I need to buy a hand gun for protection when traveling. I've used guns while in the military but haven't

Question

owned any while I had children in the home. My question is: wouild I be better advised to purchase a revolver or a semi- automatic weapon. I understand that the revolver is more reliable and six bullets is adequate for protection but others differ. I would appreciate knowledgable advise about recommended : caliber, price, size and weight, make model etc.

Answer 1

I dont hink its really going to matter. I would look at a 357 revolver just because they are fun to shoot. I dont think it matters because anyone with a gun pointed at them is gonna go, oh dont try that, hes gonna shoot me! I presonally like revolvers, but if you think you need a semi-auto, get one. I think semi-autos are easier to carry. I would look into either Barreta or Smith and Wesson.

Answer 2

Although revolvers are more reliable, you have to realize that good semi-autos are also extremely reliable, if kept fairly clean and you're using GOOD AMMO. That's the key!

A Springfield XD-45 or a Glock .45 are both great options. They're extremely reliable (many thousands of rounds without failure), and they're very accurate. They both carry 13-14 rounds, which is double that of any revolver. You may not need over six rounds, but I can't see why you wouldn't want them. Keep it clean, use good ammo designed for home/self defense (highly-frangible is good, to reduce risk of overpenetration, i.e., through walls), and practice like heck. They'll serve you well. Also, look through (online, maybe) gun magazines on articles regarding malfunction clearance. That way, you can be prepared in case the gun does jam. Clearing a jam is very quick, if you know how to do it. But like I said, the odds you'll need to do this with good ammo and a good pistol are slim to none. Another good thing is that you can go from unloaded to loaded with 13 rounds in no time flat. You can also mount a light on most semi-autos, which is an extremely good option for home defense. The weapon-mounted light, in many cases, can save your life without having to fire a shot.

An XD-45 will run $400-$480. A Glock will be more...maybe $550-$600, I think. Both are dead reliable. Sig-Saur is also a good option, but I can't talk too much about those.

By the way, 9mm's and .40's are good options, but a .45 ACP is unquestionably better. More STOPPING power, which is extremely valuable in close quarters.

A note about Springfield XD's: There are essentially 3 variants of each caliber. There's a Sub-Compact, a Service, and a Tactical variant of the XD-9 (9mm), XD-40 (.40 S&W), and XD-45 (.45 ACP). Each of these can be had in different finishes: black, earth-tone frame w/ black slide, olive drab green frame w/ black slide, or black frame w/ stainless slide. They're all sexy. And they shoot. Google "Springfield Armory," and go to their XD thing.

Another important note: HOLD THE GUN BEFORE YOU BUY IT!! Close your eyes and point it...then see how close it is to naturally lining up with your line-of-sight. This depends on the angle between between the slide and the grip. The XD grip angle is similar to a 1911-style gun, which is also a good option. I talk too much, but have fun, and practice until you hate it, which should be never.

Answer 3

Revolvers definitely are simpler and easier to use. They're easy to break down and put back together making it appropriate for travel. Not that pistols aren't, but revolvers are simpler, and less can go wrong.

I always recommend a .357 magnum revolver for home defense if the person doesn't want a pistol. It can fire both .38 specials and .357 magnums. Both are great at home defense with the .38 being a lighter and more manageable round to shoot.

Jacketed hollow points expand well, providing lots of stopping power and reducing the chance of over penetration, which is something the 9mm is known for doing sometimes.

Smith & Wesson models with 4"-6" barrels will run around $500 to $600. They obviously go higher but such an expensive gun probably isn't needed for just protection.

Answer 4

I am completely against two things. The use of the .380 as any type of defensive weapon when there are better choices possible, and the "pick what is most comfortable" advice. Pick the Ruger, fire .38spls until you are 'comfortable', then try some .357 Mags. if you don't like those, buy a few boxes of Speer Gold Dots in .38 spl+P and call it a day. Being "comfortable" with something does NOT make it a good choice. Being able to learn to shoot it proficiently and confidently and having enough penetration to end threats quickly makes it a good choice. Shotguns most certainly have to be aimed, and although intimidating, they are difficult to fire rapidly, tend to over-penetrate with many loads, and can be difficult to use properly in a "home defense" application. A valuable part of a home arsenal, but a poor choice for the ONLY weapon in an arsenal.

Answer 5

A .44 revolver four inch in nylon slung shoulder rig should suffice. The bang and projectile throw will stop everything
most people might run into that warrents weapon discharge.
That includes cougar, brown bear, and mad moose. The
revolvers allow reader to decide who gets to collect brass
afterward, are for gentlemen of leisure, and five chambered with hammer over an empty is much safer that a full six load.
I suggest beauty and ease of grip win over price or size. Go
to range burning through 100 rounds to get centered and hot .

Answer 6

Your best bet is going to be a 9 mm handgun. Ammo is relatively cheap and easy to find. My top 3 choices would be 1) a Khar arms CW 9 ( its compact, holds up to 8 rounds, its light weight, and under $400. 2) Sigarms P239 ( its compact holds eight rounds, "To Hell and Back Reliabiltiy", but it is pricey at about $700). 3) Glock 19 (mid size frame, full grip, 15 round capcity, very reliable, less than $500 for a factory refurbished model).

The bottom line is that you should go to a local gun store with a range and see which you shoot best.

Answer 7

It really comes down to preference. I highly reccomend the Glock 9mm for home defense. It's light, durable, easy to use and affordable.

The most important thing to remember about purchasing a handgun for home defense is the caliber of ammunition. If you purchase anything larger than 9mm you run the risk of the bullet passing THROUGH your target and injuring somebody else. I suggest you visit a gun shop and talk to the owner, they can help you pick something and most will let you "try before you buy."

Answer 8

I would recomend a 357 revolver..... You can get a 357 mag. with 8 shot cylinders ,like the Taurus 608 357 mag.....The 357 has more than enough take down power in home defence situations, plus you can also use 38 special +p's in it if you choose to.....I use my Taurus 608 357 mag for both hunting and home defence...I have taken 3 deer with it one at 43 yards, one at 52 yards and one at 8 yards and it did the job just fine, one shot one kill..I am just talking from my expieriance but A revolver don't jam....and I'd hate to be in a situation that where life or death and have my semi-auto ..jam.........The things that sold me on my 357 where this, 8 shot cylinder, full underlug barrel, ported, stainless steel, floting firing pin, packmire grips, and only cost me $400.00...Thats still with in a 'Working Mans" price range.In my opinion this pistol is just as good as a Smith&Wesson 686 or the Colt Python ..........Hope this helps....good luck

Answer 9

your best bet is to buy something you can absolutely stake your life on. I would NOT go with anything smaller that a 9mm for an automatic....and not smaller than a .38 revolver. If you've decided to get an auto, "Kahr" makes a nice , well built , compact pistol in 9mm. On the other hand, a "snubnosed" .38 by S&W or Ruger is also a good choice. Just remember this, which ever you buy, PRACTICE and shoot it ALOT...as your life may depend on it!...good luck.

Answer 10

A revolver, minimum .38 cal but best to get a .357.

Pistol, 9mm is the minimum and .40S&W has become the favorite. A 1911 .45acp is not a good choice for someone that's not going to practice and target shoot a lot. If you get a pistol, get one with a safety, which rules out Glock and many other DAO pistols.

Check gun laws in your state for ability to carry, carry in a vehicle, etc.