Handgun Recommendations

Biggest benefit is longer barrel makes it easier to score hits when you're stressed out. Periphrally there's less flash and bang with magnum rounds, and you get a little more velocity.

The cons are slower to draw and harder to conceal.
 
A six inch is generally more accurate because of the longer sight radius (distance between the sites) and will generally yield a smaller muzzle flash and higher velocity due to the extra couple inches of barrel. However, a four inch is much more practical if you think you'll ever carry it for any length of time. The holster is shorter and won't hang up on stuff like a 6" will and defensively, a six inch barrel is a longer lever and will make weapon retention more difficult for you should you ever be in a close up struggle for control of the gun.

John
 
The longer the barrel, the more accurate the shot. :)

The shorter the barrel, the more easily carried for protection which would be close range as a rule. If they aren't close enough to threaten your's or someone else's well being you are supposed to abide by the "right to flight' rule. :eek: The laws in my state can be a bit vague on that. Conceal carry has only been in effect for a few years.

For target, I enjoy using my S&W 22 police revolver with a longer barrel made especially for target. I target practice with my Taurus 38 special occasionally just to keep the feel of it and get rid of ammo that's been sitting around for awhile.

Toodles!

Mommabird :D
 
John hit the nail on the head with his post.

If you are going to keep it in the night stand or in the closet, get a 6 inch model over a 4 inch. The increased sight radius really helps novice shooters stay on paper because it is not as sensitive to minor sight picture errors.

The extra barrel length and increased weight help tame the flash and recoil which also helps the novice shooter avoid flinch and other problems that can be overcome with good instruction and focused training.

A "snub" 38 is very popular with people at large but, most will shoot much better with a full size wheel gun. Again, with good instruction and training, this can be overcome.

For concealed carry, I find an automatic hard to beat. It is easier for me to carry a full size automatic and not "outline" or "print" compared to even a mid-size wheel gun. In the end, I carried a Glock model 20 in a Bianchi PDQ holster on my 5' 5" 150pound frame. That holster was one of the few I could draw from while seated in a car with the seatbelt on :) It is also the best overall holster I have ever used.
 
Ruger GP100. I sold mine during a financial crisis 15 years ago and I still miss it.

Jack
 
pros to 6 inch barrel are better accuracy at long distances... anything over 25 meters. the con is it is harder to conceal than the 4 inch. my recomendation for a handgun for a person who isn't familiar with pistols, and hasn't done a lot of training with a pistol is a good double action revolver (Ruger, Smith, colt, Taurus) I would stick with the .38 or .357 for ease of use and amunition availability... also both those callibers will stop someone. the reason I like a revolver for someone who is not familiar with firearms is the fact that they are basically "stupid Proof" ( not saying anyone is stupid, but a good revolver is point and pull. so in a panic situation you are more likeley to be able to use the revolver) as external safeties and "decock levers" on automatics must be put in the "fire" position before using the pistol. I have seen people (cops) on the range with an automatic draw, and pull the trigger only to cuss themselves for either 1. not having a round chambered or 2. forgetting to take the safety off. so for it's ease of use, lack of mechanical complexity, and comfort of knowing it will work when you want it or need it to. personally I carry an automatic, but I get to the range at least monthly for 4 hours of drills.... wich I highly recommend whether you buy an automatic, or a revolver....

just my $.02 worth

stay safe :cool:
 
Sid Post said:
...If you are going to keep it in the night stand or in the closet, get a 6 inch model over a 4 inch. The increased sight radius really helps novice shooters stay on paper...
Click to expand...


"What I want is something for home defense (i.e., when the **** hits the fan).,,"

In the middle of the night; you're not going to worry about site radius. :eek:

In a revolver; stick with a 4 inch barrel; it's easier to get out of the draw.
 
RickR here.

Probably a little clarification needed. Looking back at my post I wrote birdshot when in fact I meant buckshot :footinmou . That's what I have now. The second thing is that while I have a 12 gauge at the ready, in the event that a weapon is needed, I most likely would go for the .40 auto. Mainly for convenience. Asking what gun to use is kinda like asking what knife to carry. Everyone has a different answer and there is no wrong answer. Alot of great responses and considerations were offered here. The best one being taking a handgun safety course and getting to know how to use your gun safely.
 
