First Home Defense Pistol Advice

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Oh I know, I'm not attacking you or anything. Just speaking on my thoughts of them. Perhaps there are some scenario's or people who would do better with a revolver, I don't know. I don't see myself as one though. I understand it'll take a little more getting used to on a DA/SA vs SA only, doesn't sound like an issue for me personally.

And as I posted back a bit, I am basically new to firearms aside from a 22 rifle I went to the range with a few times a decade+ ago. But I don't expect any issues. If I remember right the first time I picked the gun up I shot a 1" group at 50 feet as a teen. This is a little different, but I'll see how it goes when I get to the range this weekend.

Thanks for your advice :D
 
The irony of this statement is that it was a revolver he missed with...
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A hand cannon, rapid fired in double action by an amateur. I would have cocked the hammer, snuck out, and popped him in the head. Would have been a short movie though :D

edit: OP - also, don't get too caught up in statistics. A lot of LEO guns have heavy triggers due to nazi laws in some states. Also, it's not like most of them are extremely proficient to begin with. From what I've read, most of them have a gun because they have to. They qualify once in a while, put it back in the holster, and don't shoot again for months. I would trust my life to most long time forum members before I would trust it to an LEO.

Also, know that almost all handguns suck. Statistically, you have around an 85% chance of surviving a gunshot. Don't think it's some magic death ray and people will drop instantly. Unless you get a CNS hit, they can easily keep attacking for several minutes. That is a huge misconception among most gun owners.
 
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A hand cannon, rapid fired in double action by an amateur. I would have cocked the hammer, snuck out, and popped him in the head.
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So your recommendation for a new shooter is to buy a revolver, and then thumb cock it on every shot he/she has to use? I would imagine that would also involve that amateur walking around the house with the hammer cocked in SA with no safety in the event of an intruder. Your call, but that sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
 
So your recommendation for a new shooter is to buy a revolver, and then thumb cock it on every shot he/she has to use? I would imagine that would also involve that amateur walking around the house with the hammer cocked in SA with no safety in the event of an intruder. Your call, but that sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
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Is a Beretta 92 in single action any better?

I'm done arguing. If he wants to get a 9mm, that's up to him. I just wanted to point out that they are much more complicated to operate. I think that as long as he sets his target at a realistic distance, he's going to be quite disappointed by a 9mm as a beginner. Not like the people that have their target 5 feet away and get ecstatic when they get good groups. A realistic distance that you might have to shoot in your home.

I hope that he at least tries one revolver if they have one there. It's amazing how shunned they are. I wouldn't feel even slightly undergunned with a 357 Magnum. I think that a lot of people freaking out about capacity are just compensating for their poor accuracy. I've actually heard that people are more accurate with fewer shots because they know they have to make them count. Also, every bullet that he fires he is responsible for. If he sprays 15 rounds and one hits his neighbor and kills them, he's going to prison for negligent homicide.
 
I can't help but comment on this:
What popular hammer fired SEMI AUTOMATIC guns are there? Beretta 92, CZ-75, Sigs, and? Versus Glocks, M&Ps, SRs, XDs, Ruger LC9, Smith & Wesson Shield, along with practically every CCW gun on the market.
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How many new 1911 designs come out every year and sell well?

I do agree the trend is for striker-fired pistols. I finally got one of these new-fangled things. It looks like this:
300px-FN_Model_1910_IMG_3065.jpg


Anyway,not to derail the original post. You have a good list of candidates that fulfill your need. The advice to go to a range and try some out is very sound - do it if you can. On the other hand, if you can't do that, find a good deal on a tried and tested design and get it, shoot it, and spend some time learning. Until you learn to shoot and spend some time doing it, you're never going to know exactly what you like. Odds are, after you've been shooting for a while, you'll find some new features or designs that you prefer. You can always get another gun farther down the road, or sell your first and buy, or trade. These quality designs tend to hold their value. Those cheap Berettas or S&W ex-cop guns will never go down in value. If you find something you like better later, you can probably trade up or sell for at least what you've invested.

Enjoy the ride!
 
Is a Beretta 92 in single action any better?
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No, but I wouldn't suggest walking around with one cocked either. To me a DA revolver or DA/SA pistol must be practiced in DA as that may be the only mode you have time for.

I think that as long as he sets his target at a realistic distance, he's going to be quite disappointed by a 9mm as a beginner.
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I honestly don't see how that's true. There are loads of good shooting 9mms out there, even on a budget. The 9mm allows him affordability, capacity, and low recoil.

