jimbud
  • jimbud
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Monday, December 27, 2010 7:48:05 PM
I know to many of you this post is akin to asking "what kind of cigars are good?," so apologies in advance. I have a couple buddies who have opinions on this, but I know that many on here are enthusiasts/military/law enforcement, so I thought I would ask for opinions. I'm thinking of buying a handgun for home protection/range use. I've been range shooting a couple times with friends, and have enjoyed it, but just never bothered to take the course to qualify in Connecticut to carry or own. I'm looking for something that is fitting for a novice (i.e., reliable/easy to maintain and use). Thanks much for any thoughts.
tonyt722
Monday, December 27, 2010 7:52:33 PM
Slingshots are cheaper and most likely wont get you locked when the intruder you shoot, for some odd reason doesnt die, and sues the pants off of you
HockeyDad
Monday, December 27, 2010 7:53:10 PM
Do you want to shoot 1000 yds?
jimbud
  • jimbud
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Monday, December 27, 2010 7:57:13 PM

Do you want to shot 1000 yds?

HockeyDad wrote:

[Insert French military joke here.]

Mostly, I'm looking for a handgun that will not discharge when I drop it to surrender. Mostly. (j/k)

HockeyDad
Monday, December 27, 2010 7:58:36 PM
Do you want to shoot 3-gun?
wheelrite
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:00:18 PM
jimbud,,,

Start out with a .38 revolver,,

Easy to load,easy to shoot and your old lady could handle it too...

I have a S&W model 637 .38 double action revolver and a couple other pistols...

andytv
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:03:45 PM
You may wanna evaluate your logic for getting a handgun for home protection.

I have had handguns all my adult life.............still do. But I use a shotgun for home protection.

jimbud
  • jimbud
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:08:11 PM

You may wanna evaluate your logic for getting a handgun for home protection.

I have had handguns all my adult life.............still do. But I use a shotgun for home protection.

andytv wrote:

Good point. We also walk/jog/bike in woods quite a bit, so it would be for that as well.

Wheel -- thx.

ZRX1200
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:11:01 PM
Jimbud, either a S&W bulldog (you can shoot .38 or 357 mag) or a .380 auto or 9mm.

The reason being the bulldog is hammerless (good carry gun) and as Wheel said your wife could shoot the .38 with confidence. Kahr makes some nice concealed carry autos in 9mm and .380 as does Smith&Wesson. Modern autoloaders are very safe and easy to shoot.

Again with the 9mm or .380 your wife could easily shoot, and you sould have extra round capacity. If you can find someone you know that has a couple calibers you and the wife to try then find one at a shop that is comfortable.

Hope the dog is healing and the wife is emotionally better. Good idea on the class.

wheelrite
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:15:08 PM

Jimbud, either a S&W bulldog (you can shoot .38 or 357 mag) or a .380 auto or 9mm.

The reason being the bulldog is hammerless (good carry gun) and as Wheel said your wife could shoot the .38 with confidence. Kahr makes some nice concealed carry autos in 9mm and .380 as does Smith&Wesson. Modern autoloaders are very safe and easy to shoot.

Again with the 9mm or .380 your wife could easily shoot, and you sould have extra round capacity. If you can find someone you know that has a couple calibers you and the wife to try then find one at a shop that is comfortable.

Hope the dog is healing and the wife is emotionally better. Good idea on the class.

ZRX1200 wrote:

Imho,,

a novice's firt pistol should not be an auto...

jimbud
  • jimbud
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:15:13 PM
Z: Thanks very much -- both are doing much better.
wheelrite
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:16:33 PM
ZRX1200
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:23:57 PM
Wheel if they are taking the class and train regularly the auto would be fine. First option IMHO would be the bulldog though.
wheelrite
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:27:57 PM

Wheel if they are taking the class and train regularly the auto would be fine. First option IMHO would be the bulldog though.

ZRX1200 wrote:

I took an advanced class once .It was one that had me shoot at different stations under "stress".I went through the circuit twice.Once with a revolver and once with my 9mm auto.We had to reload and I did better with the revolver..

HockeyDad
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:28:19 PM
I agree with Wheelrite's selection. A 5-shot .38 special was my first handgun many years ago.

Simple mechanics...easy to shoot...small enough that it could be carried concealed.

itsawaldo
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:31:50 PM
I agree with Wheel, .38 revolver for under 20 feet is all thats needed for most instances a citizen would come across.

If you need 10+ rounds most autos have for home defense you need to move, now.

But I do like Andy's advice, nothing says get out of my house as my Model 12 being racked.

HockeyDad
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:40:42 PM
Walk/jog/bike in woods and home protection are two very different things.

I'm not sure I would be interested in packing heat every time I went for a jog but I know people that do. The odds are better than you'll shoot yourself in the leg rather than an attacker.

Home protection could be a revolver, automatic, or shotgun but now the question is storage and accessability.

gimbel
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:50:51 PM
Check out the Judge.
wheelrite
Monday, December 27, 2010 8:57:06 PM

Walk/jog/bike in woods and home protection are two very different things.

I'm not sure I would be interested in packing heat every time I went for a jog but I know people that do. The odds are better than you'll shoot yourself in the leg rather than an attacker.

Home protection could be a revolver, automatic, or shotgun but now the question is storage and accessability.

HockeyDad wrote:

My wife keeps a 38 in her bra...well concealed and fun to reach for...

glongoria
Monday, December 27, 2010 9:07:26 PM
All good points. I suggest both. If I have to get up in the middle of the night I put my 380 in my waist band and grab my shotgun loaded with OOO buck. If someone is in the house and happens to grab the shotgun I got a backup.
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