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nelatf 
Louisiana Tech Fan
NELA
Member since Jan 2011
369 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:36 am to Paradise13)
Like the other poster wrote:
20 guage youth model pump. That is your best self defense weapon because it appears you have limited gun experience.
If you get a pistol you'll shoot yourself in the leg.
BTW - I keep a youth model 870 pump 20 guage ready for action at Casa de NELATF.
This post was edited on 12/12 at 9:37 am
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Hammertime 
LSU Fan
Hiding in your back seat
Member since Jan 2012
8875 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 11:14 am to nelatf)
I was just about to make the same post. My step dad is looking for one right now.
He wants:
9mm
Not much of a safety to mess around with
Wants to carry it
Price doesn't matter
Doesn't know if polymer or metal framed
Oh yeah, he has somewhat fat hands
Only thing I could come up with is the baby glock. Anything else he should be looking at? I am not much of a pistol guy. Only thing I have ever carried is a 10mm glock
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j5geaux
Scotch Fan
Member since Nov 2007
2315 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 11:20 am to Hammertime)
Sig 239 or similar model.
ETA: This was directed at Hammertime, not the OP.
This post was edited on 12/12 at 11:37 am
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Phoenix43
LSU Fan
Member since Sep 2012
91 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 12:04 pm to j5geaux)
I keep a Sig P220 .45 If you are going to get a handgun get a man stopper
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Hammertime
LSU Fan
Hiding in your back seat
Member since Jan 2012
8875 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 12:33 pm to Phoenix43)
From what i have been reading, Sig quality has taken a hit as of late. What i am coming up with now is a HK p2000sk and a G26.
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El Josey Wales
LSU Fan
Greater Geismar
Member since Nov 2007
19500 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 12:35 pm to Hammertime)
Glock 19
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Preys on Gumps
LSU Fan
Wrigleyville
Member since May 2012
1995 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/12/12 at 1:02 pm to El Josey Wales)
CZ P-07 Duty
LINK /
Sweet fricking gun.
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olgoi khorkhoi
Bucknell Fan
priapism survivor
Member since May 2011
1961 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 8:57 pm to Paradise13)
quote:
So far I have looked at a glock 17 and like the fact that it can carry multiple bullets.
frick that
give me a single shot pistol all day mon-friday, twice on sat, and a baker's dozen-ish on sun.
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El Josey Wales
LSU Fan
Greater Geismar
Member since Nov 2007
19500 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:01 pm to olgoi khorkhoi)
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Ole Geauxt
LSU Fan
KnowLa.
Member since Dec 2007
30131 posts
 Online
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:03 pm to olgoi khorkhoi)
looks like an offshore flare gun.. 
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I Love Bama 
Alabama Fan
Alabama
Member since Nov 2007
27909 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:04 pm to Hammertime)
I would normally say the glock 19 but it's a little big for a carry weapon. Imo
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El Josey Wales
LSU Fan
Greater Geismar
Member since Nov 2007
19500 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:06 pm to I Love Bama)
It really isn't. I used to think the same thing. Just takes the right belt and holster to be comfortable. It is amazing what a good sturdy pistol belt can do.
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Geauxtiga
NC-Wilmington Fan
No man's land
Member since Jan 2008
24642 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:06 pm to Paradise13)
quote:
What's the best handgun for self defense?
That's like asking how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.
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AlxTgr
LSU Fan
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
28272 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:19 pm to Geauxtiga)
One..two...three. Three.
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AlmaDawg 
Georgia Fan
Slow Hell
Member since Sep 2012
2398 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:26 pm to Paradise13)
12 guage. 00 buckshot.
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TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill
Member since Sep 2008
1863 posts
| re: What's the best handgun for self defense? (Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:44 pm to Paradise13)
Paradise,
I'm going to go against the grain here in light of your (and I'll assume your wife's) inexperience w/ handguns.
Cliff's Notes version:
Since your inexperienced w/ handguns, I'd suggest a full size (4-6" barrel), steel frame, 6 shot (or more) revolver w/ fixed sights chambered in 357 Mag. Start off shooting mild 38 Special rounds, advancing to +P 38 Spec loads when you can handle them. Advance to full 357 Mag loads ONLY once you've mastered the +P 38 Spec loads. If you can't make it to 357 Mag loads, just stay w/ the +P 38 Spec loads, which are still very formidable self defense rounds. A similar sized gun in 38 Special w/ +P rounds is good too if you don't have any interest in the recoil/muzzle blast of the 357 Mag.
If you'd rather have a semi-auto, I'd suggest a full size 9mm from a reputable manufacturer, e.g. S&W (M&P series), Springfield Armory (XD series), Ruger (SR series), Glock, Sig, CZ or Beretta. I prefer DAO or SAO, but you may well prefer SA/DA type. Likewise, I mostly prefer no external safeties, but you may want a safety. If you're experienced and comfortable w/ the platform, a reliable 1911 is appropriate, as well. Try to handle, and shoot, a number of semi-autos before deciding which one to buy. Some of the bigger cities have shooting ranges that will let you rent a handgun and shoot for a period of time.
As already mentioned, for home use, the best self defense weapon is not a handgun, but a shotgun, usually a 12 gauge, but 20 gauge is a good choice, as well.
Full Version:For a self defense gun that is NOT going to be used in concealed carry, you don't want, nor need a compact or subcompact gun; get a full size gun w/ a steel frame. All things being equal, a smaller and lighter gun is generally more difficult to shoot well than is a larger and heavier gun, especially for newbies. Personally, I think revolvers are easier for most newbies to learn w/ than are semi-autos. OTOH, some newbies start out w/ semi-autos w/o any problems. No one can know but you which category you'll fall in to.
The best self defense calibers are 9mm, 357 Mag, 357 Sig, 40 S&W and 45 ACP; the 38 Special also has a good track record, but not like the above.
The semi-auto vs revolver debate always generates a lot of interest. Ruger, Colt, Chiappa and Smith & Wesson are top notch makers of revolvers; other makers that seem to have spotty quality control include Charter Arms, Rossi and Taurus.
Given your inexperience, I recommend some formal training in handgun handling and safety.
Last, if you can swing it, I'd strongly consider buying a 22 LR to learn the basics of handgun handling and to practice w/. If you want a revolver for self defense, make the 22 LR a revolver; if the SD gun is a semi auto, get a semi auto 22 LR.
Good luck. Let us know what you buy and be sure and include PICS. :-)
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