Topic: Choosing a hand gun

[Shenanigans]

I have been meaning to pick one up for a while but have not got around to it. Its almost my birthday so I why not? I figured I would ask here for some opinions. I used to shoot on and off but never really got too into it. I am looking for something mainly for home but something I could go to the range and have some fun with, around 500 bucks- ish. I really like the XD and the Beretta 92, something along those lines. Any suggestions?

[pidaster]

If you liked the XD and want something for home protection and range fun then the XDM is perfect. Get a .40 cal and have some fun.

[Grnrngr]

Well, in that price range, you can get lots of very nice pieces. If you go for a used one, the choices are even better. FWIW, my son, who's in the Marines, doesn't think very much of the Beretta, but if you like it, Taurus makes an almost identical duplicate (PT92) in the same quality for less money. I've heard  nothing but good things about the XD, but they've all been in .45acp. Personally, I prefer .22lr, you can shoot all day for much cheaper, and they'll kill you just as dead with less noise..I have a couple .380s (9x17), which leaves the same size hole as 9mm (9x19), but without the over penetration issues and again..less noise. Much better for in the house defense, not so good for shooting across the parking lot. And last year when ammo was hard to find, .380 was the hardest to find. As far as that goes, .40 was easier to find (around here anyway) than 9mm, although they say 9mm is easier to find on the "international" level...and they seem to provide the widest range in magazine capacities.

Before you get one, you might want to read up on the "caliber" version of the "synthetic vs natural" oil debate...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=2595

[Shenanigans]

I shot a XD a couple of times and it seemed fine and felt good but it was the sub compact and a little cramped for my hands. Right after that I shot a new 1911 and loved it. I still need to shoot the 92 again to get a feel for it. If I could find a 1911 for cheap in the right caliber I would consider that an option.

[Brown Bomber]

     .357 is a great performer at the gun range, and you can practice with more affordable .38 in it.
If you like SOHC's then you'll probably like a big revolver
     Also, a gun has to look intimidating for home defense. Tactical style guns look bad ass in the movies, but don't stand out in household lighting. I like a big shiny nickle plated revolver with a 4 or 5" barrel. If an intruder doesn't take off when he see's something like that, you'd better buy him a round or two.

[Cbowers]

I have an XD-9 sub compact, great little gun. I have read all the test and it seems to be a very reliable gun. it has a lot of similarities(not really but that is what you think of)to a glock, but it fits better in my hands. I also like the grip safety. I choose a 9 over 40 because I can shoot more accurate, faster with a 9. two bullets are better than one. the flush magazine hold 13 and the extended 16. I also have a Kahr PM-9 as a carry gun. I am planning on getting the Kahr P-380, just too convenient to have a pocket .380. my girl friend has a ruger lcp, i cant hold it properly. my brother has a taurus tcp, it is a nice gun. I am also looking at the ruger lcr, .38 revolver. get night sights or a laser on what ever you get. If it were a strictly home protection gun I would say get a taurus judge, your wife/girlfriend could use it without any prior hand gun knowledge because its a simple double action revolver. I got a buddy with a S&W M&P .40 and he loves it. just go to the range and hold/shoot whatever you can. everyone has their own opinions. If your not carrying it get the 4 inch XD, that dark earth color is #$%*in'. the 1911 would be a nice shooting gun. but I'm not a fan of guns with thumb safeties.... if you want to shoot a lot though it would be worth buying a .22 just because the ammo is cheap 100 rounds of .22 is $7, 100 rounds of 9mm is $32. I'm not going to get into a stopping power issue, I would not use a .22 for self defense. oh and make sure you shoot hollow points for defence......

[wardenerd]

if its just you I would get one of the 9's. I have a taurus92 a smith & wesson5906 and a glock 17 and the smith is the best piece of metal but they all handle and shoot great.  9mm is the cheapest of the calibers and you can get ammo cheap at aim surplus on the net.  If inexperienced shooters are involved a 4in 686 makes a great gun for shooting and for scaring.  The Glock is point and shoot 15 rounds easy for the inexperienced. The 686 is  my personal favorite in 6 in.

