First Handgun - advice sought
 

I've been lurking here for a while reading as much as I can on the bullion side, but I've just found my way down to this forum and I thought that I would make my 1st post here.

I am juggling a few things around in my life and trying to get my family more prepared for a SHTF scenario. I'm looking for my 1st handgun. I am not new to firearms. I own several shotguns that I use for various forms of bird hunting. I just sold one of the shotguns and I am looking to get a handgun. I have some parameters and thoughts that I am mulling over and I was hoping for some additional input and suggestions.

Must Haves: The gun absolutely has to have a "traditional" lever switch or push button type safety. I have 2 kids at home and safety is a primary concern. I do not want the gun to be able to be fired by pulling the trigger alone. This rules out the Glock and other comparable models with the trigger type safetys. This is also a requirement of SWMBO who took much coercing to get to this point so no exceptions here.

Use: I want to use the gun for personal protection/household defense, but it needs to be able to be carried without being too bulky should the need arise. I don't anticipate being in a firefight, but if one breaks out I plan on getting the hell out of there ASAP. Capability to stop someone would be good, but also to buy some cover/time.

Calibre: I want something in a common calibre so that ammo will be readily available. I was thinking 9mm or .357 would give me the flexibility to shoot .38 as well. Inexpensive ammo is also good. A .45 is probably more than I need and .22 isn't enough.

Other: It needs to be affordable. I am looking at $400 +/- budget and I am not opposed to buying used. It needs to be reliable. I don't want to pull the trigger and wonder whether or not it will jam or misfire. Ability to shoot reloads and/or lead bullets reliably would be nice in case of ammo shortage in SHTF scenario. (It is my understanding that some of the newer semi auto barrels don't like lead?)

At this point I was thinking that some sort of .357 revolver would meet my criteria. Also looked at the Ruger P95 as an option as it seems to fit most of my needs. I haven't seen or handled anything in person yet which I plan on doing before making any decisions, but I would like to narrow down to a few options before I go to the candy store. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Ruger SR9

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Ruger-SR9/DSC01993.jpg

http://www.defensereview.com/new-rug...-applications/

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-SR9.htm

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Glock 19.



.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I second!

Given your requirements, especially for a traditional safety, here she is!

(excellent choice - and my personal choice for primary sidearm)

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

"The gun absolutely has to have a "traditional" lever switch or push button type safety. I have 2 kids at home and safety is a primary concern. I do not want the gun to be able to be fired by pulling the trigger alone. This rules out the Glock and other comparable models with the trigger type safetys."

Die Glock "safe aktion" ist nicht gut!

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I wouldn't own a handgun with a safety, unless it was a target pistol. Defense handguns should go bang when you squeeze the trigger.

So get a safe and change your criteria. Train your kids.

"FIRST" Handgun implies there will be a second or more. Get a big safe.

The best first gun is a revolver.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Hoarder - I completely see your point, but I've got to keep the domestic peace and I've got to start somewhere. I grew up in a house with guns and was taught safety at an early age.

The Great Ag - I like the XD, but it is probably going to be a little beyond what I am looking to spend initially.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

As soon as I can free up some FRNs the SR9 is going to be mine! $379.95 Delivered

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

sig 226..............

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

So far, great suggestions. I would recommend finding a range that allows you to rent handguns, and try a few different models, calibers, etc. before deciding.

I did that and settled on an XD40, which I found for under 500FRN. My wife prefers 9mm, and she found a nice Smith 3913, used for under 400.

Best of luck in your search.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

One benefit to a magazine-fed pistol, shotgun, or rifle is that the loaded magazine can be secured separately from the weapon and yet still be inserted and the weapon quickly deployed in an emergency.

With a revolver, keep ammo in speed-loaders in a separate location.

