newbie needs suggestions

S

StraightSix

Inactive
I work in a bad part of town in Dallas and don't feel safe on the ride home. I was thinking of getting my chl and carrying in my car(console). I want somthing that is small enough to stash in my glovebox or center console but still be able to put 100 rounds through it at the range without killing my hands. I'm looking to spend
around 350-400 and don't mind buying used. Any suggestions
 
I don't own one personally, but a lot of people on this forum speak highly of various Bersas which might meet your price/size criteria. Don't own one of these either, but I also hear good things about the small 9mm Kahrs, although they might be above the range you stated. Of course, one can always find a good used firearm if one looks carefully...got a Belgian Hi-Power once for $399.

Good luck!:)
 
First I would find out if its legal to have a firearm in the glovebox or center console. If it is then I would recommend the Ruger GP-100 or S&W 686 both with 4" barrels.
 
+1 RevolverLover

Absolutely correct on checking the laws. Also, the revolvers mentioned are excellent, as well as many other used ones. A new one from Smith might not fall within the price range quoted unless on sale.
 
I got a new Ruger SP-101 DAO .357 magnum within that price range this year. In fact, I could have bought a cheap pocket holster and a cleaning kit as well without exceeding $400. I think pocket holster is a good idea, even if the gun lives in a glove box or is stashed somewhere else.

Full-power .357s may hurt your hand, but I'm guessing .38 specials and .38 +Ps should not. I typically fire 200 rounds of .38s and a half a box of magnums in a range trip. Great gun, fun to shoot, easy to clean, and about the safest handgun style there is, in my opinion.

You may need to strengthen your trigger finger, however.
 
Small enough to stash?

I'd suggest either a Bersa .380, or a Makarov. For that matter, a new Bersa 9 would be both in your budget and would be small enough to do what you want. I paid $300 for my used 4" S&W 686 (.357 Magnum), but that is probably a bit large for what you want it to do.
 
Dallas, Texas? In Texas it is now legal to carry a gun in a car without a CHL provided it is concealed (i.e. in a glove box or center console). You cannot actually *carry* without a CHL, though, so I'd recommend getting one anyway, and getting one will probably put a cop that pulls you over at ease... much more so than "I have a gun in my console, but it's legal I promise." anyway. Definitely should get the CHL, but if you feel the need in the meantime you can keep it in your glovebox or console.

Reliability should probably be your biggest concern, considering how most peoples' glove boxes look. :) I'd definitely consider a revolver.
 
Get your chl and carry a handgun, myself personnally i,m against guns in gloveboxes and console,s. People have a tendacy to forget, then some jerk busts into your car and your gun is gone, or some kid finds it. If you are gonna buy a handgun then carry that thing because when it is on your person nobody but you will get their hands on it. Pickup a little kel-tec that slips right into pocket and carry all the time.
 
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A CZ Rami comes in 9mm and .40 SW--compact, reliable and reasonably priced. They are generally just over $400. The Taurus PT111, 9mm 12 round looks good for around $250. Springfield Armory has a couple of XD compacts that one can find for just under $400.
 
if all you're looking for is something for the car and a few range shots spend about $225 on the Bersa Thunder (380 or 9mm) as someone already suggested, or a 2 1/2" 38 spcl revolver from taurus or rossi. or a used one from s&W or ruger. These will give you enough defense protection as well as allow you to carry them concealed fairly easy, and you have about $200 to spend on range ammo and practice. Oh yeah, and gas to get there.

my $.02
 
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