Buying a gun

[teacups]

Any advice on what to look for and what to avoid?
Getting a handgun for personal/home safety.

Hubby is looking at 9mm but I dont know anything about guns.
Other than telling me to take a class (which I am going to do) and keep it locked up (already bought the safe) and not to shoot myself in the foot (you never know ) any valuable info?

Thanks!

 

[JR6ooo4]

Check out your the laws in your state first.

In Illinois you need a FOID card, Firearm Owner IDentification, before buying or housing most guns.

Mikeeee

 

[lindakmonty]

I just bought my first gun for myself this weekend! I'm going to take the concealed carry class soon. I have been looking but my biggest thing was finding something that was light, comfortable, and small. I ended up purchasing a Beretta 32 cal. w/an nice grip and laser. My DH wanted me to at least get a 38, but I really liked this gun, so it's plenty big enough for me. At least to start out with . My advice would be to get something you are comfortable with and aren't afraid of. We took several of my DH's guns out and let me shoot them to see what I liked the best. Go shoot some and try them out! Good luck!

 

[LadyZolt]

I agree with the previous poster. You want to go shopping and hold each one to see what fits your hand. I have tiny hands -- DH has large hands. Clearly, we don't hold the same gun the same way. I've got a revolver (38 special) that fits me really well. DH has a 9 mm, I think, that he likes. If it doesn't fit your hand well, it'll be difficult to shoot. If you and your DH have widely different hands like me and my DH, you might consider buying two different guns.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[chell]

Make sure you go with your husband shopping for the gun. It needs to feel comfortable in your hands. We have a gun that is a bit larger than I feel comfortable holding. The grip is a bit too large for me and the trigger is almost a stretch for my small fingers. Keep things like that in mind. You want a gun that doesn't feel too heavy and that has a good grip for you. IF you ever needed to use it in self defence you don't want someone to easily be able to take it away from you because you can't get a good grip on it.

My husband says the following because he knows his stuff:

Keep it light; keep the trigger pull smooth & crisp to make sure you can pull the trigger, he says a double action. He would go with a stainless steel finish that way you don't have to worry about smudges or nicks. He doesn't think a 9mm is the best choice if you are not already familiar with guns. If you insist on a semi-automatic he definitely prefers something that has very little feeding problems and very good accuracy like a Sig or Beretta which are easy to take down and clean, few parts to worry with. He would advise against a Glock or an M&P because although some people consider those guns perfection they have been known to blow up in people's hands.

More importantly than the gun is the ammo. Pick an ammo that is clean burning, that doesn't dirty up the gun too bad, that doesn't jam the gun, cycles well. As far as caliber goes, 40 caliber you can't go wrong. With a 9mm you have to be a lot more finicky about your selection of ammo. The design of a 9 mm round is prone to hollow point clogging, meaning the bullet won't open up when it hits the target, and it has built a nasty reputation as over penetrating.

For the Sig look at a P228 and for the Beretta most any model they have will do.

He thinks you will be better off with a revolver overall because they are easier to learn, easier to clean, less to have to worry about, no jamming, etc.

Please let me know if you have any more questions. I hope I didn't just over load you!

He took me on my first shooting range trip last year to teach me about our gun. It was very interesting, especially seeing how the different bullets shot. We are looking at getting me a smaller gun this year that I can handle better. I want to do more target shooting.

 

[teacups]

One of the gun salespeople says we can "rent" guns to try out at the local shooting range. I think maybe we'll do that. You are right... makes no good sense not to "feel" it. I dont want to just hurt someone who's broken into my house. I figure if they're in my house... someone should carry them out. Crude of me but that's how I feel about intruders. Someone told us the 38 special would only injure and possibly PO someone. Did you ever hear that?

(So much research is involved in this! )

 

[chell]

One of the gun salespeople says we can "rent" guns to try out at the local shooting range. I think maybe we'll do that. You are right... makes no good sense not to "feel" it. I dont want to just hurt someone who's broken into my house. I figure if they're in my house... someone should carry them out. Crude of me but that's how I feel about intruders. Someone told us the 38 special would only injure and possibly PO someone. Did you ever hear that?

(So much research is involved in this! )

Trying them out at the shooting range is an excellent idea! Wonder if the ones around here do that?

Hubby is in the basement but I'll ask him about the 38 Special when he gets back up here.

Yes, there is a lot of research but feel free to ask my husband any questions you might have. He studies all kinds of ballistics stuff. It goes over my head but he tells me all about it anyway.

 

[teacups]

Make sure you go with your husband shopping for the gun. It needs to feel comfortable in your hands. We have a gun that is a bit larger than I feel comfortable holding. The grip is a bit too large for me and the trigger is almost a stretch for my small fingers. Keep things like that in mind. You want a gun that doesn't feel too heavy and that has a good grip for you. IF you ever needed to use it in self defence you don't want someone to easily be able to take it away from you because you can't get a good grip on it.

