What would be the best handgun for me based on my purpose for owning one?

Question

After recent occurences and my own convictions the past few years, I have decided to purchase a firearm for protection from those that do not legally or should not legally possess these weapons. Neither my family or I have ever been threatened, but I do know that anything could happen.

I've shot a few handguns over the past years, but do not have a lot of experience. I do plan on taking certification courses.

I would like to be able to carry the weapon concealed and with easy access. It should have safety features.

Also, in addition to the weapon, any input on storage in home would be appreciated. I have a three year old daughter who is quite clever at opening things.

Thank you for your time and efforts in answering this question, your opinions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the answers so far. If possible, please include make/models that you would recommend. Thanks again!

Answer 1

There are gun safes that open quickly that can be programmed to your hand or finger print. This would keep your daughter away from the weapon at home while still giving quick access if needed. Check www.nragunsafe.com

There are so many models of firearms available. My recommendation is to go to a range that rents guns (many of them do) and shoot the different models. Find what seems to fit your hand best and has the features that you like. I carry a S&W 9mm -- I have legally carried a concealled weapon for years. I am about to buy a Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 ACP. Small, easy to conceal and carry.

Answer 2

For you specific scenario, I would recommend a Walther P99 in 9mm. These guns are available with 15 round magazines and have a good size and weight for carry. The frame has also been streamlined to reduce snags on clothing during the draw. Most handguns these days are not equipped with traditional safety devices, however the P99 does offer a decocking lever which prevents the pistol from firing even if the trigger is pulled as well as allowing you to safely decock the weapon. As you have a small child around I would also suggest that you keep the gun in a small safe. They make ones that could fit in a drawer of your nightstand or in your closet where the child is not likely to find it. If she did find it there is no way she would be able to access the weapon. This way you can store a loaded weapon and be ready for anything without worrying about your child. Finally, the best thing you can do to prevent an injury is to educate your daughter about the weapon when you feel she is old enough. If they understand what it really is, kids are less likely to misuse a gun.

Answer 3

For storage, you can get safes with electronic pushkey combination locks. Those are quick when you need them but a kid won't be able to access it (a certain number of failed tries locks the safe for a key or an amount of time).

For a gun that can be carried concealed, you basically want the smallest gun you can still handle well and that fires a decent cartridge. I'd lean toward a subcompact Glock, like the Glock 26. 9mm is plenty powerful and the recoil isn't too bad, but the gun is quite small and easily carried.

It's a good choice for a newbie. Later on with more experience, you may gravitate toward another pistol. Personally I would carry a compact 1911 variant because I like .45 ACP and the ergonomics suit me very well.

One good idea is to visit a range where pistols are rented, and try out a large number of them. Find something small that you are able to shoot well.

EDIT: I agree with those who recommend that you use a different gun for home defense than for personal carry. A shotgun is really hard to beat in close quarters. They're easier to aim (two hands on the weapon, and your shoulder) and #4 buckshot is tremendously effective while less likely to penetrate walls than 9mm.

Answer 4

I prefer revolvers because they don't jam on you. If you do get a dud shell, just pull the hammer back and you have an other one ready. The down side is that they take longer to reload, where if you get a single action, just exchange mags. But in a typical encounter with a gunman, it will be over by the time you can shoot six shots. Single actions are thinner, and there are many concealment holster designs. The revolver's wider contour makes it more difficult to conceal comfortably. A shoulder harness would probably be best. I would go with a large cal. like anything from 40 cal. to 45 cal. Nearly any make has their own version. Keep it in a locked case when your not carrying it. Teach your daughter the danger of it. When she gets a couple years older, teach her to handle it with care and awe. Take her shooting with you. Show her the damage it can cause, and teach her the value of human life. That is the best way to teach gun safety, especially at a young age. If you as the adult keep control of the situation, and set the example, she can learn to shoot at a very young age, and she will respect and handle guns safely for the rest of her life.

Answer 5

Alot of people will say get a glock or colt 1911 but this may be a little much for what you need. You are looking for a personal defense weapon, first off it needs to be simple something you can pull out and just fire without much thought. I have always recommended a .38 cal revolver they pack quite a punch are easy to use and can be carried without much of a fuss. Go to a local gun shop look at and handle a few different firearms, Remeber the best personal defense weapon is the one that you are most comfortable with.

