ADVICE NEEDED in gun purchase for newbie
- Thread starter Scamp
- Start date
Majic:
The problem with that is that unless you are loading those in a short barrel snubby, the snakeshot rounds loose their effectiveness against snakes due to the "donut pattern" effect. And if you really did need a HP round because of a 4 legged threat, shooting it with a sparse bird shot round will just make it madder. Ok, maybe you'll take out an eye, or hope that the pain of the birdshot and the noise will deter the attack, but that's about all you can hope for; I for one sure wouldn't want to bet the farm on it. Against 2 legged threats, you may find them somewhat better (added psychological effect), but even then I'd recommend against it -- you are still more likely to just antagonize the BG. While what you suggest may be a short term answer (better than nothing), I'd still recommend going the dedicated derringer/mini-revolver route for the snake shot.
Oh -- Scamp: keep in mind that you can cover both of those bases nicely and still stay within your budget. For instance, I bought my 4" 686 back in November for $300, used. If you check around, I think you'll find that you can beat that price. You ought to be able to pick up a somewhat lighter K frame S&W for about the same price. Likewise, you can pick up a derringer or one of those mini-revolvers, or even a cheap-o snubby for the snakeshot for less than $200. Combined, you are still under budget. I'd go with one of those NAA mini-revolvers, they are incredibly light, just the ticket for snakes.
The problem with that is that unless you are loading those in a short barrel snubby, the snakeshot rounds loose their effectiveness against snakes due to the "donut pattern" effect. And if you really did need a HP round because of a 4 legged threat, shooting it with a sparse bird shot round will just make it madder. Ok, maybe you'll take out an eye, or hope that the pain of the birdshot and the noise will deter the attack, but that's about all you can hope for; I for one sure wouldn't want to bet the farm on it. Against 2 legged threats, you may find them somewhat better (added psychological effect), but even then I'd recommend against it -- you are still more likely to just antagonize the BG. While what you suggest may be a short term answer (better than nothing), I'd still recommend going the dedicated derringer/mini-revolver route for the snake shot.
Oh -- Scamp: keep in mind that you can cover both of those bases nicely and still stay within your budget. For instance, I bought my 4" 686 back in November for $300, used. If you check around, I think you'll find that you can beat that price. You ought to be able to pick up a somewhat lighter K frame S&W for about the same price. Likewise, you can pick up a derringer or one of those mini-revolvers, or even a cheap-o snubby for the snakeshot for less than $200. Combined, you are still under budget. I'd go with one of those NAA mini-revolvers, they are incredibly light, just the ticket for snakes.
Guy B. Meredith
New member
Some of the firearms mentioned here ARE fixed sight type. This means you cannot adjust the rear sights. If you want to use your revolver for most sports/recreational activities you will want adjustable rear sights.
shoots awe lots
New member
Go to the gun shop or gun shows and handle alot of revolvers. The gp 100 4" is pretty heavy, the gp 100 3" is lighter and easier to handle with small hands. My wife likes my model 36 smith because of weight and size. My eighteen year old daughter who might weigh 90 lbs soaking wet likes my Kimber 4" 45acp(smart girl). Point being is if you have to stick to one gun make sure it is what you want and feels good to you in both handling and recoil, remember shot placement is what really matters.
Kimber 4" 45acp
Hi. Please tell me more about this gun. Haven't heard of them yet. Any pictures of it?
Thank you all for all your input.
Is there a reputable used gun dealer/magazine for the sowest or online store you shop at?
Would LOVE to go to a gun show. I'll keep my eyes open. Are there gun magazines and newspapers you would recommend? I've looked on the racks and there's so many it's kind of overwhelming. Also, much of the info is not what I need so it's easy to feel lost in the pool of it all. My class is next month and would like to make up my mind on a gun before then, if possible.
Hi. Please tell me more about this gun. Haven't heard of them yet. Any pictures of it?
Thank you all for all your input.
Is there a reputable used gun dealer/magazine for the sowest or online store you shop at?
Would LOVE to go to a gun show. I'll keep my eyes open. Are there gun magazines and newspapers you would recommend? I've looked on the racks and there's so many it's kind of overwhelming. Also, much of the info is not what I need so it's easy to feel lost in the pool of it all. My class is next month and would like to make up my mind on a gun before then, if possible.
Jim Watson
New member
Kimber 4" .45 ACP?
No.
Maybe for about your third pistol. Illustrated as the Kimber Compact and Pro Carry models:
http://www.kimberamerica.com/compact.php
I'd rather see you with a revolver or a less controversial automatic to start out with. For example, Glocks are ugly but they are simple, sturdy, and reliable.
Wish you were here, I'd let you try several guns you might get along with.
