Hey guys,

I dont really know where to get any good hand gun advice around my small town because most everyone I know including my self, only have rifles and shotguns. I am looking for something that is economical and a good starter hand gun for self defense. I do allot of traveling and my shot gun is a little too cumbersome for travel and the hatchet handle I have in between my driver seat and console is; while effective, on a temporary solution. So I am looking for something in the .38 cal or 9 mil range. I also like to go camping and if it would be feasible to carry a pistol I would like to take this into consideration too. Thank yall for any advice

Brett

 

If you like revolvers you can't go wrong with a stainless Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. It gives you the choice (as any .357 does) of using .38 Special ammo for practice/plinking, or even for defense with the 158 gr. LSWHP +P load. The GP100 is not too expensive, and it's more accurate than the shooter (generally).

If you prefer a semi-auto pistol and intend to use it for self-defense, should the need arise, I wouldn't go with anything less than .40 S&W. The .45 ACP is ideal. And there are literally dozens of configurations for either caliber. The 1911 style is the classic and once mastered is the finest fighting handgun. It does take training and practice to shoot well.

I have to say that for what you want I'd take a look at Glocks. They have a wide range of sizes in most calibers, they're light and easy to carry and usually shoot well enough right out of the box.

Whatever you decide on I guarantee you won't regret paying an instructor a few bucks to show you a few tips.

 

I have a Springfield XD and it is somewhat similar to the Glock style pistols. I paid less than $500 several years ago, and I think that they are still somewhere in that price range.

I would suggest going to a gun shop and putting your hands on some different models. It has to feel good in your hands first.

Oh yeah, the Springfield XD has several safety features that I would say put it ahead of the Glocks.

 

Well, Im a big Sig Sauer fan. Virtually indestructable, all different styles and calibers. Taking them apart for cleaning is a breeze,as most of them are 4 pieces. The Navy Seals use them, as do most law enforcement agencies in the country. Hard to argue with those stats.

 

If you can, find a range that'll let you try before you buy. I shoot and carry a Glock, but they don't work for everyone. Carry guns especially are a very personal thing.

 

I suggest you go to a local gun shop that has a range.
You can then rent all different types and styles of pistol and you'll then see what fits you and what you like. Talking to an experienced person at the store will help you by explaining and showing you the differences. there are so many pistols and everyone will fit a different person.

You should also join a local club or range. they have classes from very basic to experienced. You should also get your CCW if you don't already have it.

 

I would check out a Springfield Armory XD in 9mm or .40 and the new Smith & Wesson M&P in 9mm and .40. My .02

 

Stream of conscience post...hopefully it will make sense.

It's hard to beeat a revolver for dead nuts reliability

As for handguns in general, there is no one size fits all. I am a 1911 fan and not very fond of Glocks. The 1911 comes in a reasonably compact package when you get something like a Kimber Ultra CDP (almost all companies have their own compact versions) and they point better for me.

For pocket guns I like the KelTec P3AT (.380 ACP). Don't underestimate the .380 , it's 9mm in diameter and the Kel Tec is one of the smallest and lightest units on the market. It will disappear in your pocket with minimal printing.

If you have a range nearby that rents handguns I recommend you go there and thry out several until you find one that 'fits'. Then practice practice practice!

 

Glock is the only handgun that I will ever own. You can't hurt the darn things no matter what you do to them, as torture test on them have been proven. They might not be the nicest looking guns out there, but when you need em to work, they work. I own the #27, and #23, both are 40cal.

 

Being a longtime Glock fan and a new Springfield XD-9 owner, if you like the semi-auto style you can believe that either one of these are a home-run on quality and price. As stated earlier, you need to find which one feels best in your hand. It needs to feel like an extension of your body instead of feeling like an object in your hand. You don't want to have to think about it when you need it but it should be second nature to you in the event of a crisis. Good luck in your search.

 

I've been carrying a handgun for over 20 years. If you plan to carry I definitely recommend stainless steel. The finish holds up compared to a standard black finish handgun.

Both of my carry guns are stainless:
Ruger SP101 .357
1911 Colt Delta Elite 10mm

You can't beat the out of the box reliability of a revolver. The SP101 is very compact and virtually indestructible. I love my 1911, but I am the type who does my own gunsmith work and loads my own ammo.

If I was shopping today I would consider a Glock. The first time I shot one was in a Glock only IPSC style action shooting competition. I was very impressed... never even fired one before and took 2nd place. It was extremely accurate and reliable brand new right out of the box.

 

Glocks are not the nicest looking pistols, but they are very reliable, more than reasonably accurate out of the box, light-weight, and very durable to all sorts of abuse. Just don't fire non-jacketed bullets through them. Glocks have a propietary rifling and lead bullets can eventually cause the dreaded KA-BOOM!.. lol..

Glocks do not like non-jacketed bullets.

 

Unsupported chambers and case failures in .40 S&W blow up more Glocks than lead build up in the rifling. Although you're right in that non-jacketed, lead bullets are verboten for Glocks, or any barrel with polygonal rifling.

Also to the OP, if you don't have one, you need a .22 pistol. Everyone needs a .22 pistol. One advantage of buying a Glock is that you can get .22LR conversion kits for them so you're keeping the same grip angle, sight picture and trigger pull as a centerfire Glock, but you can do a ton more shooting for the dollar. And .22s are just plain ol' fun.

 

x .22 on that!! ^^^

lol.. .22 pistols, .22 rifles, the .22 is the best damn thing that ever happened to shooters!

 

I would opt for the Springfield XD. I had the 9mm, but moved up to the 45 for the heck of it. [no good reason, just wanted the 45... ] I bought the XD over the Glock due to the way the grip fits me. My brother prefers his Glock, so as others here have said, find a range and shoot them.

Another option, esp if you are looking for one to carry in your truck is the Taurus "judge". Sort of an ugly looking beast, but it is a revolver that chambers .410 shotgun shells as well as the 45 Long Colt. I picked one up for home defense in a vacation condo-close range and with the .410, it should not over penetrate the walls [that tends to annoy the neighbors a mite.... ] Before taking it south, I took it out to the range and ran #6, #4, and 000 buck thru it. Ended up with the # 4 as the defense load.... Good pattern and penetration at 20'. Taurus has a video on their website showing it shot out the passenger side of the car. The only thing that I did not care about is the size, esp the cylinder for carry duty, but then I was not looking for that in this gun



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