Question about Choosing First Handgun

W

Waspinator

New member
I’ve been trying out various handguns with some friends at the range to get a handle on what I want for when I get my permit (submitted, still waiting..). Out of the guns I tried, two stand out for different reasons. One, a .357 snub revolver (Ruger SP101) and the other a semi-auto .380 acp (Sig Sauer P232-Stainless).

Both guns look to be very well made, are fairly close in size and almost weigh the same (a couple ounces heavier for the SP101).

I really don’t want to make this a debate about caliber, but admit that subject is one of the things factored into the equation. I’ve read a LOT about the differences and don’t think that adding another thread debating the merits, or lack there-of, between thee two would accomplish anything. So, let us put that aside for now.

The real crux of the issue is as follows.

I’m way more accurate, especially considering I’m a new shooter, with the .380 acp Sig P232. Both while taking my sweet time and trying for fast follow-ups. It just seams that the gun shoots right where I “point” it. Where as the SP101 , while not bad, is no where near as “on target” for me. Now.. Everything I have read/learned tells me that the .357 revolver is more versatile (.38 /.357) , effective (more power) and most likely more reliable (ye ol’ revolver vs. semi debate).

So, on one hand I have a gun that I’m very accurate with, but a bit “up in the air” about the caliber and reliability. On the other hand I have a different gun that I also like and I am more comfortable with the caliber and reliability aspect, but not sure if I could ever match my accuracy of the first.

I guess the question , perhaps putting aside caliber/models, would be….

Would you go with the gun you are more inherently accurate at shooting, or do you go with the gun you rationalize is the “better” choice and hope you could shoot it as well as the other, given time?
 
Here's a dirty little secret - .357 snubbies are not the massively powerful handguns you're probably thinking. There simply isn't adequate barrel length for all of the pressure that cartridge is developing to get that pill up to speed - the stuff I've seen shows only very modest increased velocities from a .357 snubby vs. a .38 special snubby - but a whole lot of extra bang and flash.
 
In my experience, a snub nose is an expert's gun. It has a place as a conmcealed carry gun, but not as a general purpose pistol, in my opinion.

I do often recomment a .357 magnum to a new shooter, but in a meduim or heavy frame such as Ruger's GP100, ot the Smith and Wesson "K" and "N" frames, with a six inch barrel. If the pistol is for home defnse and range use, the longer barrel and heavier frame are very advantageous.

The SIG P232 is an excellent little pistol within it's limitations. Again, it is primarily designed for concealed carry, although the low recoil asnd accuraqcy make it a suitable general purpose pistol..

Your decision should be based on whatever gun fits your hand properly and comfortably, in whichever calibre you shoot well.
 
Depends on what you might use the gun for.? Self defense situations are different then shooting at the range, different factors come in to play.

Which gun feels like you would retain it better in a fight? draw better? easier to grab on the fly in the dark? easier to carry?
 
Between a 38 Special and a 357 Magnum...the 38 Special will have less of a chance to make your eardrums bleed --- while shooting in a bedroom --- compared to a 357.
 
There are *lots* of handguns out there. Maybe try some more before you make your decision. Some of the small 9mm guns may shoot as well for you as the P232 yet give you a bit more power.

If it HAS to be between the .357 and the .380 I'd go with the .380 but ONLY because you say you shoot it better, but I'd still say try out other guns.
 
Attending a two day defensive pistol course will clue you in upon what you need rather than what you think you need. You will have much more proficiency and will be able to place the gun in a tactical context (which overlaps with many action pistol games) for an overall better choice.

If you still have no idea, buy a Glock 19. It is an efficient weapon for carry while providing palm support and decent sight radius. These features will help you learn to shoot. It also has no sharp edges (you will learn about that in your course unless the gun has been cleaned-up). It needs no work out of the box except to install night sights and attach a Streamlight TLR-1.

The P232 has a few downsides. First, 380 Auto is too weak. Second, the double action trigger tends to be heavy and long. Third, it is a low capacity single stack gun. I thought the sights were a bit small.
 
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Oh, I did forget to mention the use.

I'm looking for something to keep next to the bed at night in something like a gunvault (have kids). The shot gun, all the way in the closet, inside the safe, just seams to far away for grabbing something quick. I would feel more comfortable with something I could deploy fast while the wife rounds up the kids and grabs the shotgun. I also want the gun to be on the smaller size so that I can carry (most likely IWB holster).

I also find I like the heft of smaller steel guns over the poly/lite alloy that are more common. So, my search has been focused on guns such as I mentioned in post #1.

A couple of replies focused on .38 special vs .357. That shouldn't be factored at this point, since the SP101 (or any .357 for that matter) could fire either or and finding what works for me in that particular gun can come later.

This is more of myself trying to figure out if it is better to buy a gun that I can shoot well right out of the gate vs. a gun that I don't shoot as well, but that has greater potential in the long run. Hard to explain and I hope I'm getting my thoughts and concerns to come through in my writing.

DaleA Wrote:
There are *lots* of handguns out there. Maybe try some more before you make your decision. Some of the small 9mm guns may shoot as well for you as the P232 yet give you a bit more power.
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Oh, I will continue to keep a look out. Thing is, like mentioned above, I like the smaller guns to have some heft to them (steel). If you can think of some models, of like size of the two I was looking at, in steel, then it would be greatly appreciated if you could tell me some.. so I can keep a look out :)
 
Oh, I will continue to keep a look out. Thing is, like mentioned above, I like the smaller guns to have some heft to them (steel). If you can think of some models, of like size of the two I was looking at, in steel, then it would be greatly appreciated if you could tell me some.. so I can keep a look out
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SIG P229
Springfield EMP in 40 S&W
Browning Hi-Power (needs work out of the box)
Kahr K9 or T9
SIG P220

Frankly, the SIG P229 is likely a great choice given the purpose of nightstand duty. The P220 is one of my favorites, so it has to be in the list. It is a great gun that will do a great job guarding your home.
 
