Hi,

I never bought any handguns and I need one for protection. I want a semi-automatic and reliable gun, smooth action trigger, very compact and powerful enough to kill. I need it as safe as possible (shocks, when unloading the gun...). I heard that cal .40 was one of the best cal for personal protection. I don't know if it's true. It would be great if you could give me some suggestions about my choice :)

Thx in advance,
Georges

PS: If it could be a silver one, it would be nice. It's not necessary but it's only for esthetic

From all of the Self Defence guns i've shot i like the Walther PPK and the Glock 33, in my personal opinion the Glock is the better choice, its a .357 Magnum automatic pistol here, take a look: http://www.glock.com/g33.htm

44 sandw

When you were shooting the Glock 33 how did you manage to wedge .357 Magnum shells into it?

444fitch

.357 Sig, 125 grain bullet @ 1350 fps in a 3.3 barrel, basically equal to a .357 Magnum. That ported barrel will be LOUD.

Bye
Jack

Not that i would try and tell anybody what to do, but were I a relatively inexeperienced Handgunner, I would not opt for a semi-auto. I am not going to say that revolvers are more reliable, and less liable to malfunction, as modern autos are reliable in the extreme (if slightly more fussy about what they will and will not digest ito loads), but a good modern double action revolver is ultra simple to use - no safety catches, or any thing else to confuse the issue. Just pull the trigger and she goes bang. Very safe to carry too, as cannot go off unless you pull the trigger.

Please understand, i am referring here to the shooter who will shoot 50 rounds a month to keep his eye in, but otherwise not spend a great deal of time shooting the firearm. I get the impression that this is the situation here.

I fall into this category, although I have shot a handgun a fair amount. I feel totally confident that I can bring my 3 inch .357 in operation one hand (while fending off a knife weilding assailnat with the other). I am quite sure that could not do the same with a semi auto (unles it could be carried in double action mode, i.e. hammer down on a round). I believe for the average self defense carry situation this is the most desirable carry situation (for the inexperienced handgunner) - draw, aim pull - depending on level of concealment required I would advise a .357 in 2 to four inch, with full (six) cylinder.

All the manafacturers produce stainless models - choose your price range

One other thought for discussion - a lot of the modern autos look toylike, while a revolver maintains a lot of "Scare Value" :D -a big hole in the barrel, plus several other big holes in the cylinder - surely the ultimate defensive result is one where producing your handgun ends the situation without a shot being fired - i am talking about the difference between facing James Bonds Walther PPK or Dirty Harry's Magnum ;)

As I said, just a thought.
Cheers

Personally, I prefer a revolver to an auto. 1st, you always have a round chambered, (unless your carryiny an old single action).You'd be surprised how many carriers forget to chamber a round in a semi before holstering or forget the chambered round when storing the firearm where there are uneducated children or adults around.
2nd, once familiarized with the firearm, (lots or practice) most users can reload a revolver almost as quick as a semi.(speed loader). Granted a semi holds more rounds than a revolver but in either case if you have to take the time to reload, you leave youself open to your assailant. No matter which style you choose be sure to practice as often as possible so that if the need arrises you'll be able to defend yourself.

Take care,
Renegade

.357 Sig, 125 grain bullet @ 1350 fps in a 3.3 barrel, basically equal to a .357 Magnum. That ported barrel will be LOUD.

Bye
Jack

Jack

My attempt at dry humor was ineffective (357 mag /357sig reference) oh well Vegas will have to wait Ill be keeping the day job

444fitch

Do you have access to an indoor range where you can rent and shoot different handguns? Since you are unfamiliar with carry handguns, the best suggestion is a revolver. Probably any that will fire 38 and the stepped up 357. But, first you really need to understand firearms. Get some type of instructions on the handling and most important the safety of being around loaded firearms. You've asked an honest question. And, anyone on this site will tell any novice to first get the proper training and procede from there.

dependability - power - ease of shooting - ease of cleaning - and just plain out toughing autos!

The .357 mag shoots
.38 specials
shot cartridges for vermin, varmints, etc,
.357 mag from 125gr JHP to the 180gr SWC hard cast slug!

that's versatility, durability and power in one package!

Smith or Ruger and you'll never be disappointed!

:D

I herd regarding the Glocks if you own a S&W 40 cal glock compact you can buy a Glock 357 barrel and it will shoot either just bye changing the barrels, a few months ago there was a few corps selling the barrels for the glocks, this was there angle to sell them. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

thx, for all those answer but I can't really go to see an instructor of stuff like that. I don't really have the time but I think that handguns are pretty simple to use. Set the safe thing off, aim, shoot, put the safe thing on. secondly, I don't know any shooting ranges in my area.. it could be hard to find one for me because I don't have any car. So like that I can't really practice myself so for the reloading I'm better to get a semi-auto. About the safety, I wanna follow some simple rules to never hurt anyone unless of an attack.

