I am a woman looking for some security and searching for the best option of a firearm to have at home. It's been suggested to me to get a 22 pistol and I like the looks of the Beretta Bobcat but just read a blog that said its not a good self defense weapon. Any voices of experience out there have comments or alternate suggestions. I have NO experience and will of course take some classes and training but I need to choose a decent weapon for starters.
Rookie question - looking for advice
- Thread starter butterfly
- Start date
butterfly, if your looking for a home gun and you want a 22 rimfire I would look for a 4" to 4 5/8" barreled Ruger MKII on the used market. There are even plenty of them still out there new in the box. It's the most reliable 22 rimfire that I have ever seen. Use it with CCI Mini Mag HP's. The 22 rimfire Bobcat 21A does not have an extractor and is known for misfires due to fail to eject. I have a Beretta Bobcat 21A and it's a lot of fun to plink with but I would never on purpose use it for self defense.
oneounceload
Moderator
Butterfly - I suggest you go and read Thecorneredcat.com - written by a female (who is also a mod here) and you'll get a LOT of good information
Edward429451
Moderator
Maybe you should find a range that rents guns and try a couple different types. Small autos, small revolvers...see what you have a preference for and what wouldn't be too big to carry. When you rent the guns tell them what you are doing and maybe someone could oversee your shooting session with you? Show you how they operate and so forth. Be careful though! They might have bubba workin that day. +1 to the cornered cat site! Go there first!
butterfly said:
Welcome to The Firing Line!
For home defense, it's hard to beat a shotgun. I suggest you ask the trainers what they think of you using a 20 gauge pump or auto with a 20" barrel and cylinder choke for this purpose. I think you'll find it much easier and faster to gain proficiency with a shotgun than a handgun. Especially a handgun with enough punch to consider as a defensive weapon.
Absolutely agree about http://corneredcat.com/ - best advice so far.
The .22 is a teacher, mild-mannered and polite, and often very accurate. It is not a brawler or a bouncer. For learning basics and practicing them over the years, it can't be beat.
For defense against someone who truly means to harm you, it is not ideal. Some will say, with good reason, that several good hits with a .22 are easier to make than one good hit with a more powerful round with which one is unfamiliar; and that those .22 hits might well discourage or disable your assailant as effectively as a hit with a more powerful round. A .22 with which you are comfortable and accurate is much, much better than a loud, hard-kicking weapon you don't shoot often. But a larger caliber weapon that you do shoot often is more effective than any .22.
With that said, you are much better advised to read http://corneredcat.com/ than to take my advice.
Congratulations on recognizing that you are your own first line of defense, and deciding to train and arm yourself against "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" instead of suffering them.
The .22 is a teacher, mild-mannered and polite, and often very accurate. It is not a brawler or a bouncer. For learning basics and practicing them over the years, it can't be beat.
For defense against someone who truly means to harm you, it is not ideal. Some will say, with good reason, that several good hits with a .22 are easier to make than one good hit with a more powerful round with which one is unfamiliar; and that those .22 hits might well discourage or disable your assailant as effectively as a hit with a more powerful round. A .22 with which you are comfortable and accurate is much, much better than a loud, hard-kicking weapon you don't shoot often. But a larger caliber weapon that you do shoot often is more effective than any .22.
With that said, you are much better advised to read http://corneredcat.com/ than to take my advice.
Congratulations on recognizing that you are your own first line of defense, and deciding to train and arm yourself against "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" instead of suffering them.
+1 one the shotgun and the same with "starting" with a .22.
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx
Is an excellent resource for man or woman.
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx
Is an excellent resource for man or woman.
oilfieldguy
New member
The .38 special is pretty popular with women. With some instruction you can become proficient with this caliber quickly. It's a good all-around reliable cartridge. Police department used this quite a bit.
Don't buy one before you try one. Ask around if any friends have one.
Also, don't buy the lightest gun as the extra weight of a heavier firearm helps reduce felt recoil.
Don't buy one before you try one. Ask around if any friends have one.
Also, don't buy the lightest gun as the extra weight of a heavier firearm helps reduce felt recoil.
