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Message
What's the best handgun for self defense?
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:54 am
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:54 am
Looking for a handgun to keep at the house for self defense. So far I have looked at a glock 17 and like the fact that it can carry multiple bullets. So what's the best handgun for self defense?
16
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:55 am to Paradise13
judge
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:55 am to Paradise13
Judge in each hand
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:55 am to Paradise13
aw sheeet..
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:58 am to Paradise13
quote:
Paradise13
a guy i worked with just came in my office and asked me this same question... andy?? haha
I told him
quote:
Judge in each hand
This post was edited on 12/12/12 at 8:59 am
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:59 am to Paradise13
Most handguns will carry multiple bullets.
But since you have already looked at the glock go ahead and check of the Springfield XD's and XDm's as well as the smith and Wesson M&P's. they are all polymer pistols close the same price point. All are good quality weapons.
But since you have already looked at the glock go ahead and check of the Springfield XD's and XDm's as well as the smith and Wesson M&P's. they are all polymer pistols close the same price point. All are good quality weapons.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 8:59 am to Paradise13
a loaded one without trigger lock on it
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:00 am to Paradise13
Be ready for a dozen answers, each one 100% positive that it is the only answer.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:02 am to Paradise13
Ok, all grabassing aside, what is your experience with handguns? Will anyone else use it? Are you comfortable with a semiauto? Would you prefer the simplicity of a revolver? Have you been shopping yet? Go with what feels good in your hand.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:04 am to Paradise13
Judge, akimbo.
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:09 am to Paradise13
I recommend going to a gun show and handling several different guns, find out what feels comfortable. everyone has their own preference. I keep my XD-45 in my nightstand, i picked that one because i just really liked the feel of it.
if you have a SO may want to look at a single action revolver so she easily learn to shoot it as well
if you have a SO may want to look at a single action revolver so she easily learn to shoot it as well
Posted on 12/12/12 at 9:11 am to Paradise13
Start with a checklist of what you want/don't want.
1) Caliber? 9mm, 40sw, 45acp.
2) Price? (This will go a long way in determining your options.)
3) Polymer / Steel and Striker / Hammer
4) Capacity (this will also rule out certain types)
5) Ergonomics (this will definitely rule out several types)
If I were going in cold turkey, not knowing anything about anything...I would gravitate toward the Springfield XDm pistols. You get a lot of "extras" with the pistol. Easy assembly / disassemble pistol. Easy controls. Enough safeties to be comfortable having it loaded w/o accidental discharge (Glock). Not too many safeties to have a brain freeze and not be able to make it shoot (1911).
I have owned Numerous Glocks and knight for them pretty hard on the board just to let people know that there are other options other than a 1911. I doubt I would buy one now due to other companies building better mousetraps so to speak. I still steadfastly contend that they are one of if not the most reliable platform on the market...but almost all the polymers will spit 10,000 rounds these days.
1) Caliber? 9mm, 40sw, 45acp.
2) Price? (This will go a long way in determining your options.)
3) Polymer / Steel and Striker / Hammer
4) Capacity (this will also rule out certain types)
5) Ergonomics (this will definitely rule out several types)
If I were going in cold turkey, not knowing anything about anything...I would gravitate toward the Springfield XDm pistols. You get a lot of "extras" with the pistol. Easy assembly / disassemble pistol. Easy controls. Enough safeties to be comfortable having it loaded w/o accidental discharge (Glock). Not too many safeties to have a brain freeze and not be able to make it shoot (1911).
I have owned Numerous Glocks and knight for them pretty hard on the board just to let people know that there are other options other than a 1911. I doubt I would buy one now due to other companies building better mousetraps so to speak. I still steadfastly contend that they are one of if not the most reliable platform on the market...but almost all the polymers will spit 10,000 rounds these days.
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.
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 12/12/12 at 9:37 am
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.
Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:06 pm to Paradise13
quote:That's like asking how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.
What's the best handgun for self defense?
Posted on 12/13/12 at 9:26 pm to Paradise13
12 guage. 00 buckshot.
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. :-)
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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