[Sam Green Racing]

.22 Browning semi auto. Likes been said, cheap to use on the range (rounds wise).
loaded with hollow points in the home, one in each knee and the same in each shoulder, he's not going to trouble you any and you'll never have it on your conscience of having killed a human AH.

Sam.

PS, we don't have hand guns anymore in the UK.

[GammaFlat]

A couple of sources for private party sales:

www.gunbroker.com
www.upillar.com

You would have to have it shipped to a local Firearms Dealer (gunshop) and not to your private residence. 

[weekend_junkie]

I fixed that for ya'

     Also, a gun has to look intimidating be clean, easy to operate and loaded for home defense. Tactical style guns look bad ass in the movies, but don't stand out in household lighting.

For the record, I really REALLY like my Beretta 92.  I'm a fan of the double/single action over the double action XD, but that's just my preference.

[Skunk Stripe]

Guess I might go another way. Not trying to stir controversy but I would just get a .22 for range shooting but for home defense, I would do a short barreled 12 gauge with a full spread bore using buckshot. I suppose you could do slug too. Shotguns are fairly cheap compared to some pistols, depending on what you get of course. You can get additional barrels and can have a good time skeet shooting, deer, or bird hunting.
The other nice thing with a shotgun is since it spreads, you do not have to be all that accurate, plus the psychological aspect of pumping a round into the chamber will usually either make an invader freeze or run in fear. If they do not run, good chance they may be hopped up on something and in which case, not many human bodies will withstand a blast from a 12.

Otherwise if a shot gun is not your bag, I second the big plated revolver. Cocking that hammer has close to the same effect as chambering a shell.
Bottom line is I believe you only get 1 shot to stop your attacker, you must make it count. Unless you shoot with it a lot(for accuracy)and have an excellent load, a 9mm is not that round. As stated before, a 357 will usually allow you to practice with 38 and that work good as for short range, accuracy between the 2 shouldn't be too much. Otherwise, .44, .454, or .45 would be the loads I would prefer for home defense if I did not use a shotgun.

just my thoughts

[Brown Bomber]

I fixed that for ya'

     Also, a gun has to look intimidating be clean, easy to operate and loaded for home defense. Tactical style guns look bad ass in the movies, but don't stand out in household lighting.

For the record, I really REALLY like my Beretta 92.  I'm a fan of the double/single action over the double action XD, but that's just my preference.

Being "clean, and loaded", is a given, but easy to operate? Show me a gun you think is hard to operate, and I'll show you someone that shouldn't be holding a gun.

For the record, tactical style guns will definitely get the job done, but, I'd rather an intruder run home thinking he just met Dirty Harry, than Lil Wayne.

[Brown Bomber]

Guess I might go another way. Not trying to stir controversy but I would just get a .22 for range shooting but for home defense, I would do a short barreled 12 gauge with a full spread bore using buckshot. I suppose you could do slug too. Shotguns are fairly cheap compared to some pistols, depending on what you get of course. You can get additional barrels and can have a good time skeet shooting, deer, or bird hunting.
The other nice thing with a shotgun is since it spreads, you do not have to be all that accurate, plus the psychological aspect of pumping a round into the chamber will usually either make an invader freeze or run in fear. If they do not run, good chance they may be hopped up on something and in which case, not many human bodies will withstand a blast from a 12.

