Guns for wife and I

[benthughes]

Revolvers all the way. What kind depends on what you'll be using it for. If you're looking for something to take camping I'd say a 4"-6" .357. As it's been said, you can download to 38 special for practice. .44 magnum is a killer ( literally) round but it'll tear your arm off if you don't shoot it right and it's not conducive to practicing.

Find a local shooting club that offers classes and learn your basics. Before you ever even handle a gun, learn firearm safety. I started shooting when I was 6 or 7 and now regularly compete in local steel and TAPS matches. It's a blast but can get spendy.

For home defense I'd say get better locks . It's really easy to miss with a handgun, even at extreme close range, at least a revolver makes a better club than a tupperware gun. There is no perfect home defense gun. Handguns miss, Shotguns....well, cumbersome and buckshot will tear through drywall and the AR platform can be complicated and you're not on a SWAT team.


I wouldn't buy from a gun show, it's neat to see what's out there but it's hard to say what you may be getting from there.

 

[Kwesi]

I've always had a question about owning a firearm and it's usage but I dont' want to start my own thread so allow me to derail this one slightly for a minute . If you own a firearm for the explicit purpose of self-defense wouldn't you want it easily accessible in case it has to be used? How do you keep a gun secure (out of the way and not easily gotten to by children) but available if necessary?

 

[Kyon`]

I've always had a question about owning a firearm and it's usage but I dont' want to start my own thread so allow me to derail this one slightly for a minute . If you own a firearm for the explicit purpose of self-defense wouldn't you want it easily accessible in case it has to be used? How do you keep a gun secure (out of the way and not easily gotten to by children) but available if necessary?

I actually had this same question for a long time when I first turned 18. I however really didn't want it for self defense but more of a "Hey check me out I have a revolver". Just renting from ranges was getting expensive and I quickly realized that the only thrill I actually did get out of guns was the target practice, just to see how accurate I could get. I then just switched to airsoft because really the inner kid in me just wanted to shoot cans.

 

[warwick.hoy]

I've always had a question about owning a firearm and it's usage but I dont' want to start my own thread so allow me to derail this one slightly for a minute . If you own a firearm for the explicit purpose of self-defense wouldn't you want it easily accessible in case it has to be used? How do you keep a gun secure (out of the way and not easily gotten to by children) but available if necessary?

I actually had this same question for a long time when I first turned 18. I however really didn't want it for self defense but more of a "Hey check me out I have a revolver". Just renting from ranges was getting expensive and I quickly realized that the only thrill I actually did get out of guns was the target practice, just to see how accurate I could get. I then just switched to airsoft because really the inner kid in me just wanted to shoot cans.

To answer your question,...you don't. Self/home defense is the wrong reason to own a firearm IMO. The safest most responsible place to keep a firearm is unloaded in a gun safe, and this isn't just to keep the kiddies from playing with a shiny toy.

What do you think most criminals breaking into a home are looking for. Valuables, check,...personal information; score,...and firearms, FRIGGIN JACKPOT. Do you think legally registered firearms are used in the committing of crimes? No,...firearms used in committing crimes are most often stolen from law abiding citizens.

I love guns and would own a handgun if I could keep it at a firing range,...go to the firing range and bust it out when I wanted to shoot it and put it back in it's locker and drive home,...but keeping a firearm in the house for defense is akin to driving a thumbtack with a sledgehammer. Get a noisy well trained gaurd dog if you concerned about someone breaking into your home,...or remove yourselves from the activities that make you an attractive target.

 

[Pacman]

...but keeping a firearm in the house for defense is akin to driving a thumbtack with a sledgehammer. Get a noisy well trained gaurd dog if you concerned about someone breaking into your home,...or remove yourselves from the activities that make you an attractive target.

Like playing bass, or watching a nice TV? No thank you - and keeping a firearm for home defense is completely different from deterring burglary.

 

[Droot]

I'd like to buy a couple of handguns for my wife and I. Neither one of us has ever owned a handgun before so know nothing about them. I'm 61 yrs old and my wife will be 60.

