are comfortable using and carrying.
 
InfidelShootist said:
Someone has Glock derangement syndrome.Lots of old timers think like that.
Glocks are unsafe without any safeties yet suggest a revolver without any safeties and half or a third of the ammo capacity.
Then we're hit with the would you leave a gun with no safeties around young children? Yea right,I leave my cocked and locked 1911 around my kids all the time and feel perfectly safe.After all it has a safety.

As far as us Internet experts suggesting the 9mm that is well known for bouncing off bad guys.
I should have suggested a gun with more recoil and less capacity for a beginner.That way even with the flinch he'll develop the pure awesomeness of a larger caliber will knock down the bad guy when he misses his target because as all of us Internet experts know shot placement is overrated.

What are the fundamentals of marksmanship?
Trigger control and sight alignment.
What is the most important requirement in a handgun to achieve trigger control and sight alignment?
A consistent grip and consistent trigger finger placement and pull.
What is known to screw that up the best?
The double/single trigger.
What guns don't have the dreaded double single trigger?
The Glock is one of them.
Click to expand...

I own, shoot and sometimes carry Glocks. One of them is 9mm. Your other points are correct. No gun should be left around for children to get their hands on. 9mm does not bounce off anyone, but there are still superior rounds. It is kind of like a "best steel" debate. Shot placement is key to successful shooting, you are absolutely correct. But the Glock trigger is terrible, at least, every one I have shot has been. And my 17 has a perceived kick that is much worse than my 92FS, 1911s, 21SF and SW625. It is just not a comfortable gun to shoot for me. The 21SF is better, but still not the ideal gun FOR ME. I know I am not the only one, which is why the point of my post was to get the OP to check out as many as he can before he buys. Everybody has different hands, different eyes and and different sensitivity to recoil.

I believe my original post has been mis-interpreted as a Glock Bashing. My intentions are to have the OP check out as many guns as he can to find the best for him.
 
coyote711 said:
After a couple of days reading posts here, and on other sites related more specifically to handguns, giving thought to the various recommendations, and giving thought to my personal situation, here's my thoughts/plan:

1) Apply for the necessary permit(s) at the Sheriff's office so I'll be able to buy a handgun when I find the one I want. Also inquire if they sponsor/recommend any handgun safety courses, self defense training, or anything a newbie like me might need.

2) Join the local gun club, get acquainted and try out some different handguns.

3) I'm leaning very heavily towards a S&W 686 (perhaps a 10 or 64, but I think the option of using .357 would be nice), or a Ruger GP100. 4" barrel. Sounds like the heavier frame and 4" barrel might be best for a newbie, rather than a smaller, lighter, shorter barrel model. Some time behind the trigger should help me decide. As some have mentioned, I'm becoming more sceptical about trusting the local gunshop for advice on what to purchase - that's why I wanted to gather some knowledge on my own beforehand.

4) New or used??? Haven't decided yet. Perhaps once I get acquainted in the local gun club I'll find a member who has one for sale, or would go to a few gun shows with me.

5) Thank you all again for sharing your knowledge and opinions! I realize I still don't know squat, but starting from such a low base (essentially zero ;)) ........ well, you know what I mean! You've pointed me in the right direction and I thank you for that! :thumbup:

P.S. This has been very educational and lots of fun! Looking forward to more of both as I move on from here! :D
Click to expand...

Sounds like you have it all covered!! Enjoy your new found hobby. Guns can be just as addictive as knives and I am sure after shooting several you will end up with more than one. Make sure you post some pictures when you buy your first!! Best of luck to you in your search.
 
I hate Glocks. I hate how they fit in the hand. I once posted a thread about firearms as well and got the same generic response of "Get a Glock."

I went ahead and got my gun of choice, a Jericho 941, disregarding all of the Glock fans. If you like the Glock, more power to you, but preaching like it's the next best thing after sliced bread gets tiresome.

As far as my recommendation, I'd go with the 941 or another CZ 75 variation. The EAA Witness is also another clone that's worth considering. With the EAA Witness you can get a conversion kit for it to shoot .22lr. The regular sizes are 9 mm, 10 mm, 38 super, .40 s&w, and .45 acp.
 
Look, the guy asked for opinions, I gave him mine and then backed it up with my reasons. If he'd asked about knives, I would have said go buy a Spyderco, because once again I have used the product and it has never failed me.

I think if you go through this thread, most of the suggestions were either a wheelgun in .357 or a Glock of some kind, so clearly I'm not the only tupperware fan out there. I have owned a variety of pistols, like I said, and I still feel the Glock is the best choice - for the OP.

Ironically I can only own one handgun now due to legislation and I chose to keep my Colt 1911, another fine pistol. But I feel that for a beginner, a Glock is still a simpler choice. Draw and fire, no safeties to think about.

As to keeping one in the chamber, well, that's a personal preference. I just feel safer with an empty chamber.

jdraizor said:
I never said a Glock was a bad pistol. It is far from ideal for most people. I own several and shoot them on occasion to stay practiced with them. I even carry my 21SF sometimes. They are not my primary carry handguns because they do not point naturally for me and I am faster and more accurate with different guns. It is completely subjective to each person. When you bring politics(police carrying a certain model handgun) you are bringing up government contracts, which seldom have much to do with the best tool for the job even though the Glock is durable and reliable. I am friends with many LEOs and each of them are issued Glocks for duty weapons. Every one of them carries a different gun while they are off duty, their personal preference.

Glocks are durable and reliable. A higher capacity of 9mm rounds does not seem to be a concern for this OP. His needs are different. I was simply stating that the generic "Get a Glock 9mm" response is not always the best option for everyone.