Just remember, you are not driving the only car you will ever have, you are not living in the only house you will ever have, and you don't have to look at this as the only gun you will ever own. You can add or swap around as your
interests, needs, and abilities grow.
Most of the gun magazines on the newsstands are trash, written from company press releases. You don't ever see anything unfavorable said about the most egregious junk.
The books I learned the basics from are mostly out of print and out of date.
'Armed and Female' by Paxton Quigley would probably be worthwhile.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-6064705-0490319
No.
Maybe for about your third pistol. Illustrated as the Kimber Compact and Pro Carry models:
http://www.kimberamerica.com/compact.php
I'd rather see you with a revolver or a less controversial automatic to start out with. For example, Glocks are ugly but they are simple, sturdy, and reliable.
Wish you were here, I'd let you try several guns you might get along with.
Just remember, you are not driving the only car you will ever have, you are not living in the only house you will ever have, and you don't have to look at this as the only gun you will ever own. You can add or swap around as your
interests, needs, and abilities grow.
Most of the gun magazines on the newsstands are trash, written from company press releases. You don't ever see anything unfavorable said about the most egregious junk.
The books I learned the basics from are mostly out of print and out of date.
'Armed and Female' by Paxton Quigley would probably be worthwhile.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-6064705-0490319
Mastrogiacomo
New member
Woman shooter here, love the 686 4" so much, I'm getting the 2" -- and I have "tiny piano hands." However, if weight is really an issue, got my father the GP100 3" which is a great firearm. I have the model 60 2" which I also love and it's a great carry piece too. Did I already mention, little if any recoil on all the mentioned guns? 
RossI Model 351 38 special/2 in. barrel-
Dear Everyone: Thanks for the additional feedback. Just saw the above in a store and felt comfortable with it and its price of $300. WHAT DO ALL OF YOU THINK???? Taurus of Brazil manufactures it.
Who puts out the 686? The 60 is a S and W right? Maybe I need to see the Ruger GP 100 with the 3 " barrel as the 4 " seemed a bit too heavy for hiking around my land with. Wish i could shoot them all before buying. I'll see what the shooting range has available for renting. Thanks again, friends.
Dear Everyone: Thanks for the additional feedback. Just saw the above in a store and felt comfortable with it and its price of $300. WHAT DO ALL OF YOU THINK???? Taurus of Brazil manufactures it.
Who puts out the 686? The 60 is a S and W right? Maybe I need to see the Ruger GP 100 with the 3 " barrel as the 4 " seemed a bit too heavy for hiking around my land with. Wish i could shoot them all before buying. I'll see what the shooting range has available for renting. Thanks again, friends.
coloradochuck
New member
Tarus of Brazil? Do you mean the country of Brazil??? :barf: just kidding
Scamp...Stick to a S&W or a Ruger.
Why don't you jump in your car and take a trip down Denver way.
There is another round of the Tanner gun show the 4th and 5th of June.
They have every flavor of hangun (used and new) for sale you could imagine.
Scamp...Stick to a S&W or a Ruger.
Why don't you jump in your car and take a trip down Denver way.
There is another round of the Tanner gun show the 4th and 5th of June.
They have every flavor of hangun (used and new) for sale you could imagine.
Steve Morgan
New member
get a light weight .38!!!
Scamp,
I've been going through the same thing for the last month. I just got my CCW permit yesterday The problem I have when looking at guns to buy is that I always seem to want to take a look at the next bigger and better "shooter". By "shooter", I mean longer barrel, more weight, adjustable sights, etc. And all of those things do matter in accuracy and comfort. However, for carrying one around all day, the weight factor is huge. IMO, what you want is an airweight .38 special or .32 H&R magnum. It will be light enough that you won't leave it at home in the drawer! It won't be fun to shoot but you don't sound like you are going to be shooting alot anyway. You said "self defense" right? Do this - Borrow or rent a .22 and learn to shoot... 550 shots for less than $10. Once you have learned to shoot, then it won't take alot of practice to hit at "self defense" distances with your little carry gun. My point...... if it's small and light, you WILL carry it.
Just my $.02
One more thing... about automatics.... I've had two (Springfield XD and Para Warthog) and both have jammed periodically.... not many times, but just enough to blow my confidence.