1st. Never aim a person for fun.
2nd. Don't forget to put the safety on the gun (that's something I really take care about. I dont wanna shoot myself while carryin' it...
3rd. Never let the gun loaded when stored.
4th. Never shoot when I think that the gun is unloaded.
5th. Don't drop it
6th. Lock the gun (a lock for the trigger) and put it in a locked case when stored.

this is about that. I'm really not a violent person and I'm very careful bout it. I could kill myself with that so I'm not kiddin' with it.

After reflexion, I really think that semi-auto is the best choice for me. The main point of my choice is reloading. I saw that Glocks was in the cheapest guns but I don't know if they are really good... and I saw that Berettas are in the smallest ones ( 21 Bobcat Chromed) what do you think about that?

grtz
Georges

I found that gun, what do you think about it?

Smith & Wesson SW99
http://www.smith-wesson.com/
Caliber: .40 S&W
Barrel Lenght: 3-1/2"
Capacity: 8 rounds +1
Action: DTA (??????????)
External Safety: N/A
Hammer: N/A
Trigger: N/A
Grip: Integral, Textured
Front Sight: White Dot
Frame: Compact
Overall Lenght: 6.6"
Material: Polymer Frame / Stainless Steel Slide & Barrel
Firing System: Striker (????????)
Rear Sight: Adjustable 2-Dot
Finish: Black / Melonite
Weight: 22.5 ounces

that's a .40 S&W version but I don't know if I should take a 9mm or anything else... Although this company looks that they make some good guns :)

Ever S&W i've shot has been wonderful. most of the time its the .44 magnum that i shoot at the range or the .357. both revolvers never had a problem with them other than occational misfires due to a poor reloading job. Oh yea BTW the Dirry harry comment, i shoot that gun!

Noob,

Semiautomatic pistols have a steep learning curve. They require much more training than revolvers and are definitely more complex. If you are a beginner and need a handgun, start with a revolver. If you need a firearm for home defense only and not daily concealed carry, I suggest a 20ga shotgun.

Having a gun, any gun for that matter doesn't make you safer...it's knowing how to use one properly that offers a defensive advantage. Deciding to arm yourself with deadly force is your Constitutional right, but it carries with it seroius responsibility. If you are not willing to dedicate time and money to seroius training, then reconsider carrying a firearm. Remember, you are responsible for every bullet you shoot. Innocent people can, and do, get shot every day. Every miss is an opportunity to maim or kill an innocent person. There's a HUGE difference between making a gun "go off" and marksmanship.

I don't want to start a post war here, but as far as handguns are concerned, caliber (above .380) isn't all that important. Shot placement makes all the difference. Most modern self-defense calibers (.380, .38spl, 9mm, .357, .40S&W, .45 ACP and the like) are all capable of getting the job done as long as the bullets are placed accurately. Yes, bigger is better but there's no sense in carrying a 44 magnum if you cannot hit with it because the recoil has you scared half to death. In my opinion, the best self defense caliber is the largest (most powerful) one you can make accurate hits with.
If that's a .38 special, then so be it. If you can comfortably operate a lightweight officer's 1911 with 230gr +P ammunition... even better. To each their own.

I'm not trying to sound like a preacher but there's quite a lot to consider if you decide to start carrying around a handgun. Just be prepared to make a commitment.

If I had to make a recommendation for a first-time shooter without knowing your stature or ability, I'd say a S&W .38 special K-frame with a 3" barrel is a good place to start. You can begin learning with soft target loads and when you build some confidence and ability, you can load it with much more powerful defensive loads. The gun (and ammo) is relatively inexpensive, relaible, isn't too heavy, and will conceal well with the proper holster. There's a million different grips out there and chances are you'll find one that fits your hand very well. Finally, they make them in both blue and silver.

Lastly, if you are seroius about carrying a handgun invest in a high-quality holster. Most cheap holsters are uncomfortable and do not secure the gun well. If the gun isn't comfortable to wear, you'll likely leave it at home where it does you no good. Expect to pay $50 minimum for a decent holster, another $40 for a dedicated gun belt, and $15 for some sort of reload carrier. You'd be surprised at how much difference in comfort and concealibility a good rig makes.

Good luck and be safe.

yea, after all I think that I gonna go with a revolver. Do you know any good revolver with a smooth trigger?

Noob, I see by your previous posts that you have never bought a handgun, you don't have time for instruction, and you can't locate/use a range. Judging by these factors alone, DON'T BUY A HANDGUN! meh92 is correct in all he said in his post, but without proper training and recurring practice, a handgun is dangerous not only to the general public but to its user also. If you are insistant about buying one, then PLEASE do all gun owners and the general public a favor and seek proper instruction and proficiency training before purchasing one. Please don't give the Anti-Gunners another statistic to fight us with. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but the responsibility of gun ownership should not be taken lightly!

