Buying a gun

[Jennasis]

Our first hangun (for home safety/defense) is a Taurus .38 Special. I'll be honest...I don't like it. It's SO LOUD, and perhaps it's my inexperience with guns, but I felt every bit of the kickback (and the muzzle flash didn't help my nerves either). After firing it twice for practice I haven't touched it, but I am planning a trip to the range with DH and some more classes to try to make myself as comfortable as possible with it.

We chose it because it's a revolver and DH liked the fact that it's hammerless.

 

[JMD]

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.

Glocks are known to blow up in people's hands? No offense to your husband, but that is flat out wrong. 9mm Glocks are some of the best combat pistols in the world. They are as reliable a gun as you can buy, and they didn't get to be one of the most popular handguns in the world by blowing up in people's hands.

 

[Hercules10]

Although I've never had any issues with mine, I've heard some people have had quality issues with Taurus.

The problems Taurus has is with their autos for some reason. Although like you, I don't know anyone who has had problems. But Taurus is best known for the quality of their revolvers. I've got the Judge and also a .357M TT 2-inch ported revolver and both are solid guns.

Also as an fyi. Most 357's revolvers can also handle .38 rounds. So they're kinda a 2 fer 1 gun.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I agree that you should handle the gun and try it out before purchase (talk to the salespeople and people at the range for their opinions as well). I recently started shooting (so I really am not an expert on the subject) and love the feel of my 45 (Sig P220 Equinox) but in reality, the 45 is very powerful and expensive to shoot.

I also own a Glock 19 9mm and like that too. I did have to get a rubberized grip cover to make it a little more comfortable. Alot of police carry the Glock 19s.

Here are some reviews:

http://www.policelink.com/products/products/247-glock-19

Another thing, if you want the gun for home defense, I think its good to make sure it has a night sight.

ETA: I am reading back and probably have to agree with previous posters...all of our guns (DH has a collection) are not loaded and locked. The only one loaded (and locked up) is a shotgun...but I cannot remember what model it is...

 

[hemispheredancer]

We are looking at getting one, too! DH is thinking about buying one off his buddy. It is a Ruger P89 DC. I have shot it before and it fits beautifully in my hands! Has very little recoil and easy to use. I think we have to go to the PD and get a pistol permit. DH is thinking about getting a CCW pernit later on.

 

[JMD]

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!

You've gotten alot of good advice so far. Buying a handgun is subjective, it all depends on what fits your hand the best. Thats why its best to go to a gun store and handle as many guns as possible.

9mm is a great caliber for a first handgun. It has a lighter recoil than some bigger calibers which is good for a new shooter, and the ammo is relatively inexpensive compared to other calibers. That will allow to spend more time at the range becoming familiar with your weapon. And modern 9mm hollow points are very effective.

Revolvers are great for their reliability and ease of use, but a semi-auto could be just as easy as well. I suggest a Glock, model 17 or 19. Very reliable, very easy to operate, and very easy to take apart and clean.

 

[ntsammy5]

There are hundreds of "best" handguns out there, but you want what's best for you.

I agree with everything George says - I'va also oned hand guns for over 40 years and I currently own 12 (not counting rifles/shotguns). My favorite is one my father gave me a long time ago - a .38 but the one I carry is a Glock .40.

If you've never used firearms before get training - lots of training and go to the range often - familiarity is very important. Also, don't buy the first weapon you try - try a lot of them. You'll find one you really like eventually.

Good luck.

 

[SeeVee]

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.

If purchasing a revolver, I think a hammerless revolver is a better choice.

 

[JMD]

I agree with everything George says - I'va also oned hand guns for over 40 years and I currently own 12 (not counting rifles/shotguns). My favorite is one my father gave me a long time ago - a .38 but the one I carry is a Glock .40.

If you've never used firearms before get training - lots of training and go to the range often - familiarity is very important. Also, don't buy the first weapon you try - try a lot of them. You'll find one you really like eventually.

Good luck.

Which model Glock do you carry?

 

[ntsammy5]

Which model Glock do you carry?

Glock 27 ---- I love it - nice size. Great gun to carry.

 

[DznyFan]

congrats on your decision and good luck in your search. With the decline of the state of the economy, I fear we'll continue to see an increase in home invasions, carjackings and overall robberies - we have a right to defend ourselves, homes and families. I chose to carry after an odd incident at my home a few months ago.

I have to say, GeorgeC and dcsheets have some great advice. the best thing you can do is go to the range, a lot, try different things out and see what you like. I thought I liked my little compact .380 until I was talked into trying out a Springfield Armory XD 9mm subcompact (for carry) and it just felt "right". I thought with my little hands that I wouldn't like the grip, but for ME, it was a comfortable fit. I also like our Ruger 9mm. Although more stopping power, our .45 is just a little too much for me. Take courses - marksmanship, conceal carry - and practice. And yes, I've been in the "I'm going to shoot myself in the foot" stage... you'll get through it!

Again, best of luck in your search.

 

[JMD]

Glock 27 ---- I love it - nice size. Great gun to carry.

I carry a Glock 26. Same size as the 27, just in 9mm. They are great guns, and very easy to conceal.

 

[Tanuki]

Just out of curiosity, since you are concerned about a burglar breaking in which is why you are buying a gun. Do you have an alarm system already in use at your home?

 

[robinb]

Just out of curiosity, since you are concerned about a burglar breaking in which is why you are buying a gun. Do you have an alarm system already in use at your home?

I also would like to know how the OP thinks she will get the gun out of the locked safe and loaded in time to shoot the burglar .

 

[JMD]

I also would like to know how the OP thinks she will get the gun out of the locked safe and loaded in time to shoot the burglar .

Don't keep it locked and unloaded.


That would defeat the purpose of having a gun. Might as well save your money and use a brick instead. My gun is loaded and on my nightstand, so its ready to go if I need it.

 

[robinb]

My gun is loaded and on my nightstand, so its ready to go if I need it.

Remind me not to sleep walk in your neighborhood !

 

[ntsammy5]

My gun is loaded and on my nightstand, so its ready to go if I need it.

 

[Tanuki]

There was a sad case in our town where a man mistook his sixteen year old son for a burglar and shot him in their house. The kid was just coming in late from being out with his friends after a football game and his dad woke from a deep sleep and panicked. He had his gun ready right by the bedside, unlocked and loaded. A burglar alarm could have saved his son's life.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I also would like to know how the OP thinks she will get the gun out of the locked safe and loaded in time to shoot the burglar .

Keep it loaded and in a safe that opens with a fingerprint...

 

[Golf4food]

Handguns are for sissies. If you want a gun for home defense buy a shotgun. Seriously. Nothing quite like looking down the barrell(s) of a shotgun and hearing that chink-chink sound to make a thief think twice about their line of "work".