We want to learn how to properly shoot at shooting ranges. Do they teach newbies lessions? What are the qualifications of having a permit?

Can you give me some models of handguns that my wife and I would be comfortable using? Why you would recommend that pistol?

First off, I would not recommend a pistol for a first time buyer, instead you should consider a revolver.
Second, you failed to mention what you want the firearm for. If for example you intend to target practice you might consider an older Smith and Wesson in 38/357mag. Low cost but very well made, a firearm that will outlast you. If on the other hand, you are looking for a home self defense weapon, the same S&W will most likely do the trick as long as it is double action and has a 4" or longer barrel. Finally, if you are looking for something to use for concealed carry, given that it is your first firearm and you have zero experience, I would recommend that you wrap a matchbook with a twenty dollar bill and a heavy rubber band, this gives it the weight to toss it at a perp, and that will buy you time to retreat. The fact is that you are not likely to come out well in a gun fight, even if you win (which is very possible), the legal and mental issues involved in the use of deadly force make it a nearly no win situation. Please consider that this is coming from a guy with 20 years background in the fight for concealed carry, and whom has enough guns to supply a small south american country's army. I just believe that most people would do better to avoid a bad situation rather then attempt to overcome it after the fact. Anyway, that is my two and 1/2 cents, take it as you may.
DRoot

 

[burk48237]

Steve, First their has been a lot of good advice here and some not so good. A few quick points.

DO NOT by your first guns at a gun shows, Gun shows are great for people with experience to shop for used guns and accessories, but I can't think of any item where basic experience is more important when buying used.

DO get on some local sportsmen's forums and ask around about the reputations of local gun shops. Many gun shops have ranges and you can rent guns to try them and see how they feel. I would suggest you ask about classes and instruction. You shouldn't handle a firearm in the beginning without some basic instruction especially on safety, and simple things like aiming points and loading, unloading the weapon. You'll want to buy from a gun shop for the service in the beginning. If you have a friend who knows his stuff this might change a bit, because most good firearms are very reliable.

The other issue is where are you located? A couple of the States have very restrictive laws on the transport and storage of firearms, while most are fairly relaxed. Some cities fit this description too.

As far as guns for home protection, a gun doesn't make you any more of a target, a gun collection might. But this is true of any group of valuables, a bass collection might make you more vulnerable. There are a couple of safes on the market that are quick opening in the event of a break in. A break in can happen anywhere these days, their was a gun point car jacking in one of our more exclusive suburbs last week. If you live in a rural area where LE has longer response times you are actually far safer with a firearm IF you know how to use it.

As far as the kind of gun, the simpler Semi-autos (Glocks, S & W MP and Springfield XD's ) are fine and as easy to use as a revolver. As far as caliber, a .38, 9mm, or ,40 is fine. Don't go under a .38 or .380 in power, but you don't need a .45 or certainly not a .44 mag unless you're taking a lot of evening strolls in Katmai Park Alaska (then a .44 might not be enough gun). While the bigger calibers have more stopping power you're looking for a defensive not an offensive weapon. What a police officer needs in firepower is a bit different then what someone needs to stop a burglary. Although if you have a gang problem in your neighborhood you might rethink that a bit.

My recommendation would be first choice a Glock, Springfield XD or S & W MP in a 9mm with a 4" barrel. OR a .357 revolver in a S & W or Ruger with a 4" barrel. The .357 is a bit heavier, will tame recoil and can shoot .38's just fine. I'd shoot the revolver with .38's all the time, they are cheaper to practice with, and effective for protection. The advantage of either of these choices is both you and your wife can shoot the same guns as they are both fairly light recoil.

If you live in a rural area with some wildlife issues you might consider the revolver because the .357 would provide some protection against Black Bear and Cougar. In the city my first choice would be the semi-auto for the extra capacity.

 

[Skitch it!]

You want to buy your wife a gun? ; )

 

[sloasdaylight]

Steve, First their has been a lot of good advice here and some not so good. A few quick points.

DO NOT by your first guns at a gun shows, Gun shows are great for people with experience to shop for used guns and accessories, but I can't think of any item where basic experience is more important when buying used.