Allen :(

Look into a Smith and Wesson Airlite.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/airlitesc/index.htm

i've fired 386PD and a 329PD and i loved them,. If your just starting it wouldn't be bad to try the 386PD with .38 special and if you can handle that try .357 magnums in it. I don't think you would need the 329PD(considering its a large frame and a .44 Magum.)

Noob,

From some of the words you've chosen in this thread, I can tell you really have no practical knowledge of firearms. That's not a slander against you, but it's quite obvious. You need to get some instruction from people who know what they're doing before even considering a firearm's purchase. As Mr. Foraker points out so well, the responsibility of firearms ownership is weighty and ultimately rests on your shoulders. Be prepared in every way to bear that burden.

Noob,

I hope you don't feel like we are ganging up on you. We are not! You have been given sound advice that is meant to keep you alive and the people around you. A number of site members have received training in the military, police departments and firearm safety programs. However, I'm sure you will still buy a handgun. If you forget everything always remember this: Keep the barrel pointed down range at ALL TIMES and always consider it LOADED. Don't feel safe because the safety in ON. That's one reason a revolver is best for the novice shooter. You should always open the cylinder and place the gun on a bench and immediately see that it is unloaded. Plus, if and when you hand someone your gun, you first open the cylinder to show it is unloaded. Handgun shooting is a safe sport, but can turn deadly in a split second.

First, a smooth trigger can be gained through a competent pistolsmith IF it really needs one. There are plenty of great revolvers from top mfgs. Fit is a very important consideration. I highly reccommend Hogue finger groove rubber grips! great for an excellent purchase on your piece with wet or oily fingers! best bargain in shooting!

you can find excellent revolver bargains still on the "previously owned" markets. Again Smith and Ruger rule! Select on balance and feel, calibre, and I always suggest stainless construction!

Get a coach! Let us know what you decide on please! good luck.

A.J - absolutely correct!!! :D


Noob
Do you know anyone who is a handgun owner? If you do and you trust there judgement -have them take you out shooting and if they have more then one handgun shoot as many as they have to get the feel for what you like. If not ask people you know that shoot to take you to a good gun shop/range so you can shoot some. Then you can make an informed descision. A defensive handgun is something you can shoot well an afford to practice alot-and I do mean alot. Nix on the trigger lock as well- alocked up gun is useless. If your in your home pack-it on your body. If you live where you can get CCW get one! Just remember if you have to use it you want to be able to hit what your shooting at!! Practice! Practice! :)

Noob,

Here's a suggestion if you don't have access to handguns and training provided by friends, family, or professionals.
How about an air gun for starters? You can even get one of the Air Soft models that look for all the world like regular firearms.

That's a tough one. With all of the politics surrounding gun safety, trigger pull is one refinement that seems to have been forgotten. Go to your local shop, decide on a caliber and frame size, handle as many quality revolvers that you can, choose the one that fits your hand the best, buy it, shoot it alot with the ammo you plan to carry, and become familiar with its trigger. If all else fails you can always have a good gunsmith work it. There are quite a few good revolvers out there with decent triggers.

Good luck
Renegade

is this guy still alive?

i heard of one shot one kill before, i never heard of first shot in a lifetime and first kill happen to the same gun owner.

we may see this guy on 6 pm news. i wouldn't give this guy advice or even sell him a gun because i don't want to be served with a civil lawsuit.

What Did U Buy MY GOOD FRIEND?

Back In 1937, My Friends And I Had The Colt 1911. They're Sweet Guns. Each One Of Use Still Got Our. I Recently Bought A Kimber. Man, This Gun Looks Sweet Too. If Only I Had 2 Kimber When I Was In The Philipine.

To agree with the excellent advice provided, the only two guns I have loaded in my house immediately available are a 12ga double barrel and a Colt .357 Trooper. They are 100% reliable, simple, accurate, and effective. You can take either of them, load them, put them in a corner or drawer for ten years and then pick them up and shoot. I love my semis but save them for the range or immediate use. Your question reference smooth trigger needs to be put on hold until you get experience on where to point it , how to shoot it, and how far the bullet will go. Handguns are not easy to shoot well and extremely easy to make a mistake with.

rk

Don't take this the wrong way (**** Im fairly new to buying a pistol, but I've shot them since I was 12), but if you are looking to buy a gun for self defense and aren't willing to take the time to get proper instruction do not buy a handgun. You are more apt to shoot your loved ones.

In a parting note a shotgun is probably the best self defense weapon, if you are talking about being woken from bed in the middle of the night. Easy to use, and if you load it with some small shot not much of a need to worry about a .44 slug smashing through your wall into your sons room. But I'm sure most people here will disagree with what I just said, and tell you to stick with a pistol. All personal preference.