Handgun recommendation?

[K1052]

First, define "inexpensive".

A dollar range on what you are willing to spend will really help people make better suggestions.

 

[amddude]

Glockage...legendary reliability, easy to clean, reasonably accurate...buckloads of aftermarket parts. Check out a 27, 36, or 37

 

[Lazy8s]

Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
My buddy has a Sig 9mm. VERY nice gun but it's out of my price range. Hoping to keep the cost to a minimum, without sacrificing quality or safety features however.

The XD seems like a nice entry-level one. I'll have to do some research on that one, as well as the other suggestions. I just want to get something that I feel will hold me over for years to come. Last thing I want to do is purchase one and a few months later, wish I had gone with something more powerful. But for target range and home protection (hopefully will never have to be fired for that), I think I'd be content with the 9mm.

Check CDNN Investments. They have unissued police trade in Sigs for $579 right now.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: amddude
Glockage...legendary reliability, easy to clean, reasonably accurate...buckloads of aftermarket parts. Check out a 27, 36, or 37

He needs to settle on a price range and try out the guns within that range. If Glocks fall into that then he should give them a try.

Personally, I hate actually shooting Glocks though I do admit their superb practicality and reliability.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

Sure it does.
It prevents you from becoming a victim. I'll take that over a dog any day.

Personally, I'm a firm believer of keeping a loaded pistol by the bed and those "No guns in this house" stickers on your windows and doors.

Its kinda like bait. Think of it as fishing, with a bit more of a rush. 😀

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: amddude
Glockage...legendary reliability, easy to clean, reasonably accurate...buckloads of aftermarket parts. Check out a 27, 36, or 37

He needs to settle on a price range and try out the guns within that range. If Glocks fall into that then he should give them a try.

Personally, I hate actually shooting Glocks though I do admit their superb practicality and reliability.

Not a Glock fan, but I definitely recognize the Glock name as one representing a quality weapon.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: Specop 007

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: amddude
Glockage...legendary reliability, easy to clean, reasonably accurate...buckloads of aftermarket parts. Check out a 27, 36, or 37

He needs to settle on a price range and try out the guns within that range. If Glocks fall into that then he should give them a try.

Personally, I hate actually shooting Glocks though I do admit their superb practicality and reliability.

Not a Glock fan, but I definitely recognize the Glock name as one representing a quality weapon.

I've never been able to settle in with one enough to shoot worth a damn using it. The grip shape and angle bothers me the most I think.

 

[Fern]

Although I have both revolvers and auto's, I also suggest looking into a revolver as a 1st handgun. Simpler, no jamming, easier to operate & clean etc.

Revolvers can have a safety - it's usually a transfer bar that can be blocked/locked with a "safety" like any other gun.

Not sure why you mention "relatively compact" - that's for concealment, not really relevant to home protection or the range. The "ultra lightweights", like titanium are more expensive. Plus, the heavier the gun, the less the recoil and the better accuracy.

Go to a shooting range before deciding. They usually offer a variety of handguns you can "rent" for shooting there.

I would never trust a cheap auto, while an inexpenive revolver may only sacrifice some accuracy (and perhaps safety features, such as the transfer bar etc.)

I also prefer a .357, and use cheap 38 spc wad-cutters for shooting practice.

As regards home protection - I don't know where you live (condo, home in a rural area etc.), but the type of ammo you use can be important. If I lived in a condo etc, I'd be worried about my ammo. I'd choose something that would fragment, instead of something with high penetration (could pass through wall into neighbors unit or home).

I prefer to spend a decent amount, usually, on my weapons (as opposed to cheap) for 2 reasons: (1) If I'm gonna use it in home protection, god forbid it's a cheapo and malfunctions/jams, (2) EVERY gun I have ever purchased has risen in value. Ex. my $500 purchase of a Colt Python about 5 or 6 yrs ago is now worth over a $1,000 I believe. This is not neccessarily the case with cheapo weapons, particularly auto (moving parts wear down, spring weaken, plastic parts on the clips etc break over time etc.)

Fern
EDIT: The Taurus brand is likely your best choice for inexpenive, yet quality revolver.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

He was just trying to be helpful.