Otherwise if a shot gun is not your bag, I second the big plated revolver. Cocking that hammer has close to the same effect as chambering a shell.
Bottom line is I believe you only get 1 shot to stop your attacker, you must make it count. Unless you shoot with it a lot(for accuracy)and have an excellent load, a 9mm is not that round. As stated before, a 357 will usually allow you to practice with 38 and that work good as for short range, accuracy between the 2 shouldn't be too much. Otherwise, .44, .454, or .45 would be the loads I would prefer for home defense if I did not use a shotgun.

just my thoughts

+1

[BobbyR]

My personal favorite is my .38 Detective Special loaded with Glazer Safety Slugs.  Easy to conceal in the house and simple to use. Not very good for target shooting, but you should take whatever you use and bring it to the range on a regular basis. For all around use a .357 Magnum is the most versatile since you can use all types of loadings in it. My Glock is Ghetto Fabulous but less versatile than the revolvers.

[weekend_junkie]

I fixed that for ya'

     Also, a gun has to look intimidating be clean, easy to operate and loaded for home defense. Tactical style guns look bad ass in the movies, but don't stand out in household lighting.

For the record, I really REALLY like my Beretta 92.  I'm a fan of the double/single action over the double action XD, but that's just my preference.

Being "clean, and loaded", is a given, but easy to operate? Show me a gun you think is hard to operate, and I'll show you someone that shouldn't be holding a gun.

For the record, tactical style guns will definitely get the job done, but, I'd rather an intruder run home thinking he just met Dirty Harry, than Lil Wayne.

When I said easy to operate, I meant not a cowboy style single action revolver.  That said, I'm with you on the "capable gun, capable shooter" point.

[mystic_1]

In addition to the firearm itself, please do research the relevant laws where you live.  That means county and city laws in addition to state laws, btw.

There are many situations where using a firearm, even in self-defense, could result in legal action against the shooter.  Some places there's a duty-to-retreat and in others no such duty exists.  Castle Doctrine is also a relevant topic to research.


My wife likes the Beretta 92FS a lot.  I'm digging the XDM lately but also like the SigP226.  1911's are classic but the ergonomics can be wrong for people with small hands.

mystic_1

[Don R]

As I site here reading I can hear the prison guards shooting at their range. When they first opened it they shot at all hours. I'm sure that gives the inmates something to think about while in their bunks but annoys the neighbors for quite a distance. I live on a creek that goes through timber 1 1/2 miles towards the prison, always gives me something to think about defense wise. 12 ga pump, AMT stainless 45, Ruger 22 mark 1 pistol. The question is where to safely keep them. Locked in a safe or within reach? I have been keeping the clip out but a couple in it near the 45.
 A long time ago I loaded some 12 ga. combo 0, 00 buck and bird shot, I saw an ad last week where you can buy it that way now. Hope I never need it.

[BobbyR]

In addition to the firearm itself, please do research the relevant laws where you live.  That means county and city laws in addition to state laws, btw.

There are many situations where using a firearm, even in self-defense, could result in legal action against the shooter.  Some places there's a duty-to-retreat and in others no such duty exists.  Castle Doctrine is also a relevant topic to research.


My wife likes the Beretta 92FS a lot.  I'm digging the XDM lately but also like the SigP226.  1911's are classic but the ergonomics can be wrong for people with small hands.

mystic_1

That is one consideration, the other consideration has nothing to do with the Law. The potential act of taking a life can be spoken about with great bravado. The true act of taking a life can be something quite different and sometimes very hard to reconcile. When you kill someone, you have crossed a line, and there is no crossing back, there is no "do over".

[72 yellow]

 See if you can get some range time with what you might like to buy.  If you like a particular model thats the one to buy.   A former SWAT team member told me "Perfect practice makes perfect".  A center mass hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44 mag.

[syth82]

In addition to the firearm itself, please do research the relevant laws where you live.  That means county and city laws in addition to state laws, btw.

There are many situations where using a firearm, even in self-defense, could result in legal action against the shooter.  Some places there's a duty-to-retreat and in others no such duty exists.  Castle Doctrine is also a relevant topic to research.