agree a shotgun is hard to beat for home SD. so is a ruger 4" bbl GP100 w/the right ammo. i would go w/4" over 6" bbl just because the gun is much more "handy" to carry/etc, i would use the heavy gold dot load (145 gr??) in it myself, and 00 buck tactical loads outta the shotgun. ya might consider the new gold dot 135gr 38 spec round for the 357 till ya get some experience, also makes the gun cheap to practice with, use cheapo 38 ammo, like $6 a box or so.

also hard to go wrong w/a glock 19 or 26 9MM, or a kahr PM9 or P9, they RARELY malfunction w/good ammo, and imho are easier to shoot than a reveolver, but to each there own. i would stay away from a .45 till ya get a little experience, they are a little harder to shoot than a 38 spec/9MM,

good luck

greg
 
I'm going to recommend a 4" barrel revolver in 44 Special or 45 Long Colt. Reason being is pure stopping power, without much muzzle flash. Ammo is cheap, too.
 
(I'm a Brit, but experienced in the use of handguns. I have owned everything from .22LR to .44 magnum. I reloaded for all calibres. I have competed at international level.)

1. Buy a .22LR Smith & Wesson revolver. Learn how to use it safely and accurately. Then:

2. Buy a cheap, used Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 Special. Feed it with 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoints. Use this as a home defence weapon.

Reasons? Economy. Reliability. Practicality.

If you aren't going to put effort into learning a weapon (then keeping those skills from going stale), a revolver is the way to go. It goes "BANG!" every time.

Calibre? Most confrontations end without a shot being fired. Most gunfights involve the discharge of fewer than 2 rounds. Range will be point-blank. Why handicap yourself with an expensive, over-powered, user-intimidating, over-penetrating howitzer?

maximus otter
 
I agree with Maximus that a .22 revolver is an excellent learning tool, and a great gun to shoot a lot without breaking the bank.

I'll go against the crowd a bit with the Ruger GP100, and suggest a S&W 686 with a 4" barrel. I have owned both and prefer the Smith.

I would suggest going to a local range and shooting several to see what feels best to you. You won't go wrong with any of the major brands.

Good luck! Wheelguns can be addictive :D
 
Six inch barrels are better than short ones in certain areas. One, they are easier to shoot with at long range. They are not as noisy also. Short barreled handguns shooting magnum rounds will dish out ear-splitting muzzle blast even with ear protection.

Longer barrels are quieter and the bullets are a little faster as well. This is another consideration if you will use this gun for hunting. The long barrel gives somewhat better performance and you are not burning powder/money merely to make loud noises.

The comments about the Model 10 are true. It is the most user-friendly model of gun I ever handled. However, it is not available in .357 which reduces its versitility.

A four inch .38 special is not too loud but a four inch .357 will scare you out of your socks when you first hear it.

Chris
 
For a first handgun, a revolver is the best choice. A 4 inch barrel is the correct revolver for home defense. .357 caliber is the correct choice also. You can practice with .38 ammo and may choose to stick with +P .38 ammo.

I would add that you should get a small safe and keep the firearm in it. It can be by your bed, or wherever is most convenient.

Third, take a class or find someone experienced and learn safety first.

In addition to the previously mentioned Ruger and S&W, also consider getting a Taurus revolver. I have three and prefer them over my S&W.
 
Smith and Wesson Model 19 or the stainless 66 (which I own)--4" barrel. A great feeling and very natural pointing weapon. A pleasure to shoot. I believe that the 4" version would be better for tight quarters. I also like the Pachmayr Decelerator grips a lot. Consider night sights too.

A pump shotgun is a better weapon for many reasons, but it may be difficult to find a way to keep it both secure and readily available at the same time. Something to consider if you want to keep those unfamiliar with guns away from your weapon. The pistol may also be more enjoyable to shoot at the range when you want to practice your shooting skills. A 12 guage shotgun does tend to have a little "wang" to it!

But before you do anything at all, very carefully read the Owner's Manual to the weapon! And make sure the gun has one before you buy it. Step #1 after purchase, period. This will give you critical information about the weapon and safe handling practices. Keep yourself and others around you safe. SK
 
For those who like shotguns, as I know the originator of this thread was asking about HANDGUNS:

Assuming you hit your assailant with the entire charge, the lightest 12 gauge load even with the smallest shot available has more stopping power than ANY handgun round made today. Even if you use #8 shot a burgler would not want to get hit by it. At longer range a flying cloud of #8 shot will blind a person at at close range it will kill. And #8 is mighty tiny stuff compared to buckshot. I would feel perfectly safe against a burglar with any 12 load from 000 buck down to #6 shot. In fact when I use my 12 as a defense gun in the corner, BB's fill the magazine for the most part.

