I am sure you guys are tired of these, sorry (newbie here)

This will be my only handgun for awhile. I want something I will enjoy shooting, is reliable, and can be carried daily and concealed, while also being passable for home defense
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Out of the choices I would go for the sp101 first.

Reasons why..

1. Its built like a small tank and you will never wear it out.

2. You can load it and leave it for ages, its a revolver and its
going to work when you need it.

3. Even with a 3 inch barrel its going to still outperform the 9mm.

4. Can use .38 special ammo for cheaper target shooting.

5. Revolvers are just cool :cool:
 
Based on your list, I'd go with the SP 101 or SR9c also.

Because this is going to be your only gun for a while, I would avoid anything with potential quality control issue (Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms).

I would also avoid going with a .380. I have a Kahr P380 and a Sig P232 and while the caliber is usually perfectly suitable (and I enjoy both guns), I would not want to be limited to .380. Sometimes I carry a .40 S&W and sometimes I carry a .357 Magnum. A small .380 is a better second gun than first.

And while the revolver vs semi-auto debate will never be put to rest, if I had to keep a single gun for multiple purposes- out of the dozen or so I own, it would probably be one of my .40 S&W semi's. And this is despite my profound fondness for revolvers. The two nicest semi's I've ever shot are my alloy RAMI CZ 2075 or CZ 40B.

There are other guns in your price range, as others have mentioned, but I think anything that is at least 9mm, made by a consistently reliable manufacturer and comfortable to shoot will be fine.
 
Well you have a challenge there finding an "only one gun" solution for all your needs.

The one requirement that will impose the most restrictions on you is the ability to carry concealed on a regular basis. That's where you'll have to make your compromises.

Of the guns you mention - I own a recently manufactured Bersa Thunder 380 and it's a great, reliable, and accurate gun. I do carry it on occasion because it conceals well in an IWB holster. Your concerns about the .380 cartridge are well-founded though. I prefer at least a 9mm when possible.

If you're a new shooter, it's hard to argue against a revolver. Simple operation and reliable. 38 Spl +P ammo is very effective, and normal pressure 38 Spl is easy to shoot for range time. In addition to the Ruger SP101, you might also consider one of the Smith and Wesson J-frames. Several of them are within your budget (442/642/638) in airweight frames. That makes the recoil a bit nastier when shooting but for all-day carrying that weight difference will be noticeable.

I like the Ruger SR9c as well, though I don't have one. I've shot one as a range rental and it was a nice accurate gun. 9mm is a very effective cartridge in todays current offerings (124 gr Federal HST +P is one) and practice ammo is cheap compared to most other calibers.

A single-stack 9mm might be the best compromise, allowing for both relative ease of carry while still retaining reasonable capacity and firepower.

The Kahr CW9 fits that bill and should come in just under your $500 figure including taxes and fees.

Bersa has a single-stack 9mm coming out soon called the BP9CC which is about the same size as the Kahr CW9 but should be priced lower. Depends on how long you want to wait.

If you want a pocketable 9mm that's also affordable, then you can wait until the Kahr CM9 ships. It's the same size as their PM9 but at a better price point.
 
Instead of trying to get you to crank the budget up a couple of notches, I thought about your original $200 figure and ran with that. The kid has to eat and when Momma sees that your priorities are correct, things will go better for you. Never get between a Mother and her cub. If she's good to go at $200 then that's where you need to be.

The Makarov or a Hungarian PA 63 are excellent choices. Both were police and military pistols and are reliable as a rock, well made and inexpensive. If you choose to get a CHL, both are adequate choices for concealed carry. The price would be right about $200

The caliber 9 X 18 used by both pistols is right between 9mm Luger and .380 in performance and if police and military used them for years, I figure that's good enough!

Flash
 
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You don't need to raise your budget at all. A used compact like the GLock, M&P, or the XD can be easily had for less than $500.00. You would be very well served by one of them.

Of the choices you mention I have a Bersa 380 and it is a great shooter and CCW but there may be an issue getting ammo.