Police trade-in Glocks in 9mm or 40SW retail around $300...They have been inspected throughly, refurbished if necessary, and are in very good to excellent shape with many years of service life left.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I had very good results with my Taurus MilPro PT111. The newest ones (3rd generation)work very well and it has the traditional safety. I am like you. I had to buy the first gun with a traditional safety. The other I considered was a stoeger cougar. Both are lower priced than the glocks/xds. My next gun I am looking to get a Glock or XD

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Me thinks that new acronym has something to do with a female in his life. Gonna have to add that one to the list.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

SWMBO = Someone Who Must Be Obeyed

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Thanks cuz I thought it meant:

Socialist Wizard, Master Barack Obama:36_1_32v:

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Branshew,
You mention .357 which is a great caliber. A used Smith & Wesson or Ruger chambered for .357 would be a good 1st handgun. Simple design, ease of use, etc. The trigger lock or one of the the pistol safes that are available as a safety option would allow you to keep the gun loaded but inaccessible to small curious hands. Or the revolver kept empty with speedloaders in a separate location possibly.

Example of the pistol safe:
http://www.safetysafeguards.com/site...uct/GV1000CSTD

Kids are inquisitive and will explore if given the chance, (I did). Gun safety/education along with trips to the range for trigger time will be the best guard against an accident. Might want to think about picking up a .22 revolver as well for cheap practice, plus it would be something to use when you familarize the kids with shooting.
I've never been around a child that didn't take to shooting like a duck to water once they were given the chance. Reactive targets are the best ones to use when they are starting out.
By making the choice to keep guns in the house you have also chosen to raise the children in a pro second amendment atmosphere.
Good on your for that choice!
My parents did the same thing and I am damn glad they did. Failing to educate them about the shooting sports so they learn first hand that guns are NOT bad will send mixed signals and have them only exposed to the other side of the argument that is in their face daily via tv and school.

Sorry for the rant. Back on topic, I vote revolver for the first handgun.
Happy New Year.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

My thoughts exactly. Still fighting the safety issue on the revolver side, but a safe may be an option (will require further "discussion").

With the .357 I could shoot less expensive .38 for practice and put the real loads in for defense. Having a flexibility of ammo would be good in a SHTF scenario and a revolver should be able to handle reloads and lead better than most semi-autos.

I just missed out on a S&W 66-1 that a local guy had for sale at $275. We've got a show coming up this weekend so I'll probably stop in to see what is available.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

The Smith 66 is a great choice along with the 65 if you are a fan of fixed rather than adjustable sights. Ruger made a model for years call the Security Six that is a good option as well. Being able to shoot both 38 & 357 is a big benefit. Check out those trigger locks too. You could keep the key on your keyring and the gun cannot be used with the lock in place. If you are a reloader, you would really be able to cut the cost of practice ammo.
Good luck at the show!

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Glock 22 2nd gen w/nite sites and one 15 rnd mag. $330

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Glock_22.html

Having said that, if you JUST GOTTA HAVE a safety switch, here's a used Sig 229 in .40 S&W w/nite sites and two 12 round mags. $499

Please note that this feature (in the Sig) adds over $170 (vs the Glock) AND well over your $400 limit and this is for USED.

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/used_229.html

With EITHER of these firearms, you can drop in a .357 sig barrel and you have a two caliber handgun. WITH THE GLOCK 22, you can swap in a 9mm barrel and 9mm mags and you have a three caliber platform.

Here's a Sig 226 CPO (Certified Pre-Owned - the RED label around the firearm) in .40 S&W for $545. I do NOT believe that Sig currently makes any swap in barrels for the 226 (I could be wrong). Though other barrel manufacturers might.

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/_P226_CPO.html

Revolvers? .38/.357 is NOT a bad choice. We own a 6" Dan Wesson, a couple of Taurus 6 shot 4", a couple of Rossi 6 shot 2" barrel and a Rossi Lever Action rifle (this last addition is for my wife and goes well with HER 4" Taurus pistols - she's a better shot that I am). Though most ANY manufacturer's revolvers will do.

Rossi 4" pistol 6 shot

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-deta...eadcrumbseries=

Rossi 2" pistol 6 shot

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-deta...eadcrumbseries=

Lever Action 12 shot (in the 20" or 24" barrel)

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-list.cfm?category=8

I concur that if you purchase a revolver, get a handfull of speed loaders for it. They should cost between $10 and $20 each (cheaper if you can find them used).