Answer 6

I believe the legal age for a handgun is 21. If you live alone you might have a case to file for an exception. An animal does not sharpen its claws just before a fight, It keeps them sharp in case it has to fight. The same goes with a self-defense firearm. If you just have it on hand you might not be ready for if/when the time comes to use it. You should use your firearm frequently at a shooting range or back yard if you have the acreage and lack of laws prohibiting that sort of thing. Before I travel with my gun (A Taurus Judge) I say a brief prayer that I don't have use it. However, I have trained at a class and I am ready to pull the trigger if I have to. I recommend the proper education to use your firearm efficiently and accurately should the need arise. If you are unable to to purchase a handgun, I recommend a pump action shotgun. The "click CLACK" sound a pump action makes is a universal language that translates to "Oh ****!"

Answer 7

I would not get the same weapon for home defense as for concealed carry.

For home defense I would choose a 12 gauge pump-action with #4 shot, will take out an intruder at close range, but limits collateral damage which in this case could be your daughter. The sound of the pump-action is well know and will in itself send a casual burglar running. Somethng like a Remington 870 is affordable and will do the job.

For concealed carry check out North American Arms little 22 or 22 mag revolvers. They will fit in your front pocket. If you are not close enough to use it lethally then running is probably your best option anyway.

Always store guns separate from ammunition. If you don't have time to load then you wouldn't have time to get to it probably. Keep the gun locked at all times.

Answer 8

Some pistols that are good and are easy to conceal.

S&W 38 snub nose
Glock 19 and Glock 26 in 9mm
Glock 23 and Glock 27 in .40 cal
Colt 1911 officers model in .45 cal
Springfield Armory EMP in .45 cal
Springfield Armory XD compact in .45 cal


Storage:

I keep most of my weapons in a gun safe. and the ones for home defense in a locked closet during the day and by my bed at night.

Its really true when you have kids, you get really worried about keep it handy and ready, at the same time away from your childrens reach. When I was 11 years old, my cousin who was 8 saw my dad tuck his .38 snubby by the bed side drawer. (My brothers and I have been taught weapons handling at an early age) Before I knew it, my cousin had my dads snubby in his little hands and pointed at my chest. Luckyly he couldnt pull the trigger and I was able to grab the weapon from him.

Something to think about.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

Go to a local sporting goods store that has a gun section with a good selection, and talk to them. Ask for their recommendation, and ask to see several different models. If they have a range where you can shoot a couple different models, take advantage of that. You may have to pay a range fee, and you probably will have to pay for the ammo you use, but that's a cheap way to find out whether you like the weapon you're contemplating purchasing.

While you're there, ask about a good gun safe. Ideally, it should be one that can be secured somewhere so that someone can't steal the safe and all its contents, and open it at their leisure. It should also be something that your daughter would have trouble opening, and should go somewhere she should have difficulty getting to.

Answer 10

Forget the .45 Magnum. You're probably not going to find one. Forget the Uzi. It is impractical. Forget the M-16. I doubt if you want to go through the trouble to legally owning a weapon capable of full automatic fire.

Best choices: 1. Revolver: your choice of .357 Magnum (Ruger, S & W, Colt, Taurus); advantages: extremely user friendly; can be loaded with .38 Special for less power when practicing.

2. A .9mm semi-automatic (Glock would be my first choice; Ruger would be a less costly alternative); advantages: mild recoil; practice ammo is inexpensive; with good personal defense ammo or pre-fragmented ammo it is a good defensive caliber.

IMPORTATNT: Take your gun safety course and comply with your State's gun laws.

If you need the security, store your gun inside a closed drawer by your nightstand. With revolver you might leave unloaded with fully loaded speed loaders next to it. With a Glock you should keep in holster with the trigger NOT exposed. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Make sure of your target and never point your gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. Be sure of your surroundings as bullets go through a lot of dry wall or load with (more expenisve) pre-fragmented ammo.

For longer term storage consider putting a locking door knob on your master bedroom closet and store unloaded in plastic box gun came in. Keep out of reach of children.

Good luck.

H