First wanted to say hi to everyone and love this site so far. I just started shooting in the last couple of weeks and have realized I love to shoot at the local range. So far I have fired 2 different barrel length .357 using .38 ammo, and a .38 Special S&W. I didn't care for the recoil and feel of the 38 S&W, so that is out of the running for me. I did like the feel and accuracy of the longer barreled 357 and did pretty good on the targets with it. My Dillemma is that I am considering joining a police department in the very near future and have been told to just get a Sigsauer P226 40 caliber, and I would be set as far as only having one handgun to start with. My buddy who suggested this has been an officer for 4 years now and also suggested I look at one called a CZ .40. Right now I mainly want something for shooting at the range and for home defense. I really do like the idea of having less times of reloading with the semi autos, but it seems the 357 wheel types are a bit cheaper which also is a factor. I havent shot the CZ yet or the Sig, but plan on doing so very soon. I want to spend around $800.00 or less and want to have the best of both worlds(home defense and range shooting). What are your suggestions on my situation? I do trust my buddies suggestions, but always get other opinions to ease my mind. At this time I don't plan of using it as a concealed weapon, but that may be a plan in the near future. I have shorter fingers but thick ones if that makes any difference. One more question I have is I have 2 small children one 5, and one 6. Is there any good books, magazines, or classes you would recommend to teach me further safety on keeping the gun away and secured properly from the kids? The safety of my kids obviously comes first and definitely will not buy anything till I learn this first. Thank you very much for any help you can give.
Newbie needs help on deciding
- Thread starter bones06
- Start date
Revolver vs. auto is a personal preference.
If you want a wheel gun for the range and home protection a Ruger GP100 or a Smith 686 with a 4 inch barrel would be excellent. They are both very accurate, well made, and readily available. They offer the advantage of firing both .38 special loads and .357 loads. For home protection many prefer a quality +P .38 load due to the .357's muzzle flash, blast, and penetration.
In an auto there are many quality guns to choose from. To keep it simple I'd stick with Smith M&P, Springfield XD, or Glock. Any of those can be had in 9 mm, .40, or .45acp. I prefer the 9mm for max capacity, low priced ammo (important if you're using it for alot of range work), and acceptable stopping power. My personal preference is the Glock 19. It's the one gun to own if you only own one gun.
As far as children are concerned be sure to use a good trigger lock. Most of the guns mentioned include a lock with the gun. There are also some good quick release safes available for under $100 with a touch pad combination which comes in handy for home protection.
You'll get alot of different opinions on this site but most of the factual information received from the members will be right on.
If you want a wheel gun for the range and home protection a Ruger GP100 or a Smith 686 with a 4 inch barrel would be excellent. They are both very accurate, well made, and readily available. They offer the advantage of firing both .38 special loads and .357 loads. For home protection many prefer a quality +P .38 load due to the .357's muzzle flash, blast, and penetration.
In an auto there are many quality guns to choose from. To keep it simple I'd stick with Smith M&P, Springfield XD, or Glock. Any of those can be had in 9 mm, .40, or .45acp. I prefer the 9mm for max capacity, low priced ammo (important if you're using it for alot of range work), and acceptable stopping power. My personal preference is the Glock 19. It's the one gun to own if you only own one gun.
As far as children are concerned be sure to use a good trigger lock. Most of the guns mentioned include a lock with the gun. There are also some good quick release safes available for under $100 with a touch pad combination which comes in handy for home protection.
You'll get alot of different opinions on this site but most of the factual information received from the members will be right on.
The NRA basic course is a good start. The range you shoot at porbably has classes or can point you to them.
If you have young children a lockbox or night stand gun safe is a very very good idea.
What type of handgun you end up with is pretty much an individual choice. Try as many different types of guns as you can rent at the range.
You might consider not buying untill you've got some training under your belt.
If you had recoil problems shooting .38 caliber rounds, you might consider buying a heavier framed revolver. A used full sized S&W Model 10 shooting moderately powered .38 special cartridges might be a good start. They can be had for about $400 and up, though you might find a better deal.
If you're set on a .357 then definitely get a heavy revolver such as a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686.
Training and experience, will make you better at handling recoil.
There are more types of semi-autos than you can shake a stick at.
Both the Sig and CZ are good guns. If the police force you hope to join mandates a certain type of pistol then buy that. If not, here again the heavier the pistol the less felt recoil.