We use both semi-auto and revolver. Nothing wrong with either or both. Though even used you will be hard pressed to find a used semi-auto for under $400 (though that Glock 22 for $330 IS a steal). You should be able to find a good used .357 for $400 or less. The Rossi 2" was purchased new for around $225 (several years ago) and the Taurus 4" was about $350 (more than ten years ago). The Rossi M92 Lever Action rifle in 16" barrel trapper size we just picked up new for $400. I had a pair of sling swivels added by my gunsmithing buddy, as I use him for all my paperwork transfers.

Hope that helps.

OH, and about Glock. Just in case you AIN'T seen this link...

http://www.theprepared.com/index.php...iew&id=90&Item

He added in some info about an H&K (which I actually like) since the last time I read this and the compact USP did NOT do well. AT ALL.

The GLOCK is the AK of handguns.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

the current XD-45 has a thumb safety switch.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I'm glad to see this thread started back in that direction!

The OP said he was experienced with gun but then he only mentioned rifles and shotguns. He didn't give us any idea of his actual hands-on handgun experience. I never recommend an auto for somebody who hasn't already got substantial handgun usage under their belt. I can live with something like a Ruger MKII .22 LR for a newbie range gun since I know they are only going to be loading and unloading at the range and they aren't going to try to carry it. Everybody else, a revolver is really a better (and safer) way to start.

A revolver doesn't need a safety because of the double action trigger. (Let's just ignore the whole SA style of revolver for now. Keep things simple!) If you can train yourself and your family to never cock the hammer, you've got a perfectly safe gun without a safety. Every police department in the US used DA revolvers for decades and lack of a safety was never an issue. That long heavy trigger pull isn't going to happen by mistake. Far, far easier for a child to click off a safety on an auto than to pull your typical DA trigger.

My number one reason for recommending revolvers is the whole loading/unloading drill. A newbie who is going to be loading and unloading your typical auto gives me the willies. Some autos have to be taken off safety just to withdraw the slide. The force required to work the slide can be more than some untrained women can handle. And newbies get confused by the whole "loaded magazine withdrawn but still a round in the chamber" routine. (The TV and movie producers can't figure it out either!)

With a revolver, you open the cylinder and there are all the chambers right in front of you. Easy to see whether there are rounds inserted or not. You can safely open and close that cylinder a thousand times and you never have to worry about accidentally touching the trigger. I have a family rule that we don't load or unload guns in the house. Take it out to the porch. The only exception is DA revolvers.

You are right that medium frame .38/.357 revolvers are very flexible. That's where I started on my 21st birthday back in 1982. Ruger Security Six. Box of .38 wadcutters and another box of 125 grain JHP's. I quickly realized I needed to start reloading so those were the only two boxes of factory ammo I ever bought for that gun.

I would look on gunbroker for some type of used revolver of the "police duty type." A S&W Model 19 or 66 would be ideal. Probably a four inch barrel. The newer L frames would be fine (581/586/681/686) although they are larger and heavier. I love the old N frames like the Model 28 but they are large enough that you won't be carrying them. If I was actually going to carry a duty size .357 as a CCW gun, I think I would look for a S&W M13 or M65. Certainly nothing wrong with a Ruger Speed Six in that role either. I used to carry a S&W M640 but that's a Centennial style snub and I don't think it would be an ideal first handgun by any means. Start out middle size and then go from there.

Gregg

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

It has been mentioned a few times in this thread and I concure, a revolver is your best option at this stage in your firearms life. .357mag/.38 spec is an excellent choice IMO.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

My wife is small and could not handle the slide on my Ruger 345. I bought her a Taurus 38 special aluminum frame snub nose. She is happy with it. It is +P rated, I won't give her the +P loads until she carries it. Practice with 38 special loads. Sent her to a range and paid for training (do not recommend spousal training to save marriage). Also got her a concealed carry permit.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Amen and once again I say Amen.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I have shot enough semi-auto pistols (including the MKII that you mentioned) to be comfortable carrying or working with one.

You guys aren't making this any easier for me.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

We've hashed this out a few times, but imo, with the rise of multiple perp home invasions...you'd better have 2 revolvers handy.

The SR9 is slim and easy to tuck in for carry and it also has a capacity of 17+1.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

then I'd say save up a couple bucks more and buy the XDM it's worth it. 19+1 in the 9mm. and it's a Springfield :D

or 1911. Proven firearm. Easy to operate. Reliable etc etc. Comes in varios styles. Stick to big name you can't go wrong.

