Newbie chick here -- considering a gun purchase

M

Moriah

Inactive
A bit of background: I'm 30, single, live alone, 4'11 with very small hands but not so tiny that the wind would blow me over. :)

I grew up with firearms in my home, but they were a deer rifle and a bird rifle. I've shot both, and I've also shot a larger rifle that was kept over the door when I lived way out in the boonies (last house on the grid in a mountainous area) that was kept for protection against bears. (The homeowner insisted I learn how to use it just in case, and I think that was smart.)

I never fired a handgun until I was planning on moving to Queens, NY, and some friends wanted to give me a weapon to take with me. Unfortunately they had nothing reliable that I could handle well. Most of what they had were 9mms, and I don't know if it was the combination of the grip size and the recoil or what, but I could never get much accuracy after the first shot on them to fire quickly. There was a .32/7.65mm ancient Browning semiauto that I found much easier to control and be accurate with, but the owner said he wouldn't feel comfortable with it being used for self-defense, even if I could get off several shots in the same place with it, because it jammed occasionally for him. So I went to NY unarmed and survived to tell the tale. :) Then again, my now ex-husband was there with me.

------

So, that's what I've shot, for background purposes.

Why am I considering a gun purchase? While I live in a fairly safe neighborhood, there was a break-in in my apartment complex -- not the same building, tho. It was during the day, no one was home, and only electronics were taken... but the lady who lived there said they did rummage through her jewelery box, just didn't find anything of value. The trouble is, I work nights, so I am home and asleep during the day. I hope I never am put in a situation where I have to defend myself in my own home, but I also do not want to be a statistic.

Whatever gun I purchase, I plan to put in a lot of time at a firing range to get practice with it, and I also plan on taking the concealed carry course offered by my state. While I don't know if I would carry, I only plan on buying one firearm and I would prefer to be able to carry it if I ever felt the need.

Since I live in an apartment complex, I don't want something that might kill my neighbors should I ever have to use it. I am interested in a semi-auto rather than a revolver because they are easier to reload in an emergency, even if they take more practice in learning how to clean and load in the first place. My mother is planning on taking the concealed carry class as well, but her husband had bought a .25 ACP for her to start out with. Since I was able to handle a .32, I see no reason to even consider less power than that -- hope that will help with the range of power. :)

Safety features appeal to me when I think about what I would like in a gun. The .32 I fired had both a grip safety and a manual safety. I don't know if that is common in every gun, but those features appeal to me. I don't care if it looks scary or not, would prefer ease of carry to looks -- if I were to ever draw a weapon on someone I would be prepared to kill them if it was necessary, I'm not looking for a prop to wave in their faces to scare them off (but if they run when they see me with one or hear me give warning, so much the better).

As far as cost... I know there will be other expenses involved -- classes, firing range fees, practice ammo.... so I'd prefer something under $300. I don't mind used as long as it is dependable.

... I know that was a ton of information... but based on it, does anyone have any suggestions for ones for me to try at the firing range? I hope that they have at least a few to try out...
 
Bersa semi-auto's in 380 acp might be a good choice for you.They get good reports for dependability and are in your price range.the only down to one is the difficulity getting ammo.In some areas of the country 380 ammo is in short supply.Another option would be a CZ82 in 9x18 Makarov caliber.This is a surplus military pistol and can be ordered from J&G Sales for a little over $200.It would have to be shipped to a dealer in your area so the transfer paperwork could be done.The CZ82 also gets good reviews from those that have bought them,and ammo could be ordered at the same time as the gun.Good luck finding a pistol that is right for you.
 
First of all, congrats for taking the first step from victim to decider of your own destiny!

My first (and best) piece of advice is to not be overly influenced by what posters tell you. The best choice is the one that feels best in your hand, and shoots best for you.

With that said, your friends are right about the .32. It's not enough gun to defend yourself (though better than a sharp stick!). Most people consider the .380 to be the minimum caliber for personal defense.