BUT, I will say that the only kind of dog I'd want for serious home protection is the kind thats way too dangerous for kids.
Hell, a 12 gauge being pumped is just as good as a bark. As for the kids I'd have to say that NO loaded gun should be kept laying around the house, kids or not.
Get one of those little safes with the glow in the dark or textured buttons. You can have that gun out in a couple seconds if you just practice a little.
And practice is probably the most important issue in gun ownership.

Also, just like with fire or sex (two other things that are dangerous if not respected) kids should be made aware of gun safety before you even bring one into the house. And I dont mean telling them to never touch it and hiding it in your bedroom. I mean actually talk to the kids and let them handle it.
EDIT: Alchohol too.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

Yeah, and dogs aren't much fun to bring to a shooting range. They aren't very accurate and they spook easily at the sound of gunfire.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Hoping to purchase my first hand gun in the near future for practice range/home protection but unsure what to get. Looking for something inexpensive, relatively compact but adequate fire power. Initially, I was eyeballing some 9mm's but now I'm not so sure that's the best bang for my buck (pun intended). I think the clip vs the barrel is the main appeal for me with a 9mm.

Looking for calibre, brand, likely cost and place of purchase suggestions. We have a lot of gun shows coming through here and I thought about going that route. Do those tend to offer good deals as opposed to a local hunting/firearm store? Just hoping to have something in mind before I apply for a permit.

And the "anti-2nd Ammendment/Why do you need to own a gun?" crowd can politely thread crap elsewhere.

hm.. for basic home defense, nothing beats a revolver. it wont jam. and if u need more than 6 bullets to ward off a thief, then he aint no thief but an assassin out to get you.

and if u live in an apt/townhouse and worried about shooting thru the wall and killing your neighbor while aiming at the thief/thug, use wadcutter bullets. leaves big holes in villian, but wont go thru walls. win/win 🙂

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: pontifex
if you like the look of the beretta 92 but don't want to spend the money for the beretta name, check out taurus. exact same gun (made from the same blueprints as beretta i believe). I own a Taurus PT99 and its a great gun.

the 92sf is a big gun. i think op said he was looking for something compact.

 

[Lazy8s]

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

He was just trying to be helpful.

BUT, I will say that the only kind of dog I'd want for serious home protection is the kind thats way too dangerous for kids.
Hell, a 12 gauge being pumped is just as good as a bark. As for the kids I'd have to say that NO loaded gun should be kept laying around the house, kids or not.
Get one of those little safes with the glow in the dark or textured buttons. You can have that gun out in a couple seconds if you just practice a little.
And practice is probably the most important issue in gun ownership.

Also, just like with fire or sex (two other things that are dangerous if not respected) kids should be made aware of gun safety before you even bring one into the house. And I dont mean telling them to never touch it and hiding it in your bedroom. I mean actually talk to the kids and let them handle it.
EDIT: Alchohol too.

I just posted that because I already posted my gun recommendations then I realized that he might not have considered a dog and I thought it would be helpful. It's true that big dogs are not safe around kids though and I had not really thought about small children.

Also the op was

Hoping to purchase my first hand gun in the near future for practice range/home protection but unsure what to get. Looking for something inexpensive, relatively compact but adequate fire power.

The best home protection would be a Brinks or ADT or whatever security system. Sure you can shoot the robber but without a security system or dog will you know he's in the house before he shoots you in your sleep? I only say this because my good friend's grandparents were lit on fire and killed while they were sleeping and they had no idea the man was in their house.

Prevention is better than protection. Sure you can carry mase to prevent you from getting raped at night, then again you could go to Walmart during the day and not have to worry about nearly as much, right?

Anyways, see the first page for my suggestions. Sorry for trying to be helpful.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: JEDI

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Hoping to purchase my first hand gun in the near future for practice range/home protection but unsure what to get. Looking for something inexpensive, relatively compact but adequate fire power. Initially, I was eyeballing some 9mm's but now I'm not so sure that's the best bang for my buck (pun intended). I think the clip vs the barrel is the main appeal for me with a 9mm.

Looking for calibre, brand, likely cost and place of purchase suggestions. We have a lot of gun shows coming through here and I thought about going that route. Do those tend to offer good deals as opposed to a local hunting/firearm store? Just hoping to have something in mind before I apply for a permit.