I hope that he at least tries one revolver if they have one there.
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I agree completely. They're loads of fun and are great for learning the fundamentals. I would never sell my Model 19.

I think that a lot of people freaking out about capacity are just compensating for their poor accuracy.
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Most instructors, police, military, etc would disagree.

I've actually heard that people are more accurate with fewer shots because they know they have to make them count.
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I've heard that too. I haven't seen anything to back it up though. Sort of an old wives' tale.

Also, every bullet that he fires he is responsible for. If he sprays 15 rounds and one hits his neighbor and kills them, he's going to prison for negligent homicide.
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Just because you have 15 rds doesn't mean you have to fire 15 rds, just as having 6 shots in a revolver doesn't mean you have to fire all 6. Having the option to fire more if necessary is a plus though, but if you end up with rounds left over it hasn't been a waste. For that matter 357 magnum will penetrate sheet rock and exterior walls even better than 9mm. An errant bullet from either that injures someone in or outside the home is a game changer no doubt and could be the start of a much longer battle, this time in a courtroom. I don't think anyone is trying to minimize the seriousness of gun ownership.
 
Just because you have 15 rds doesn't mean you have to fire 15 rds, just as having 6 shots in a revolver doesn't mean you have to fire all 6. Having the option to fire more if necessary is a plus though, but if you end up with rounds left over it hasn't been a waste. For that matter 357 magnum will penetrate sheet rock and exterior walls even better than 9mm. An errant bullet from either that injures someone in or outside the home is a game changer no doubt and could be the start of a much longer battle, this time in a courtroom. I don't think anyone is trying to minimize the seriousness of gun ownership.
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Certainly not. I also have the intention of buying at least a couple mags worth of the best least penetrative hollow points or whatever I can find for strictly HD which I'll keep at the ready. Take FMJs or whatever decent cheap stuff to the range.

This was also one of the major points for me when I was considering AR-15 vs handgun (223 with silver tip or similar showed very good results of dumping most of it's energy into target). I went back and forth a number of times. Ultimately I decided handgun now, AR-15 when I can.

Doesn't take the place of proper practice, but the best that I can do.
 
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So your recommendation for a new shooter is to buy a revolver
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I am a fan of revolvers and recommend one to new shooters too for home defense. But that's mostly because I am not sure they will practice and take the time needed to learn how to properly use a pistol. Revolvers are overall easier and more reliable. Plus I think they look bad a$$:D But if you already know you do not want one and are going to put in the time get the pistol you want. Definitely go to a few stores and try them out. I just bought a new glock 26 and literally tried about 15 pistols in different holsters. It took me like 1-2 hours of this and the shop was very helpful and deserved my business after that haha. And that was after tons of research, shooting different guns, talking to people, shopping around, etc. So don't rush, keep doing your research, and shop around. If you can shoot the guns do that and if you can take a course do that too. Its all helpful. If you can afford it, I would really consider Glock or Smith and Wesson but I know they are not on your list.
 
adamBomb said:
I am a fan of revolvers and recommend one to new shooters too for home defense. But that's mostly because I am not sure they will practice and take the time needed to learn how to properly use a pistol. Revolvers are overall easier and more reliable. Plus I think they look bad a$$:D But if you already know you do not want one and are going to put in the time get the pistol you want. Definitely go to a few stores and try them out. I just bought a new glock 26 and literally tried about 15 pistols in different holsters. It took me like 1-2 hours of this and the shop was very helpful and deserved my business after that haha. And that was after tons of research, shooting different guns, talking to people, shopping around, etc. So don't rush, keep doing your research, and shop around. If you can shoot the guns do that and if you can take a course do that too. Its all helpful. If you can afford it, I would really consider Glock or Smith and Wesson but I know they are not on your list.
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Only taking the first half of that quote from me and skipping the second half of the quote misses the entire point of that quote. While I do think there are advantages to a semiautomatic my main issue was using a revolver in the manner that was suggested.
 
Revolvers are a good choice as well, and a larger frame would work well for home defense. Snubbies require a good bit of work on your part to shoot well, and the smaller grips (while good for CC) can really mess with your accuracy.

I will say that I do not think it is a good idea to train solely on SA with them, as much of that training could go out the window in a life or death situation. Stress is something that is nearly impossible to accurately represent at a typical range, so I make it a point to train with guns as if I just pulled it from my safe/holster.

