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Handgun Recommendations
- Thread starter Mark J
- Start date
This is a good discussion. The following comments are not meant to be critical or defensive, just explanatory.
Big Bo wrote:
"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."
This is what MarkJ wrote:
"Ok, let me start this out by saying that I know squat about handguns. I've shot a few in the past years at a local range, but that's about it...What other inportant things do I have to know about owning and using a handgun? Any advice is appreciate!"
In between that opening and closing was information that his research was "leading" toward a revolver. My response was in the category of "any advice."
I agree that revolvers are simpler. But sometimes when we get into something that interests us the learning comes quickly, and then we feel like we have to upgrade. I'm just suggesting that MarkJ shoot some semi-autos. Operating a semi-auto is not rocket science. In fact I wouldn't suggest owning any handgun without making a commitment to learn enough about it and practice enough with it to be effective.
I also disagree with the idea that any handgun "will do" for home protection. Any handgun "will do" for target shooting. For the protection of you and your loved ones, get the best you can afford and become the best at using it that your time will allow.
RGray the moderator quoted me on carrying cocked and locked, and asked if I was a cowboy.
The word "cowboy" is sometimes used in a negative sense these days, to indicate someone who is somewhat irresponsible. I don't think I'm that just because I carry a semi-auto cocked and locked. They have at least three safetys. A thumb safety, a grip safety, and a 6-inch safety between my ears that says don't put your finger inside the trigger guard until you're ready to fire.
I am also not a cowboy just because I live in Texas, but I do respect the cowboy tradition. The old-time cowboys and law enforcement officers, of course, carried revolvers. A lot of genuine modern cowboys, and almost all of our finest law enforcement officers such as federal officers who work in our state, highway patrolmen, Texas Rangers, and down to the local level, carry semi-autos. I took my concealed carry training from a county law enforcement officer.
Big Bo wrote:
"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."
This is what MarkJ wrote:
"Ok, let me start this out by saying that I know squat about handguns. I've shot a few in the past years at a local range, but that's about it...What other inportant things do I have to know about owning and using a handgun? Any advice is appreciate!"
In between that opening and closing was information that his research was "leading" toward a revolver. My response was in the category of "any advice."
I agree that revolvers are simpler. But sometimes when we get into something that interests us the learning comes quickly, and then we feel like we have to upgrade. I'm just suggesting that MarkJ shoot some semi-autos. Operating a semi-auto is not rocket science. In fact I wouldn't suggest owning any handgun without making a commitment to learn enough about it and practice enough with it to be effective.
I also disagree with the idea that any handgun "will do" for home protection. Any handgun "will do" for target shooting. For the protection of you and your loved ones, get the best you can afford and become the best at using it that your time will allow.
RGray the moderator quoted me on carrying cocked and locked, and asked if I was a cowboy.
The word "cowboy" is sometimes used in a negative sense these days, to indicate someone who is somewhat irresponsible. I don't think I'm that just because I carry a semi-auto cocked and locked. They have at least three safetys. A thumb safety, a grip safety, and a 6-inch safety between my ears that says don't put your finger inside the trigger guard until you're ready to fire.
I am also not a cowboy just because I live in Texas, but I do respect the cowboy tradition. The old-time cowboys and law enforcement officers, of course, carried revolvers. A lot of genuine modern cowboys, and almost all of our finest law enforcement officers such as federal officers who work in our state, highway patrolmen, Texas Rangers, and down to the local level, carry semi-autos. I took my concealed carry training from a county law enforcement officer.
Texian said:
Texian, sorry if I offended you; it was not my intent.
I'm not sure what being a moderator has to do with it.
I just didn't think anyone carried cocked and locked anymore.
I have shot competition were I have forgot to release the safety and the pistol did not fire (and I have been shooting for over 15 years).
I have also seen other people do this.
I would not want this to happen in a life and death situation where you might only get one shot.
Also, I don't think a cocked and locked pistol would be a good idea in a nightstand when you might need it in a split second in the middle of the night.