My husband says the following because he knows his stuff:

Keep it light; keep the trigger pull smooth & crisp to make sure you can pull the trigger, he says a double action. He would go with a stainless steel finish that way you don't have to worry about smudges or nicks. He doesn't think a 9mm is the best choice if you are not already familiar with guns. If you insist on a semi-automatic he definitely prefers something that has very little feeding problems and very good accuracy like a Sig or Beretta which are easy to take down and clean, few parts to worry with. He would advise against a Glock or an M&P because although some people consider those guns perfection they have been known to blow up in people's hands.

More importantly than the gun is the ammo. Pick an ammo that is clean burning, that doesn't dirty up the gun too bad, that doesn't jam the gun, cycles well. As far as caliber goes, 40 caliber you can't go wrong. With a 9mm you have to be a lot more finicky about your selection of ammo. The design of a 9 mm round is prone to hollow point clogging, meaning the bullet won't open up when it hits the target, and it has built a nasty reputation as over penetrating.

For the Sig look at a P228 and for the Beretta most any model they have will do.

He thinks you will be better off with a revolver overall because they are easier to learn, easier to clean, less to have to worry about, no jamming, etc.

Please let me know if you have any more questions. I hope I didn't just over load you!

He took me on my first shooting range trip last year to teach me about our gun. It was very interesting, especially seeing how the different bullets shot. We are looking at getting me a smaller gun this year that I can handle better. I want to do more target shooting.

Fab info! THANK YOU! We paln to shop around this week. Try some out on the weekend and then be ready to make a purchase.
Thank you and your hubby!!

 

[chell]

Fab info! THANK YOU! We paln to shop around this week. Try some out on the weekend and then be ready to make a purchase.
Thank you and your hubby!!

He says you are very welcome.

To your question about the 38 he says "Wrong, it is all about ammo selection. There are 2 very specific ways you can go with that.

1. Is the Speer Unicore/Gold Dot LV round - the LV is for low velocity. It is designed to mushroom and transfer energy even at a low velocity. If you wanted to get those you can buy them over the counter from a gun shop or you can get the souped up version from Buffalo Bore, they load them to about 30% more power than standard.

2. You can't go wrong with Mag Safe. They offer a Defender load and also a Max Plus P load that generates almost as much energy as a 357 Magnum.

Regardless of caliber you should consider looking into Mag Safe ammo. And if you still insists on a semi-automatic you will have to test fire at least one package to make sure that it functions properly in the gun. Accuracy won't be an issue because most gun fights occur between 3 - 15 feet. But feeding is a must so you would still have to know that it works in whatever gun you get. In a revolver like a 38 there is no guess work, you pull the trigger and it goes "boom".

Depending on what you like and if you don't want to spend the kind of money that Mag Safe ammo costs (because it's not cheap) let me know what caliber you do like and he can give you some specific ideas on that. The gun, caliber and ammo all have to work in unison, as well as the shooter. It has to feel good and it has to do it's job."

Whew, he got long winded on that. I hope it all makes sense. He is all wired up now because he LOVES talking about this stuff.

 

[chell]

He just came back to say that the Max Load 38 Special is what he recommends for me in probably a 3-inch barrel, Smith & Wesson or Taurus Small Frame revolver.

 

[JB111107]

My first handgun is this--Walther P22:

It came with 2 different grips which works well because I have tiny hands but DH does not. It is lightweight and double action, also comes with multiple safety features. It is a great starter handgun, because it is easy to use, light enough weight, and with the interchangeable grips, functional for either DH or I to use.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that this gun has a 3 inch or 5 inch barrel. I bought mine with the 5 inch, as it is more accurate, and once I am more proficient with it, I can switch down to the 3 inch barrel

I also have the 40 cal version, the Walther P99, which is the same gun used by James Bond

Something else you can think about is what we did. AirSoft makes pellet guns in most handgun models. We got one in both of my handgun models, and I can use them in my backyard. They have the same feel (not same weight) as my actual handguns, which gets me more comfortable with the grip and how my handgun works without using more expensive ammo and having to go to a gun range.

 

[edwardsfire]

Good ole 38 revolver.
Reliable, and they will kill.

 

[pirateslifefourme]

I agree, go to a shooting range and try a few. heres a suggestion also, if your buying this for personal safety, like in case someone breaks into your house, Buy two guns. keep them at opposite ends of the house. Your gun does you no good in a situation your at the end of your house and the gun is on the other side with the robber/bad guy in the middle. Same with Fire extinguishers , keep 2 far away from each other. a lot of people keep them in a pantry, or under the sink. what if there is a fire that is large enough where you cant get access to the extinguisher? if you have 2 you will have a much better chance. i learned this from a fireman just a few days ago actually. i think its good advice that most people dont think of.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

You might take a look on the National Rifle Association's website for information. Kudos to you for your personal safety.

 

[All American]

Thanks for posting this question.

My husband has expressed interest in purchasing a gun. I respect guns for what they are and what they are capable of as well as the right we have to carry them. Otherwise, I am totally clueless. It's pretty overwhelming and there have been some great responses and food for thought.

