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Advice needed for handgun purchase - home defense, pumpkin blasting
8/04/2008 | GOP_Party_Animal

Posted on 08/04/2008 9:04:16 AM PDT by GOP_Party_Animal

Should the Obamanable No-man make it into the White House this Fall, I plan to console myself with my first handgun purchase. I also plan to take a concealed-carry class and, of course, training on using a handgun.

I've used rifles and shotguns for many years but have never even fired a handgun. What caliber and model would you recommend that would be easy and fun to shoot for me, but also my petite wife, who may need to use it to protect the kids if I'm not home.


TOPICS: Hobbies
KEYWORDS: 2ndamendment; banglist; gun; handgun; homedefense
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To: NoKoolAidforMe

Here are a couple of places to start:
Second Amendment Sisters

The Cornered Cat


21 posted on 08/04/2008 9:33:48 AM PDT by mouse1 (DRILL OR GET OFF THE HILL!!)
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To: GOP_Party_Animal

I prefer revolvers over semi-autos. Very simple, very easy.

They’re easier to clean, they typically don’t have safeties (I don’t like safeties, when I pull the trigger I want it to shoot). They don’t jam like semi-autos. You can’t accidently leave a round in the chamber like a semi-auto. I think they shoot more accurately then semi-autos, I guess because there is less movement going on.

They have more kick then semi-autos, but that’s really not an issue IMO, just get used to your firearm.


22 posted on 08/04/2008 9:34:47 AM PDT by Free Descendant
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To: MeanWestTexan; GOP_Party_Animal
Agreed. I love my S&W .357.

Love it even more with CT addition. And the added security of being able to hit your target if you *need* to do so. ;)


23 posted on 08/04/2008 9:44:11 AM PDT by Daffynition
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To: GOP_Party_Animal
Sorry, I could not resist. I think I copied this stuff from the Glock Talk fourm. But seriously, I would go to a gun range and try out a Glock 19 or a Springfield XD 9mm. Then try the same type guns in .40 cal & see what you like and what you shoot better with. The Remmington 870 is the best of all fighting shot guns hands down IMHO. Git yourself a good folding pocket knife too. You never know.

