Im going to buy a hand gun soon. Any suggestions?

[MarcATL]

Remington 470 shotgun.

I keep one fully loaded with buck shot under the bed just in case.

They say shotguns are THEE best for home protection.

I'll look into that model.

 

[JGalt]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

Glock 19. Put the Luger in the gun safe, it's collectible but can malfunction.

There's a reason why most law-enforcement officers prefer Glocks: They're virtually idiot-proof, rarely malfunction, and go bang all the time. Just keep your finger away from the trigger, as well as objects such as your shirt tail. They were meant to be carried with one in the chamber, 15 in the magazine, and the safety is on the trigger.

Then get a good holster for it. Not one of those cheap nylon or Kydex holsters they sell at Walmart. Stay away from Serpa holsters. Any holster that has a mechanical retention system such as a button on it to release the pistol, is a disaster waiting to happen. If you end up rolling around on the ground with an attacker and dirt gets into the release button, it won't work. Get a good leather one with a thumb-break retention strap, designed for that pistol: Milt Sparks, Galco, Safariland, or Bianchi. Outside waistband is ok but an inside waistband holster is easier to conceal and more comfortable. And don't forget two spare magazines with a carrier, and good folding knife, a 300-400 lumen LED flashlight that uses rechargeable 18650 or 16340 Li Ion batteries, and a small can of pepper spray like they sell in the sporting department at Walmart.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

I'm a big fan of FN.
They make a really nice 9mm.
Of course I'm a little biased...View attachment 344619
I prefer the .45 myself for knockdown power. And in the case of the FN it's 16 round capacity which equals most 9,s and surpasses some of them.

So I'm guessing you're okay with spending around 6 to 7 hundred for a pistol based on your choice?

Oh....unless you're a gun nut I wouldnt recommend the FN tactical .45 due to price.
The way that one sits is around $2200,stripped of all the goodies it's around $1200 but the 9's are much cheaper.

The HK VP9 is like $750ish, i think. Im not that worried about the price too much. I could definitely see myself buying a $1200 dollar gun, if i like it enough.

Im going with the HK because of my love of HK's and the fact that its an ambidextrous pistol. I am ambidextrous, and sometimes im better with my right hand, sometimes my left. Sometimes im equal with both hands. It depends on what it is. Im not sure how it will be with pistols.

You cant go wrong with an HK.
They make a fine pistol. I'd own one for sure.
As far as being ambidextrous? While that can help you should always use both hands to control recoil.
If you plan on working from both sides make sure you buy a pistol with all the controls on both sides.
Although shooting either side isnt as important as it is with a rifle when cutting the pie.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

My advice will be less popular than many others, however, I would recommend one of three platforms to you for home defense.

Option number one: Charter Arms Bulldog or similar chambered in .44 special. A revolver is a much safer bet for the inexperienced and/or casual or new to handguns individual. Essentially, a revolver is point and shoot without all the sometimes complicated buttons and levers inherent to some semi-auto pistols. Add to that the versatility of the .44 special round and you've got a great all around package for hunting, plinking and man-stopping home defense. They only downside? Five rounds capacity (you should only need one-three shots for most home defense situations) versus up to and beyond twenty rounds in some modern auto pistols. That and the semi-rarity of the ammunition for the caliber, in a scavenging scenario. But if you get into handloading that won't be an issue.

Second choice: anything in .45 ACP, preferably anything built on a 1911 platform or a Glock 21 or similar. Sig also makes a great .45. The .45 ACP is a large, forgiving (recoil wise) pistol round that's been proven in combat at point blank range again and again over the course of the last one hundred plus odd years.

Third choice, a controversial one at that, the FN Five-Seven chambered for 5.7x28mm, which is a high velocity (for a non-magnum handgun) round that is very light weight and extremely low recoil. Benefit: high capacity magazines, 20+ rounds. Drawbacks: much smaller wound channel, scarcity of ammunition when scavenging, and endless debate about the caliber's ability to efficiently kill a human being intent on killing you in close quarters.

In 9mm, I own a Steyr GB which is an older but incredibly reliable platform in this caliber. I am also a fan of the Sig P320-M18 compact.

Another possibility, also less popular, is .38 Super, which is a great target shooting caliber and highly underrated for self-defense carry.

The FN 5.7 is a bad ass no doubt.
My only bitch is the cost and availability of ammo.

 

[evenflow1969]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

38 or 45 revolver. plenty of stopping power and no brass hits the floor.

 

[Polishprince]

Remington 470 shotgun.

