re: Which hand gun to buy

quote:

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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!