My wife likes the Beretta 92FS a lot.  I'm digging the XDM lately but also like the SigP226.  1911's are classic but the ergonomics can be wrong for people with small hands.

mystic_1

That is one consideration, the other consideration has nothing to do with the Law. The potential act of taking a life can be spoken about with great bravado. The true act of taking a life can be something quite different and sometimes very hard to reconcile. When you kill someone, you have crossed a line, and there is no crossing back, there is no "do over".

Well said.

Personally I'd go with the 92. I know a lot of folks say they don't like them, but they really are dead reliable. It's also a big gun though, pick it up see how it feels (shoot one if possible) and then make your choice.

Like everyone else says, home defense = shotgun.

[Trav-i]

I'm with the revolver guys.  I like them because they are so simple, and durable.  My concealed carry is a Taurus M605 .357.  It is a 5 shot small frame, and I have put all kinds of rounds through it and it's always nice and accurate.  I know some people say "only 5 shots!?", yup only 5 but all I really need is just one so I'm not worried about having a clip full.  Autos look cool, but looks won't keep you alive if the situation ever turns bad.

[medic09]

That is one consideration, the other consideration has nothing to do with the Law. The potential act of taking a life can be spoken about with great bravado. The true act of taking a life can be something quite different and sometimes very hard to reconcile. When you kill someone, you have crossed a line, and there is no crossing back, there is no "do over".
[/quote]

Bobby is absolutely right.  But nobody really gets it until they've done it.

The balance side is I'd never be able to live with myself knowing I could have protected my family, and did not follow through to do so.  Or that I allowed someone to go on and invade another family's home, and put them in danger. That is also a line I don't want to cross.  There will be no bringing those victims back, either.  FWIW, we don't have firearms at home at this point in time.  Heaven help the intruder who has to face down my wife with her compound bow, though.   

When I regularly carried a pistol, I carried an 8 shot, 9mm S&W.  This was in the eighties.  I found it to be rugged and reliable, and plenty accurate.  I carried it as my infantry back-up weapon (though if you run out of clips for a Galil or M4/16 you might as well roll over...) and as a civilian.  Never had any complaints about it, and it was a reasonable weight and size.  It sat well in my small hand, and I never found myself wishing I had something else.

[BobbyR]

That is one consideration, the other consideration has nothing to do with the Law. The potential act of taking a life can be spoken about with great bravado. The true act of taking a life can be something quite different and sometimes very hard to reconcile. When you kill someone, you have crossed a line, and there is no crossing back, there is no "do over".

Bobby is absolutely right.  But nobody really gets it until they've done it.

The balance side is I'd never be able to live with myself knowing I could have protected my family, and did not follow through to do so.  Or that I allowed someone to go on and invade another family's home, and put them in danger. That is also a line I don't want to cross.  There will be no bringing those victims back, either.  FWIW, we don't have firearms at home at this point in time.  Heaven help the intruder who has to face down my wife with her compound bow, though.  

When I regularly carried a pistol, I carried an 8 shot, 9mm S&W.  This was in the eighties.  I found it to be rugged and reliable, and plenty accurate.  I carried it as my infantry back-up weapon (though if you run out of clips for a Galil or M4/16 you might as well roll over...) and as a civilian.  Never had any complaints about it, and it was a reasonable weight and size.  It sat well in my small hand, and I never found myself wishing I had something else.
[/quote]
Mordicai is correct, there is that second line and they are intertwined, as an infantryman he could find himself in a situation where he needed to take lives to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. If you think of it in those terms it is easier to deal with. I do keep a loaded weapon in my home and very occasionally on my person when I am with my Wife, her safety comes first.   

[74cb750]

For target shooting I use a Ruger .22.
For home protection I use a 85 pound mutt, whose bark is Not
worse than his bite. 

[joe29]

Go to the range and rent as many as you can.  Find one that feels comfortable in your hands and something that you can shoot accurately with.  It's really all about personal preference.

I knew I wanted a 9mm for my first hand gun and rented/tried them all.  I ended up with a CZ75B SP-01 and don't have any regrets.

Have fun in your search and let us know what you end up buying.