While they are a simpler design (comparing revolvers to semi autos), I would never say they are easier to shoot. DA pulls are generally longer than what you would find on even DAO hammer fired semiautos, and it is the same heavy pull each time. I am of the mindset that if I have fired one round, I am prepared to fire a few more. Sights are usually worse out of the box for revolvers as well, but that is an easy fix (depending on model of course).

As far as ammo capacity goes, I don't plan my purchases with the threat of being attacked by five people. If that were to happen, I am not naive enough to think it would go like a TV show. But with HD you do not have to focus on concealability. That alone makes the size of a HD gun less of a negative if it fits your hands. 15 rounds of fully capable 9mm is better than five to six rounds of .38/.357 for me. Not saying you have to fire 15 times, but it's not really a penalty either.

You already have a good list, try some of those when you can and let us know what you find.
 
The canik TP9V2 has a very good trigger. As far as DA/SA goes, they are easier to learn the transition on... as the difference in pull weight isn't as pronounced as on many hammer DA/SA like a Beretta.

As you learn how pistols work, you can learn to feel less apprehension about carrying them.

There are many redundancies and mechanisms to prevent a pistol from firing, due to any drop, hit, bang, or other situation other than a deliberate pull of the trigger.

Firing pin blocks, hammer safety notches, trigger safeties... mechanically very safe.

The big name domestic and European makers design and test Their pistols well.
 
marine6680 said:
The canik TP9V2 has a very good trigger. As far as DA/SA goes, they are easier to learn the transition on... as the difference in pull weight isn't as pronounced as on many hammer DA/SA like a Beretta.



As you learn how pistols work, you can learn to feel less apprehension about carrying them.



There are many redundancies and mechanisms to prevent a pistol from firing, due to any drop, hit, bang, or other situation other than a deliberate pull of the trigger.



Firing pin blocks, hammer safety notches, trigger safeties... mechanically very safe.



The big name domestic and European makers design and test Their pistols well.
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Have you tried one? I've been really curious about them as I hear good things.
 
Have you tried one? I've been really curious about them as I hear good things.
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Not sure if I mentioned this in the thread as I've had a number of private messages with some of you. But after many of you have made me feel more comfortable about some guns without a safety with regard to dropping and such (especially the FPB, didn't know about that) I've readded the TP9v2 to my list as it was one of my favorites (still want DA/SA though).

I'll still take my list and many of the recommendations from this thread so I can actually feel if it's the right one for me though.

But yeah, I've heard some good things about it as well. sootch00's review says that they are tested for 50k round reliability. I'm not sure if that's normal for pistols but when researching AR-15's 15-20k seemed to be a very good number. Bonus is it comes with some extras like a holster, reloader and others.

sootch00 is also one of my favorite gun reviewers I've found. Goes into more depth on the things I want to hear, inner workings and such.
 
If a safety is not an issue I would look at the Sig SP2022.

They can be had new with night sights for $400 if you are patient.

E2022-9-BSS-LARGE.jpg
 
WVsig said:
If a safety is not an issue I would look at the Sig SP2022.



They can be had new with night sights for $400 if you are patient.



E2022-9-BSS-LARGE.jpg
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Can they still be had for that? The ones I've seen lately have been a lot closer to $500 then they were in the past.
 
Verbal commands, the presence of the gun in the first place, those are meant at the warning signs to someone trying to attack you. Wounding shots to the extremities are both often impractical and could potentially lead to you getting hurt or others within or near the dwelling getting hurt, as I explained. If you want to use a firearm in a non-lethal manner I'd honestly suggest maybe getting a taser instead. Even a shot to the leg can cause someone to bleed out if you hit the femoral.
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One has to be careful about brandishing a firearm as a warning and firing warning shots. As with shooting to wound, both can be interpreted as indications your life was not truly in danger. The rule seems to be one only draws a weapon to shoot, and you shoot center mass until the threat is stopped. If you do either brandish or fire a warning shot, it's likely wise to immediately call 911 (assuming the threat has withdrawn), report your action, and give your reason, hopefully that you feared for your life -- then shut up until you consult an attorney. The reason for reporting your action immediately is to disarm your presumed assaillant, who, if they report your behavior first, becomes the victim in the eyes of law enforcement.

Pepper spray may be worth considering in lieu of a taser.

Here's a diagram of a firing pin block:

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Pist...es/Firing Pin Block_files/series80fpblock.jpg
 
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