Misssissippi Dave
New member
I like starting anyone with a .22. I also like to practice with one for my own enjoyment too. Once the basics are down you can always move on to something else. Revolvers are less complicated to learn and use under stress for many people. Semi-autos can be more complicated when something goes wrong. I shoot both but I started with revolvers.
I do suggest you wear both ear plugs and a head set for hearing protection while at the range. The reduced noise makes shootings more enjoyable, less strenuous and also protects your hearing. Even the cheapest foam ear plugs with a good head set will make a big difference. Take it from someone that is now hearing impaired. I do wear both now. It may be a bit late but I do get the same benefits mentioned just at a reduced level.
I do suggest you wear both ear plugs and a head set for hearing protection while at the range. The reduced noise makes shootings more enjoyable, less strenuous and also protects your hearing. Even the cheapest foam ear plugs with a good head set will make a big difference. Take it from someone that is now hearing impaired. I do wear both now. It may be a bit late but I do get the same benefits mentioned just at a reduced level.
CarbineCaleb
New member
Revolvers are dependable, simple, and fun. A .22 is the ideal training tool (even for experienced shooters). If you have some time to learn and want to shoot well, I'd suggest getting a .22 revolver and a basic handgun course to start, and after you've shot say 1-2 thousand rounds with a .22 (.22 ammo is cheap), get yourself a .38 revolver.
If you believe there is an imminent threat, then start off with that .38, and still take the basic handgun course. At minimum you want solid safety training so you don't shoot yourself or anyone else unless that's your intent. Beyond that, some teaching of proper grip, use of sights, breath control and correct holster technique - especially the draw, are also very useful.
If you believe there is an imminent threat, then start off with that .38, and still take the basic handgun course. At minimum you want solid safety training so you don't shoot yourself or anyone else unless that's your intent. Beyond that, some teaching of proper grip, use of sights, breath control and correct holster technique - especially the draw, are also very useful.
Find a range that rents guns, or friends who will let you shoot theirs. Handle and shoot everything you can. Then:
The "best" gun is the one YOU like, not anyone else. It will be a compromise of:
1. Fit - It should fit in your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Reliability - It should go BANG about 99.8% of the time you pull the trigger.
3. Accuracy - In YOUR hand. It's how well YOU shoot it.
4. Concealability - It should be comfortable enough to wear and easy enough to conceal so you won't leave it laying on the dresser at home.
5. Cost - You don't want to scrimp on your "life protector" weapon, but you probably don't need a $1,000 Kimber, either.
No one can decide what gun is best for you. They're all telling you the guns THEY like.
The "best" gun is the one YOU like, not anyone else. It will be a compromise of:
1. Fit - It should fit in your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Reliability - It should go BANG about 99.8% of the time you pull the trigger.
3. Accuracy - In YOUR hand. It's how well YOU shoot it.
4. Concealability - It should be comfortable enough to wear and easy enough to conceal so you won't leave it laying on the dresser at home.
5. Cost - You don't want to scrimp on your "life protector" weapon, but you probably don't need a $1,000 Kimber, either.
No one can decide what gun is best for you. They're all telling you the guns THEY like.
Butterfly,
You said you're wanting the gun for some security. I'm wondering, are you speaking of security at home (aka-home-defense), or are you thinking of using this gun for concealed carry / self-defense? Typically, the gun requirements for two purposes are different. For home defense, the weight of a gun isn't a factor, and a heavier gun is often considered to be a plus, because the extra weight tends to reduce the recoil that you'll feel when shooting. (ie- the gun is a little easier to control) For concealed carry, we often look for light weight guns. The light weight makes all day / every day carry much easier. The down side to the light weight is that the gun produces more recoil. It's the trade-off that you make in order to have a gun that is comfortable to carry. When making recommendations for first time buyers (and shooters), it always helps to know specifically how the gun will be used. Give that some thought if you would.
Also, is there a maximum price ceiling for this purchase, and if so, what is it?
You'll get a lot of different recommendations, and I'll start by suggesting that you consider the purchase of a revolver. The specific model will depend on it's intended use, but as a general rule, revolvers are much more simple to operate, and are also a lot more reliable. Some semi automatics are also excellent guns, but they require more understanding on the part of the shooter, and although many can prove to be very reliable, they'll never achieve the all around reliability of a revolver. I'm not saying a revolver is the only choice, just that you need to consider some of the points I just made before deciding on a gun you'd like to purchase.