Scamp,
I've been going through the same thing for the last month. I just got my CCW permit yesterday
The problem I have when looking at guns to buy is that I always seem to want to take a look at the next bigger and better "shooter". By "shooter", I mean longer barrel, more weight, adjustable sights, etc. And all of those things do matter in accuracy and comfort. However, for carrying one around all day, the weight factor is huge. IMO, what you want is an airweight .38 special or .32 H&R magnum. It will be light enough that you won't leave it at home in the drawer! It won't be fun to shoot but you don't sound like you are going to be shooting alot anyway. You said "self defense" right? Do this - Borrow or rent a .22 and learn to shoot... 550 shots for less than $10. Once you have learned to shoot, then it won't take alot of practice to hit at "self defense" distances with your little carry gun. My point...... if it's small and light, you WILL carry it. Just my $.02
One more thing... about automatics.... I've had two (Springfield XD and Para Warthog) and both have jammed periodically.... not many times, but just enough to blow my confidence.
REvolver choice
The 3 inch GP-100 should be just as accurate as the 4 inch. The only difference really is the 4 has an adjustable sight and the 3 inch has a fixed sight that is a bit smaller and is not adjustable if your chosen load doesn't shoot right on. I would also like to point out that the smaller grips on the 3 inch will fit the larger gun too if you prefer the smaller grip. The rugers are king for grip design because there is no grip frame to dictate the size of grip. They just have a stud that goes down into the grip area. There is a huge range of grips and shapes available that will fit it. Pachmayr, Houge, etc., Lett, etc.
The 3 inch GP-100 should be just as accurate as the 4 inch. The only difference really is the 4 has an adjustable sight and the 3 inch has a fixed sight that is a bit smaller and is not adjustable if your chosen load doesn't shoot right on. I would also like to point out that the smaller grips on the 3 inch will fit the larger gun too if you prefer the smaller grip. The rugers are king for grip design because there is no grip frame to dictate the size of grip. They just have a stud that goes down into the grip area. There is a huge range of grips and shapes available that will fit it. Pachmayr, Houge, etc., Lett, etc.
I didn't know Taurus & Rossi were in bed together!!! But the Rossi website sure seems to suggest that. I owned a Rossi 35102 several years back. I picked it up at a gun show for $200.00. It's a cheap wheelie, and cheap is as cheap does! At $300.00 your paying the full MSRP. My GP-100 just cost me $400.00, and the quality comparison isn't even close.
The Rossi may be OK for a first gun, but you'd be better off with a Taurus 85 or 65 series for just about the same price. My Taurus Ultra-Lite .38Spl. +p is a nice shooter, just a little loud. At 15oz's I carry it in a pocket holster.
Neither Taurus or Rossi are in the same class as the Ruger GP-100. Having said that I would, and do highly recommend the Taurus Tracker 627, .357/.38Spl. +p 4" which should cost $350 to $400. I've had a Ruger SP101 for a while, and just purchased my 2nd GP-100 .357/.38Spl. +p, 3". I put 100 rounds through it today. My opinion, it's the best .357/.38Spl. +p available.
You're young, and the weight of the GP-100 shouldn't be a problem for you. It's not for me...
Rossi 2" =24oz's. :barf:
Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite 2" =15oz's.
Taurus Tracker 627, 4" =28.8oz's
Ruger SP101 =3" =27oz's.
Ruger GP-100 3" =36oz's.
The Rossi may be OK for a first gun, but you'd be better off with a Taurus 85 or 65 series for just about the same price. My Taurus Ultra-Lite .38Spl. +p is a nice shooter, just a little loud. At 15oz's I carry it in a pocket holster.
Neither Taurus or Rossi are in the same class as the Ruger GP-100. Having said that I would, and do highly recommend the Taurus Tracker 627, .357/.38Spl. +p 4" which should cost $350 to $400. I've had a Ruger SP101 for a while, and just purchased my 2nd GP-100 .357/.38Spl. +p, 3". I put 100 rounds through it today. My opinion, it's the best .357/.38Spl. +p available.
You're young, and the weight of the GP-100 shouldn't be a problem for you. It's not for me...
Rossi 2" =24oz's. :barf:
Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite 2" =15oz's.
Taurus Tracker 627, 4" =28.8oz's
Ruger SP101 =3" =27oz's.
Ruger GP-100 3" =36oz's.
ghillieman
New member
foreget recoil!!!!!!!!
hey scamp foreget all you have heard about recoil...... after a few times you won't even notice, its all what you get used too..... when I here guys (not girls) talk about recoil I think sissey!!!!!!! (no offence to all the sissey's out there) my wife is a little person but she will shoot the 454 casull< 44 mag, or what ever... so take my advice get good training and shoot, shoot ,shoot.... my 3 cents worth....ghillieman
hey scamp foreget all you have heard about recoil...... after a few times you won't even notice, its all what you get used too..... when I here guys (not girls) talk about recoil I think sissey!!!!!!! (no offence to all the sissey's out there) my wife is a little person but she will shoot the 454 casull< 44 mag, or what ever... so take my advice get good training and shoot, shoot ,shoot.... my 3 cents worth....ghillieman
Understood!