 

[GeorgeG]

There is a ton of advice out there, some good, some not so good. There is also a lot of mis-information. I've been carrying handguns (legally) for over forty years.

Naturally, you want to do as much research as you can, starting with the laws in your state. At least some basic training is certainly advisable, too. Also give a lot of thought and research into how you will keep your gun out of any hands but yours, especially if you have children in the house.

There are hundreds of "best" handguns out there, but you want what's best for you. What is best for you is how you intend to use it. Like others have said, fit is very important and I fully agree with a revolver for simplicity and safety. You should spend at least some time shooting just to get used to it. The ranges with rental guns are a good place to do this. You want something powerful enough to do the job, but not so powerful you will be afraid of it. Contrary to what many will tell you, a .38 is powerful enough to do the job at defensive situation ranges, which are typically closer than you care to imagine (think arms length). You do not need the most powerful load. Basic .38 special target "wadcutters" will do just fine and have the least recoil. In fact, that will probably do just as well at close range as anything else, and better than some. Two or three rounds (never stop at just one) center torso should do the trick.

My carry gun is a Kimber Ultra Carry .45 ACP, but my old .38 snubbie is what I keep in the nightstand (my wife loves that gun - and shoots it well). I've succesfully gotten myself out of a jam with a .25 auto, but I don't normally recommend anything that small.

There are a lot of guns and calibers that will do the job. I don't recommend an automatic unless you are willing to become very familiar with it.

 

[christineann]

Many ranges offer a handgun safety course, which is highly recommended by gun owners and police officers. It's also good to go to a range and do some target practice periodically.

 

[dcsheets]

I would just like to add my two cents, after working in law enforcement for a few years and being a gun owner myself let offer this advice. When my spouse and I went shopping for a handgun for her, I asked myself these question?
1. Has she ever shoot a handgun before? No so I took her to the range to teach her handling safety and proper sighting. So please make sure you take a class, I am a big believer that all new handguns should be made to take a live range firearms course.
2.What type a gun is the easiest to operate? There are so many choices for handguns out there, but the easiest to use by far is a revolver. With a revolver you do not have to worry about pulling a slide to load the gun when faced with a dangerous situation. With the revolver just aim and press the trigger. Revolvers have almost no tendencies to jamb, like semi-auto do. Semi-auto will mis feed at times, and you have to be know how to correct the problem fast. Revolvers will misfire, but so do semi autos that is caused by the ammo not the gun.
3. What is your size? A small framed woman may not be able to handle a large caliber handgun. In my opinion a .38 is plenty big enough to stop any action you have to deal with.
4. Will you be carrying this handgun outside the home? I know that many of the ladies will be carrying the handgun in your purse, so be careful of everything else you have in there also. I you carry a large amount of items in your purse, will they stop or hinder you from getting to your gun? There are many different ways to carry a firearm such as special purse with a hidden pocket for your gun, and many types of concealed holsters. And please which ever way you decide to carry your gun, remember to go a range and practice removing and firing from that concealed spot. Practice, Practice, Practice, you are trying to build muscle memory. One note that there several manufacturers that make a hammerless revolver this will help cut down on any snags.
5. What type of ammo? There was several types of great ammo listed in the threads before mine.This is another gray area and really depends on the situation your are buying the gun for. I suggest you take with your gun dealer about ammo. Hallow point ammo is the most used, but there is different bullet weights and velocities for every caliber. There is also ammo used for home defense that brake's into small pieces when it hits a solid object, these are called frangible. This type of ammo is made to help cut down on stray bullets entering another room and striking and innocent person on the other side.(Family members?) Check out all your options.

I sorry to be so long winded, but firearm safety and the right to carry, own, and defend yourself is very important to myself and many others. And to let you know the handgun we finally decided on was a Smith and Wesson Air-lite hammerless .38. It is light and easy for a small framed woman like my wife to handle, check one out for yourself.

And on more big thing ask yourself I you are ready to deal with the outcome. Can you deal with shooting someone and killing them? Allot of people say they can, but only come to find out they can. This is especially true with law enforcement personnel. Not only can emotional problems arise, but legal problems can also come to light. Be prepared, take approved instruction course and find out the laws in your state. Please do not let this scare you, but gun ownership and defending yourself and your family is a must today. Be safe I hope this helps.

 

[Hercules10]

For home safety you can't beat a shotgun. But since they are large and bulky the next best thing is this little jewel. A Taurus "Judge". I keep this one by the bed side.

Handles either 45 shells or 3"-410 mag shotgun shells. With the 410 shells you get a mini-shotgun that will hit something.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

For home safety you can't beat a shotgun. But since they are large and bulky the next best thing is this little jewel. A Taurus "Judge". I keep this one by the bed side.

Handles either 45 shells or 3"-410 mag shotgun shells. With the 410 shells you get a mini-shotgun that will hit something.

I was going to say the exact same thing. It all depends on what you're buying the gun for. I own a shotgun for home protection and and a Taurus PT series 9mm for fun at the shooting range. Although I've never had any issues with mine, I've heard some people have had quality issues with Taurus.