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

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.
Yes really. It can also shoot .38 special in a variety of loads which make for a great, lower cost training aid. Which after working your way up through the +P offerings, makes shooting .357 a pussy cat.
I have never owned one, was not aware they coould shoot 38 cartirdges.. Assuming it can be pulled and cleaned as easy as the 38 I will not argue the validity of your argument. I will go get my hand on one so i can taqlk with first hand know;lege.
 
As far as recommending ammo, I went in an academy once to buy some ammo for my 1911 45. They were out of what I wanted so the kid got some other brand and set it on the counter and said it was the best defensive 45 ammo there was. I couldn't help it, I looked at him and said, "You ever shot anybody with it?" Lol he freaked!
For a good demonstration of many of the popular defensive ammos, in a variety of commonly used guns; Subscribe to Paul Harrels channel on you tube. He puts a great many of them to the test. And I’m not talking about shooting gelatin blocks. He has his signature “meat target” and his demonstration are both entertaining, and informative. Many manufacturers claims don’t always come to fruition depending on the gun you are shooting their billet out of, and Paul’s tests bear this out quite poiniantly.
 
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.
Yes really. It can also shoot .38 special in a variety of loads which make for a great, lower cost training aid. Which after working your way up through the +P offerings, makes shooting .357 a pussy cat.
I have never owned one, was not aware they coould shoot 38 cartirdges.. Assuming it can be pulled and cleaned as easy as the 38 I will not argue the validity of your argument. I will go get my hand on one so i can taqlk with first hand know;lege.
You won’t regret it.
 
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.
There are a lot of different sized 357s out there, and you have a lot of different ammo choices for that particular revolver. My wife carries 148gr 38 special wadcutters in hers.
And Taurus has thisout;

The 357 magnum revolver is actually a very solid, very versatile platform which will serve the needs of a lot of people.
Stop with this crap of .357 The .45 LC is the weapon to bring a bad guy down if you only want 6 shots before reloading. Bigger than the .44magnum the .45LC not only can be for a pistole but also rifles. One box of 1000 rounds of ammo for both pistol and rifle.
That's a good round too.
 
As far as recommending ammo, I went in an academy once to buy some ammo for my 1911 45. They were out of what I wanted so the kid got some other brand and set it on the counter and said it was the best defensive 45 ammo there was. I couldn't help it, I looked at him and said, "You ever shot anybody with it?" Lol he freaked!
For a good demonstration of many of the popular defensive ammos, in a variety of commonly used guns; Subscribe to Paul Harrels channel on you tube. He puts a great many of them to the test. And I’m not talking about shooting gelatin blocks. He has his signature “meat target” and his demonstration are both entertaining, and informative. Many manufacturers claims don’t always come to fruition depending on the gun you are shooting their billet out of, and Paul’s tests bear this out quite poiniantly.
Thanks, I have seen many of them.
 
As far as recommending ammo, I went in an academy once to buy some ammo for my 1911 45. They were out of what I wanted so the kid got some other brand and set it on the counter and said it was the best defensive 45 ammo there was. I couldn't help it, I looked at him and said, "You ever shot anybody with it?" Lol he freaked!
I'm a big believer in using premium defensive ammo, but I never forget that regular 9mm ball ammo, and the old 38 special 158gr lead round nose, have both laid a lot of people down in the 100+ years...... a lot of people.
 
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.
Walther PPQ M2 9mm for reliability ease of operation, smooth trigger for personal carry defense. Otherwise, gotta go with Mr. Clean for home defense, quicker to learn, much steadier aim than a pistol and more forgiving with the spread, will go through less interior walls, and like he said, less bureaucratic BS. Who knows you might even take up shooting game. I'm with PETA, people for eating tasty animals.
 
View attachment 344639
Beretta M9

*****SMILE*****



:)


Another one you cant go wrong with.


1591138590436.png


They switched from the 45 Colt to the Beretta near the end of my service.

I preferred the Beretta over the Colt.

*****CHUCKLE*****



:)
 
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.
Yep. I own two 357 magnum revolvers- they are the perfect home security weapon. We also have 12 gauge shotguns and aluminum baseball bats at the front and back doors. . I keep an aluminum t-ball bat in my vehicle too....:thup:
 
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.
Yep. I own two 357 magnum revolvers- they are the perfect home security weapon. We also have 12 gauge shotguns and aluminum baseball bats at the front and back doors. . I keep an aluminum t-ball bat in my vehicle too....:thup:
I thought I was the only one who kept one rolling around the back of my truck!
 
