Hand gun questions...?

Question

OK. I need to get a hand gun for protection at home. I want something that if I need to use it, it will do damage-no matter how bad my aim is. I am not experienced, but will be getting lessons, etc. Is semi-auto better for me or a revolver?

Answer 1

I like Springfield Armory XD 4" 9mm. It is simple to use and clean. Not very expensive around $580.00. Of course that is in IL. It will most likely be a little lower in other states.

You are also going to want to have someone to teach how to shoot and handle a firearm. Shooting and doing as much damage as possible even if you cannot aim is not good. You have to know exactly what you are aiming at, willing to shoot it, and know what is beyond the target.

Go to a local gun shop and they will set you up with all you need to know, such as ammo, firearms, cleaning, all the nuts and bolts. When choosing a firearm buy what feels best in your hand and if you have a shot (no pun intended) to shoot a few do it. If you buy an gun and find out you do not like it you could be out a lot of money. Also, go to a range at least once a month for practice.

Answer 2

I'd suggest a .38 Spl, or .357 Magnum medium or medium-large framed revolver. They are not ammo sensitive in the least bit, they are not going to jam if you shoot it without having your wrist locked, and they are the simplest handgun for a beginner to learn to use effectively. And most important, you can use anything from powder-puff .38 Target Wadcutters, to full power .357 Magnum ammo. Between the two calibers, there are something like 70 or 80 different loadings available in factory ammunition. That makes the .357 Magnum a better choice because you can shoot any of those loads.

For home defense, you need a revolver with a barrel not longer than 4", and shorter is better, it gives a bad guy less to grab.

In my opinion, the Smith & Wesson K-frame or L-frame revolvers ae the best choices. If you plan to get a concealed weapon permit, a J-frame five-shot snubby would be a good choice.

Doc

Answer 3

I would take lessons and go to a shooting range. You can rent guns there. Smith and Wesson makes gun specifically for women called the Lady Smith. I would look into a revolver in a .38 special. Semi-autos are not good for people who don't shoot alot or practice.

Lastly, I suggest you consider a pump shotgun for home defense. You can get a Mossberg 500 pump in .410 gauge or even 20 gauge at Wal-Mart for about $200 or so. This is the best home defense weapon. The .410 kicks very little, but has less pellets. The shotgun is the best home defense weapon.

Answer 4

K, No gun will do damage if your aim is poor, you don't know how to work the action or if it is locked up in a safe when you need it. I would beg of you to seek a Firearms Instructor. Revolvers are more reliable, but, a well cared for semi auto will just short of never fail. I am a believer in every household should have a firearm in it. (as long as you have not lost your right to bear arms.) But I would beg that you take the time to research the weapon before you buy it. Then get adequate training in its use.
Late at night, when the boogie man comes a calling, in the dark, with your heart racing and the feeling you cannot breathe gripping you. That is not the time to wonder where the safety is or if there is a round in the chamber.
But I applaud your decision to purchase a method of protecting yourself, and or your family. The bad guys never fight fair, even the odds, get a gun.
Gosh, I really took off with that one huh? Revolver is more reliable. That's my answer.

Answer 5

A revolver is much less complicated to use and possess almost no chances of malfunctions.

Semi-autos have higher ammo capacities and there is a higher chance of a malfunction.

That being said, I've always carried a semi-auto. I like the wider range of caliber choice, the higher capacity and the feel better.

Your best bet would be to go to a gun shop and look at/hold the different options. It is very important that you choose a gun that is comfortable to you.

My advice would be a Glock 40s$w or 9mm depending on what size you are and how strong you are.

Answer 6

Sorry Dawn,

Nothing worthwhile comes easy. You will have to learn to shoot the gun and have to hit specific areas on the human body to stop an attacker. A Laser sight will help you, but you should learn to shoot without and use it only after you are proficient with the iron sights. (Batteries fail)

Go to multiple courses, take everything with a grain of salt. I'd recommend either a .38 revolver, or a 9mm pistol in one of the major brands.

Answer 7

Yes, a revlover would be much better. They can (not all) be much more powerful than a semi-auto cause of their design, and are much simpiler to use and fire.
Semis are more complicated, generally less powerful and more prone to malfnction. Their only real advantage is their higher ammo count.
A .357 revolver should be ideal.
(you have to at least be a good enough aim to hit them of course, but it is a pretty powerful round, also it has an intimidation factor!)

Answer 8

NOTHING under a 9mm or a .38 special.

The best thing is to get training before you buy a handgun.

If you have a range that rents pistols I would just go try out several different models.

Answer 9

For your purpose you need nothing less than a 357 Magnum in a revolver & you can also shoot 38 caliber ammo in a 357 Magnum, so you get two (2)* handguns for the price of one (1).* Use jacketed hollow points for defensive ammo.* 158 grain bullets.* It is known to be a real man stopper.*

Answer 10

A revolver is only going to give you 6 shots, an automatic pistol can give you up to 15, depending on the make. You DEFINITELY need to take lessons in both firearm safety AND marksmanship. What YOU need for practice isn't merely putting holes in a stationary target at a fixed range either, you need to go to a combat-course, where they teach you to use the pistol under simulated high-stress situations resembling a building. Consult various companies in your area, contact the NRA for their recommendations on schools in your area, and even ask the police for THEIR recommendations regarding such training courses. Personally, for home protection, I actually favor the shotgun. Your aim isn't quite as critical, and you can quickly incapacitate the intruder. At close range, (Which IS what you're at in a home-defense situation) a shotgun will do an awsome amount of damage. The mere SOUND of a shotgun being racked can be an effective deterant. I speak as one who has had the military versions of what you will be taking.