As for a .22 handgun? For practice, they can be excellent guns to learn with, and in a pinch they can be used for self-defense. The ammo is cheap, so if you'll be doing a lot of shooting, that can be a plus. But, if you're shopping specifically for a self-defense gun, and you're only going to buy one gun, then don't consider buying a .22.
You said you're wanting the gun for some security. I'm wondering, are you speaking of security at home (aka-home-defense), or are you thinking of using this gun for concealed carry / self-defense? Typically, the gun requirements for two purposes are different. For home defense, the weight of a gun isn't a factor, and a heavier gun is often considered to be a plus, because the extra weight tends to reduce the recoil that you'll feel when shooting. (ie- the gun is a little easier to control) For concealed carry, we often look for light weight guns. The light weight makes all day / every day carry much easier. The down side to the light weight is that the gun produces more recoil. It's the trade-off that you make in order to have a gun that is comfortable to carry. When making recommendations for first time buyers (and shooters), it always helps to know specifically how the gun will be used. Give that some thought if you would.
Also, is there a maximum price ceiling for this purchase, and if so, what is it?
You'll get a lot of different recommendations, and I'll start by suggesting that you consider the purchase of a revolver. The specific model will depend on it's intended use, but as a general rule, revolvers are much more simple to operate, and are also a lot more reliable. Some semi automatics are also excellent guns, but they require more understanding on the part of the shooter, and although many can prove to be very reliable, they'll never achieve the all around reliability of a revolver. I'm not saying a revolver is the only choice, just that you need to consider some of the points I just made before deciding on a gun you'd like to purchase.
As for a .22 handgun? For practice, they can be excellent guns to learn with, and in a pinch they can be used for self-defense. The ammo is cheap, so if you'll be doing a lot of shooting, that can be a plus. But, if you're shopping specifically for a self-defense gun, and you're only going to buy one gun, then don't consider buying a .22.
lwestatbus
New member
Where Do You Live?
My sister was in similar circumstances and actually lived through an attempted home invasion at a friend's house when the friend (a woman) shot and wounded a drunk/hopped up intruder. So my sister found a shooting course for women only in So. California where the instruction included significant live fire on various handguns provided by the school as part of the course. She was most comfortable with revolvers because of the simplicity and pretty intuitive operation. At my suggestion she rented and then bought a 3" S&W Model 60 .357 but carries .38s in it.
This is a light revolver and the .38 is not difficult to shoot. I also own one and use it as a pocket carry. My sister keeps it by the bed at home but also spends significant time in bear country with her two dogs. Then she switches out to .357s.
See if you can find a shooting school that offers its own mix of handguns to train with. I don't like the one that told you to find your own gun first.
My sister was in similar circumstances and actually lived through an attempted home invasion at a friend's house when the friend (a woman) shot and wounded a drunk/hopped up intruder. So my sister found a shooting course for women only in So. California where the instruction included significant live fire on various handguns provided by the school as part of the course. She was most comfortable with revolvers because of the simplicity and pretty intuitive operation. At my suggestion she rented and then bought a 3" S&W Model 60 .357 but carries .38s in it.
This is a light revolver and the .38 is not difficult to shoot. I also own one and use it as a pocket carry. My sister keeps it by the bed at home but also spends significant time in bear country with her two dogs. Then she switches out to .357s.
See if you can find a shooting school that offers its own mix of handguns to train with. I don't like the one that told you to find your own gun first.
Butterfly - if you're set on a .22, then get a .22 magnum revolver. But, I suggest you look at a 9mm semiauto or a .38 special revolver. As was previously posted, a Smith and Wesson Model 60 would probebly be a good gun for you. It will shot .38 Special or .357 magnum. Go with the 3" barrel.
This Smith and Wesson 351 PD is a great example of a nice little 7 shot .22 magnum.
This Smith and Wesson 351 PD is a great example of a nice little 7 shot .22 magnum.
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Ma'am,
Conventional wisdom often isn't; but when it comes to first handguns, which may fill a defensive role, there is one tidbit that is as good as it ever was. The .38 or .357 medium frame double action revolver is still a fine choice and one that fully fits the KISS principle.