I'm not a fan of .40 caliber and if you have problems with recoil then you might consider the 9mm.
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx
This web site is a good place to start for anyone.
Just thought I'd add that getting a quality .22 caliber handgun is a very good idea.
If you have young children a lockbox or night stand gun safe is a very very good idea.
What type of handgun you end up with is pretty much an individual choice. Try as many different types of guns as you can rent at the range.
You might consider not buying untill you've got some training under your belt.
If you had recoil problems shooting .38 caliber rounds, you might consider buying a heavier framed revolver. A used full sized S&W Model 10 shooting moderately powered .38 special cartridges might be a good start. They can be had for about $400 and up, though you might find a better deal.
If you're set on a .357 then definitely get a heavy revolver such as a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686.
Training and experience, will make you better at handling recoil.
There are more types of semi-autos than you can shake a stick at.
Both the Sig and CZ are good guns. If the police force you hope to join mandates a certain type of pistol then buy that. If not, here again the heavier the pistol the less felt recoil.
I'm not a fan of .40 caliber and if you have problems with recoil then you might consider the 9mm.
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx
This web site is a good place to start for anyone.
Just thought I'd add that getting a quality .22 caliber handgun is a very good idea.
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For me personally, I keep 2 revolvers in the house(S&W686 and a Taurus 627, both in .357 mag) for defense and use a Sig 226 in .40 for carry. I like the wheel guns for their ease of use and reliability, so the wife can get to it and use it if needed. So in my opinion, take a look at both, try them if you can and decide from there.
Again, that is my personal opinion.
Again, that is my personal opinion.
Jim Watson
New member
If you are going to work for a government agency, be sure that what you buy will meet their requirements. Also consider that as a government agent, you can get a better price, at least by not having to pay excise tax and likely by department discount.
If you have short fingers, be aware that a CZ has a rather long DA trigger reach but you can get a short trigger for the Sig-Sauer.
If you have short fingers, be aware that a CZ has a rather long DA trigger reach but you can get a short trigger for the Sig-Sauer.
Wow lots of good advice thanks all. As far as the recoil it didn't really bother me, it was just noticably more then the .357 S&W I used after it. I was told by my shooting partner that it was because the 38 special was so much lighter and shorter on the barrel. She mainly has it for concealment/home protection. I know for sure that I don't want anything with a grip as small as her 38 special. I do remember seeing a sign at the range for handgun safety classes and am going to call about it next week. I need to get more comfortable actually holding a gun before I go and decide on one. I still have a bit of nervousness for some reason when handling them. I know that will subside, and is only because of my inexperience in using them. I want to practice tons more before I go through my testing for the police dept to get me more comfortable with shooting. My shooting partner also is right next to me at all times when I am handling them and shooting as a precaution. I never handled the Sigs or CZ yet but am going to either borrow both or rent them at the range. I could've sworn the one .357 longer barrel revolver I used was a Taurus, but not positive, that was the best one so far. I have shot my father in laws 9mm Ruger I believe is what it was, and liked that a few years ago. I have been told that most 9mm are garbage and not as good at stopping as the 357, and Sig 226 .40 . My friend did say that she keeps the .38 +p in her 38 special when it's carried or in the night stand. I have decided that my future police use does not have to be a factor in my first hand gun search since it will be months up to next year before I could even need it. So any other advice can void the police use issue. I really do like the look and profile of the sigs and similar, and think they would be more comfortable if I do decide to carry concealed, does that make sense or do you think the revolvers are more comfortable/easier to conceal from your experience? Thanks again and sorry if my post are to long, but I'd rather ask too much then go into this blind.
john in jax
New member
As far as "stopping power" goes 9mm, especially in the +P flavors is every bit the equivalent of a .38 spl or .38spl+p.
A 4" or 6" .357 is a great first gun. .38's are easy on the hands and ears, but you can always step up to .257 mags rounds if you want/need more BANG. As mentioned above a S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 would be an excellent choice.
I have short fat fingers and find the Glock 19's fit my hand real well.
With kids around a safe or lock box is a must. Some sort of digital safe or pistol box you can access quickly would be ideal.
A 4" or 6" .357 is a great first gun. .38's are easy on the hands and ears, but you can always step up to .257 mags rounds if you want/need more BANG. As mentioned above a S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 would be an excellent choice.