As far as recommending ammo, I went in an academy once to buy some ammo for my 1911 45. They were out of what I wanted so the kid got some other brand and set it on the counter and said it was the best defensive 45 ammo there was. I couldn't help it, I looked at him and said, "You ever shot anybody with it?" Lol he freaked!
I'm a big believer in using premium defensive ammo, but I never forget that regular 9mm ball ammo, and the old 38 special 158gr lead round nose, have both laid a lot of people down in the 100+ years...... a lot of people.
The idiot instructor teaching our firearms training class at the prison told us the reason they only used FMJ ammo was because hollow points would over penetrate and go Right through someone. I looked over at the Captain in class also and he just shook his head no, as in don't say anything. These places hire complete idiots lots of times.
 
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.
The VP9 has controls on both sides.
 
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.

To do it right (self defense) you might consider having two guns. One that is super light that you can make a habit of keeping on your person 24/7 (like a derringer) and secondly, something simple with more power and accuracy that you keep near by (safely but accessible) like a shotgun and or revolver.

The derringer is for the most immediate protection at all times and it can be used to buy you the time needed to get to the others.
 
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.

To do it right (self defense) you might consider having two guns. One that is super light that you can make a habit of keeping on your person 24/7 (like a derringer) and secondly, something simple with more power and accuracy that you keep near by (safely but accessible) like a shotgun and or revolver.

The derringer is for the most immediate protection at all times and it can be used to buy you the time needed to get to the others.
There are so many ultra small light weight pistols today that hold six or more shots I would not consider a derringer unless that's all I had.
 
My go to handgun is an IWI Jericho 941. It's a polymer mid size 9mm and comes with a 16rd magazine. They're modeled on the CZ 75 making it reliable and in my experience more accurate than anything else I own. Maybe a little bulky if you're wanting to go the cc route and a little pricier at about $550 but well worth the investment.
 
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.

She uses .38 special because they are cheaper and the lower recoil means it is comfortable at the range. I am willing to bet, if someone is in your house in the middle of the night, you won't feel the recoil. Plus, I doubt you will fire 50 to 75 rounds at an intruder.
the laws of physics do not stop under durress if any thing they are multiplied. An inexperienced shooter in times of stress is more likely to miss the first shot. The more recoil the more time it takes to reaim and shoot again. I can tell you this some one comes in home at night my 45 and my dog is going is make it real tough for them. As far as shooting alot of bullets, kinda supporting my revolver theory. Further more the less expense of the 38 shell makes practice cheaper and practice build confidence and profincey. When the bullets start flying you want what you are most experienced with. If you are going to carry it on the block even more reason for the revolver. There are situations where you might not want to leave cartriges behind. A revolver solves a multitude of problems.

As I said earlier, all of our revolvers are loaded with a .38 Special shotshell in the first chamber. Lower recoil and far less chance of a miss. Then the intruder is shocked and hurting from the pellets, so the next round goes on target.
 
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.

She uses .38 special because they are cheaper and the lower recoil means it is comfortable at the range. I am willing to bet, if someone is in your house in the middle of the night, you won't feel the recoil. Plus, I doubt you will fire 50 to 75 rounds at an intruder.
the laws of physics do not stop under durress if any thing they are multiplied. An inexperienced shooter in times of stress is more likely to miss the first shot. The more recoil the more time it takes to reaim and shoot again. I can tell you this some one comes in home at night my 45 and my dog is going is make it real tough for them. As far as shooting alot of bullets, kinda supporting my revolver theory. Further more the less expense of the 38 shell makes practice cheaper and practice build confidence and profincey. When the bullets start flying you want what you are most experienced with. If you are going to carry it on the block even more reason for the revolver. There are situations where you might not want to leave cartriges behind. A revolver solves a multitude of problems.

As I said earlier, all of our revolvers are loaded with a .38 Special shotshell in the first chamber. Lower recoil and far less chance of a miss. Then the intruder is shocked and hurting from the pellets, so the next round goes on target.
Unless he's on pcp.
 
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.

She uses .38 special because they are cheaper and the lower recoil means it is comfortable at the range. I am willing to bet, if someone is in your house in the middle of the night, you won't feel the recoil. Plus, I doubt you will fire 50 to 75 rounds at an intruder.
the laws of physics do not stop under durress if any thing they are multiplied. An inexperienced shooter in times of stress is more likely to miss the first shot. The more recoil the more time it takes to reaim and shoot again. I can tell you this some one comes in home at night my 45 and my dog is going is make it real tough for them. As far as shooting alot of bullets, kinda supporting my revolver theory. Further more the less expense of the 38 shell makes practice cheaper and practice build confidence and profincey. When the bullets start flying you want what you are most experienced with. If you are going to carry it on the block even more reason for the revolver. There are situations where you might not want to leave cartriges behind. A revolver solves a multitude of problems.

As I said earlier, all of our revolvers are loaded with a .38 Special shotshell in the first chamber. Lower recoil and far less chance of a miss. Then the intruder is shocked and hurting from the pellets, so the next round goes on target.
Unless he's on pcp.

I think it will still slow him slightly, or at least ruin his aim if he is armed.

And 5 round of 158 gr .357 magnum will finish the job, if you hit center of body mass.
 

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