DO get on some local sportsmen's forums and ask around about the reputations of local gun shops. Many gun shops have ranges and you can rent guns to try them and see how they feel. I would suggest you ask about classes and instruction. You shouldn't handle a firearm in the beginning without some basic instruction especially on safety, and simple things like aiming points and loading, unloading the weapon. You'll want to buy from a gun shop for the service in the beginning. If you have a friend who knows his stuff this might change a bit, because most good firearms are very reliable.

The other issue is where are you located? A couple of the States have very restrictive laws on the transport and storage of firearms, while most are fairly relaxed. Some cities fit this description too.

As far as guns for home protection, a gun doesn't make you any more of a target, a gun collection might. But this is true of any group of valuables, a bass collection might make you more vulnerable. There are a couple of safes on the market that are quick opening in the event of a break in. A break in can happen anywhere these days, their was a gun point car jacking in one of our more exclusive suburbs last week. If you live in a rural area where LE has longer response times you are actually far safer with a firearm IF you know how to use it.

As far as the kind of gun, the simpler Semi-autos (Glocks, S & W MP and Springfield XD's ) are fine and as easy to use as a revolver. As far as caliber, a .38, 9mm, or ,40 is fine. Don't go under a .38 or .380 in power, but you don't need a .45 or certainly not a .44 mag unless you're taking a lot of evening strolls in Katmai Park Alaska (then a .44 might not be enough gun). While the bigger calibers have more stopping power you're looking for a defensive not an offensive weapon. What a police officer needs in firepower is a bit different then what someone needs to stop a burglary. Although if you have a gang problem in your neighborhood you might rethink that a bit.

My recommendation would be first choice a Glock, Springfield XD or S & W MP in a 9mm with a 4" barrel. OR a .357 revolver in a S & W or Ruger with a 4" barrel. The .357 is a bit heavier, will tame recoil and can shoot .38's just fine. I'd shoot the revolver with .38's all the time, they are cheaper to practice with, and effective for protection. The advantage of either of these choices is both you and your wife can shoot the same guns as they are both fairly light recoil.

If you live in a rural area with some wildlife issues you might consider the revolver because the .357 would provide some protection against Black Bear and Cougar. In the city my first choice would be the semi-auto for the extra capacity.

Sorry, but this doesn't make any sense whatsoever, at any angle I look at it from. The more stopping power a cartridge has, the better it is for home defense. Period. You don't want a super fast round like a 9mm parabellum that's going to potentially blow through your attacker and harm someone behind him/her, even if you are using hollow point ammo. The muzzle velocity of a 9mm parabellum JHP round averages somewhere around 1100 fps, whereas the muzzle velocity for a .45 acp jhp is well under 1000 in most cases, and closer to 8-900 fps on average. A slower moving bullet, + more mass = more stopping power. The reason the .40S&W was developed was because the 9mm had a nasty habit of going through it's target. The same with the .45ACP back in the early 1900s, because the .38 special did the same (which is pretty much the 9mm just with more powder behind it).

 

[Staccato]

Revolvers, yes!

Keep in mind that you (or your wife) may be intimidated by the big recoil that is felt in the hand/wrist/arm of a large caliber. So, think 38 caliber. If you go with Smith & Wesson, Ruger, or other top brands, it will retain high value-if you maintain it, and if you decide to change equipment, later.

That said, I was a competitor in large calibers, and carry a SIG P225 (9mm) that I would use to defend my family. My wife likes going to the range for practice, too.

 

[sloasdaylight]

Revolvers, yes!

Keep in mind that you (or your wife) may be intimidated by the big recoil that is felt in the hand/wrist/arm of a large caliber. So, think 38 caliber. If you go with Smith & Wesson, Ruger, or other top brands, it will retain high value-if you maintain it, and if you decide to change equipment, later.

That said, I was a competitor in large calibers, and carry a SIG P225 (9mm) that I would use to defend my family. My wife likes going to the range for practice, too.