Kids. It's your responsibilty and theirs eventually. Kids can start shooting at 10 here but they start gun safety way earlier with airsoft. Bb guns. Slingshots.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I don't understand the safety requirement. Leaving a loaded/unloaded gun around kids who can't be trusted not to do something stupid with that gun is a recipe for disaster.

A mechanical safety is by it's very nature intuitive. If children can figure out child protection locks, they can figure out a safety.

If it's your CCW piece: storage doesn't matter because it's always on your belt or next to you when you sleep.

If it's not for CCW: pistol safe/PROPER child lock is the answer.

Most child locks are garbage which should not be trusted which says to me: pistol safe.

Most important are kids which can safely handle a firearm without shooting the neighbor kid in the face. I don't think they should be readily accessible regardless, however kids search their parents rooms. "Hiding" a gun is a risky gamble if a kid can't be trusted.

As for the wife: Flowers?

Get a gun you want to take shooting. Concealability isn't a first gun issue imho. You'll have a harder time justifying buying a second if your first is your CCW, and a fun target shooting gun, and a fun CCW are almost polar opposites.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Let me help out on the child issue.

I've got a buddy that has a male child. When the child was about 13, he figured out that there was a metal box (carefully concealed) bolted to the floor of my buddies work van. He then picked the lock and rifled through it and found his .38 two shot derringer. SHOT HIMSELF IN THE CALF. Kinda hard to hide that one.

ANYWAY, after several visits from social services, WHO ADMITED HE'D DONE EVERYTHING YOU COULD DO, he got a pass (no criminal charges). His KID was grounded for life - ok, about 18 months. But anytime his kid started acting up, dad would reach down an scratch his own calf as a reminder. Worked wonders.

See, the real problem is NOT you owning a gun. The problem is you want to do all the right things to 'lock away' something dangerous from your kids. Completely understandable. COMPLETELY WRONG.

You have the opportunity of a lifetime to get your KIDS (and wife if she will) get the education they will never forget. Eddie Eagle program from NRA is but one path for firearms training. YOU will be doing your kids a favor by teaching them early not only how dangerous a gun is, WHY it is so dangerous (you have to have the 'death' discussion with them), and HOW to be safe with a firearm.

You will also create two new members of the gun culture (three if your wife is interested). I realize this is a huge challenge and right now all you want is handgun advice.

BUY A .357 Magnum Revolver - 6 shot - 4 inch barrel.

Stick with a known name manufacturer. You can't go wrong.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Or a revolver that holds 7, 8, 9 or 10 shots. (Hint: go for the S&W 7-shot .357 Magnum or S&W Lady Smith 8-shot .22.)

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

7-shot! 7-shot!

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

--- 6 shot revolver ---

Some folks say you need to NEVER fire a weapon because it's so destructive!

I DISAGREE. I think you should have a weapon you only fire once.

That's how DAD DID IT!

That's how AMERIKA DOES IT!

AND IT'S WORKED OUT PRETTY WELL SO FAR!

Hint: Guy later is wearing red and gold

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Great movie, and I am anticipating #2 with bated breath. Always loved the Iron Man since his inception in the 50's. War Machine (Rhodie) wasn't bad either.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

My cousins first handgun was a Colt Python. You better believe he's happy about that now more than ever :). First rule of gun fighting is to have one. LoL

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Well, a revolver isn't my first choice, but if you can't resist...go BIG!

Ruger Alaskan

http://tech.flygsw.org/alaskan44.jpg

http://www.teraasekeskus.com/images/...gerAlaskan.jpg

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Yeehaw!8910

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Can't wait. We watched #1 last night again.


24 seconds in...

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

OP should start at the beginning, zip guns. Build your own. I started with push rod guns back in 1958. Useing push rods, 32 cal rimmed rounds,drilled

bolts, nails, coil springs, a few filed parts etc. etc. Build as many as you need.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

If the gun HAS to have a certain kind of safety because you have kids at home then YOU are not doing your job properly and it doesn't matter what kind of gun you buy....an accident is waiting to happen. You have the wrong mindset. It should be, "My kids will never find this loaded gun unattended."

