Choosing a handgun

[skittledoo]

Advice? Josh wants to get me a handgun for home defense especially since we are planning to move out in the country more.

I'm going to get a concealed carry. I have smallish hands and want something that would fit comfortably in my hand. I'd like one that has a decent range and not too much of a punch when you shoot it yet still has enough power to easily put someone down if I had to in defense.

I'd also like one that I can do target shooting with as well. I was looking at a little one today that was nice. The barrel was super short though and Josh didn't think it would be so good for target shooting and its more of a strictly home.defense gun.

So those of you with gun experience. What's a good handgun that might be a good fit for what I'm looking more that's no more than $500?

I do already know how to shoot and own a few rifles, but I want something smaller.

[stardogs]

I know nothing about guns or selecting one, but what about finding a gun range that might let you try some out?

[ACooper]

I wouldn't say I have much experience, but I can tell you what I decided on when I was in your shoes

I went with a .38 s&w airweight. It's a nice light weight revolver and I've been quite happy with it. Not a good target practice gun for a few reasons......one, like Josh said, it has a short (snub) barrel, and of course burning through .38 bullets can get costly 'cause they go FAST when you're having fun, LOL For home defense though I love it, I keep it loaded with hollows.

For target practice, Kevin's dad passed on his .22 High Standard pistol .........I LOVE target practice with it! It has a nice long barrel (about 5 1/2 inches!) and it's pretty easy to be an accurate shot with it. So fun and CHEAP to play with! It takes a .22 LR so we can shoot for hours for a little $$

Hopefully you can find something to fit all your needs. I'll probably end up with a small .22 for my purse, been looking around at a few lately But I can't see me ever getting rid of my smithy for home defense........I <3 it.

[Renee750il]

I can't help it . . . Two threads, Skittle: "My mom" and "choosing a handgun."

[Doberluv]

I have a .38 police special. It's small and very easy to conceal...easy to hold when you have small hands. It was recommended to me when I asked the police about it years ago. Not that fun for target shooting but one of the best for a lady's hand gun/self defense.

[TuffStuff]

You might look at a Ruger SR9. You're wanting something you can conceal and something that will fit nicely in your hands, and I think this is a good bet. I believe it should be right around your price range, as well.

I would definitely take Erin's advice. There are lots of places around here that let you try out guns before you buy them. I would find a place like that in your area. You could also go to a range and rent the gun you want to try, but that can get a little pricey.

[Lyzelle]

Originally Posted by Renee750il

I can't help it . . . Two threads, Skittle: "My mom" and "choosing a handgun."

LOL, I thought the same thing!

No advice for guns, though!

[SizzleDog]

I have a Ruger LC9 as my primary concealed carry. I LOVE it - I specifically chose it due to its size and simplicity. I have two completely different guns (a Ruger GP100 and a Ruger Redhawk) for home defense, simply because I feel more comfortable having a revolver loaded at all times.... and they pack a LOT more punch than my LC9. I couldn't carry either of those revolvers as a concealed carry, they're too heavy and just plain too BIG.

ETA.... taget shooting. LC9 wouldn't be an ideal gun for this. If I had to choose one of my three handguns for target shooting, I'd choose the Redhawk.

Also ETA.... I never liked revolvers until I got a few. Now I really enjoy them.

[Kat09Tails]

I own a 38 special J frame and have smallish hands. I love it. Not too much kick, easy to maintain, load, and very concealable.

[Zizzy35]

Dh got me a Walther .22 colt I believe it's called to start out with. He calls it the bedroom gun. We can't carry here in NJ. His off duty gun is a 38 revolver.

I can ask him when he gets up for work.