re: Handgun for home protection and hiking (I know nothing about guns)

Judge

/thread

This is what I'd have



.44 special for the bedstand

.44 thermonuclear magnums for woods

I carried a S&W model 27 in .357 magnum when I was in the mountains...didn't realize how vulnerable I was until a freind got robbed and cut at a boat ramp in lafayette...now, if I am away from civilization, I carry...

quote:

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NawlinsTigah270

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Thanks for stopping by the OB for your firearm needs. You are in good hands.

If you may be leaning towards getting a revolver, I think Weagle and Downshift are two of the most knowledgeable here (sorry if I am forgetting someone!). They can point you in the right direction to a solid 357 mag or 44 mag.

Now, for a woods gun you also need to consider weight. Like others said, a steel revolver will be pretty hefty. But the upside is that you can load those thermonuclear rounds that Downshift alluded to. Revolvers are built for some extremely high horsepower rounds. They can dish out the pain, to put it bluntly.

Now if you want a general home defense and woods pistol just in general, I think you may get some good use out of a 10mm. It is a bit expensive to shoot since the ammo isn't as common but it is one of the higher power semi auto cartridges out there that would work well against 2 or 4 legged attackers. 357 Sig is another oddball round but doesn't have the capacity to shoot as heavy of a bullet as a 10mm. Typically, the heavier the bullet, the farther the bullet will penetrate. If you have a heavy, fast round, that is very good for the woods.

I would also consider an 18" 12 gauge shotgun. A shotgun is one of the most versatile weapons on the planet. It can be loaded to pop quail, ducks, geese, turkey, deer, people, bear, moose, etc. You can use a multitude of shotgun ammo for different situations. Then again, it is a long gun and will be a bit more to lug around in the woods. But 5-7 rounds of buckshot can lay a hurting on most anything in the woods.

If you're still thinking about a handgun though, this video may clear up a few things although it doesn't perfectly pertain to woods carry.

First Time Firearm Buyers

You said (I know nothing about guns)

Your first handgun must be a revolver.

If you have the funds for more than one gun, buy a .22 revolver and practice shooting with it responsibly. Google "the 10 rules of gun safety", learn them and take a gun safety course. Don't let your pride get in the way - you will be a more responsible gun owner for it.

After you've put yourself through the paces, and decide to get a different gun, consider a larger caliber revolver. If you want to train yourself on a different weapon, start investigating a semi-auto.

The Ruger LCR is a good light revolver if you are planning to use it for camping. Not sure how large of a weapon you are looking for, but if you are talking bears, forget the light aspect and get a bigger gun.

For home defense, a shotgun is the best way to go. If you have family members in the house or live in an apartment with thin walls, it is the only way to go.

Any snub revolver is going to be very frustrating for a noob and most experienced people. They kick like a pissed plow mule, put flash-bangs to shame, and to top it off are tough to hit anything with. IMO a snubbie is an experts gun or a 3inches or less belly gun for most.

I like the 10mm suggestion alot if the op wants a semi auto. It would be my first choice if i got a plastic gun. With hot loads its close to .41mag power and more than adequate for self defense up to and including black bears.

Glock 10mm - 16rd capacity
.357mag
.44mag

Buy an elcheapo beretta neos....shoot until comfy.

Then buy a 10mm with truncated rounds. Slay any bear that gets snarky.




Realistically, you need to shoot something with minimal recoil and progress into something larger you are comfortable with.



As for loose tolerancez on a 1911....the original design was loose and likely as reliable as any polymer gun. The quest for accuracy brought the issues if you ask me.

Since your not a gun guy and probably don't want to spend a fortune get you an SCCY 9mm. This is my jeep gun, and for the price point a great shooting, very accurate gun. I use it quite a bit to plink at the range with as well.