Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Choosing a first handgun
Vanity | Today | jbarntt

Posted on 11/14/2008 10:07:03 PM PST by jbarntt

I've never owned or fired a firearm, but am considering getting one. My aim is for home protection, no carry involved. I think a .357/.38 revolver would be good, such as the Ruger SP101 or the equivalent Taurus model.

On the otherhand, perhaps a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mark III .22 rimfire might be a good way to learn.

My first thought is for the .22 as a learning tool, so comments on the merits of those two weapons would be appreciated.


TOPICS: Hobbies
KEYWORDS: banglist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-78 next last

1 posted on 11/14/2008 10:07:05 PM PST by jbarntt
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: jbarntt
I have been considering the same for home security but a 20 guage shotgun comes to mind, I too would be interested in gun owners thoughts.
2 posted on 11/14/2008 10:09:35 PM PST by Jolla
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt
Your thoughts on right on.

A 22 is great (and cheap) to learn with.

A 357 revolver is great at 3 AM when someone is in your house and you just want the damn gun to work (as opposed to a semi automatic, which requires some thinking on; 1. Did I load a magazine, 2. Did I chamber a round and 3. Did I put the safety on or off).

For home defense - you can't go wrong with a shotgun.

Prices are WAY up with the Obama takeover less than 2 months away.

3 posted on 11/14/2008 10:11:39 PM PST by 2banana (My common ground with terrorists - they want to die for islam and we want to kill them)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

Shooting 38’s through a 357 is a better way to learn. Move up to the 357 loads once you’re comfortable.


4 posted on 11/14/2008 10:12:26 PM PST by WackySam ( Remember when the government only gave away cheese?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

“On the otherhand, perhaps a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mark III .22 rimfire might be a good way to learn.

My first thought is for the .22 as a learning tool, so comments on the merits of those two weapons would be appreciated.”

Yep. Both quality choices. I own the former and have fired the latter.


5 posted on 11/14/2008 10:12:56 PM PST by ButThreeLeftsDo (Read FR First.....THEN Read Drudge.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

Definitely get a .22 for practice, plinking and fun. Many semi-auto pistols have a .22 conversion, so that would definitely be something to look into.


6 posted on 11/14/2008 10:13:47 PM PST by smokingfrog (If it's to be a bloodbath, let it be now. Appeasement is not the answer. - Ronald Reagan)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Jolla

Shotgun is indeed a great defensive weapon, but also easier for an attacker to grab away from me. I live in a 900 sq. ft. apartment. Also I would like to have my firearm secured in a quick to open safe, easier with a pistol or revolver.


7 posted on 11/14/2008 10:16:07 PM PST by jbarntt (Tagline:optional, printed after your name on post): -30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt
A .357 will go through every wall in your home, and then some.

The .357 is a superb weapon, however, if you are solely interested in home defense, and a shotgun is a feasible option, that's what I would recommend.

8 posted on 11/14/2008 10:17:16 PM PST by armyofprinciples (I dressed as 0bama for Halloween. I disguised myself as a Christian.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt
not a hand gun... but does the trick if something goes bump in the night in one's home:

if it is a mouse or rat... well there goes the wall you always thought about tearing out ;-)

9 posted on 11/14/2008 10:17:25 PM PST by Trajan88 (www.bullittclub.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt
For home defense, I recommend a .45 ACP.

I use, among others, and H&K USP 45 Tactical

Very accurate, with bigtime stopping power. (the pistol comes from the factory with a threaded barrel. I have a flash suppressor attached.)

10 posted on 11/14/2008 10:23:40 PM PST by KoRn
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

For home protection, go with a shotgun, 20 or 12 gage, 18-20” barrel, pump [cheaper, and avoids assault weapon definitions] or semi-auto. Use #4 buck inside, OO buck for outside. Used reduced velocity loads if you’re worried about shooting through walls. Get a fiber optic bead or post on the front, maybe a ghost ring on the back. consider mounting a mag light on the front.

Most shotguns hold 5. Extended mags hold 7-8.

For a handgun, look at the Ruger SP1011 in .327 mag. Almost the same ballistics as a .357, with half the recoil. And it holds 6 instead of 5, and shoots .32s for practice. Good luck.


11 posted on 11/14/2008 10:23:51 PM PST by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Trajan88

Nice, but need something I can take to an NRA approved shooting range: Remember, I’ve never owned or fired a gun.


12 posted on 11/14/2008 10:23:56 PM PST by jbarntt (Tagline:optional, printed after your name on post): -30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: PzLdr

The .327 load is interesting, will consider it.

My concern with a shotgun is securing it, hence my interest in a handgun.


13 posted on 11/14/2008 10:26:23 PM PST by jbarntt (Tagline:optional, printed after your name on post): -30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

Forgot something. If you’re looking at a revolver for defense, consider a .22 revolver for practice. Ammo is cheaper, but more importantly, semi-autos handle differently than revolvers, right down to the grip. A .22 revolver will be more consistently like a heavier revolver than a .22 semi auto.


14 posted on 11/14/2008 10:27:05 PM PST by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: KoRn

Why would such a large caliber pistol be advisable in a space of no more than 15 feet ? Wouldn’t a .357 or .38 sp load pretty much stop an assailant ?


15 posted on 11/14/2008 10:29:21 PM PST by jbarntt (Tagline:optional, printed after your name on post): -30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: PzLdr

The shottie - The preferred weapon of corridor shooter gamers for the last 15 years!
Nothing drops a zombie, an imp or an alien better in close quarters combat.


16 posted on 11/14/2008 10:29:44 PM PST by miliantnutcase
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

Get yourself a shotgun.

Ever try shooting a pistol at night, in the the dark?

Get yourself a shotgun.


17 posted on 11/14/2008 10:29:46 PM PST by XGMan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jbarntt

Some ranges have guns to rent at the range.

Practice several types first?


18 posted on 11/14/2008 10:30:27 PM PST by george76 (Ward Churchill : Fake Indian, Fake Scholarship, and Fake Art)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: PzLdr

Makes sense. I like the idea of a dual action revolver for defense, as it it is more fool proof, esp. with a covered hammer.


19 posted on 11/14/2008 10:31:50 PM PST by jbarntt (Tagline:optional, printed after your name on post): -30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: george76

Good advice


20 posted on 11/14/2008 10:33:05 PM PST by jbarntt (Tagline:optional, printed after your name on post): -30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-78 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson