What would you do?

M

m1magn87

New member
I'm looking to purchase my first firearm/s, and based on my reasons for wanting to own a gun, I've come up with two purchasing scenarios:

I primarily want the firearm for target shooting, but also for home defense

Scenario 1: Purchase a .45 or .40 cal pistol (Kimber or S&W in the 7-900 pricerange)

Scenario 2: Purchase a .22 cal for target, and a 12 gauge for home defense

Scenario 3: Revolver

Which would you go with and why? I know that as of now, it's generally more difficult to find ammunition for the .45, and it's more expensive to make a trip to the range with a .45 or .40 than with a .22.
 
Personally, I'd go with an option #4. Buy the 22 caliber pistol first. Learn the basics of shooting. Learn how to safely care for the use of your weapon. 22's are a great way to start. As you mentioned, they are inexpensive to own and shoot. You can easily find a 22 pistol; either semi or revolver for around $200 or less. Once you are comfortable shooting; comfortable cleaning and caring for the weapon, and comfortable with guns in general; then you can move on.

When the time comes to get the 2nd weapon for home defense, I personally recommend a quality revolver. I recommend a 357 magnum such as a Smith&Wesson. You can shoot 38 specials in it (Which aren't that expensive, and they are easily available). Then you can move up to 38spl +P that are hotter. Then move up to 357 magnum. Or settle anywhere in between. For inexperienced shooters, the revolvers are the best option for a home defense gun. It's simply "Point and Click". Semi-autos can become complicated. Not so much in their use, but in their cleaning and most importantly; when something goes wrong. I am not dogging anyone who has a semi-auto for self or home defense. But unfortunately the time will come for the person who isn't very experienced in using their weapon when they are going to need it. Their heart is going to be racing. Their adrenaline is going to be pumping. Their brain is going to be think every possible thing. And the semi-auto is not going to work for them. They'll either have forgotten to put a round in the chamber; or forgotten to take the safety off; or if they do chamber a round, it may not seat properly; and the list goes on. And then they are going to possibly get hurt; or worse yet killed. For the experienced shooter, this can sometimes still be a problem. All the practice in the world can't prepare you for a real life scenario of someone you are confronting with your gun. My "PRIMARY" weapon at home is either my S&W Model 13 357 magnum and/or Remington 870 shotgun. Both are pretty much point and click and almost idiot proof.

I purposely train with semi-autos loaded with a mixture of live and dummy loads. I practice rapid shooting. And when the dummy load misfires, I have to jack the next round in manually. I practice this in a timed situation and having to hit my target. If it's a miss, then that's as good as not shooting. I've been shooting for more than 30 years. 20 of those years I've had the benefit of uncle Sam training me and allowing me to practice. On and off duty. But this is not saying you should or shouldn't get a semi-auto. It's to say that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. And for the new person shooting, in my opinion you should have a revolver for home defense.

So I suggest getting a 22 pistol. A semi-auto like a ruger is a good choice. You can learn about gun safety, use, and semi-autos. Then when you think you're ready, spend some wise money on a quality S&W or Ruger revolver. If you get the "BUG" for guns, like many people do; you can eventually buy a semi-auto. And like many of us, by the time life has gone by, you will probably have 3-4 hand guns; 2-3 rifles; a couple of shotguns; a few 22's; and so on. But in the beginning, it should be a 22lr for learning, then a revolver for home defense. But hell, that's just my opinion.
 
Since it will be your first gun, I would probably stay away from something like a .45 until you have had a chance to rent/borrow one and make sure you can handle the recoil.

To tweak christcorp's answer just a little... why not combine #2 and #3 and get a .22 revolver to start? Honestly, the only reason I am suggesting this is because I prefer revolvers over semi-autos. And I also agree with his suggestion of moving up to a .357 revolver. The only place on which we really differ is brand preference. He likes S&W for revolvers, I like Ruger. (Actually, my one and only 9mm semi-auto is a S&W, but lets keep that a secret!) You could just start out with a .357 (my personal preference is a Ruger Blackhawk), but the .22 is just so much fun to shoot and in these tough economic times, it is cheap to shoot! My personal preference is for the 1873 style of revolver, not the modern DA style. No reason for this, just preference.

Now where he likes the Rugers for a semi-auto .22, my semi-auto is a Beretta Neos. I looked at several in this price range (about $300 or less) and this one won.

As far as a shotgun, I keep a 12ga in the closet. (My wife keeps the 9mm on her side) There are basically two things an intruder does not want to hear:
1) Dogs barking (We have 5)
2) The sound of a shotgun being pumped! All you have to do is point it in the general direction of what you want to hit and someone will get hurt! (Hopefully it will be the person on the muzzle end of the gun)

Scott
 
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9mm is still much cheaper to shoot and much more abundant than .40 and .45. Why don't you consider getting a CPO Sig P226 or a used H&K PSP and a nice .22. The guns I mentioned are more than accurate enough for target shooting. 9mm is adequate for self-defense and recoild is more managable for your wife. A good .22 such as the Browning Buckmark can be had for under $300. I love mine and have had it for about 15 years already. While a revolver is usually good for a first gun, ammo is expensive for .38 spl and .357 mag.
 
As scottashultz said,if you want to learn how to shoot the right way,a 22 revolver or semi auto handgun is the right way to start.

But some people find shooting a 22 long rifle anything pretty boring because it has very little noise,recoil or power to it.

Ironically,the 22 long rifle round is one of the most accurate you can shoot in the right gun.

And a shotgun is a $200 investment in home defense that can easily stop an intruder.

Just don't get too long a barrel.

The biggest problem with a shotgun in a house is that barrel.

Also,if you expect your wife to use it,you and her will nedeed to go somewhere where she can shoot it without it recoiling right out of her grip.

Other than that,a four inch barrel 38 special revolver can do both jobs pretty cheaply.

Shoot reloads at the range and just a few of your premiuim self defense loads to see where your paritcular gun fires them.

But the bottom line in self defense shooting is TO HIT WHAT YOU ARE AIMING AT.

Ten 22 rounds in a bad guys upper chest beats six 45 rounds in the walls around him anyday.

And a shotgun blast at six feet in a house at a bad guy will surely make an intruder realize he made the worst mistake of his life breaking into your house.
 
I'd recommend a CZ 75B (9mm or 40S&W) with a Kadet kit (a conversion unit that allows you to shoot .22 with your 75). The 75 will run you about $500 and the Kadet will run about $350.

With the 75 you will have a well built, reliable, accurate pistol that will satisfy your target and home defense needs. With the Kadet Kit, you will be able to shoot the much cheaper .22 for practice.

Follow link for assorted CZ models. The Kadet kit is at the bottom.
http://czcustom.com/CZ-USA-Pistols.aspx
 
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all good advise so far

I'd like to add;
Many, Many people have to idea that you just about can't miss with a short barreled shotgun, point it in the general direction of the bad guy, close your eyes and pull the trigger, problem solved.
When you get your new HD shotgun take it out in the woods and practice with it. You will find that at self defense ranges the shot spread will not be over 6 inches. At 15' away you can certainly miss, especially under stress. Forget about a pistol grip, Those things are for the movies and gangsters. Get a 12 or 20 gauge with an 18" -20" barrel and a real stock. Load it with 00 buck for in the house. Take it out and practice once in a while , for practice you can use less expensive bird shot. The advantage of a shotgun is that it is easier to hit what you are aiming at and at short range they do a lot more damage than a pistol.
As for a hand gun, I agree that it's hard to beat a .357 Mag revolver, S&W or Ruger with a 4" Barrel.
 
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There are 2 ways I would go in your situation:

1. Get a good quality .22 for inexpensive target work such as a Ruger. Then get an 870 pump loaded with 00 buckshot for home protection. An 870 stoked with 00 is probably the most effective home defense weapon available.

2. If you want to go with one gun then get a Ruger GP100 with either a 6" or 4" barrel. Use .38 special for range work and load with .357 or a good .38 +P for home defense.

When I was faced with the same situation 30 years ago I bought a Ruger Stainless Security-Six .357 with a 6 inch barrel. It has served me well as a very accurate range gun and a dependable home defense weapon.
 
Hanno's suggestion on the CZ is a good one.

The conversion kit is very reliable, easy to change from 9mm (or .40 S&W) to .22 and back again. You end up with a great gun that you can shoot cheaply with .22 and then do some practice with the more expensive, and powerful, 9mm or 40 S&W. CZ makes a very solid, good shooting gun.
 
Buy a 4in S&W 686 or 66 and you will get many years of reliable protection and fun shooting. You can shoot light 38's up to full bore, hot, 357 magnums. You will not be disappointed.
 
you could...

If you're willing buy used and shop around a bit you could easily get the following for $900:

.22 - $200
12 ga - $300
357 mag/ 38 spl - $400

That said the CZ with conversion kit sounds like a great option for what you are looking to accomplish.
 
only fair label is "Advice"

I most highly recommend you buy a new or used Ruger GP100 model KGP-141 (stainless steel, 4" heavy-lug barrel, adjustable sights).

You can add different guns later.


Money where mouth is: 14.28% of my personal guns are KGP-141s.
 
scottaschultz: We don't have any disagreement. If you look at my last paragraph it said: "Then when you think you're ready, spend some wise money on a quality S&W or Ruger revolver."

I think some great advice has been given on different options. But I can not in good conscience EVER recommend that an inexperienced shooter get a semi-auto weapon for ANY type of defensive purposes. And for the inexperienced shooters that have a semi-auto gun at home and they NEVER take it out to practice; and rarely take it out to even hold it: "I know of at least 5 people; In-laws are one of them"; I pray that they'll never need it. They WILL RUN INTO PROBLEMS and their life might be on the line. Luckily my in-laws let me give them a double action revolver. They keep that in their bedroom.

