Which hand gun to buy

If you are set on a revolver, search the used gun sites for a used Ruger or SW. Don't get a Rossi.

I don't think you can buy a Smith 357 brand new for less than 500.

If budget is your only restraint, get a Taurus. You can't go wrong with a revolver of any kind, IMO. A cheaper revolver is much more reliable than a cheap automatic pistol.

I have a Ruger gp100 and really enjoy shooting that gun. Ruger also makes a sp100 and a LCR that would be good.

Smith makes great guns as well

Rossi is junk

Taurus isn't junk but it isn't the best, but they have very good customer service, at least that's what a very good friend of mine that sells guns told me.

Your biggest decision is what barrel length to get. You'll probably end up buying 2 revolvers.

I'd get a 1 7/8" pocket .38 special first and a 4" .357 later. I prefer S&W over Ruger.

glock 19

Ruger SP101 or GP100 .357 Revolver.

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mainly for self defense
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Carry or home? There's a big difference.

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D Tide, That's the FIRST question you need to ask yourself. Once you know that, it will narrow your choices greatly.

If this is for home defense/truck gun (i.e. NOT concealed carry), then I'd suggest a bigger and heavier gun. When shooting a handgun (especially for a relative newbie), size is your friend; bigger and heavier (as long as it's not TOO big or heavy) are generally easier to shoot and handle than are smaller and lighter. For non-concealed carry, get a full size, all steel, 6-8 shot revolver. Buy the best you can afford. Don't get a laser. S&W and Ruger make some great guns. Taurus and Rossi are not junk (I've got both and have been very happy w/ them), but they're not nearly as refined as Ruger and S&W. If a Taurus or Rossi is the best you can afford, then go w/ it. But be sure and check the used market first for a S&W or Ruger.

If you're talking about cc, a light, 5 shot, double action only revolver like the Ruger LCR would be great.

At the range, use BOTH ear plugs and muffs (you can buy a pair of inexpensive Caldwell electronic muffs on sale at www.midwayusa.com for only $24). Practice w/ 38 Special ammo, working your way up to full power 357 Mag rounds as you learn to handle the recoil/muzzle blast. The 357 Magnum is one of the best man-stoppers out there. Finish your research promptly so you can go buy yourself a gun for Christmas and start shooting it!

If this is your first handgun, I'd definitely recommend staying away from .357. Especially with the shorter barrels, .357 is hard to control for novice shooters. You can easily find a used S&W airweight .38 special for under $500. Load it with +P rounds, and it'll be totally adequate for self defense.