Help for someone new to firearms?

C

Cullen

New member
I have never owned a firearm, although I do like to shoot when I get the chance. My wife and I will be taking a CCW course in the very near future, and my thoughts are turning to the type of weapon I should have. Having but limited resources, I cannot afford a tricked out .45 with all of the bells and whistles -frankly it would be an expensive paperweight most of the time, since I don't plan to carry every day. What I would like to know from some of you more knowledgeable members is what gun constitutes the best compromise between value, concealability, ease of use, reliability, and (God forbid) lethality. I know there are many other threads with a similar vein currently, but I'm asking for specific help for a novice to firearms. I don't need a "wish list" of the latest tactical custom jobs. I want to know the gun (or preferably a short list of guns) that I can't lose with. Keep in mind I'll be starting with a single gun and it should be one that my wife and I can use. Now I'm good sized and very strong; the wife is not gossamer, but not a wrestler. Is a revolver or an auto better? What caliber? What manufacturer? OR, should I consider some of the very inexpensive 9mm carbines or a shotgun for home defense and just make the decision about the CCW weapon when I have more experience and more cash to spend?

This is a long post, I realize. But it's my first one on ANY BBS, anywhere, so bear with me. I have really enjoyed reading all of the posts over the past few weeks since I found this site. It's comforting to know that there are so many knowledgeable citizens (LEO and otherwise) available to answer the tough questions. I have also noticed the unfailing politeness and good humor accompanying some of your answers. So take it easy on me for going on so long, ok?
 
My .02 cents worth:

A Glock 19. Shoots inexpensive 9mm ammo. Easy to learn how to use--meaning no external safety or a decocker, easy for women to use, very reliable, combat accurate and reasonably priced.

A .357 revolver by S&W or Ruger would make a fine choice too. You and the wife can practice a lot with inexpensive .38 special ammo too. Again, not too expensive either.

You won't have a single regret buying the Glock or a .357 revolver for a "first" gun.

Good luck.
 
hi , well my knowledge on this subject is not extensive, .i'll offer you this .i own a 9mm handgun .that has met all my needs so far .from shootability(my wife also fires it )to capacity of ammo its a good choice.i have a 15 round clip and can load one in ..thats 16 and it is comforting...is it powerful enought to do the job .....i think it is ...that debate still rages on ..but there are +P rounds out there that bring a higher dose on lethality to it...its an easy gun to fire , accurate , not much kick-back .and it wont drain your wallet for ammo if you find yourself goin to the range alot
i dont think you can go wrong with a 9mm.......good luck
 
Welcome to the Firing Line Cullen. May I suggest for a first handgun you consider a revolver. My first was a S&W model 37 Airweight .38 . A revolver is easy to use and if you decide on a .357 you can shoot both .38 and .357. That would make for a good range pistol,home defense, concealed carry and a hunt gun.
Check around your area for a reliable gun shop and they can help guide you in your selection. You could even come up on a good deal for a used piece. Whatever you decide good luck with you decision
Hope this helped :)

Happy Shooting :)

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Help Stamp Out Gun Ignorance.
 
For my 2 cents on the question: A .38Special or .357 Magnum revolver would fill the bill very well. With more of a nod toward the .357 because you can use .38 Specials in it also. There is little to go awry with them, they are easy to fire and carry. The long double action trigger pull would be an added safety margin that a semi-auto MAY NOT have. Now this advise is coming from a diehard 1911 fan who has carried one for more than 30 years. In your case I think that you would not be in the wrong with a good K-frame S&W .357 with a 4" barrel. :cool:

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Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"
 