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Could always do a Barney Fife: gun unloaded and bullet in shirt pocket.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Let's get this out of the way first since too many of you are getting the wrong impression:

We are a responsible, college educated, professional job working, middle class family. My wife has her PhD. I consider myself booksmart, but also worldsmart. I'm not some chucklehead that plans on leaving a loaded firearm in the nightstand for his kids to find.

You are misreading the requirement reasons. The safety is primarily for my wife's piece of mind. (Although I am not adamently opposed either.) She was not exposed to firearms until she met me. She has no background or exposure to something like this and this will also be educational for her. At this point she as no intentions to use or handle the gun (although that may change), so in order for this to work there needs to be a certain comfort level on her part, hence the safety. It's another level of precaution above and beyond the lockbox/safe that it will be stored in.

My brother, 2 sisters and I were raised in a house with firearms and taught safety at an early age. We had firearms stored in an unlocked, glass front display gun cabinet in the living area of the house when I was growing up. (That certainly wasn't the safest thing to do and I don't take that approach, but we never had any problems since we were taught safety and respect).

Right now my kids are 3 and 5 and I am already working with them on the safety issue as they have seen me working with and cleaning my shotguns on many occasions and I always talk to them about guns being dangerous and that they are not toys. Currently they won't be able to reach or acces the firearm where I plan on keeping it and it will not be stored loaded. At this age I don't anticipate that it will even cross their mind, but as they grow older I know that their interest will grow and that they will be able to reach the lockbox.

That said, kids will be kids and regardless of the safety training, the curiosity is still there. While I don't have any statistical evidence to back this up, accidents always seem to be reported when the friends get involved (those friends that don't have experience with guns). I don't plan on being an accident statistic (I guess nobody really does or it wouldn't be called an "accident"). With the combination of proper education and training along with safety precautions and safe storage I am confident that I can avoid that.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

branshrew, I think you are taking a good, reasonable approach to firearms in the home with children. Fortunately, I rarely had to deal with that, I never had my daughter in my house for extended periods while she was young and she never knew of their presence until she was much older (16).

I grew up in a home with a very similar situation regarding firearms (unlocked gun cabinet in the living room). Everyone's situation with kids and guns has differences, but yet one overwhelming possible consequence-preventing unauthorized access. I'm sure you will find a suitable solution.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Update -

I went to the local gun show today to fondle the merchandise. Apparently I have small hands. I handled about 25 different model handguns by Beretta, Walther, Taurus, Ruger, Glock, S&W... Many of the full size guns felt too large to the point where I didn't feel like I had enough grip around the handle to control them. I felt more comfortable with the mid-size semi-autos (Beretta PX4 was really nice but a little over my budget right now.) The Ruger P95 that I was eyeing felt too top heavy w/o the clip and the balance seemed off.

The Walther PK 380 felt very comfortable and balanced (w/o the magazine), but I don't know much about it. It's big for a .380, but I'm less concerned about concealed carry at this point. It has many of the features that I was looking for and the price was reasonable. Not sure about ample availability of .380 ammo though.

I also looked at a S&W 442 .38 revolver. Definitely a "pocket pistol" but it was smooth and well balanced and felt very like a small tank. This was probably my favorite overall.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Good advice on this thread. :bear_thumb:

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Branshew,

I had almost the exact requirements you have when I went a-lookin for a gun earlier this year. Kids in the house are old enough to handle a firearm, and young enough to do something stupid without proper instruction, especially a 12yr old boy.

My approach so far:

Familiarity w/ the firearms for both kids - take the mystery and alure away from them. Either kid is allowed to ask to see any firearm if they want to check it out (with my supervision obviously). The older kid has been taken to the range a few times to try things out, and to see / understand the power thats being handled. training would be a good followup.

Security of firearms - long guns in a large / heavy gunsafe in a room that kids do not belong. The handgun I would rely on for homedefense is in a wallsafe w/ thumbprint scanner. There are many that will never trust an electronic lock for their firearms, but its much harder for a neighbor kid to mimic your thumbprint than it is for them to pick a small strongbox lock. I'll accept the slight chance of a electrical malfunction at the moment of crisis for the added protection against nosy neighbors. If I didnt have kids, I might not feel the same way.