And the "anti-2nd Ammendment/Why do you need to own a gun?" crowd can politely thread crap elsewhere.

hm.. for basic home defense, nothing beats a revolver. it wont jam. and if u need more than 6 bullets to ward off a thief, then he aint no thief but an assassin out to get you.

and if u live in an apt/townhouse and worried about shooting thru the wall and killing your neighbor while aiming at the thief/thug, use wadcutter bullets.

Yea, but if you do end up having to reload you're fvcked (for instance if there are two of them) I'd rather have the comfort of a full 15 round mag.

A semi-auto 9mm is a fine first pistol (cheap to shoot and mild recoil) and adequate defense weapon (when using defense loadings).

 

[Meuge]

Originally posted by: Lazy8s

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

He was just trying to be helpful.

BUT, I will say that the only kind of dog I'd want for serious home protection is the kind thats way too dangerous for kids.
Hell, a 12 gauge being pumped is just as good as a bark. As for the kids I'd have to say that NO loaded gun should be kept laying around the house, kids or not.
Get one of those little safes with the glow in the dark or textured buttons. You can have that gun out in a couple seconds if you just practice a little.
And practice is probably the most important issue in gun ownership.

Also, just like with fire or sex (two other things that are dangerous if not respected) kids should be made aware of gun safety before you even bring one into the house. And I dont mean telling them to never touch it and hiding it in your bedroom. I mean actually talk to the kids and let them handle it.
EDIT: Alchohol too.

I just posted that because I already posted my gun recommendations then I realized that he might not have considered a dog and I thought it would be helpful. It's true that big dogs are not safe around kids though and I had not really thought about small children.

Also the op was

Hoping to purchase my first hand gun in the near future for practice range/home protection but unsure what to get. Looking for something inexpensive, relatively compact but adequate fire power.

The best home protection would be a Brinks or ADT or whatever security system. Sure you can shoot the robber but without a security system or dog will you know he's in the house before he shoots you in your sleep? I only say this because my good friend's grandparents were lit on fire and killed while they were sleeping and they had no idea the man was in their house.

Prevention is better than protection. Sure you can carry mase to prevent you from getting raped at night, then again you could go to Walmart during the day and not have to worry about nearly as much, right?

Anyways, see the first page for my suggestions. Sorry for trying to be helpful.

Or you could do all of the above.

/shrug

I hate anti-gun people. They're idealists, with no sense of the real world.

I like Heinlein's quote: "An armed society is a polite society; you never know when you'll have to back up your words with your life."

 

[shortylickens]

Dont ever be sorry for trying to be helpful.

And I agree whole-heartedly, prevention IS better than protection.
The problem is a security system doesnt keep crime from happening. It just notifies you that a crime may be happening.
Fire alarms dont prevent or fight fire, you still need an extinguisher.

Sure I would get a security system if I thought my neighborhood needed it. And if the thief has any sense at all he'll be long gone by the time I wake up and get my gun ready. It saves us both a lot of hassle.

My idea of prevention would be live a town where I dont need to worry about it.
Thats prevention.

EDIT:
There is an old saying "A 1911 is faster than 911". And I do believe it.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Meuge

Originally posted by: Lazy8s

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Lazy8s
Have you considered a large dog for home protection? Less likely kids will shoot themselves.


BTW I'm not an anti-gun nut as you can see from my previous post, it's just that the bark of a dog is a large deterrent for home break-ins. The gun can give you self defense but doesn't prevent anything.

i'm not bashing you or anything but why do people come into threads like this and ask why doesn't the op get something totally unrelated to the topic?

its like me coming into a discussion about which car to buy and telling them to buy a bike instead because it will save on gas money and give them exercise...when they obviously want a car.

He was just trying to be helpful.

BUT, I will say that the only kind of dog I'd want for serious home protection is the kind thats way too dangerous for kids.
Hell, a 12 gauge being pumped is just as good as a bark. As for the kids I'd have to say that NO loaded gun should be kept laying around the house, kids or not.
Get one of those little safes with the glow in the dark or textured buttons. You can have that gun out in a couple seconds if you just practice a little.
And practice is probably the most important issue in gun ownership.

