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Which pistol should I buy for home defense?

algar26
I am new at the gun buying business. I need some advise as to which pistol should I buy for my home defense. I have asked around and different people tell me different things about which pistol is better for the right price. I don't have a lot of money, but I have enough to not to have to settle for the cheapest pistol on the market. Which brand in a semi-auto is the best as far as performance and reliability? Please help...

Algar26
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Comments

14 comments

Date Votes
  • leeblackman
    Look around and see what you like. Make a list of a few your interested in and post them. Ask which ones are prefered. Your question is so general its hard to answer. There are so many excellent handguns on the market that would be adequate. I could literally spend an hour typing a list of guns to buy. You need to do some research into what features you want. Here are also some questions you might want to take into consideration.

    How often will you be shooting the firearm? How often will you be handling your firearm? Will you be keeping up with a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule? Where will you be carrying if you carry? Will the firearm just be sitting up for an extended period of time in a drawer?
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  • fishermanben
    How much experience do you have shooting pistols, rifles, and shotguns?
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  • stuart
    for home defense I prefer either a .45 or .40 caliber...can't go wrong with a 1911 style .45....my preference is that or a Glock in .40 cal.(fairly reasonable price) have a couple of both...if you're new to handguns, you may want to consider a revolver....reliable and "operator friendly"...with all that said, you can't do any better for home defense than a good old fashioned 12 gauge...good luck...
    Stuart
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  • bobski
    get a 38 cal revolver s&w will do fine. used will save you money. gun is a gun.

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.
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  • algar26
    I've only owned 2 guns; a p89 ruger 9mm semiauto pistol for about 1 1/2 years (which was stolen from me) and a 12 ga. shotgun. On the ruger, I only put about 500 rounds through it.
    quote:Originally posted by fishermanben
    How much experience do you have shooting pistols, rifles, and shotguns?
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  • Char
    Personally, I think autos in general (and Glocks or 1911s in particular) are a poor choice for a beginner. Buy a revolver to start with, get some training and experience and then you could move to the autos.
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  • Jake_S-83
    dont rule out a good pump shotgun.
    jake
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  • rsnyder55
    For a beginner, I also side with the revolver camp. I'd choose a 4" 357 magnum. Learn w/ 38 specials and work up to 357's. No magazines, springs, jams, or misfires to worry about. If the gun doesn't go boom, pull the trigger again.

    Just my 2 cents.
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  • gap1916
    Welcome to GB. Nothing smaller than a 9mm and as large as you can shoot with a high comfort level. Look at what the LEO's are using and it will work for you. My 2 cents. [8D] PS 12ga is larger than 9mm and the LEO's do use it. If it is a hand gun you wish look to what the LEO's use.

    Greg
    Former Marine
    A N G L I C O
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  • Invicta
    Try a CZ, the CZ 100 is available in 9mm or 40s&w and sells for under $400. Also the Steyr S and M series pistols sell for about $400. You might also want to try and find a good deal on a glock.
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  • geeguy
    I disagree with all but Jake. Don't consider a handgun, use a shotgun!! 00 buck shot. If you get only one shot you want to put them on the floor so they can't hurt you. Plus consider what happens to the bullet if you miss, they do go thru walls in most cases.

    Unless you are an expert pistol shot and have nerves of steel think how you would aim in a split second and fire. The sound of a good pump action should be enough to get rid of any intruder and maybe you don't have to fire. (Yes I know this was not the question, but its the answer)
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  • usar1
    It all comes down to what you are most comfortable with. I personaly like the 12gauge pump for home defense.

    NRA LIFE MEMBER.
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  • torquimata
    When I was a beginner i got an S&W model 60 in 357 and got comfy with +P 38s.As an addition i got a compact .45,model 1911, don't think i'll ever need another home defense handgun.,both function flawlessly and i would bet my life on either. If you are beginning i recommend the 3" chief's special in 357,just pull the trigger, no safety! Good luck
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  • CS8161
    You are going to get a load of different opinions. My advice is to visit your local gun dealer, handle and discuss the different options that are available. Everyone here is going to tell you what pistol THEY like best, but what is good for one person may not be good for you. The best way to buy a pistol is to do some reading, talk to a knowledgable local gun dealer and handle different types. Make an informed choice.

    Chris8161
    Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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