For what its worth - I chose the Springfield XD in 9mm. Similar design to a glock, but a more comfortable natural point of aim for me. It also has a couple of newbie features. A pin in the back indicates when it is cocked, and a small ridge on top inticates when there is a round chambered. Add to that there are two external safeties (trigger and grip) and it may satisfy your spouses requirements as well. Local / used price has been $400 - $450.

Oh, one other note. I took my wife to the range, and she is not able to consistently work the slide. Consider that if you want your wife to be able to shoot. The revolver route certainly has merit in this regard.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Most revolvers don't have the required external safety but the S&W does have an internal lock that operates with a key.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Get a S&W Sigma. Kid will never be able to pull the trigger on it.

Just kidding of course.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I took the big step and signed up with my 14 year old to take the course at the local handgun store and get our licences.
The expert agrees with you and said to get a 38 revolver as the magazine type guns may jam and you have to practice to use them.
He also recommended a shotgun, I think one with 8 rounds in them? I'm no expert by I think they do have safety locks though?

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Addendum---My wife is going to go next with our 16 year old daughter.
We're afraid of accidents for sure, but we're more afraid of getting killed when the other person has the guns and not us.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I would suggest saving additional funds,$400 is not a realistic figure for a new pistol
IMO The Sig Sauer P226 in 9mm is an excellent handgun for someone new to handguns.
Its quality made,accurate,moderately priced and most importantly user friendly.
A used model might cost 550-650
For a new handgun at a low to moderate price ,no one has mentioned is Smith&Wesson's M&P line,which might be worth some consideration.
I assure you you will not have "Buyers-Remorse" with the Sig and will have it in your collection for many years to come...
__________________

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I always like a challenge to "look hard" for ways to recommend a Glock.. :biggrin:

Note: NEVER seen or used one in person, and frankly it's a bit much for me to deal with... But seems like it would do a better job for the kids/houseguests than a lever.


http://criminalhandbook.com/aileen/glock.png

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

I wasn't limiting myself to new pistols only. Used would be OK. But on that note, Ruger has a few new pistols in that price range that seem decent. I looked at the S&W M&P at the gun show last weekend. I like the ones that I handled and that would fit into the budget also.

It would be nice to drive the Lexus, but I'm on a Toyota budget. I don't want a Yugo either so am I better off walking until I can afford the Lexus or buying the less expensive (but still decent) car?

I am going to the range later this week to try out a few loaner autos in 9mm and probably a few revolvers in .38 and .357 as well. I am still trying to get a feel for exactly what I want.


On a semi-related note, I haven't heard any mention of Beretta in this thread with the higher end guns like Sig, Glock, & H&K. I really liked the look and feel of the PX4s that were on display. If their handguns are as nice and reliable as their shotguns are then I would have thought that more of you would recommend one.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Ruger does have very nice revolvers .
The correct awnser is to try alot of different models first & purchase what works best for YOU,your budget & you families needs.
I might suggest never sell your first gun.
If it means saving up for a while to make a purchase,hold-off (within reason).
After 3 months of owning & practicing with your new first handgun,you don't want to look back & say "What the f*ck was I thinkin" buying this thing.

Finally pulled the trigger (so to speak)
 

After some more consideration, searching, shooting, and discussion with others, I went with the trusty S&W .38 Special revolver as my first handgun. I went for the Model 442 Airweight version.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore...2_SW162810.jpg

It has just about everything that I wanted: safety, reliability, commonly available ammo (if there is such a thing now). My only real change of heart was on the size factor. The more I considered it, I decided that I actually did want something that would conceal easily. I figured most of the time that I would want/need to carry a gun, I probably wouldn�t want it known that I was carrying a gun. If TSHTF and having a visible firearm becomes an asset, I'll get a belt holster for it (I�ll probably be toting around my shotgun at that point anyway).

It's fun (and challenging) to shoot the little snubby. Hopefully this won�t be my last handgun.

Re: First Handgun - advice sought
 

Good choice! excellent carry gun, very concealable. Since it's a light frame revolver this isn't something you want to put thousands of rounds through.

Edit: Consider an IWB (inside waist band),belly band or pocket holster. I use IWB and belly bands for mine.