I have short fat fingers and find the Glock 19's fit my hand real well.
With kids around a safe or lock box is a must. Some sort of digital safe or pistol box you can access quickly would be ideal.
Believe it or not, not all cops are good shots.
If you are not on a department now, I would wait until you got on a department, and they give you a gun. Practice with it. Chances are, they will have some practice ammo.
If not, you might want to learn about the world of reloading.
Also, if you get on a department, you might check to see what they require of you off-duty. Do they want you to carry a department issued gun, etc...
Rules vary from place to place.
Another idea. Don't act like Thackler from POLICE ACADEMY. Just take it slow and cool around guns and they won't think you are shooting for fun. Far be it for a newbie cop to have fun learning! They are going to want you to be level-headed and unemotional. They don't want gun-nuts and head thumpers (for the most part).
Welcome to the forums.
The Doc is out now.
If you are not on a department now, I would wait until you got on a department, and they give you a gun. Practice with it. Chances are, they will have some practice ammo.
If not, you might want to learn about the world of reloading.
Also, if you get on a department, you might check to see what they require of you off-duty. Do they want you to carry a department issued gun, etc...
Rules vary from place to place.
Another idea. Don't act like Thackler from POLICE ACADEMY. Just take it slow and cool around guns and they won't think you are shooting for fun. Far be it for a newbie cop to have fun learning! They are going to want you to be level-headed and unemotional. They don't want gun-nuts and head thumpers (for the most part).
Welcome to the forums.
The Doc is out now.
The people who told you that handguns chambered in 9mm are garbage were wrong. Some of the finest guns made shoot 9mm rounds.
While the 9mm may not have the same kinetic energy as the .357 or the .40, the same can be said about those calibers in comparison to the .44 and .50 caliber magnums.
There will always be a more powerful cartridge that people point to as the bare minimum for self defense.
The ability to put bullets where you want them is more important than how powerful those bullets are. That means that practice, training, and how well a gun fits your hand are much more important than what type of bullet it shoots.
I should clarify that most of the negative comments I've heard about the 9mm besides less stopping power, is that they have a higher tendency to jam when firing. Now my cop buddy has told me thats not really true, he said that it basically depends on the brand and model and not so much caliber. He said that he has never once had a jam or issue while shooting his Sig 226, or CZ .40. He says it all boils down to my accuracy and comfort when holding whatever I'm shooting. In a defense situation I definitely don't want a jam, but with a wheel gun I know I'll have less rounds available compared to a semi-auto. I don't plan on ever using reloads due to the higher chances of barrel damage from improper loading. My shooting partner told me that the reloads are not a good idea unless you are really short on ammo or as a last resort in a situation. My police testing is on hold right now because we are not sure if we are going to be moving to that particular area. So I am going to concentrate on a decent first self defense/range gun. If I do get on a department then I will just get the required duty weapon, just another reason to buy another gun
I really am leaning towards semi auto right now just from research so far and looks. I also need to factor in the gun safe too in all the pricing, that obviously will be bought first. My wife doesn't want any kind of safe that requires a key due to the kids, so I am looking at the hand/thumbprint type. Any recommendations on a decent safe like that for $200.00 or less. A special thanks to BuzzCook for the link to the child safety website, it was a huge help for us.
I really am leaning towards semi auto right now just from research so far and looks. I also need to factor in the gun safe too in all the pricing, that obviously will be bought first. My wife doesn't want any kind of safe that requires a key due to the kids, so I am looking at the hand/thumbprint type. Any recommendations on a decent safe like that for $200.00 or less. A special thanks to BuzzCook for the link to the child safety website, it was a huge help for us.trigger treat
New member
taurus makes a 24/7 model thats a .45 and has a 12 round magazine.it features a lock on the gun specific to taurus that requires a key to unlock the gun and switch the safety. An FN FNP .45 has a 14round magazine and is better in quality than the taurus, not that taurus's are bad in quality in fact they're great guns if you have a newer one. But for anybody thats new to shooting i'd recommend a 9mm, it's not underpowered or overpowering, and easier to achieve consistent accuracy. the ammo is also one the cheapest among larger caliber handguns.
I will take a look at those Trigger treat. Here are a few pics from my first two times at the range they are a week apart.