I keep one fully loaded with buck shot under the bed just in case.

They say shotguns are THEE best for home protection.

I'll look into that model.

The problem with that is people need protection when they go out on the streets, particularly in Shithole cities. Thus the need for handguns and concealed carry

 

[Damaged Eagle]

Beretta M9 --- $500 - $600

Beretta M9 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

*****SMILE*****

 

[freyasman]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

That's a perfectly good choice, and it's as good if not better than most of the other choices available. Buy it, take a basic pistol class, and enjoy.
(Don't forget to get 4 or 5 spare mags in addition to what it comes with, a decent holster, and a cleaning kit.)

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

Ruger ss45 is good for closed quarters. Perhaps a nice 30-06 (scoped) for long distance.

For home protection?

 

[evenflow1969]

I agree with Winter on the .357 revolver. You said one gun; for defense, range, and fun. That’ll do the job across all those spectrums. However, what I suggest additionally, is that you don’t run out and buy whatever gun everyone says is great, because their new favorite movie hero uses it. Go to a good gun range. A good gun range will rent you guns. Try quite a few, and see what fits your hand, suits you best, and you shoot best with. When it comes to guns, try as manufacturers may; one size does not fit all...

357 for some one inexperienced? realy? weildy and to powerfull for most.

 

[Polishprince]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

Charles Bronson endorses the 475 Wildey, because of its tremendous stopping power.

 

[WinterBorn]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

Caliber is less important than accuracy.

Try a couple different handguns and buy the one that is most comfortable in you hands and that you can shoot accurately.

My daily carry is a Glock 19 with hollow points.

I can put three in a quarter sized spot from 50 feet.

I have a couple bigger calibers and a couple smaller but my 9mm is my go to for concealed carry

YOu make a very good point. Try multiple handguns, especially for the way they fit your hand.

Glock makes an excellent gun, but it never fit my hand the way a 1911 does. That makes getting good with it that much easier.

 

[miketx]

It largely depends on what feels good to you and that you can shoot well and control. I've had several handguns and here are four of mine.

Springfield Armory XDS .45 caliber pistol. It's very concealable, has a grip safety unlike a Glock, plus it has a very obvious loaded chamber indicator. And last but not least the front sight is a night sight that glows in the dark. It will have more recoil than a 9mm, but a 45 packs a lot more punch than a 9mm does especially in a short barreled gun. It has no external safety as it employs a trigger much like the Glock safe action trigger. It also has an ambidextrous mag release. Sells for around 500 dollars with two mags. One round in the chamber and 6 in the mag. I carry it in the warmer times.

This one is a Desert Eagle 1911 G with a 5 inch barrel in .45 caliber, and a grip safety and an external safety. It comes with 2 - 8 round magazines, nice grips and has the best trigger pull of any 1911 I have ever tried. It is also the most accurate pistol I have ever owned. They sell for about 800.00. I mainly carry in it winter months as it is harder to conceal. 1 round in the chamber and 8 in the mag, although I do have a ten round mag.

This one is a Ruger SP 101 .357 magnum 5 shot revolver with a 2 and a quarter inch barrel. The hammerless style fits in your pocket and won't snag on your pants when pulled out. It is very concealable. You can also shoot .38 special ammo if the .357 recoil is uncomfortable for you. It is double action only which means you cannot cock the hammer. I changed the grips to make the recoil more manageable to these:

The Ruger sells for around 600.00

Lastly I have this which I rarely carry anywhere because I don't have a holster for it.

It is a Rossi .357 magnum six shot double action revolver, with a four inch barrel. Based on the Smith and Wesson design, it is very accurate and has a great single action trigger pull. You can shoot .38 special in it too. Sells for around 350 dollars.

All of these guns have proven to be 100 percent reliable.

I would recommend you go to a range that will let you rent guns and try out several, or maybe hook up with a friend who has a few.

PS: This is one one that has never failed me:

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

View attachment 344639
Beretta M9

*****SMILE*****

Another one you cant go wrong with.

 

[candycorn]

I would recommend a .357 revolver. Yeah, I know lots of people will tell you that they are obsolete. Those people are wrong.

For one thing, it is a simple almost foolproof weapon. In a panic driven emergency, you don't have to think about the gun as much.

Another thing, it allows you to use some different types of ammo. We have 3 revolvers in .357 in various places in our house (2 in nightstands and 1 in the kitchen). All 3 have a .38 Special shot shell loaded in the first position on the cylinder. Then the other 5 rounds are .357 MagSafe hollow points. That gives you a quick, 1st shot and 5 major follow ups.

