2nd Handgun?

metweezer

Inactive
I love my Ruger SR9C but I want a second handgun to add to my collection. It will be for home defense and range shooting. Any suggestions?
 
You can find .38 revolvers online for a good price. For a few hundred more I'd go for a nice Ruger or Smith and Wesson .357. Touching off a magnum is fun!!!!
 
Since this won't be a ccw, I would go with a full size. Just some ideas but...

CZ75
Beretta 92
1911

or you could go with a revolver

Ruger GP100
S&W 686

Another option which everyone should have is a good 22.
 
I love my Ruger SR9C but I want a second handgun to add to my collection. It will be for home defense and range shooting. Any suggestions?

Well, get the fullsize SR9. Keep the same platform and ammo so that you can shoot it more. I did this with the M&P 9 and 9c and I use the fullsize 9 as my main HD pistol (my Mossy 590A1 is my main HD weapon) and I put a Streamlight TLR-1 light on it. My 9c can use my 9 mags which is cool too.

If you ever want to get a 3rd gun then you should branch out and get a different caliber (i.e. .357 or .45) or brand.

Good luck on your decision.
 
1. a full sized 1911 in 9mm or .45 (I opt for 9mm to keep cost low).
2. a S&W 15/67 or s&W 14 4" or 6" barrel.
 
Smith 686+ (7 shot) - 4" - loaded with warm .38+Ps for home, .38s at the range, and several handfuls of "regular" .(Mix of 125 and 158 gr) 357 occasionally just to remember what it's like/maintain proficiency...and for woods duty if you're the sort to enjoy that too. I don't recall if you stated where you live, but here in the desert (but you could say the same for any of the southern tier states) - March through October, the first two chambers are loaded with snakeshot when out in no-legged country.

I disagree with the full size auto comment(s)--SR9 etc. Other than accessory rail (?)--and I believe the "c" will accept a light anyway-- it won't do much your "c" doesn't...I'm saying that with the luxury of knowing you already have the SR9c. That's the beauty of the SR9c, M&Pc, and others of their ilk,..with their accessory extendo grip/magazine (17 with the SRCc) they can double as a big boy. Get something different with (near) completely different capabilities, function, IMHO.

However, IF going auto, I'll +1 a full-size 1911. In .45 ACP. It IS "enough" different to spark your interest and can do the woods duty if need be. I still say it's easy: 686+ and be done with it! If budget's more an issue, find a used police/Highway patrol turn-in .357 (19, 66, etc--these like 158s better). J&G Sales, Prescott AZ as one good source,as may have already been mentioned.

.
 
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It will be for home defense and range shooting. Any suggestions?

I'd suggest a k-frame Smith & Wesson in 357mag. Model 13, Model 19, Model 65 or Model 66 with a 4" barrel. Readily available on the used market at good prices. Very good shooters and they handle very nicely, too. You can choose between 38spl or 357mag ammo, as they'll digest either. I have several and can enthusiastically recommend them.
 
A Beretta 92 is a classic, and one of the most handsome guns being produced, IMO. If you want something for home defense that won't be carried, it is a fine choice.

But if you are satisfied with the defensive capabilities of the Ruger, why not just store it in such a way that it is readily accessible for home defense? Then you can get a .22 for the range and cheap plinking. It is a great thing to be able to almost completely disregard ammo cost. Ruger Mark series, Browning Buckmark, and Beretta Neos are all worthy of consideration.
 
Tailgator makes some good points in that last post. There is absolutely nothing--HD wise--a fullsize auto (9) is going to do your SR9c can't do already, SO... Unless need a backup to compact 9, or you'd prefer the "absolutely"-go bang-every-time reliability of a revolver for "bedside" duty, or anticipate woods (camping, tromping, hunting) duty. Stick with what you have and add a .22--Mark series Ruger auto or even SA Single Six--for range fun.
 
I would find a nice used S&W revolver and practice shooting double action only with it. Once you get the hang of it you might see some improvement on your trigger skills with other guns.
 
Metweezer:

There are many choices to choose from. If I were in your shoes, because you have an auto loader, I would choose a revolver for your second gun. In my opinion Smith & Wesson and Ruger are the two best choices. I would choose a Smith & Wesson modle 19 or modle 66 in a four inch barrel over Ruger's six series only because with an action job the Smiths are in the Colt Python catagory. Keep in mind though, that both guns are excellent in quality and durability.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
 
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metweezer,

You already have a good gun for home defense with the
Ruger SR9C.

I would get something for purely range use. Like a good .22lr
pistol. I like the Ruger MKIII

images


Get 500 or so rounds for $18 dollars can't beat that :)
 
+1 to microman's suggestion

It should have been your FIRST gun. A good 22 is indispensable. Accurate, reliable, fun, affordable.

If you're like me, you will question whether this might be the better home defense gun, since it is so much easier to shoot accurately. Is it better to drill the guy several times with a high velocity, solid point 22, or maybe one hit with a 9? It's a tough call.

Ruger Mk. II Target, 5.5" bull barrel. A gun like this would always stay in your collection.

I think for your SR9c, you can get an extended magazine, so that it fits the hand like a full size SR9, but with a shorter barrel, right? That might be a good idea too.

Here's my first gun, a Ruger Mk. II Target model. It is ultra-accurate, easily putting 10 rounds in 3" at 25 yards offhand, even with my pitiful level of talent. (and with crappy bulk ammo!)

RugerMkIITarget_2.jpg


RugerMkIITarget_1.jpg


6eb59e92.jpg
 
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