Also, just like with fire or sex (two other things that are dangerous if not respected) kids should be made aware of gun safety before you even bring one into the house. And I dont mean telling them to never touch it and hiding it in your bedroom. I mean actually talk to the kids and let them handle it.
EDIT: Alchohol too.

I just posted that because I already posted my gun recommendations then I realized that he might not have considered a dog and I thought it would be helpful. It's true that big dogs are not safe around kids though and I had not really thought about small children.

Also the op was

Hoping to purchase my first hand gun in the near future for practice range/home protection but unsure what to get. Looking for something inexpensive, relatively compact but adequate fire power.

The best home protection would be a Brinks or ADT or whatever security system. Sure you can shoot the robber but without a security system or dog will you know he's in the house before he shoots you in your sleep? I only say this because my good friend's grandparents were lit on fire and killed while they were sleeping and they had no idea the man was in their house.

Prevention is better than protection. Sure you can carry mase to prevent you from getting raped at night, then again you could go to Walmart during the day and not have to worry about nearly as much, right?

Anyways, see the first page for my suggestions. Sorry for trying to be helpful.

Or you could do all of the above.

/shrug

I hate anti-gun people. They're idealists, with no sense of the real world.

I like Heinlein's quote: "An armed society is a polite society; you never know when you'll have to back up your words with your life."

i don't think he's anti-gun but i'm surprised we haven't seen an actual anti-gun person in here yet. usually we have 1 or 2 that are obviously anti-gun. of course, i probably just jinxed this thread by making that comment. :frown:

 

[JDMnAR1]

Rather than just throwing out such a wide open question, why not go to a local gunshop and/or shooting range where you can get your hands on a bunch of different makes, models and calibers. If at all possible - shoot an assortment of them. See what fits your hand comfortably, get an idea of what size frame you can comfortably carry concealed, maybe even rule out some that you definitely don't want. Take into account accessories too - ammo cost, what kind of gun leather is available, etc - to get an idea of what you might seriously consider buying. Once you have done a little research and have narrowed it down to a few different options, come back with that list and you will probably be able to get some good information that might be more focused than what you are getting now. Chances are with all the gun enthusiasts on here, at least one member either owns, has owned, or has fired, just about anything you might want to know about.

 

[spikespiegal]

For home protection I agree with the .357 mag revolver....provided of course you want a pistol.

I've fired a lot of different guns over the years, and I still don't rate hand guns as much good for home defense, other than possibly making a lot of noise and scaring an intruder off. In order of preference, I'd take a German Shepard first, Shotgun second, and HighPoint 9mm carbine third. For home defense I'd pick both a sword and baseball bat over a handgun given you have a higher percentile of hitting a target with those.

The 9mm Highpoint is not only cheap, it's far more powerfull than any handgun, and far more accurate. Don't care who you are....if it came down to a duel with an intruder in my house and he had a choice of any handgun he wanted, I'd still drop him with the Highpoint long before he got a shot off.

 

[Specop 007]

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
I've fired a lot of different guns over the years, and I still don't rate hand guns as much good for home defense, other than possibly making a lot of noise and scaring an intruder off. In order of preference, I'd take a German Shepard first, Shotgun second, and HighPoint 9mm carbine third. For home defense I'd pick both a sword and baseball bat over a handgun given you have a higher percentile of hitting a target with those.

I'm skeptical on just how much shooting you've done over the years. A baseball bat would be about my last choice for home defense.

 

[gregshin]

CZ-75 in 9 or 40

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Specop 007

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
I've fired a lot of different guns over the years, and I still don't rate hand guns as much good for home defense, other than possibly making a lot of noise and scaring an intruder off. In order of preference, I'd take a German Shepard first, Shotgun second, and HighPoint 9mm carbine third. For home defense I'd pick both a sword and baseball bat over a handgun given you have a higher percentile of hitting a target with those.

I'm skeptical on just how much shooting you've done over the years. A baseball bat would be about my last choice for home defense.

Agreed. He's talking out his ass. I'm much more confident in my ability to deliver lethal hits with a handgun than a baseball bat. I can hit a man sized target out to 50 yards without much trouble using any handgun you give me.

 

[Conky]

I'd recommend a good S&W or Taurus revolver or if you are inclined towards a semi-auto pistol I would recommend a Glock. You don't wanna go too cheap on a gun that might potentially save your life.