Again I would not want to have to drop a safety.
Everyone should practice with the pistol they feel confident with.
"...don't put your finger inside the trigger guard until you're ready to fire" this is the best advice anyone can give.
I guess this wasn't made clear to the MANY police officers that shoot themselves with Glocks.
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2001
- Messages
- 2,450
Wow, when I asked for opinions, I never thought I'd get this amount of feedback! Thanks everyone for your input.
I plan to go to a local range in the next couple weeks and rent a few guns to "test drive". I like the idea of a shotgun's stopping power, but with two little kids in the house, I'm thinking it's not such a good idea. I plan to get a GunVault for my eventual purchase. That's the only way I'll even consider having a gun in the house with the kids.
- Mark
I plan to go to a local range in the next couple weeks and rent a few guns to "test drive". I like the idea of a shotgun's stopping power, but with two little kids in the house, I'm thinking it's not such a good idea. I plan to get a GunVault for my eventual purchase. That's the only way I'll even consider having a gun in the house with the kids.
- Mark
I wasn't offended. More surprised because everyone I know who carries a 1911 semi-auto carries it that way. It does take some getting used to. Not as scary to me as carrying a folding knife tip up. I've had one of those come open, no damage done, but never had a problem carrying a .45 in what is known as Condition 1. I won't say it will never happen, but the chances are slim.RGRAY said:Texian, sorry if I offended you; it was not my intent.
I'm not sure what being a moderator has to do with it.
I just didn't think anyone carried cocked and locked anymore.
)
I just put "moderator" in there because it seemed like part of your handle. You guys do a great job.
Heh there ARE some pistols that can shoot shotgun ammo. Thompson Contender makes some interesting fire arms, and a friend of mine has a european gun that can shoot .45 / 410 reliably, I havent a clue as to its maker however. A GunVault is a wise investment, but make sure theyre exposed to the gun at somepoint and theyre comfortable around it. My grandparents farmhouse has a built in gun rack in the wall. its open and has a curio on top of it. None of us ever contemplated using a gun in anger in regards to being an idiot and opening fire on innocents. kids today...who knows, but thats a different thread.
Also, dont be disuaded if you find a gun you like and it doesnt fit the general consensus of the .38/.357/.45 model 1911 bent this list has (and a good bent it is). Id much rather see someone with a gun theyre not intimidated by, one that becomes an extension of their arm and that theyre accurate with. Id avoid a Walther PPK as I got bit by one though, and there are some reliable competition pellet guns for the price out there
Also, dont be disuaded if you find a gun you like and it doesnt fit the general consensus of the .38/.357/.45 model 1911 bent this list has (and a good bent it is). Id much rather see someone with a gun theyre not intimidated by, one that becomes an extension of their arm and that theyre accurate with. Id avoid a Walther PPK as I got bit by one though, and there are some reliable competition pellet guns for the price out there
My advice is to go with a 4" barrel revolver in .357 caliber. With this revolver, you can practice with a light .38 special load, and then move up to a more powerful .357 load. Seeing as this is your first gun, DO NOT GET A SEMI-AUTO PISTOL!!!! As previous post have stated, a semi-auto has just too many things that can go wrong with it for the first time gun owner with little or no training to handle. A revolver is point and shoot. I am a big believer in KISS - Keep It Super Simple. Under stress, you want your firearm to very simple to operate. Also, buy a good tactical flashlight like a SUREFIRE. This is as important as the firearm you use. Good luck and stay safe.
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- Oct 22, 2003
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- 1,150
Without having read the rest of the thread....
For a home defense weapon a shotgun cant be beat in .20 or .12 Ga anyone in the house can learn to use it and you dont have to be a sniper to figure it out. No. 5 shot will work JUST FINE
Again without knowing where the post went to answer your question..
A revolver would be a good choice, and if thats your preference as far as comfortable goes, go for it, but, if your bent on a handgun for home defense, you owE it to yourself to check out what glock has to offer. It dosnt really get any simpler than a glock--finger out safty on/finger in safty off... if you cant figure that out you dont need a gun in the first place
(and that goes for EVERY GUN!!!)