The lightest available 20 gauge load has more stopping power than MOST handgun rounds and the 3 inch magnums are in the 12 gauge category. The 16 gauge straddles the line.

A 2-3/4 20 gauge shell with buckshot will, at close range equal the mighty 500 S & W in stopping power.

The reason is of course, the immense surface area that the many projectiles of shot provide.

Chris
 
As a good ol farmboy, and a night security guard, I have come to have a few favorites.

On the job, in my regular uniform, I carry a Sig P-220 in 9mm (currently the only P-220s produced in the US are .45acp - mine is an older model from Europe). When I have to wear my "corproate" gear (suitcoat and collared shirt), I carry a P-229 in 9mm two-tone finish with pachmayr grips. the 229 is available in .357sig and .40S&W as well

In addition, I have a 16ga, a 12ga 870 pumpgun and a .410 shotgun.
The singular best home defense, in my opinion, is a vocal dog. Any "prowler" is going to think twice about entering a home with a dog yapping itshead off, no matter what size the dog may be. My American Staffordshire Terrier ( a 70LB "pitbull" ) is VERY quiet.. he'd apparently prefer to let you get in the house and rip your arm off his own self. This is NOT a good guard dog. You want a dog thats willing to make noise to alert you.

Finally, Im all for wheel-guns, as long as you have a speed loader of some type; HOWEVER, Im very sure my Sig is older than I am (Im 22) and its still as accurate as any NIB pistol. The last thing Id reccomend, is either A) practicing shooting in a cross hand stance, holding a small maglite in one hand, pistol in the other, or getting a weapon mounted light system.

In conclusion, a handgun is a huge commitment, especially if you have children. The best protector, aside from moving to a better neighborhood, in MY opinion, is a loveable, huggable german sheppard. God forbid if you have children, and one stumbled home drunk from a party after being dropped off by the designated driver, and you in a panic, accidentally created a much bigger problem. If you insist on getting a handgun, dont focus on ye old hand cannon... something that causes you to have problems with its weight or recoil... you cant shoot the target. Id much rather hit somene with a heavily loaded 9mm in the leg and have them leave while my wife is on the phone with the proper authorities... that blasting holes in my home and the neighbors. Most "shootouts" are a frenzied exchange of a few rounds in the dark anyway. Dogs dont miss, and as much of a part of the family as they become, they CAN be replaced... you or your children (if you have any) regrettably, cannot. I wont dissuade you from getting a gun. As an NRA member I firmly believe in your right to own a gun, even if for nothing more than blasting away at nefarious cans and bottles in your backwoods, but PLEASE think and choose carefully as people seem to only remember the mistakes and not the triumphs. Also remember that many police officers and war veterans struggle with taking another life, make sure this is something you are prepared to come to grips with, and be honest with yourself.
Good luck and keep us posted on what your decision is. Those of us that keep guns at home, heres to us never havng to use them
 
DB1 said:
I agree with Maximus that a .22 revolver is an excellent learning tool...
I'll go against the crowd a bit with the Ruger GP100, and suggest a S&W 686 with a 4" barrel. I have owned both and prefer the Smith.
Click to expand...


I agree a .22 is a great learning gun, but that's not what you asked.

A 6 inch barrel is more accurate, but for home defense you are only talking about a very short distance.

I to prefer the S&W 686 (586 non stainless) revolver with a round butt and Hogue grips over a Ruger GP 100, but my nightstand run is a Glock 19 with nite sites.
 
Try shooting some different types before you make a decision. Ranges have them for rent.
In most defense situations revolvers must be fired in the double action mode. 1911 .45s carried cocked and locked, as they were designed to be, are single action and for me, much more accurate.
But try for yourself.
 
There are going to be opinions. But, sometimes we put our personal feelings in were one has asked for a specific something.

"IF" you are not very familliar with guns, STAY AWAY fro semi autos.
Get a revolver. It is what you asked about, simple, and dependable.
Go with a .357 mag, start out shooting .38 spl ammo. As your confidence builds, you can go to .357 mags.

If you do decide to go auto, DON`T go Glock.
A Glock is not a first timers gun. Ask all the cops that have shot themselves with Glocks. After this you may read post after post from Glock users who say, "I" have not shot myself with my Glock. Glock is a good gun, just not a first timers gun.

Do yourself a favor, get a good quality revolver. Ruger, Smith, Colt. Fro home protection a Tarrus will do.

I don`t know knives like I know guns.
 
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