I find the recoil from larger caliber weapons isn't really that bad depending on the model of pistol you buy. My 1911 has an all steel frame, so it's kind of heavy, but I can double tap more accurately with that gun than I can with any other gun I've ever fired. The recoil is very manageable with with added weight of the steel frame, especially when compared to my Mom and Dad's XD40s, which have polymer frames.

I actually think that revolvers are not the best type of gun to have for a beginner for a number of reasons. I think the ease of break down of most automatic pistols is not as hard as everyone thinks. The Springfield XD for example can be broken down for cleaning in about 15 seconds once you do it a few times. A 1911 takes a little more fiddling, but is very manageable with practice, which you should be doing anyways. The single action nature of most automatics means it's much easier to use, and you don't have the natural shaking and pulling that unexperienced shooters have with revolvers that have a double action, like most shrouded, hidden, and flush hammer varieties, that are good for backups/home defense. I consider myself a good shot with a pistol, and still occasionally find myself pulling a little too much with a revolver or auto pistol that's got a double action, like the Sig 223, which has an SA/DA trigger.

 

[Staccato]

For the OP-consider a .38 revolver, or two. There are smaller metal gun boxes/safes to lock them down-away from grandkids.
(I thoroughly enjoy practice, and competition with 45 ACP & magnum calibers, like others on this forum!)

Regarding self defense, I'm from the school that teaches comfort level with the firearm used, and confidence to use it in a manner/situation taught in training.
This is going to difficult if someone is afraid of a monster-like recoil, where they are intimidated to practice with it, or use it for self defense.

In the semi-auto pistol realm, the XD, and Glocks have proven very reliable. These are pricey models, and worth every penny...

 

[FL Knifemaker]

I've always had a question about owning a firearm and it's usage but I dont' want to start my own thread so allow me to derail this one slightly for a minute . If you own a firearm for the explicit purpose of self-defense wouldn't you want it easily accessible in case it has to be used? How do you keep a gun secure (out of the way and not easily gotten to by children) but available if necessary?

There are all sorts of fingerpad safes, racks and locks available. It's not a problem to have a gun secure and be able to access it quickly when needed. I can unlock my home defense shotgun in about 4 seconds. My other guns are kept in safes.

As for a first gun for a new shooter, start off with a .22. Even as you progress into more powerful guns, the .22 will always be fun to bring to the range or shoot pests around the house.

 

[CrashClint]

I recommend going to a local firing range before buying a gun. One of the ranges near me offers gun rentals so you can try out a few different makes and calibers. The guys at this range are not on commission and will help you choose the best gun for your needs.

I was raised in a military family shooting a Colt 1911 .45. This is the weapon I prefer and the one I carry. My wife started out with a S&W .38 spl and has since moved to a hammerless model she can fire from her purse without first having to remove it if needed. She will occasionally carry the Glock which is a model 19 9mm.

As a first gun, I would recommend either the Ruger LCR .38 spl (aprox $400), it is a light weight polymer frame revolver with one of the easiest trigger pulls I have felt on a revolver or a Glock 19 9mm (approx $550), which is an auto loader/semi-automatic. Once a round is chambered in the Glock, it is like the revolver, just point and pull the trigger. The Glock holds 15 rounds whereas the depending on the revolver it holds 5-6 rounds. The Ruger LCR holds 6 rounds.

I hope this helps.

 

[Jim Campbell]

To answer your question,...you don't. Self/home defense is the wrong reason to own a firearm IMO. The safest most responsible place to keep a firearm is unloaded in a gun safe, and this isn't just to keep the kiddies from playing with a shiny toy.

What do you think most criminals breaking into a home are looking for. Valuables, check,...personal information; score,...and firearms, FRIGGIN JACKPOT. Do you think legally registered firearms are used in the committing of crimes? No,...firearms used in committing crimes are most often stolen from law abiding citizens.