Your first handgun will be CCW?

If that's the case I don't think your carry gun should be your first. A good first gun would be a medium framed 3-4" revolver. Nothing fancy just a sturdy gun you can learn to shoot on. Snubbies come with a bit of a learning curve. They are not(especially the .357) easy to shoot well as a starter weapon.
 
Honestly, I'm not an expert but what if you buy the gun and find yourself needing it next week? I would say buy the gun you shoot the best, I shoot my witness carry .45 and that's only because I have terrible accuracy with a .40 glock. Who cares how much power the caliber has since most SD shots aren't fired more than 20 ft anyway. I say buy what you can shoot comfortably.
 
Colt46 Wrote:
Your first handgun will be CCW? If that's the case I don't think your carry gun should be your first.
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What if it was going to be my only handgun? I don't know.. I mean, doesn't it make sense to learn on the platform you would like to use and become proficient with it? I mean, I don't really see a place for a larger handgun for me. If I buy a handgun and the purpose would be to carry it, then that is what I'm bringing to the range to practice on. I'm not trying to be argumentative, just curious as to why I see people subscribe to the idea that people need to learn on bigger guns. (seriously, I might be missing something being new to handguns).


Disclaimer: The person typing this message has the tendency to jump into things with both feet. So, when this poster uses the theoretical question "What if it was going to be my only handgun?", In reality would probably have a fairly large collection in short order. It is a sickness that creates much eye-rolling from this posters spouse. From classic cars to explaining why this poster needs several guitars at home in each room and at work...
 
If you can shoot the little auto accurately, go for it. I am not a fan of the 380, but it is "adequate" if the shot is placed well. I also shoot a DA semi better than a DA wheelie, it is a more natural stroke. I prefer SA, and the little Sig P238 is a sweet 380. The Sig P938 is a similar sized gun in 9mm, which would be my choice for a small auto. Main thing is that you can hit what you are aiming at.
 
If you're more comfortable with the Sig P232, then that's the gun you should get.

Most people would recommend at least a 9mm but it's more important that you are accurate.

imho you're making a mistake relegating the shotgun to 2nd choice. It shouldn't be that difficult to get the shotgun out of the safe at bed time and put it back when you get up.
 
I think you should figure out exactly what you want out of the gun out of the gate. I wouldn't consider accuracy, because honestly, you can get good with anything if you shoot it enough. If the gun needs to be carried, I would probably go with a small autoloader. I'll echo what many have said. I think a .357 out of a short barrel is impractical and very comfortable in the 4"-6" range. I might consider carrying a small .38 snub if it just had to be a revolver. I'm personally more of a fan of single stack single action guns for almost anything. You just can't go wrong with a 1911 for power and ergonomics.
 
I'm looking for something to keep next to the bed at night in something like a gunvault (have kids). The shot gun, all the way in the closet, inside the safe, just seams to far away for grabbing something quick. I would feel more comfortable with something I could deploy fast while the wife rounds up the kids and grabs the shotgun. I also want the gun to be on the smaller size so that I can carry (most likely IWB holster).
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I think people should choose what is most comfortable for them, having said that.

As a nightstand gun I choose a 2.5" 357,

-I have shot revolvers for decades and can shoot them with my eyes closed, half asleep or in a fog. The average home as a dead bolt that can be kicked open in less then 1sec. 1 sec someone can be inside the average home. It usually takes 1 sec to place a hand on a night stand gun and another 1sec to realize where you are and what is happening.

-It usually takes more then 1 shot and many gunfights end up retention fights and grappling matches. A semi auto will only fire one time if someone has hold of the slide(double hand retention) or the slide gets caught against a body, so a 16 shot can turn into a single shot that need racked or possibly un-jammed. Very bad situation.
A 2.5" revolver has enough barrel that I can double hand retain it and still fire it without blowing my fingers off.

-At close quarters I feel like a 357 will rip a sufficient hole through a chest cavity.
 
No worries

Guns are very personal. What works for me won't neccessarily work for my identical twin brother(who doesn't exist-but I'm trying to make a point). CCW is still pretty rare and size and weight are huge factors in deciding what works best for the bearer.
The two guns you are looking at are specialty guns that compromise in favor of concealability. If you are needing a bedside table gun you would do better with a revolver frame that will carry one more bullet, have a little bit better velocity, and easier recoil.
What I'm really trying to say is-get a little more familiarity with a gun before you decide on what role it will play for you.

I've got a 2.25" SP-101 in .38 that I LOVE. I cannot shoot it as well as a K-frame, Smith with a 4" barrel.
 
In my experience, a snub nose is an expert's gun. It has a place as a conmcealed carry gun, but not as a general purpose pistol, in my opinion.
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I largely agree with that idea. A snub revolver is not an easy handgun to shoot well, and can be frustrating for some people to learn on.

The P232 is relatively large for a .380, weighing roughly 80% more than the more common LCP. I have not shot the P232, but the P238 weighs about 50% more than the LCP and the recoil is noticeably better. That will have a lot to do with your overall performance with a handgun, both because lower recoil allows faster and more accurate followup shots, and because more recoil might make you more prone to develop a flinch.

I know you said that you don't want to debate caliber, but I feel I would be remiss if I did not urge you to shoot a 9 mm pistol before you make your purchase. More effective caliber at a lower practice price, and recoil is not at all bad coming out of all but the smallest pistols.
 
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