Our state recently passed the concealed carry law, and I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on what type of handgun to have for a first timer, for protection.
2006-09-14 15:05:00 · 17 answers · asked by Jeff F 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Other - Outdoor Recreation
As you mentioned CWP, you basically have two options, either a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol. Both have advantages and disadvantages
The Revolver:
Simple to operate
5-6 shots "for sure"
durable
Easy to clean
No button/levers to manipulate
Semi-autos:
More firepower "shots"
Can be very durable
generally slimmer profile
As a 1st time gun owner I would recommend either a .357 (which can shoot .38 special) in a revolver or a 9mm in a semi-auto. Ammunition is cheaper and more available in these two and with the right load are effective for self-defense.
The key is get trained and practice. A lot.
Particular guns that I like:
Revolver:
Ruger GP 100
Ruger SP 101 (better for concealed carry)
S&W model 60, or other j frame models
Semi-auto:
Glock 17 or 19
S&W 6906. Cheaper on the used market, but generally a good shooter.
Kahr arms 9mm are also a good place to look
Springfield Arms XD pistols are really starting to give Glock a run for their money.
Remember get trained (The NRA has classes) in gun safety and pracitce.
2006-09-15 01:16:23 · answer #1 · answered by Charles B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is very reasonable, but the answer can be very complicated. There are revolvers and semi-autos for self defense. Semi-autos come in various actions: single, double, double-action only (DAO), and some can select between single and double action. Then there are calibers. Some will say that the 9mm is anemic, while others will disagree.
I like the Glock 19. It is the compact Glock 9mm. The gun is accurate, reliable, rugged and simple. I like the 9mm cartridge because it is inherently accurate and reliable (short and tappered). As far as stopping power, most will say that it is sufficient.
My recommendation to you would be to get a 1911 style .45 ACP. This way you wont have to deal with all the 9mm bashers at the gun range. Some might tell you that the gun kicks like a mule. Don't believe this macho bull$hit for one second. The .45 ACP is very easy to shoot. It does shoot a bigger bullet, but the velocity is much slower than most modern cartridges. Thus, there's hardly any recoil. Look for brands like Kimber, Smith & Wesson, Taurus and Sig. All of these manufacturers make 1911 style .45's that got good reviews.
2006-09-15 15:25:18 · answer #2 · answered by eddygordo19 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to do is to read and understand how the different types of guns work. Your choice is either to have a revolver or semi-auto. A revolver (.38 special preferred) is simple to operate but maybe bulky and heavy for concealment. Safety is also an issue because it is always ready to fire when loaded. A semi-auto, on the other hand, is compact for concealment and still effective for protection. I would recommend nothing less than a caliber .380 if you want protection. As long as the chamber is empty, it will not fire. But if you need it fast, it will take a second to load and fire the first shot.
For revolvers, I would recommend Smith and Wesson .357/.38 special in 5 or 6 shots but I would recommend loading it with .38 special for more accuracy of shots.
For semi-auto, buy a Sig-Sauer P230 in .380 caliber. If your state also allows you to have hollow point bullets, it will be very effective for protection and will not jam.
Most of all, if you do buy a gun- practice, practice, practice!
If you have kids, you have to consider that, too. A loaded revolver is a danger if you have kids.
2006-09-15 03:17:36 · answer #3 · answered by SaxNSig 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very broad question. What kind you buy depends on what you intend to do with it. For instance, if it's for self defense then I'd say the.22, .25, .38, and even the 9mm are too weak for the application. A .357 would be my minimum. However if you're buying it to plink at the range and nothing else I'd say go with a .22 long rifle. There is no recoil and ammunition is very inexpensive. Here you need to decide if you prefer semi-auto or revolver. Revolvers are generally more accurate but you sacrifice a little speed. If your intent is to hunt big game, I wouldn't even consider a semi-auto. Not only is a revolver more accurate but it will pack more punch than its ACP counterpart. For hunting I'd say .41 mag is the smallest you want to go however many folks have harvested game successfully with a .357.
2006-09-14 19:06:00 · answer #4 · answered by CJ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend posting the question on the website http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/ under the shooting forum.
That is the biggest collection of gun freaks anywhere online. The reason that I'm recommending that site over this one is that I know many of them on there are CCW holders.
Me...my state isn't even threatening to pass a CCW law, so I'd have no idea.
2006-09-14 15:15:10 · answer #5 · answered by Slider728 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
stick with something you will practice with and able to shoot well. probably a .38 snubnose or 9mm, if you will carry. if you just want something at home and not concerned much with concealability, then look at a service size .357 or a 1911 style.
practice.
2006-09-14 15:15:16 · answer #6 · answered by more than a hat rack 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i suggest a 38 special better yet if you can afford get snub 357 mag you can still shoot the 38.s in it and when you get more proficient you can step up to the mag round
2006-09-17 05:37:16 · answer #7 · answered by aldo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.38 Special snub nose!
Not too powerful, but plenty powerful for protection.
Easy to handle. Get a Smith and Wesson!
2006-09-14 15:08:21 · answer #8 · answered by TG Special 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A Glock 9mm. They hold up well and have a fair but not heavy recoil.
2006-09-14 15:14:39 · answer #9 · answered by papabear7630 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
9mm smith&wesson. Easy to use, reliable, easy to to clean and take care of.
2006-09-14 15:14:51 · answer #10 · answered by eric H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