I try to shed some light without trying to convince you that any one handgun is "perfect" for you. When you're looking for a firearm that may be used for CCW, the absolute first priority is reliablity. If it doesn't go bang EVERY time you pull the trigger, it's not something you want to trust with your life. Second is Fit/Comfort: It needs to fit in your hand and point rather naturally. Accuracy is a somewhat distant third, especially since most self-defence situations occur within 7 yards. As for caliber (you mentioned "lethality") the general concensus is nothing smaller that a 9mm (for autos) or a 38spl (for revolvers). Since you said that you are fairly new to shooting, a good Smith and Wesson 5-shot 357mag would be a good, easy to learn with revolver. It would give you quite a bit of flexibility since you can shoot less expensive (and lower recoiling) 38spl rounds with it for practice. If you decide to go with an auto-loader, I'd recommend a Sig Sauer P-228 or P-229 in 9mm. For a slightly more concealable version, the P-239 is nice. They tend to be a bit pricey - in the $650 range - and some feel that they may not be the best choice for new shooters due to the lack of a manual saftey lever. I like them because they are well made, reliable, comfortable, and accurate. For something a little less expensive (you mentioned that you're on a budget) a Glock 19 (again no manual saftey, but still and excellent choice), H&K USP-9 Compact, or a CZ would make a great choice. I would recommend a 9mm over a 40S&W or 45acp because you're new to shooting, and the lower recoil and cheaper ammo cost make it easier to become proficient. Besides, shot placement is 100 times more important than caliber. There are a few that I would consider but only for a more experienced shooter, such as the Glock 26 (a "sub-compact") or a 1911-type, but these aren't the best to learn with. There are also a few I would recommend you NOT get, such a Lorcin, Jennings, Bryco, or Raven, as they have a reputation for poor reliability. That said, if a $69 gun is all you can afford, it may be better than nothing. Of course, the old motorcycle addage, "Put a $5 helmet on a $5 head" applies here... how much is yor life worth? Lastley, as far as a "tactical special with all the bells and whistles", don't trust any gun that needs a couple hundred dollars of work and accessories to be effective. Aside from the gun itself, ammo, and any magazines required, the only accessories I'd recommend are a quality holster, a can of pepper spray, and a good compact flashlight. You also mentioned home defense, and yes, a shotgun is about the best firearm available for home defense. If you decide to go that route, I'd recommend a pump-action in the remington 870, mossberg 500/590, or Winchester defender 1300 variety. Any of these should be readily available for $300 or less. Oh yeah, welcome to TFL. I think you'll like it here.
-John

[This message has been edited by John Overbey (edited February 25, 2000).]
 
Cullen-Being a novice to this, I would recommend these:

Smith & Wesson Model 19 or 66. Caliber is 357 Mag which can also safely fire .38 Specials. I would suggest a 4" or 6" barrel. $250-$300.

Ruger SP101 in 357 Mag. 3" or 4" barrel on this one. $275-$350

Ruger P95 in 9mm. Well built, acceptable accuracy, respectable caliber with a polymer frame. You can pick these up for around $300-$325.

A suprlus Browning Hi Power(P-35). These flooded the market within the last couple of years and are still around. Caliber is 9mm, very ergonomic, and a pleasure to shoot. Can be had for around $350.

There are various police trade-in and factory refurbished pieces on the market. Glock, Sig Sauer, and HK, amongst others, are offering refurbs. If you look hard enough, you can find one of these pretty reasonably.

Try these links for further research:
http://www.kyimports.com http://www.collectit.net http://www.shotgunnews.com http://www.gunsamerica.com http://www.gunbroker.com http://www.guns-unlimited.com http://www.auctionarms.com

That should be enough for now. I would recommend going to a gun show, if possible, and handling as many handguns as you can. You will quickly know what "feels" good in your hand. After you narrow it down, try renting guns at your local range, if you have the luxury, and actually fire them. This will give you an excellent idea of what will work for you. Please ask as many questions as you need to. Hope this helps.

Steve
 
TAKE THE COURSE FIRST. RENT A FEW TO TRY AT THE RANGE. THEY ALL HAVE RENTALS AVAILABLE.BUY WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU.CHOOSE WHAT YOU SHOOT BEST,BEST FIT (COMFORTABILITY),FINISH,AND PRICE,IN THAT ORDER.WELCOME TO THE SPORT!!
 
I agree with wishbone. Go rent some guns and the range or if you get friendly with some shooters, they'll be more than happy to let you try their gun at the range. That way you can find out what you like and dislike before dropping a load of hard earned cash.

Find something that works best for you and your wife and both of you should be comfortable and proficient with it

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Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt
 
Welcome Cullen, Ditto wishbone and 4V50 Gary's comments. That will help steer you
in the right direction!!! :)

Regards,
Ala Dan
 
Thanks for the excellent responses! I have a nice short list in mind when I visit the local shops. All of the manufacturer's sound familiar, so I would expect to be able to find any of the weapons you all have suggested.

I notice that most of you suggest a .357 revolver. This weapon has excellent stopping power with the .357 loads and can shoot .38 loads for cheaper practice - so it's versatile and economical. It's a revolver - so it's reliable and easy to operate under stress (when you most need these qualities). Sounds like it fits all of my stated criteria. Now that I have this suggestion, let me throw out a few more questions to narrow things down even more.

First, is there any need to choose stainless or blued? I have seen a lot of new revolvers incorporating titanium parts - are there .357's in Ti? Second, I have considered laser grips by Crimson Trace, but I don't trust my instincts yet. Is this just a "gee-whiz" gadget or is it really useful and even preferable? Is it worth the cost, since it would essentially double the cost of most of the recommended pistols. Third, no one mentioned Taurus, but my dad told me that Taurus is making a new 7 shot .357. I know at one time Taurus was sneered at as cheaply made and unreliable. I know they are still less expensive than S&W or Ruger. Is their quality improved since the '80's? Fourth, I am a little concerned about my wife being able to handle the recoil and report of the .357. Obviously, we'd spend some range time with a rented gun before we buy, but should I consider a ported barrel to improve the performance in that regard?