As far as your opinion on just throwing a Glock or any other semi-auto in your waistband and going out like that, I will never agree with this. The gun is simply never going to be as secure as it should be. This practice is also illegal in most states, including mine.

I have read many things about the Israeli drawing method of drawing and chambering a round at the same time. I am not personally familiar with it but with the added steps I can only imagine it would increase complexity. This would require more practice. Again, the OP in this case is not at this level of handgun handling. Carrying with one in the chamber is the way handguns(excluding older hammer striker revolvers) were designed to be carried. They are safe this way. An accidental discharge is seldom the fault of the gun and ammo, it is always going to be caused by someones finger getting into the trigger guard when it shouldn't be there. Police carry with rounds in the chamber.

Again, Glocks are fine weapons, but not for everyone. The OP should go out and try a variety before he picks one. If the Glock is for him, outstanding. If it turns out a Sig, 1911, XD, Smith and Wesson, or H&K is the one, also outstanding. It is always good to have another gun owner out there with a firearm they are comfortable using and carrying.
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Ruger GP100!I traded an old security six for mine a couple of years ago.The action is much better now days.I can actually keep all six rounds on target(paper plate) at 15-20 yards shooting double action.Single action reminds me of a colt python/anaconda,super smooth & light.
Rugers are way cheaper than smiths also.
 
I was at a well known sporting goods store the other day and they had Brand new Rossi 38 specials with 3 inch barrels for 225.00. That was Blued steel of course. I may go back there and get my wife one to carry in her car. To me the 38 special is enough for anyone for self defense, also anyone can shoot that. Young or Older. I agree the 357 is better but the 38 special is good enough to me. I have a 357 magnum in my truck and I keep 38s in it for self defense. I would say the name of the store but I dont want to get Flamed.
 
What works for me is a S&W model 49 in 38 Special. It has the hump back and just a very short button for a hammer. You can thumb it back if you want, shoot it through a coat pocked and it won't hang up in your pocked. I carry it in a Simply Rugged holster with the options of in the waist band straps. It has been metalloyed. A revolver is a no brainer. Pull and shoot. Your wife can shoot it too. Recoil not bad at all for such a small gun. The J frames have their place.
 
I'm liking a revolver in .45 acp with 4" barrel for this particular situation. Smith and Wesson model 22 would be ideal. Easy to shoot and reload. Good cartridge.
 
Buffalohump said:
Look, the guy asked for opinions, I gave him mine and then backed it up with my reasons. If he'd asked about knives, I would have said go buy a Spyderco, because once again I have used the product and it has never failed me.

I think if you go through this thread, most of the suggestions were either a wheelgun in .357 or a Glock of some kind, so clearly I'm not the only tupperware fan out there. I have owned a variety of pistols, like I said, and I still feel the Glock is the best choice - for the OP.

Ironically I can only own one handgun now due to legislation and I chose to keep my Colt 1911, another fine pistol. But I feel that for a beginner, a Glock is still a simpler choice. Draw and fire, no safeties to think about.

As to keeping one in the chamber, well, that's a personal preference. I just feel safer with an empty chamber.
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With a Glock it is more safe to carry it unchambered. I really don't think a finger safety is good for a beginner. A Glock is just too easy to shoot unintentionally for someone new to guns. I also don't really like Glocks much as there is more to a gun than reliability. I also think not having a safety to worry about under a stressful situation is a good thing. That is why I think for someone new to guns a revolver is best. You can pull the trigger and have a long and hard trigger pull so as to not accidentally fire the gun, or you can cock the hammer and have a nice light trigger pull. I also personally like a double action semi-auto because I can carry it with a round in the chamber. My recent concealed carry gun is a Kel Tec PF9 with pocket clip. It is light, good sized, and had got great reviews and I can stick it IWB with the built in pocket clip. I can carry a round in the chamber and not worry about shooting myself because of the long trigger pull. It has also worked flawlessly every time I have pulled the trigger with quite a bit of different ammo. I have a Kahr MK9 that most would much prefer over the KelTec but it never gets carried because of how heavy it is for it's size. I might as well carry my full size 1911 if I am going to carry that much weight around. Before that it was a titanium Taurus revolver in .38 that I carried loose in my pocket.
 
That's a loaded question and it depends on a lot of things. Are you recoil sensative? Do you plan to carry it concealed or just keep at the house? Are there any capacity restrictions for mags in your area. Either way you go, I;'d get a Glock. They are easy to use, idiot proof, cheap to fix, and easy to customize. They are the AK-47 of the pistol world. They're reliable and accurate enough for defesne purposes. If you're recoil sensative get a 9mm. If you are not recoil sensative get a 45acp. Both are easy to find ammo for and have been proven calibers over the years. They aren't going out of style and ammo will always be available. That being said here are my suggestions depending on caliber


If you plan to conceal carry it...

Glock 36 (45acp)
Glock 19 (9mm)

If you never plan to conceal it and are just gonna leave it at the house...

Glock 21 (45acp)
Glock 19 (9mm)


If you go with 9mm the Glock 19 is pretty much the perfect gun. Good capacity, easy to conceal, accurate, easy to use, easy to maintain, and extrememly reliable. But I will always favor 45 over the 9mm, so if you're not recoil sensative give the Glock 36 and 21 a look. All three are excellent guns.

But the most important thing you can do is find some training in your area and take advantage of it. Buy lots of ammo and practice, practice, practice. You would be amazed how easy it is to miss a man sized target when your scared and in a hurry. Pistols by nature are inaccurate weapons when compared to a rifle. So you must train and practice to become proficient with them.
 
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