The Sigma might be a chore to conceal as a first carry gun.

If you only want a new weapon, the SR9C is the best of the ones you mentioned.
 
Oh Boy!
This debate is perpetually annoying.
Personally you need to get the gun YOU will shoot comfortably and accurately.
Since you have a shotty,I would focus on ccw issues.
.38 special/.357 or 9mm.I would want nothing smaller than 9mm for SD.
Good Luck and keep us posted.
Oh please do yourself a favor..Take that ROHM to the police station to be destroyed.
My Dad had one too. In a matter of 2 years it fell apart(shooting 3-4 times a month)It is a dangerous handgun,Just google it!
 
The budget is imposed by the wife. She's just not going to let me drop a grand on a gun. Spending 20-40 bucks on ammo every week is a different animal. Meaning, I can spend that without her ever knowing.
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Like all those new clothes that she doesn't tell you that is in the back of her closet.;)

I would spend a little less on the firearm initially, so you will have plenty of money for ammo. This way you can become a more profecient shooter.

The first handgun I purchased was a P89 9mm. The best $299 I ever spent.
 
My wife has agreed, grudgingly, to let me buy ONE gun. She doesn't want me to spend more than $200. I quickly learned that isn't feasible.
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It is feasible, actually, though just barely. Surplus CZ-82 is the ticket, or a Makarov if you can find one.

Then, of course, you'll need spend on all the other stuff --
  1. belt -- the cheezy light "leather" belt from the stuffmart store won't cut it.
  2. holster -- you'll end up with a box of unused holsters, that seemed like a good idea but turned out to be crap. We all do.
  3. extra magazines -- "Factory, or Mecgar". Outside the 1911 world, which you won't be in in your price range, don't mess with anything else.
  4. instruction -- promise us you'll get some.
The more you can spend, the more options you have. Over $350-ish, there are a lot more, and better, options.

The gun must be fit for the purpose, and fit you.

Bersa Thunder .380 -
Ruger SP101 -
Ruger SR9c -
Taurus PT709 Slim -
S&W 9ve -
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Of your list, I'd say if you can swing either of the Rugers, go for it, and don't look back. Don't forget the Ruger LCR. But, note this. Snub nose revolvers aren't the easiest to shoot well. Takes much practice.

Do not be afraid of deciding down the line you've made a bad choice. It happens. Sell it off, and buy what your better informed opinion then tells you you should have gotten in the first place. In other words, don't try to overthink this.

Also, I've read about things like the Maks on the net, but isn't the ammo more expensive and harder to find?
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A bit. Wally World won't have it.

I am sure you guys are tired of these, sorry (newbie here)
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A bit. "Use the Search, Luke" It is a frequently asked question.
 
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One more vote for the Rugers. The SR9c would be my choice. It is a very nice pistol. Mine was less than $400 out the door and has worked flawlessly.
 
The Ruger SP101 would be my choice. As you mentioned, the simplicity and reliability is a big selling point for revolvers. In a self-defense scenario I'd like to know I can just point my gun in the right direction, pull the trigger five times, and have have five bullets come out the other end. No ifs, ands, or buts.

True it only holds five bullets. But it's probably five more than I'll ever need.
 
you can get a new Rock Island Arsenal 1911 type pistol for under $400 and they do make a compact model too. You could pick up a cop trade in Beretta 92 or 96 for under $400 as well. If you blow all $500 on just the gun there is no reason not to get a glock. I'm a big fan of getting a pistol that you can pick up a 22 kit for. Think about it for your $20 you get 500 rounds instead of 50!


If you go the $200 route you could get a tokarev pistol but the catch is that you'll have trouble getting a quality holster ( I said quality!) spare mags and to get a good deal on ammo you'll have to order it by the case.
 
Wow, thanks to all for the responses and the advice.

I like the idea of getting a CZ and staying in the wife's price range, but I'm hesitant for 2 reasons:

Ammo availability (and price? not sure what it is). - I know I need and want to practice a lot with a handgun, or I may as well not have it. I can't hit anything outside of three steps with that RG I have. I feel a more common caliber is better in that regard.