This was the first time and used friends S&W .38 Special shrt barrel, and then a rented S&W .357 Magnum medium sized barrel.
Second time was a week later using the friends .38 special only a few times, and then a longer barreled .357 not sure on the make/model I'll have to ask buddy. You can see the obvious improvement with using the longer barreled .357 Magnum. Next time I am going to try all semi autos and do a longer range time.
This was the first time and used friends S&W .38 Special shrt barrel, and then a rented S&W .357 Magnum medium sized barrel.
Second time was a week later using the friends .38 special only a few times, and then a longer barreled .357 not sure on the make/model I'll have to ask buddy. You can see the obvious improvement with using the longer barreled .357 Magnum. Next time I am going to try all semi autos and do a longer range time.
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Niner4Tango
New member
Good work. If I can make a suggestion...
You might want to bring the target in a little closer, maybe 5 yards. Aim for the center of the X every time and work on getting all rounds inside the 10 or 9 ring. Keep it up, you're doing good.
"Aim small, miss small" - means if you aim at a man and miss, you miss the man. If you aim at a button and miss, you still hit the man.
As far as revolver v. auto - I don't know, I want them all!
You might want to bring the target in a little closer, maybe 5 yards. Aim for the center of the X every time and work on getting all rounds inside the 10 or 9 ring. Keep it up, you're doing good.
"Aim small, miss small" - means if you aim at a man and miss, you miss the man. If you aim at a button and miss, you still hit the man.
As far as revolver v. auto - I don't know, I want them all!
bought my first gun
Hi all just wanted to let you all know that I finally just made my choice for my first gun. I just ordered a Sig Sauer sp2022 9mm
from Buds Gun shop online. I am really excited and cant wait to get it. I decided on this one due to it's accuracy, Sigs reputation, and it was exactly what I was planning on spending for my first gun. I have already made my second gun choice and that is going to be a S&W 686 .357 4in barrel. I almost bought that as my first but it was a few hundred more then I wanted to spend right now. Not to mention I can at least use the new Sig as a carry gun a bit easier then the 686. Now i have to go and get the safe tommorrow so it's new home is ready for arrival. I will get some pics up as soon as I get it. Thank again for all the help, you all are an invaluable source of info for us newbs.
Hi all just wanted to let you all know that I finally just made my choice for my first gun. I just ordered a Sig Sauer sp2022 9mm
from Buds Gun shop online. I am really excited and cant wait to get it. I decided on this one due to it's accuracy, Sigs reputation, and it was exactly what I was planning on spending for my first gun. I have already made my second gun choice and that is going to be a S&W 686 .357 4in barrel. I almost bought that as my first but it was a few hundred more then I wanted to spend right now. Not to mention I can at least use the new Sig as a carry gun a bit easier then the 686. Now i have to go and get the safe tommorrow so it's new home is ready for arrival. I will get some pics up as soon as I get it. Thank again for all the help, you all are an invaluable source of info for us newbs.dairycreek
New member
As a self professed "newbie" let me offer some important advice for your long term shooting proficiency and enjoyment.
Learning to shoot well is not unlike learning to play golf well. Starting with the fundamentals is incredibly important. One can learn good shooting/golfing habits just as one can learn bad shooting/golfing habits. Once learned, bad habits are really hard to correct
Start with lessons from a proficient teacher and learn the "right way" up front and then practice, practice, & practice those good shooting habits. In the long run you will benefit greatly by this approach.
Learning to shoot well is not unlike learning to play golf well. Starting with the fundamentals is incredibly important. One can learn good shooting/golfing habits just as one can learn bad shooting/golfing habits. Once learned, bad habits are really hard to correct
Start with lessons from a proficient teacher and learn the "right way" up front and then practice, practice, & practice those good shooting habits. In the long run you will benefit greatly by this approach.
I have been getting my practice in at the range as my wallet and ammo supply allow. As soon as there is an open class at my range I am going to take the concealed carry class in order for me to get my permit. My one buddy who is a cop has also been teaching me the correct way to hold, fire, handle, and deal with anything that I need help on. I am not nervous anymore having the gun in my hand like I was, so that has made a difference in my shooting. I still have a long way to go before I would consider myself a great shooter, but I know I'm getting better at keeping my groupings tighter and my form proper.