Thank you so much. You all cleared that up in a hurry. OK. I'm back to probably the Ruger 3 " GP-100 or a S & W. Any chance that Tanner Gun Show or something similar is making its way to Albuquerque or Santa Fe next month?????Where can I learn where the gun shows are going to be held???
Thank you so much. You all cleared that up in a hurry. OK. I'm back to probably the Ruger 3 " GP-100 or a S & W. Any chance that Tanner Gun Show or something similar is making its way to Albuquerque or Santa Fe next month?????Where can I learn where the gun shows are going to be held???
Brent Strande
Inactive
Going back to the first page... on the defense:
You don't need a separate gun for snake defense... Venemous snakes aren't out to get you, and the best defense if you see one is to simply turn around and walk away! That's quicker than drawing your revolver and blasting away. The venemous snakes are also an important part of your area, keeping down vermin and rodent populations, I'd recommend leaving the snakes be.
As for the other 4-leggeds, if they are gettting close, they may follow you, where the gun would provide defense. The 2-leggeds: hard to trust, that'll be your judgement!
Just wanted to point out the snake part, as if you run into one and back away, it won't follow you as a predator would!
You don't need a separate gun for snake defense... Venemous snakes aren't out to get you, and the best defense if you see one is to simply turn around and walk away! That's quicker than drawing your revolver and blasting away. The venemous snakes are also an important part of your area, keeping down vermin and rodent populations, I'd recommend leaving the snakes be.
As for the other 4-leggeds, if they are gettting close, they may follow you, where the gun would provide defense. The 2-leggeds: hard to trust, that'll be your judgement!
Just wanted to point out the snake part, as if you run into one and back away, it won't follow you as a predator would!
Majic had it right several posts back re the snake shot (shotshell) - first one or two chambers with CCI .38./.357 shot shell, the rest backed up with 125, or 145-158 grain hollow points. Unless intended for concealed carry (doesn't sound like), stick with the 4" (despite the possible degradation of snake-shot, though I have not had that problem as many rattlers would attest - if they could) for recoil and blast reduction as well as better sight acquisition and accuracy.
Also, go with a partial to fully shrouded under-lug (shroud protecting the shell ejector under the barrel), which will help put weight up front to reduce muzzle flip/felt recoil. A set of Hogue or similar aftermarket grips on just about any of the above mentioned choices are a great idea to get that just-so comfortable feel in the hand often lacking with the factory grips (esp the Rugers, IMO, but others as well). Nice thing about the .38/.357 combo is that you can also get a nice Rossi, Winchester or Marlin lever action rifle companion....for dealing with larger critters on your land. I'm partial to the Rossi for it's Model 92 (Winchester/Browning design) action and overall weight/handiness (but cannot decently accept a scope/intended more as quick open-sights truck or trail-carry weapon).
Also, go with a partial to fully shrouded under-lug (shroud protecting the shell ejector under the barrel), which will help put weight up front to reduce muzzle flip/felt recoil. A set of Hogue or similar aftermarket grips on just about any of the above mentioned choices are a great idea to get that just-so comfortable feel in the hand often lacking with the factory grips (esp the Rugers, IMO, but others as well). Nice thing about the .38/.357 combo is that you can also get a nice Rossi, Winchester or Marlin lever action rifle companion....for dealing with larger critters on your land. I'm partial to the Rossi for it's Model 92 (Winchester/Browning design) action and overall weight/handiness (but cannot decently accept a scope/intended more as quick open-sights truck or trail-carry weapon).
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CarbineCaleb
New member
Rental ranges in NM
Hi - revolvers are definitely both simpler and require less strength to operate and load than semiautos.
I would highly recommend renting to try before you buy - here is a listing of rental ranges in NM:
http://www.packing.org/range/index.jsp?state=NM
You've gotten a lot of good advice from the experts here. But, everyone has different taste, fit/ergonomic issues, recoil sensitivity, etc.
Hi - revolvers are definitely both simpler and require less strength to operate and load than semiautos.
I would highly recommend renting to try before you buy - here is a listing of rental ranges in NM:
http://www.packing.org/range/index.jsp?state=NM
You've gotten a lot of good advice from the experts here. But, everyone has different taste, fit/ergonomic issues, recoil sensitivity, etc.
CarbineCaleb
New member
I'd second Brent's comment about a gun as "snake defense". Snakes don't eat people, and the only time it might strike you is if you step on or next to it (as people defense). By the time you can draw your gun, you can also just walk around it or walk backwards if you prefer, and the snake certainly isn't going to follow you! If you really fear/despise them, you can probably just kill it with the closest rock. Now those two-legged creatures are another matter...