And lastly, the chances of a jam (using factory loaded ammo) is virtually nil. And revolvers tend to be more accurate.

It has some kick. It hurt my hand when I first started shooting

 

[WinterBorn]

I agree with Winter on the .357 revolver. You said one gun; for defense, range, and fun. That’ll do the job across all those spectrums. However, what I suggest additionally, is that you don’t run out and buy whatever gun everyone says is great, because their new favorite movie hero uses it. Go to a good gun range. A good gun range will rent you guns. Try quite a few, and see what fits your hand, suits you best, and you shoot best with. When it comes to guns, try as manufacturers may; one size does not fit all...

357 for some one inexperienced? realy? weildy and to powerfull for most.

My girlfriend got a .357 as her first gun. She does most of her practicing with .38 Special, and then fires at least 12 rounds of the .357 ammo we have for defense.

She is not tiny, but it is not uncontrollable in any way. Even in a 2" S&W she handles it well.

 

[Damaged Eagle]

.22 Colt (Wife and early teens) --- $400 - $500

*****SMILE*****

 

[Tumblin Tumbleweed]

I have never owned a gun as an adult, and im 47 now. Well, thats not true. I have my grandfathers Luger from WW2 that he found on a Nazi on D-Day. He was one of the legendary 101st Airborne paratroopers. Its a super cool gun to have, with a leather case that is very well maintained. Anyway, I also had a rifle when i was a kid and my dad had a very large gun collection that i LOVED! I was always fascinated by guns, i just never bought any as an adult. I have decided that im going to buy one now.

What do i want a gun for? First off, I would like to be able to kill a hostile intruder that enters my home. I dont think that is a very likely scenario, but i want that ability nonetheless. Im 5'9, 170 lbs, so im not looking for a big ass Dirty Harry style gun. I want something lighter, but with enough power to take an intruder down with accuracy. I figure a 9 mm is the best choice for me. Yes a shotgun is probably THE best home protection weapon, but i still want a 9 mm.

The second, and most important reason why i want to buy a gun is because, i want to have fun at gun ranges. Thats it. Im basically buying a gun for fun. Home protection is merely a bonus.

My favorite gun of all time is the HK MP5. Ive been a big fan of HK's forever. I cant buy one of those because they are fully automatic, but there is the HK SP5 version for civilians. Its nearly $3,000 though, and i dont think i can justify that kind of spending, unless i get really hooked on gun shooting, at which point i might expand on my collection.

I have pretty much decided that i want an HK pistol. From my research, the HK VP9 is one of the best 9mm out there. Do you guys have other suggestions? If you can find me a cooler pistol than that, i welcome any suggestions.

Ruger ss45 is good for closed quarters. Perhaps a nice 30-06 (scoped) for long distance.

For home protection?

Either will do. My wife has a Ruger 9mm she uses as well.

 

[evenflow1969]

I agree with Winter on the .357 revolver. You said one gun; for defense, range, and fun. That’ll do the job across all those spectrums. However, what I suggest additionally, is that you don’t run out and buy whatever gun everyone says is great, because their new favorite movie hero uses it. Go to a good gun range. A good gun range will rent you guns. Try quite a few, and see what fits your hand, suits you best, and you shoot best with. When it comes to guns, try as manufacturers may; one size does not fit all...

357 for some one inexperienced? realy? weildy and to powerfull for most.

My girlfriend got a .357 as her first gun. She does most of her practicing with .38 Special, and then fires at least 12 rounds of the .357 ammo we have for defense.

She is not tiny, but it is not uncontrollable in any way. Even in a 2" S&W she handles it well.

All I here is the part where she uses the 38 special the most. kinda proving my point. I know when I go to do a job I use the tool I am most comfortable with, which is why I prescibe the 38 to start also a revolver leaves no evidence behind is easier to clean, use, and jams way less often. Most guns are used inside of ten foot and the 38 is more than powerfull enough at this distance.. I personally prefer the 45 but I have a great deal of experience.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

There are a lot of good quality pistols out there,and when it comes to price in a pistol?
Use it as a guide,because you really do get what you pay for when it comes to semi auto pistols.

Stay away from the 3 or 400 dollar pistols like high point and the like.
At your price point you can easily get a good one.
Whether it's an HK,Beretta,FN and a host of of others.
Oh....forgot Sig Sauer,they make a great pistol as well.
Along with nice AR's.......since I know your gonna want one once you get the bug,because a pistol only goes so far....literally.