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.
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.
Shooting 38’s through a 357 is a better way to learn. Move up to the 357 loads once you’re comfortable.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
if it is a mouse or rat... well there goes the wall you always thought about tearing out ;-)
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.)
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.
Nice, but need something I can take to an NRA approved shooting range: Remember, I’ve never owned or fired a gun.
The .327 load is interesting, will consider it.
My concern with a shotgun is securing it, hence my interest in a handgun.
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.
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 ?
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.
Get yourself a shotgun.
Ever try shooting a pistol at night, in the the dark?
Get yourself a shotgun.
Some ranges have guns to rent at the range.
Practice several types first?
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.
Good advice
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