More importantly, I just don't know that I want one. And I know me. I'd rather spend a hundred or two more now, than just regret for a year not getting what I want. I haven't seen one in any of the shops here. I can't hold one, much less fire one, before I buy it.
....

I've looked at Glocks, but they just don't feel right in my hand. I also looked at the Ruger p95, but it felt too blocky and I didn't like the grip. I guess I just have small hands. I do like the way the smaller grips of revolvers feel.

I'm down to the SP101 and the SR9c, and I'll look at a Cougar 8000 if I can find one.

I just can't decide between the Ruger wheelgun or pistol. I'm not sure how much fun I'll have at the range reloading the SP every 5 rounds, but I do see the sense in people's advice that I get a simpler revolver for my first gun (would also be easier for the wife to use if she had to). On the other hand, how will I ever learn a pistol if I don't get one? And that SR9c has lots more features and just looks so damn cool. :p

Questions: Would an SP in .38 only make more sense than the .357 version? I doubt I'd like to shoot .357 out of such a small gun anyway. Would the price come down enough to sacrifice the option of having larger caliber capabilities?

Also, would the price between 9mm and .38 practice ammo be enough to make much of a difference?

I just checked and there is a gun show in my area this weekend. Think I should wait until then to make a purchase? Never been to one before.
 
I say go to the gun show. You can wander around at one, and usually end up witha really great deal that way. As far as caliber, I say go with a Glock 26 (9mm, very concealable, high quality, 11 shots w/ a full mag+1 ITP).
Just my two cents.
 
Questions: Would an SP in .38 only make more sense than the .357 version? I doubt I'd like to shoot .357 out of such a small gun anyway. Would the price come down enough to sacrifice the option of having larger caliber capabilities?
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No and no. Get the .357. More options, same price. IMHO, YMMV, Insert Standard Disclaimer Here.

I just can't decide between the Ruger wheelgun or pistol. I'm not sure how much fun I'll have at the range reloading the SP every 5 rounds, but I do see the sense in people's advice that I get a simpler revolver for my first gun (would also be easier for the wife to use if she had to).
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Do a search on "revolver vs. auto" and similar. This is another frequently asked question.

I honestly don't think it matters, in the long run.

The revolver ought to be shot double action, and that's not the easiest thing to do well. Get one with a bobbed hammer, if that's avaiable. If you get the wheelgun, practice practice practice.

Also, would the price between 9mm and .38 practice ammo be enough to make much of a difference?
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Probably not. 9x19 FMJ (aka 9mm Luger, 9mm Parabellum and "nine mil", to be distinguished from 9mm Makarov.) is the cheapest centerfire ammo around. .38 special will be more, but not a whole lot.
 
If you'll never shoot .357 out of it, then go ahead and get the .38. The .38 will do anything you need it to, short of taking down a small bear. No sense in paying extra for a feature you'll never use.

The cost of 9mm and .38 ammo is pretty close. And, for what it's worth, it's a lot more fun loading a revolver than a magazine at the range.
 
I vote ruger SP101 and use .38 special in it for defense.
I've heard others on here say that using a .357 will over-penetrate in self defense situations.

If you get some hogue grips, it will be more fun to shoot .357 out of.

Maybe also consider a ruger GP100 if you can get it for the right price. That's what i ended up getting. The grips fit my had better and the longer barrel is a big plus to me.
 
It's currently possible to get new S & W J-frames for under $400, definitely under $500. Model 60, 638, 642 in .38 Special. Or a bit more than $500 for an equivalent .357 model.

A revolver offers a lot of advantages as a first handgun, and any of those could be carried, in fact that's their market niche and the main reason for going with a 638 or 642 in particular. Pretty simple and continues to be dependable even if not maintained well.

And then if th bug hits badly you can add some autos and big-frame revolvers later, and never fell that the J-frame was a waste of $$.
 
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