I'm looking for a good pistol?

Question

I need it for home defense. I want a nine mil or a 40 cal but I don't want to spend more than 400. Any ideas? Good brands? Good places to buy?

Answer 1

I assume that since you are looking into a 40cal or 9 mm, that you want a semi auto and not a revolver.

Semi auto's are going to be tough to find in that price range. Most of them start in the low $500.00's. Bersa makes a gun called the "Thunder". Now, it's a .380 (short 9mil) and may not carry the punch you're looking for, but it's cheap ($299.00) and will work on command.

There are many variables to this question. Are you going to target shoot? Will you carry this pistol on you? How large are your hands? Will it just be a "nightstand" gun?, etc.

If you want to target shoot, go with a 9 mil simply for the price of the ammo. If you want to carry the pistol as well, you might consider a smaller caliber for concealment.

Glock makes decent guns but they are not always the most accurate weapon unless you have work done to them. They will defend your home with flawless operation and are entirely accurate enough to hit an intruder, they are just not always condusive to hitting a quarter at 20 yards. Beretta makes many great pistols but you typically have to shop for a while before finding one at the price point you've specified. Smith and Wesson makes the M&P and has had very good writeups as well.


Used solely as a defense pistol in the nightstand.... Glock is your gun. Cheap and reliable, although they start at $525.00 or so. Also consider a Rock Island 1911 style pistol. These are 45 cals and can be had in the high 400 or low 500 range for a basic one with no frills.
Used as a defense pistol with a lot of planned range time, spend more and get a Sig Sauer or Beretta. More money, but extremely accurate.

Whichever your decision, look into night sites. Tritium sites will glow in the dark and make it easier to aim in the pitch black. They will set you back an additional $100 bucks.

Also consider pistols with picatinny rails. This will allow for a gun mounted flashlight if you so choose.


Simply put, nobody can tell you what to buy. You need to visit lots of stores and hold many weapons to find out what fits your hands the best. I think the best move you can make is to save another $200.00, this will greatly increase the amount of options you have. At $400.00, you'll need to stick with the used market.

Answer 2

Being a firearms instructor myself, I would recommend something with a smaller cal. but yet with stopping power towards a would-be attacker. The max you would probably want to go would be a .40 cal. For that choice I would recommend the Springfield XD-40. It has numerous safety features for a beginning shooter. Plus it is easy to handle and durable as hell. If you go smaller, I would recommend the .357 or .38 special. If you choose the .357, I would go with a Glock 32 compact or the Sig P239 or P229. Sig is probably the "cadillac" of handguns. If you choose the .38, the Colt makes a great Government .380 Pocketlite .

Whatever you choose, I would take the gun out and shoot it and get used to it. Make sure that you like the feel and kick before you make the ultimate purchase. Most dealers will recommend that you shoot the gun that way you know if you are going to like the feel of the gun in your hand. If you have any questions, let me know. I have been training law enforcement officers for some time with shooting and qualifying.

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Springfield XD. It has the grip manufactured after the Colt 1911. The grip has a safety on the back that allows the weapon only to fired with a firm grip. Another safety on the trigger much like the Glock. Added features are the pin in the back that lets you know with sight/feel that the weapon has been ******. Another mechanism on the top that lifts up when a round is in the chamber allowing you to know when a bullet ready to be fired (this doesn't affect the sights). All in all, very accurate and durable gun. The only gun I have seen to pass all the tests that are thrown at it.

http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php


I personally carry the XD-40 .40 cal off duty. Excellent weapon.

*****You can find a good XD for about $320-$450*****

Answer 3

For home defence, forget a pistol and get a Mossberg shotgun in .410. Use a fowling load like #8 shot and you'll be plenty safe.

The nice thing is, unless your highly trained and alert, this leaves less chance of missing and the rounds will spread out and dissipate leaving less of a chance of killing your neighbor or someone outside. Also it's eaiser to locate in the dark.

Imagine having to go into action at 2:45 in the AM. You eyes are blurry, your still half asleep. There's a man in the front room heading down the hall at you. You'll have a better chance with alot of small rounds than with one big one. Plus you can shoot slugs if you like, they're pretty effective as well.

Answer 4

Okay, if you're looking for something that is reliable but inexpensive, I would try a Taurus model 24/7 or the Millenium Pro. These are excellent guns and inexpensive, under $400!
I would also check out this website:
www.gunbroker.com
Good luck!

Answer 5

What Is A Good Pistol

Answer 6

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Here is a good and short list of "solid pistols": 1. 1911 .45ACP (Kimber/Springfield/Kahr/Colt, etc...) 2. CZ-75B 9mm (get the original) 3. FN-Browning Highpower 9mm(a good investment but pricey) Your requirements disallow Ruger autos because they only provide either plastic or aluminum frames. Clones of the CZ-75B (Tangfolio TZ-75 or the IMI Baby Eagle series, just to name two) are "ok" but I would prefer the original. The age of the solid steel frame have been declining over the years (S&W had the most at one time with it's 3rd gen lineup) so good examples are limited. Don't settle for a cheap clone (btw, 1911 clones are the exception) with unique parts.

Answer 7

Get a nice Taurus 9mm stainless; then you can buy a lot of fairly inexpensive ammunition to practice with. The 40 is okay but so expensive to buy ammo for you won't be able to get in much practice. God Bless America and the Second Amendment; which makes us citizens and not subjects to tyranny.

Answer 8

You might look into purchasing a Llama pistol. They are usually styled after popular pistols. they are manufactured overseas, but are of good quality. My favorite, and I have owned two ,is the one that is a replica of a Colt 1911A1.

Answer 9

you want a glock. it has only 4 pieces when taken a part. get the .45 cal.they are great but ugly guns

Answer 10

GLOCK. Spend the money and get the best. Get the modell 22 in .40 cal.