Light recoil, simple to operate, high capacity, great accuracy, superb pointability. For a starting out home weapon there great! By the way Im not biased, I carry a Sig\Saur 226
Feel free to e-mail, I love this topic, and good luck and BE SAFE!!!
For a home defense weapon a shotgun cant be beat in .20 or .12 Ga anyone in the house can learn to use it and you dont have to be a sniper to figure it out. No. 5 shot will work JUST FINE
Again without knowing where the post went to answer your question..
A revolver would be a good choice, and if thats your preference as far as comfortable goes, go for it, but, if your bent on a handgun for home defense, you owE it to yourself to check out what glock has to offer. It dosnt really get any simpler than a glock--finger out safty on/finger in safty off... if you cant figure that out you dont need a gun in the first place
(and that goes for EVERY GUN!!!)Light recoil, simple to operate, high capacity, great accuracy, superb pointability. For a starting out home weapon there great! By the way Im not biased, I carry a Sig\Saur 226
Feel free to e-mail, I love this topic, and good luck and BE SAFE!!!
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- Aug 15, 2003
- Messages
- 388
Runsalone said:It dosnt really get any simpler than a glock--finger out safty on/finger in safty off... if you cant figure that out you dont need a gun in the first place
I know nothing about pistols really, so this is why I am asking this; but do Glocks not have a mechanical safety or something? Does it just rely on the users common sense to prevent an accident?
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2003
- Messages
- 2,315
Glocks have IIRC, three safeties, but none of them is what you normally think of as a "safety". The gun is made to ONLY fire if you pull the trigger, and there is a little saftey lever on the end of the trigger that makes it so something aprox finger size has to be pulling on the trigger.
I've not a lot of experience in this, but what I've read is that you can do a lot worse than a Remington 1100 20 gauge. It's got around half the kick of a 12 gauge, does more damage than most pistols, and is an automatic, so you don't have to worry about short stroking it.
Sounds like you've already decided on a handgun, but thought I would throw in my $.02
I've not a lot of experience in this, but what I've read is that you can do a lot worse than a Remington 1100 20 gauge. It's got around half the kick of a 12 gauge, does more damage than most pistols, and is an automatic, so you don't have to worry about short stroking it.
Sounds like you've already decided on a handgun, but thought I would throw in my $.02
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Glocks don't have the traditional button or lever type safety that you are probably thinking of. It is easier for you to read about it at http://www.glock.com/_safe_action_.htm than it would be for me to explain it properly. I personally don't see the need for a button or lever style safety. If you don't want the gun to fire, don't pull the trigger. Glocks have more than enough safety features. They are also quite accurate and are extremely reliable.F-22 said:
Being that the person who originally asked the question has children (IIRC?) would a traditional button or lever safety be a better idea; at least in terms of thwarting curious and well meaning children. No matter what weapon you choose, make sure you expose your family to it, so they respect it, instead of looking at it with curiousity.
Concerning safetys and children.
You can't be too careful. Keeping them in a locked box. Keeping the locked box out of reach of children. Keeping the ammunition and gun in different locations. These all help.
But guns of any kind are of very little use if it takes 5 minutes to make one operational.
The Springfield I keep beside my bed has what is called an Internal Locking System. A little key fits right under the hammer, in the upper grip area. I don't keep it locked at night. I want it more ready than that. But it's another safety feature that could save a child's life in some situations.
You can't be too careful. Keeping them in a locked box. Keeping the locked box out of reach of children. Keeping the ammunition and gun in different locations. These all help.
But guns of any kind are of very little use if it takes 5 minutes to make one operational.
The Springfield I keep beside my bed has what is called an Internal Locking System. A little key fits right under the hammer, in the upper grip area. I don't keep it locked at night. I want it more ready than that. But it's another safety feature that could save a child's life in some situations.