Semi-auto handguns come in a number of flavors, but one factor is single or double column magazines - meaning some grips are thicker than others. You're 4'11" so presumably have small hands and will probably do best with single column magazines because of the slim grip.

You might also want to look at revolvers in .38 special. These also have small grips and are formidable weapons.

$300 is a fairly limiting amount of money. Something like this would be a good choice: http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/p/polish-p83-9x18-makarov-style%2C-double-action-very-good-condition/products_id/4003

There are a number of very high quality Eastern Block handguns within that price range.
 
If you are willing to learn to run an auto, the best budget gun I know of is the CZ82. It has a thumb safety but not a grip safety... which most people feel they are just as well off without.
The ones being sold by SOG are Czech service pistols. Caliber is 9x18, same as the Iron Curtain Makarov pistols not the same as 9x17(.380) or 9x19 (9mm Luger/Parabellum). Power is slightly more than the .380 but much less than 9mm Para. Recoil will be greater than a .32 but this is a good sized gun and should be manageable.
Price is $199 wholesale plus shipping and whatever your local dealer charges to do the paperwork... you cannot legally mailorder a gun yourself.
http://www.southernohiogun.com/cz-82-9x18-w-hols-andextra-mag-1.html

Ammunition is not as cheap and available as it used to be but there is some out there. I would try the Fiocchi for defense, it does well in my .32. I don't think these small calibers are worth a hollowpoint. Whatever is cheapest for practice.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#makarov ammunition____-_1-2-4_8-16-32
 
I agree that $300 is an extremely limiting factor. Better to keep saving, in my opinion, until you get in the $500 range for something you're going to bet your life on, or maybe $400 used.

Buying a used gun is like buying a used car, too. Better to take someone with you who knows what he/she is doing if you go used.

As for the rest, check out corneredcat.com, it's a site maintained by a woman for women in your position who are considering buying firearms. I suggest you try as many different kinds of firearms as you can before you buy.

As for caliber, recoil and your ability to control a firearm is dependent on many things, caliber being just one of them. Other important factors are size, weight and practice, practice, practice.
 
I too would suggest something in a .38. I also prefer auto's myself but for self defense, a good revolver in 38spl would work well too. In the lower price range, the Bersa comes to mind and I know that the LCP .38 is popular and small with a smaller grip. For quite a bit more money, much nicer guns can be had though. Beretta makes a couple of great 38ACP's for instance. I personally would consider the Beretta Cheetah. It's like a smaller version of the 92 which is what I shoot and love. I would suggest handling a couple of the nicer guns and then the cheaper ones. If the cheaper ones still seem like they'll fit your needs then they should be ok for what you want but keep in mind you might like shooting and then end up wishing you had a nicer gun.

I think I would avoid other ammo. Even 38ACP is a little iffy to find some times but should be generally available. It's the only one I would consider outside of 9mm, .40, and 45ACP for general use in the automatic calibers.

Also, if you ever thought of shooting in a league (lots of fun), most of the ones around me require at least a .38 caliber (except the .22 leagues of course).
 
first off, welcome to TFL...hope you enjoy your stay. :)

+1 kodiak

what i always recommend to new shooters looking to purchase a gun is to go to the range and try everything they have available that you could afford to buy.

basically you are looking for how well the gun fits your hand, and how well it fires for you, as well as ease of use.

a good exercise to determine if a person and a gun fit well together is to insert a loaded (or properly weighted magazine), and with your eyes closed, and sight in on a target. (obviously do this in a controlled and/or safe environment) DO NOT pull the trigger. Just sight in to the point where you think you are on target and open your eyes. if you are on target or close to it, then the gun fits.

that was the method i used to determine my first handgun purchase, and i have had no regrets.

hope that helps.
 
