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I need some handgun buying advice.

r1013
I'm new to handguns so bare with me..

I have had a 30/30 rifle for a long time that I have basically kept at hand for protection in my home. I also have an old .22 pistol. Lately I have been thinking about buying a better pistol for me and also one for my wife. After the murder of some neighbors recently, I'm re thinking my gun situation.

What I want is a gun that's known to be very dependable and reliable. A gun that I can practice with on occasions, that won't jam up on me when I need it (with me keeping proper maintenance of course). As far as round size.. My dad told me at one time to only buy a .45. I'm not dead set on that but I suppose I would prefer that over a 9mm just because of his advice. That all of course depends on what I hear here.

I'm sorta torn between a larger gun or a smaller gun. In my mind I guess I see a bigger better thing.. but I would like a gun that I can carry with me easily.

As far as brands.. I'm not particular.. I have heard that Glocks were really good, but I also was told that they didn't have a safety... which I'm not sure I would like.

I also prefer it to be an automatic.

As far as price goes... hum!! I hate to put a price on something like that but I have to. When I priced Glocks they all seem to be $500+.. which is very high. I prefer not to pay that much. $300-$400 is about the most I want to spend... but less is better. I of course won't sacrifice quality to save. If the prices are to high I can always buy one gun now and another for my wife in a few months. Were together 99% of the time anyway.. But I still want her to have one of her own.

What pistol or pistols would you suggest for me and which ones would you suggest for my wife.

Also.. any advice on rifles, shotguns ect.. that are good for home protection would be appreciated

Thanks
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • C182Q
    Whenever I am asked this question my reply is always the same. Stick with the simplicity of the double action revolver, it is simple, safe, and reliable! A .357 Mag can be loaded hot for defense & you can shoot .38 wadcutters at the range all day at a minimal expense. Save the autoloading handgun till both you and the Mrs. are completly comfortable with handguns.
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  • GWNelson
    Have a Security Six By Ruger, Blue, 4inch barrel, in .357. Not a magnum, but plenty adequate. Can plink with .38 Special ammo. Comes a little less expensive. It in a leather holster. If that might work for you, would prepay it to you for $314.99.
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  • papaw al
    I agree with CQ all the way.If you are a beginning handgunner,go with the 357 mag revolver.Shoot the 38's for practice and the 357mag for home defense.Since you wife will be handling it also,this is a much easier handgun to get started with.When you are ready to move up to a semi-auto pistol,I personally prefer the Springfield Armory 45cal 1911-A1.
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  • mark christian
    If the only handgun you own is an old .22 revolver you are not ready for a .45 automatic nor is your wife. If you want solid reliabilty that won't jam, go with a revolver, a .357 like C182Q suggested would fit the bill. I can understand your concern for safety with a murder taking place near you and having a handgun can add to your piece of mind. The Glock is a fine handgun but I don't recommend them for beginners...or any centerfire automatic handgun for that matter. Automatics are much more complex firearms, revolvers are strictly mechanical- pull the trigger and it fires. Take a look at the Ruger or Taurus line of revolvers. Smith and Wesson's are excellent as well, but more expensive. You may be able to locate a nice used S&W revolver at a good price and that would be a fine way to go.

    Mark T. Christian
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  • martzkj@msn.com
    I know that you would like a semi. However I think a good revolver will be just what would fit your needs. Semi, no matter how good could jam. If your wife will be using it, some females have trouble with pulling the slide on a semi. A good 357 I think would suit your needs best. Remember practice practice practice!!!!!!!!!!
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  • CWatson
    I usally recommend revolvers to people new on the gun scene also,and any quality brand,S&W,Ruger,or Taurus will fit the bill.However you do have some expereance with firearms.

    I like Glocks myself and they are a little more than you want to spend right now.So my next choice would be the Ruger P95DC 9mm.It has a polymer frame like Glock but is a little thicker.I have had one a few months now and take it to the range every weekend and it shoots as well as my Glocks or any other gun I have.Plus it only cost me around $280 new.

    It doesn't have a safety it has a decocker that lowers the hammer.What this does is it makes the first shot double action like a revolver(revolvers don't have safeties either)with a lighter single action trigger pull on the following rounds.

    I would first suggest you go to a range that offers rentals and try a couple different types of guns and see what you are comfortable with.If you end up buying a used gun be sure you don't buy a gun that has been chopped or modified.CW

    1.Before I got married I spent half my money on women and guns,THE REST I WASTED!

    2.KILL EM' ALL AND LET ALLAH SORT EM' OUT!
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  • r1013
    It seems like the 357 is the vote of the hour. As far as my wife.. If I bought a 40 or 45 for myself I was going to get her a 9mm or something smaller like that. For now I will go check out the 357 that you mentioned and check back later to see what else is recommended.

    I'll also check out the Ruger P95DC 9mm you mentioned Cwatson

    Thanks so far
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  • k.stanonik
    Good advice on a revolver, my only suggestion other wise is for home defense look at some thing non compensated and around a 3 or 4 inch barrel.
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  • TRIPPER
    THE REVOLVER ADVISE IS VERY SOUND. I TEACH NRA CLASSES AND QUALIFY CONCEALED CARRY APPLICANTS FOR STATE LISC. MOST OF THE PROBLEMS I ENCOUNTER IS FROM POOR QUALITY HANDGUNS AND SHOOTERS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE USE OF THE PARTICULAR GUN THEY BRING TO CLASS. THE REVOLVER IS AS SIMPLE AS IT GETS AND ALSO AS DEPENDABLE....WITH A REASONABLE PRICE. THE GLOCK IS A GOOD AUTO CHOICE BECAUSE IT, TOO IS VERY SIMPLE TO OPERATE. MOST WOMEN IN THE CLASSES ARE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH A REVOLVER..LESS INTIMIDATED. ANOTHER BIT OF FREE ADVISE. BUY THE BEST QUALITY GUN YOU CAN AFFORD, NOT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO SELL NEXT MONTH WHEN TIMES GET HARD....AND LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT SAVE YOUR BACON. YOU MAY NOT HAVE TIME FOR ON THE JOB TRAINING.
    GOOD LUCK
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  • DIRTYRAT
    HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A SHOTGUN FOR HOME DEFENCE? IF I WERE IN A SHOOT-OUT IN THE DARK IN MY HOME, IT WOULD BE THE CHOICE FOR ME!.......... JUST MY 2 CENTS...
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  • Tall 1
    If you've never owned a handgun go with a revolver. A 4" .357 for yourself and if you want a small gun for the wife go with a S&W 37 2" or a Taurus 85 2".
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  • MikeinScappoose
    A revolver is a very good defense weapon,and much easier to operate.If you buy a double-action-only revolver,or train yourself to shoot a revolver that way,the long trigger pull is prettty "safe." Very little chance of an accidental discharge(AD).
    We have a .44 revolver..not a magnum,a special..and it is more than enough protection for most instances,and plenty powerful.
    For general home defense a short barreled pump shotgun is very good protection,and not hard to learn to operate.
    You said you prefer it be an automatic...I thinks' it's tough to buy a really good reliabel auto for the price you mentioned.Not impossible,but not easy either.
    regards MIke
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  • rmeyer
    A 357 sounds like the perfect weapon for you. You and the wife can both shoot it.
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