I'm looking forward to your replies!

Cullen
 
G'day Cullen.
Buy a 4" UNPORTED revolver as you may have to shoot near your hip (don't need muzzle blast in your face) & LOTS of ammo & practice...practice...PRACTICE !
Nothing beats 100's of hours dry firing combined with regular trips to the Range. :)
Taurus also has a 8 shot revolver too ?


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"The Gun from Down Under !"
http://www.para1911fanclub.w3.to/
E-mail hotshot_2000@hotmail.com
Alternate E-mail
HS2000@ausi.com
 
Cullen,

Welcome to TFL.

The Taurus is still sneered at by many, but it is one of the very best dollar values in the pistol and revolver market. For your first handgun a Taurus revolver in .357, with a 4 or 6 in barrel is a very sensible, affordable and reliable choice.

Don't worry about laser grips or Titanium for now. However, the stainless version is a good affordable choice.

I support the advice already given, concerning taking the course prior to your first purchase.

As you can see, the gun-owning community is eager to welcome new shooters ang gun owners.

Here's wishing you get bit by "the shooting bug" as the rest of us have. Please come back and let us know how you two do at the course, what handguns you buy and how your experience in general goes over the next few months.

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Sensop

"Get your mind right and the body will follow." - Shino Takazawa, sinsei, hachi dan, Keishinkan do.
Sensop's Corner
 
Cullen, Stainless vs. Blued is in the eye of the beholder. I believe Stainless is easier to maintain. I like it and have several in my collection. The new Tis I don't particualy
care for. I don't really care for that two tone look, my taste. But that is why they make vanilla and chocolate.
As far as Taurus goes I think and maybe someone can back me up on this. I was told that they are made in a defunct S&W plant with their old machinery.That is why some of them resemble Smiths. What I have seen and heard, they aren't a bad buy and come with a lifetime warranty as S&W does. I don't own any Taurus but know some who do and they seem pleased with them.
I have S&W, Ruger and Colt and can't say a bad word on any of them.
As far as buying a .357 I still think that is a good first choice, I wouldn't go with a ported barrel though, The sights you mention could be added later after you get accustomed to the gun as is out of the box.

Hope this helps and let us know what you decide. :)

Happy Shooting :)


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Help Stamp Out Gun Ignorance.
 
Taurus's resemblance to the Smith & Wesson's comes from the two companies being owned by the same holding company. There was a lot of sharing of information and techniques. Stianless is easier to maintain, and is much more resistant to holster wear than a blue gun is. I have never fired a ported gun, so I won't comment on them. I have been told that a .357 needs a 4" barrel to use all the powder, otherwise it just creates a big muzzle flash, without much improvement over a .38. I assume a reloader could use different powders, and over-come this problem.

Eric



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Does the "X" ring have to be that small?
 
Start with a handgun, the #1 rule of a gunfight is to have a gun with you. If it fits your hand, a 9mm Glock 19 is the way to go.

When you are ready for a longarm you'll need to choose between a shotgun, pistol caliber carbine, or a .223 carbine. A shotgun is the most PC, most powerful, cheapest to buy, most expensive to shoot, heaviest & hardest to shoot. A pistol caliber carbine will be the least powerful, & will produce the least muzzle blast. A .223 Carbine, in particluar an AR-15, will be the most expensive to buy, By far the least PC, loudest, hold the most ammo, penetrate body armor the most & walls the least, & be as accurate at 400 yds. as the others are at 100.
 
I'd agree with what's been posted except if you go semiauto, consider a .40 caliber. Felt recoil is not that much greater than a 9mm. Rent if at all possible.
 
I would recomend a Glock 30 its a subcompact 45acp, not alot of levers to fool around with
easy to shoot and affordable. for your wife a S&W ladysmith or one of the new ultra light weight Taurs TI in 38. they are also +p rated and so is the any of the glocks.
 
Hi Cullen,

I was in your same shoes about 3 months ago...and got GREAT advice from the folks at TFL.

I ended up with a S&W 686P (.357, 4", stainless, 7-shot). Like you, I wanted something that was fun on the range, inexpensive to shoot, and would be a reliable carry. And I love it! One of the nice things about a revolver is that it forces you to learn good habits early...if I'd gotten a semi I probably would have been inclined to overcome my inaccuracy by increasing the number of shots fired.

I just got a holster for concealment and it disappears with the right clothing.

Try several guns and see what fits your hand. One thing I did on mine was had the action smoothed out on the trigger...it's a very comfortable pull now.

I will do most of my carrying while fishing...we have very tough fish here in the Northwest. So stainless made the most sense...it makes a tough gun even tougher.

Good luck and have fun!
 
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