My suggestion is to get something small enough to stow in a pocket if you answer the door. The basic DA revolver comes in many brands and price ranges. The 'used' market is loaded with them.
Conventional wisdom often isn't; but when it comes to first handguns, which may fill a defensive role, there is one tidbit that is as good as it ever was. The .38 or .357 medium frame double action revolver is still a fine choice and one that fully fits the KISS principle.
My suggestion is to get something small enough to stow in a pocket if you answer the door. The basic DA revolver comes in many brands and price ranges. The 'used' market is loaded with them.
butterfly,
You need not be overly concerned with weight and size for that purpose. Classes and training will familiarize you with guns and will be a great help in your selection.
However, do you need security right now? before you have a chance to take classes? If so, then I suggest you go to a gun shop which has a range and will rent, or let you try out, various guns.
Revolvers are simple to operate and in case of a misfire (yes, some rounds are duds) all you have to do is pull the trigger again.
New revolvers have a hammer safety feature which means if you snag the hammer it still won’t fire; it requires that you actually pull the trigger.
Revolvers are seldom more than six shot and some are five.
Automatics have the advantage of more rounds than in a revolver; ten to fifteen. However, in case of a misfire these have to be cleared before another shot is available.
Automatics have safety features but you should get a firm understanding of how these work and what these will do and won’t do.
Long guns? Shotguns are mean, mean, mean; but unwieldy compared to a handgun.
Whichever way you go there is always the fact that bigger, meaning more powerful, is better; bigger also means more recoil but a heavy gun helps with that.
One thing about advice is that almost everyone believes that what they have is the best solution. Sometimes advice is really someone defending their purchase.
A .22 is the answer only if you cannot handle something bigger. Sarge gave some good advice, IMHO.
You need not be overly concerned with weight and size for that purpose. Classes and training will familiarize you with guns and will be a great help in your selection.
However, do you need security right now? before you have a chance to take classes? If so, then I suggest you go to a gun shop which has a range and will rent, or let you try out, various guns.
Revolvers are simple to operate and in case of a misfire (yes, some rounds are duds) all you have to do is pull the trigger again.
New revolvers have a hammer safety feature which means if you snag the hammer it still won’t fire; it requires that you actually pull the trigger.
Revolvers are seldom more than six shot and some are five.
Automatics have the advantage of more rounds than in a revolver; ten to fifteen. However, in case of a misfire these have to be cleared before another shot is available.
Automatics have safety features but you should get a firm understanding of how these work and what these will do and won’t do.
Long guns? Shotguns are mean, mean, mean; but unwieldy compared to a handgun.
Whichever way you go there is always the fact that bigger, meaning more powerful, is better; bigger also means more recoil but a heavy gun helps with that.
One thing about advice is that almost everyone believes that what they have is the best solution. Sometimes advice is really someone defending their purchase.
A .22 is the answer only if you cannot handle something bigger. Sarge gave some good advice, IMHO.
Butterfly,
As ClayInTX correctly pointed out, you DID indeed tell us what your intended use for this gun would be. (a gun to have at home) Sorry I missed that fact and suggested otherwise.
Also, listen to those suggesting .38 Special revolvers. They are easy to operate, and are very reliable. Another very good candidate would be a Ruger SP101 with 3 inch barrel. It's rated for .357 magnum, but will shoot .38 Special rounds too (it holds 5 rounds), and because of it's stainless steel construction, it's heavy enough to make it a gun that has very light recoil, especially shooting .38 Special. They are priced fairly reasonably too.
As ClayInTX correctly pointed out, you DID indeed tell us what your intended use for this gun would be. (a gun to have at home) Sorry I missed that fact and suggested otherwise.
Also, listen to those suggesting .38 Special revolvers. They are easy to operate, and are very reliable. Another very good candidate would be a Ruger SP101 with 3 inch barrel. It's rated for .357 magnum, but will shoot .38 Special rounds too (it holds 5 rounds), and because of it's stainless steel construction, it's heavy enough to make it a gun that has very light recoil, especially shooting .38 Special. They are priced fairly reasonably too.