I'm not dogging the semi-auto crowd. I carry my SigSauer P220 45acp and Walther or FEG 32acp depending on my clothing. And at home, either gun will be in my bedroom. But the gun my wife grabs if she is going to barricade herself in, is the S&W Model 13 357 magnum. I love semi-autos. And I think the OP should even get one or more. But NOT as his home defense weapon. Not until he's become an experienced shooter. Until then, I will always recommend a revolver. Stubborn, arrogant, hard headed, whatever. But this is just one thing that I won't compromise on or debate. It's not negotiable. And I'm not saying this to debate anyone here. Just a reinforcement of what I said so the original poster understands that I don't believe all the suggestions given are good choices. Some of the weapons mentioned are great weapons.

If it was hunting or target shooting, I'd let it go and say it's a matter of taste and difference of opinions. But this is someone's LIFE that could be potentially on the line. I can not just walk away and say; "Oh well, that's his life". He admits it's his first gun. There shouldn't be any suggestions for a semi-auto as a defensive gun.

But until you are truly experienced with weapons; and know them; don't risk your life using a tool that has so many more possibilities of failure. (Mostly human failure). But under stress, your mind has too much to think about. This is your life we're talking about. Go with "POINT AND CLICK".
 
I say +1 to GP100. Loaded with 38spl it has very light recoil. Loaded with .357mag, it is quite powerfull. Very reliable, solid guns.


There are basically two things an intruder does not want to hear:

2) The sound of a shotgun being pumped! All you have to do is point it in the general direction of what you want to hit and someone will get hurt! (Hopefully it will be the person on the muzzle end of the gun)
Click to expand...

This has been discussed at length here. I for one, can speak from experience, the sound of a pump gun won't always make people run.

As far as "point it in the general direction"... At HD ranges a shot pattern will be just a few inches wide. A wise man once said "Don't think that you can't miss because you are this close. Think you had better not miss because they are this close to you."
 
I for one, can speak from experience, the sound of a pump gun won't always make people run.
Click to expand...
And if it doesn't make them run and they call my bluff, they get what they deserve!

And as far as preferring one brand over another, it is like Ford vs. Chevy, Taste Great vs. Less Filling, etc. At least we agree on the platform - a revolver.

Scott
 
I just bought my first gun a year ago and asked the same questions, went over the same thought processes, etc... I ended up buying a ruger semiauto .45.
I already have a hunting shotgun which isnt the best for HD but it would get the job done. My problem with a shotgun is it cannot be safely kept in a home and still be practical for a HD situation (meaning I can't keep it loaded next to my bed with kiddies runnin around).
Starting on the .22 is a very popular thing but I had done lots of hunting and had shot handguns on occasion. My problem with this is that anything you shoot thats worth shooting to stop someone is not going to feel or shoot anything like that .22. I agree that being comfortable handling and cleaning is great and probably better learned on a $200 investment so it depends on the persons history IMHO.
As far as which caliber I have shot 9, 38, 45, 40, and a 44mag and with the exception of the last hand cannon am very comfortable with all of them. They all recoil and they all can be controlled by a average sized man...again with the exception of that .44(I do not like the grips my dad has on it for starters).
On the revolver vs. semi-auto argument I had everyone and their brother telling me why I should start with one, and they all made valid arguments. But the bottom line is I did not like the look of the revolver and I liked the look of the semi. If you are going to spend a good chunk of money on it you HAVE to like it.
Finally regardless of all else the best thing you can do is borrow/rent and actually shoot something close to what you are considering and see how you handle it, because 1 hit with a .22 is better than 7+ misses with a .45.
 
All great advice gentlemen! For the record, I have been shooting for about 9 months now and have experience mostly with 9mm, .40, and .45. I've received training from a rangemaster who is also a family friend, and own a Glock 19 replica airsoft that takes down just like the real one. I bought it for the reasons that people such as Christcorp mentioned. The real task at hand is finding a firearm that will satisfy my itch for a quality firearm, while still being practical for what I'd use it for. I'm going to spend the next few days thinking over it, and will definitely keep the suggestions in mind. Will update as soon as I make my decision
 
Ruger Mk II or a Browning Buckmark. If you can afford one an S&W 617 or related .22 revolver.
Just about any pump action shotgun in the used rack that's rust free.

Take your time picking a centerfire handgun. Rent and shoot as many as you can.
 
IF you like the 45, you can get a 45acp revolver. If you go with a 45 semi like Glock or Kimber, among others, you can get a .22 conversion it so your plinking is cheap, and you're getting more familiar with your 45 at the same time. Depepnding on your personal HD situation - apartment, subdivision, rural, etc., a shotgun may also be a good idea - used pumps can be purchased relatively inexpensively, you practice with birdshot and load with buckshot or slugs for HD.

You still need to point the shotgun properly, as it is easy to miss. That is also true with a handgun or a rifle
 
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