You really need to spend some time at the range ...shooting a variety of guns in .380 and 9mm. Many ranges around the country rent guns. But, in my opinion ...( I have some granddaughters that are teenagers and are not large people / limited upper body strength / small hands ...) so for them and a number of new shooters with smaller hands:

1. 9mm is fine / and ammo is relatively inexpensive - so you'll practice more.

2. for smaller hands something with a "single stack" magazine is best ( like a 1911, or maybe a Sig 239 ) ... Especially if you can find an alloy frame, 1911, say in a 4" barrel ... ( like a Kimber Tactical Pro II model in 9mm ) as an example .... Sig 239 is a less expensive option / and there are a lot of both styles around used.

3. Controls vary a lot by mfg ...so you really need to see what you like ...but Sig, Glock, Beretta, Springfield all have a different feel. Width, weight, grip angle, etc are all different...

4. A revolver may work for you ....like an older S&W in .38 spl ( J frame is pretty small ) ...and they're reliable and easy to shoot ( but not "sexy" so my granddaughters have no interest in them ..).

The gun the new shooters in my family / and many others gravitated to - was the 4" Kimber 1911 in 9mm ( Springfield and others make similar guns )...but new the Kimber is around $ 1,000. All of them like the Sig 239 as well in 9mm ....but the trigger on a 1911 is better than any Sig or double action gun in general --- so most of them shot the Kimber 1911 better.

Have fun with the process...and don't be in too big a hurry to make a decision.
 
Hi,
I don't know much about semi autos but I can highly recommend a good revolver in 38 special.(S&W 637) The 38spl doesn't have punishing recoil and it does provide quite a bit more power than most compact autos. A revolver is just as easy and fast to reload especially with speedloaders.

I would strongly suggest you get a used or new Smith and Wesson snubnose revo but the choice is entirely yours. Go to the gunshop and handle a variety of handguns until you find what fits you best and try to bring a friend who knows about guns.
 
Congrats on taking responsibility for your safety and peace of mind.

You're going to get at TON of advice online and, probably, from every self-appointed gun expert in the known world.

I'll just pass on the single best piece of advice that anyone ever gave me (I'm ashamed to say I haven't always taken it and have wasted a lot of time and money because I didn't take it):

SHOOT BEFORE YOU BUY

Even if you have to travel a hundred miles from home, find a range that rents a variety of guns...and try different syles, sizes, and calibers until one just "feels right" and shoots straight.

Best of luck to you!
 
Try to find a range with rentals, and shoot a varaity of pistols and calibers. Don't think that being relativly small limits your choices of either guns or calibers. Grip design and width, as well as "percieved" recoil will determine how comfortable a gun is to shoot. My 65 year old mother enjoys shooting my full sized 1911s, but cant really handle a very small and snappy LCP in .380.
As others have said, a $300 budget is pretty limiting; once you find a gun you like, see if you can save a bit more if necessary. Remember, this is an investment in your personal safety and security.
 
One other thing to consider if you are concerned with handling and kick, is the ammo you use. In all calibers there is a large variety of forces and velocities. You can get info on line or just look at the boxes to find out the specifics. You'll care about the enrgy (rated in ft-lbs) at 0 yards. 9mm for instance varies in energy levels from about 325 ft-lbs (for Remington UMC and Federal Red box) to 420 ft-lbs for things like Sellier-Bellot. The .38ACP seems to run in the 190 to 240 range. So you can see the .38 will already be considerably easier to shoot than the 9mm. For 9mm my view of mild to hard goes Remington UMC, Federal Red box, American Eagle (Federal), and Winchester White box. A .38 in something like Remington UMC should be a pretty mild shot, half that of an average 9mm.
 
my 2 cents

i agree with shoot before you buy .. i did that and am happy for it...

I did not see any word of the Taurus Judge which ..
..MAY be up your alley..

I have no idea.. before really suggesting what you shoot.. i would first ask..
if you plan to pratice... or just carry it for a just in case...