I love guns and would own a handgun if I could keep it at a firing range,...go to the firing range and bust it out when I wanted to shoot it and put it back in it's locker and drive home,...but keeping a firearm in the house for defense is akin to driving a thumbtack with a sledgehammer. Get a noisy well trained gaurd dog if you concerned about someone breaking into your home,...or remove yourselves from the activities that make you an attractive target.

i gotta disagree .....with the proliferation of the home invasion these days i would rather have it and not need it than take my chances with intruders......locks,alarms,dogs and all that are good too,but....these days i think firearms and some home defense training are a necessary part of life....

 

[Steve S]

Thank you for all of the responses. Several people have asked why I'm interested in a gun. While I've never been a victim to a violent crime, I do get concerned because my city has gotten bigger with more crimes committed every day. My wife has always been against weapons of every kind but a long talk with her brother seems to have change her mind. With the economy going downhill, people seem to be worried about their futures and weather the police can continue to maintain law and order. I've always believed that they can still protect us but recent events give me reasons to worry.

 

[bass12]

I've used firearms for 50 years - I echo the suggestion above to go the revolver route. Much less technical than semi-autos, and if you're newbies you don't need technicality.

Yes, ranges will provide lessons and they work with beginners (of all ages) every day. no problem there.

BUT - the question of why you want/need firearms is relevant. If you keep them in your home loaded you will need safety locks or other mechanisms to prevent accidents.

Most important, my opinion is that more people are killed through ignorance or safe firearms handling than anyone realizes. If you buy firearms, you need a firm commitment to each other that you will take lessons before you load them - and that during those lessons, you will burn up at least a couple hundred rounds of ammo. You also need to shoot them on a regular basis, not park them in a closet and leave them untouched for years.

You don't even BEGIN to build safe handling habits until you have run hundreds of rounds through a weapon. Bottom line is that there's little reason to own a firearm unless are willing to use it in defense of you or your wife. If that happens, you will be in a high stress situation, and therefore highly dependent on having established a set of reflexes around handling that firearm.

I personally think that in a revolver, either .38 Special or .357 calibers are both good solid rounds, and controllable with practice. For a beginner I'd prefer to start out with a .22 firearm and move up, but if you go with the larger caliber, shoot .38s. The .357 mag cartridge is much more intimidating to shoot than the .38 Special.

One more thought - handguns make lousy clubs and they are useless unless you are prepared to use them. If you use them against another human, the only possible justification for that act is that your life or someone else's life is in immediate danger - therefore, the only logical way to use that handgun is to shoot to kill. If you're not prepared to shoot for the center of mass on another human, don't buy a handgun. There is no such thing as shooting to wound. Any firearm is a deadly weapon.

I've never understood the fanaticism regarding guns that seems to be so prevalent in the U.S. Having said that, I think the above post is very well considered and reasonable.

 

[pacojas]

break in my house, you get hit with the sawed-off
you never know what happened as your body parts fall off
you get hit in the leg, man,... you can't even crawl off!!!
cause it's me.... Fifty.

but seriously, you ever see the look on a perps face when he hears the sound of a shell being chambered in a shotty?!!! it's even funnier when my Rotts start growling.
Moral of the story is, (if you're scared) buy a Shotgun, no rounds, and a Rottweiler, no bull. that combo kept us safe for 5 LONG years in the worst neighborhood in Oakland, Ca. (i kept rounds in mine, tho)
good-luck!

 

[bass12]

i gotta disagree .....with the proliferation of the home invasion these days i would rather have it and not need it than take my chances with intruders......locks,alarms,dogs and all that are good too,but....these days i think firearms and some home defense training are a necessary part of life....

This might, unfortunately, be true. With the legal system (here in Canada at least) being as lax and forgiving with criminal actions as it is I can't help but think that criminals might begin to think twice about invading someone's home if they figure it may result in their being shot.

 

[Jim Campbell]

This might, unfortunately, be true. With the legal system (here in Canada at least) being as lax and forgiving with criminal actions as it is I can't help but think that criminals might begin thinking twice if they figure a home invasion may result in their being shot.

it was not that long ago when citizens had to take care of their own security.....police could be summoned,but it took time.....these days the cops are more mobile,but so are the crooks.....no suburban bedroom community is out of reach,and the cops may be busy elsewhere when you need them....