If your not going to pratice.. then something like the judge would be my suggestion..
 
Whatever gun I purchase, I plan to put in a lot of time at a firing range to get practice with it, and I also plan on taking the concealed carry course offered by my state. While I don't know if I would carry, I only plan on buying one firearm and I would prefer to be able to carry it if I ever felt the need.
Click to expand...
Let me encourage you to carry if at all possible.
Realistic scenario -- You come home from work. You didnt carry, so you left your gun in your home. A thief is in your home. He finds your gun. You are now about to walk into your home unarmed with a thief who is.

Now, Im not trying to scare you or anything, but its very realistic.
 
Welcome!

sometimes its not possible to shoot before you buy. but it is recommended.
if you plan on getting proficient as you say, you need to shoot a lot. ammo cost and availability is a factor to how much you can shoot

so in that regards, i would get a 9mm. that is the cheapest of the "real" self defense calibers. only .22lr is cheaper than 9mm where I live

also, compared to .40 and .45, 9mm has the lightest recoil when you compare standard pressures across the board

my first gun was a glock 22 (.40 s&w), and it made me uncomfortable because it only had a finger trigger safety, so finger off the trigger at all times! also, when you "cock" the gun, the only way to "uncock" the gun, is to pull the trigger. Also since the bullets were twice as much as 9mm at the time, i rarely shot it

my second gun, 10 years later was a Beretta PX4. it had a lot of features not on the glock, most notable, a hammer, a safety/decocker, and a double action and single action trigger. This gun sparked my love of shooting.

I felt more safe around my PX4 in regards to accidental discharges. from a visual standpoint, if you look at the glock, the only indicator it has to the state of the gun is its trigger.

foward means its ready to fire, and back means its not primed.

the PX4, you can see if the safety is engaged (on or off) or if the hammer is back(about to fire), or down (harder state to get the gun to fire from)

also, if you have the hammer back, and a round in the chamber, you can safely drop the hammer by using the decocker, instead of thumbing the hammer down

lastly, with a gun with a hammer and a da/sa trigger, you can more easily practice dry firing, which help with shooting technique. all you need to do is pull the trigger, or cock the hammer and pull the trigger

with a glock, every time you pull the trigger, you have to rack the slide

not that I'm bashing glocks. I love my glock for what it is, but I did not like it when it was my first and only hand gun.

A PX4 is full sized, but still small enough to carry, so it is easy to shoot, has very manageable recoil. It is also very easy to dissassemble. easier than a glock. It also has an adjustable backstrap to accomodate different grip sizes.

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I skipped over what everybody else said but I'm guessing somebody told you Glock, Somebody else told you Smith and Wesson M&P and somebody else told you Springfield Xd.

If somebody by chance told you Smith and Wesson K or J frame revolver in .357, well, then I second their opinion.

Here is my reasoning. you can get grips that will make the gun fit your hand well. it is easier to clean than any semi auto and easier to learn the manual of arms.

If the gun is empty, open the cylinder, if the gun doesn't fire when you pull the trigger, pull the trigger again.

That is it in a nutshell.

oh, and you can use 38 special ammo loaded up or down to suit your comfort level and step up to 357 magnum if you're comfortable with that.

again, sorry if I repeated what somebody else suggested.

it aint hip, it aint cool and it aint what all the kids on your block are playing with but it is a rock solid, learn it and leave it in the sock drawer kinda gun. which is where most guns end up when purchased by somebody who isn't an enthusiast.
 
I hate to rain on the parade, but good luck getting a permit to own a handgun in Queens, NYC. Might want to look into that before you buy anything.

Regarding your inability to place multiple shots with a 9mm, that can be corrected with proper instruction and a little practice.

Regarding calibers, the .25 ACP and .32 do not have the required diameter nor the penetration capability to reliably obtain immediate incapacitation, the top priority for a self-defense round. The .38 special/super is marginal.
 
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