Read and learn!
---------------------
Section 1: HANDGUNS:
9mm: The 9mm round is widely regarded as least effective of all service caliber handgun rounds. In spite of its low price, it is generally only good for "pissing off bad-guys", and reported to be only marginally effective at breaking their skin. Additionally, if the attacker is wearing a winter coat, the user is essentially “screwed”. Subsequently, it is recommended that 9mm users carry at least three 15-round magazines, because the 9mm ballistically requires at least a dozen rounds per attacker.
.40 S&W: The .40 caliber handgun round is inferior in every way to the venerable .45 ACP or mighty 10mm, yet is only marginally superior to the “pathetically underpowered” 9mm. Still, there are a few noted "experts" who rely on this round. These small and isolated groups include members such as the FBI, and police agencies across the United States. However, it should be noted that the FBI and police agencies have little choice in the matter. The agencies are virtually required to use the .40 because they are self-described "limp-wristed wimpies" who are simply not up to the task of mastering the fearsome 10mm or .45 ACP cartridges. The .40 S&W round is an inherently compromised caliber, which is also appropriate for citizens who are too embarrassed to carry a 9mm, but too physically and emotionally weak to carry a .45 or 10mm. (Caution: It has also been noted that the .40 will likely detonate a gun within 6-7 months.)
.45 ACP: The .45 ACP is dubbed the "macho man's" caliber, but in reality it is so disgustingly slow that the average man can basically outrun it, or just simply catch it with a good quality catcher's mitt. This caliber is usually only appropriate for old men who like to relive the days of their past through their own distorted views of reality. In real life situations, one is ballistically better off by flinging a glass or metal ashtray at an attacker than shooting him with a .45 ACP. Plastic ashtrays may equal the ballistics of the .45 ACP, so it is advisable to use whichever is most convenient at the time.
10mm: This round has 2 competing theories. Theory A) Proponents of Theory #1 say... "The 10mm is essentially an overpowered rifle round that can somehow be fired from a pistol. It was engineered and inspired by (----insert religious deity----) himself. Although it takes a man built like Hulk Hogan to manage such a potent round, you can rest assured that it will kill muggers or Grizzly bears in one shot... with ease!" Theory B) Proponents of Theory #2 say... "The 10mm sucks! It is basically like an overpriced .45 ACP round, and suffers from the same problems of all pistol rounds. Besides, it's only 1mm bigger than a nine, so how can it be that great?! But God forbid you have to shoot someone with it... it will surely over penetrate the attacker by a good 4-5 miles, and cause a swath of lawsuit-inducing destruction in its path!!"
.357 magnum: The .357 magnum round is described as an excellent round for anyone physically too weak to rack the slide on a semi-automatic pistol. Its downfall is that the user must fire the round from one of those "old-fogey-style" revolvers, which most internet experts agree "totally suck". The .357's popular "proven history of stopping power" is a pointless discussion in modern conversation, because in the era of its prime, all handgun rounds were produced in full metal jackets. Most modern day firearm scienticians ask, "How could anyone prefer something from the era before hollow-point rounds came out!!?!?" It should be conceded though, that this is an acceptable self-defense round in some cases.
.38 Special: The .38 Special round is ALSO described as an excellent round for anyone physically too weak to rack the slide on a semi-automatic pistol. The .38 Special is unique in that it offers less recoil than the .357, which is admired by its chief users: women over the age of 40, and elderly men requiring testosterone-replacement therapy. Unfortunately, the .38 special is even weaker than the pitiful 9mm, and the only weapon that will fire the .38 is a 6-shot revolver. Logically, since it statistically requires at least 10 rounds of .38 special to stop an attacker... using this round in a 6-shot revolver is akin to a "death wish". However, "something is better than nothing" when it comes to personal defense.
.22LR, .25ACP, .32 ACP, .380 auto: These rounds may be grouped into a single category of undeniable worthlessness. Firearms specialists concur that, given the weight of the guns that actually "fire" these puny rounds, a person is statistically better protected by carrying a pocketknife or pocket Bible. The knife may be logically used to fend off an attacker, while the Bible may be employed to help the user recite various prayers in an attempt to call upon an "Act of God" to defend himself. However, if one MUST employ one of these rounds, it is wise to use the .380 auto, as it is the least anemic of the bunch. (The .380 auto may occasionally penetrate a human neck or eyeball.)
.357 Sig: Internet experts from across the globe agree that this round is indeed marginally appropriate for self-defense, but most excellent for people who enjoy spending a lot of money on their ammo, and/or for those individuals who like to make themselves sound important. This round is reported to be ballistically no better than a 9mm +p, but rumored to cost at least twice as much as the venerable .44 magnum! As a side note, this round may also be acceptable for bureaucracies who are legally required to waste a lot of taxpayer money on supplies. The .357 Sig may also be considered a wise investment for investors, as it is expected to become more valuable pound-for-pound than gold in the coming months.
.44 Magnum: Internet ballistic experts concur that the .44 magnum is far, far too powerful for human application of any kind. The .44 Magnum round’s ballistics lie somewhere between the impact of a 19th century 12-pounder mountain Howitzer, and the impact of a modern FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missile. Should an individual actually be forced to fire a .44 Magnum cartridge at another human being, he or she should be prepared to deal with the emotional devastation that will occur when the round inevitably passes though your attacker, and slays any (and every) living thing in its path… for the next 8-10 miles. If this situation happens to you, then you should also pre-emptively sell all of your Earthly-owned assets to fund your incoming massive legal battle. The .44 Magnum cartridge is best relegated to reside in museums, much like the first atomic bombs, to remind us of the potential destructive power of mankind’s technology.
.45 GAP: The .45 GAP can best be described as the “Very rich, weak, & mildly retarded man’s .45 ACP”. Given these constraints, the .45 GAP represents the single greatest advancement in the history of handgun ammunition ever witnessed by mankind! (As long as one slightly confines his or her perspective.) The revolutionary GAP offers 73% of the power of .45 ACP in a compact package, while still fitting the standard woman’s grip size! The .45 GAP was designed to fulfill a niche demanded by expert teenage female shooters, and fulfills that niche nicely.
“What niche”, you may ask? The niche in which the .45 GAP truly shines, is in fulfilling the much needed role where a young female shooter demands a caliber that is slightly less powerful than a .45 ACP (but slightly more powerful than a 9mm), holds half as many rounds than the .45 ACP (while costing twice as much per round), yet can only be fired from a small percentage of miniaturized, expensive and elusive handguns. Please be advised that in this specialized niche, the .45 GAP reigns as undisputed king, and should be regarded as such.

The GLOCK Ah, the venerable GLOCK. This gun has at least 2 theories, which will briefly be described here. Theory 1) Proponents of Theory #1 say... "The GLOCK handgun is the ultimate handgun, and is mankind's fourth greatest invention..... following the wheel, fire, and the computer. The gun is unique in that it will kill any attacker, regardless of the ammunition used, in with any handgun caliber! GLOCK truly represents "perfection" in all of its mechanical forms, and it will literally last forever!" Technically speaking, the gun is estimated to only last at approximately 9-9.5 millenniums before showing noticeable signs of wear. Scientists have actually proven that the only 2 things left on Earth after a nuclear catastrophe will be cockroaches, and GLOCK pistols. It is important to note that a GLOCK pistol itself is so accurate, reliable, deadly, and beautifully crafted, that it is LITERALLY dangerous for the human eye to behold. In most religions, it is technically considered blasphemy for a human being to speak a word against a GLOCK.
Theory 2) This crowd feels that.... "The GLOCK is just some 1980's ****ty technology that caught a lucky break. The gun is 94% plastic, and looks about as attractive as an L-shaped brick. The gun is only popular with militaries and law-enforcement because it is so damned cheap!" It is also recommended by this group that the user keeps the gun unloaded and pointed away from anyone at all times, because the gun has no safety mechanisms. Due to its lack of external safeties and poor design, the gun is known to randomly fire off rounds without any warning, manipulation, or provocation from the user. On some occasions, the gun has actually been rumored to reload itself, and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous!

The Revolver: This handgun is perfect for anyone who is physically too weak to rack slide on a semi-automatic pistol, or for anyone who wishes to commit violent crimes and evade the law afterwards! The unique characteristics of the revolver make it an excellent weapon for senior citizens, and assassins alike. Elderly citizens will adore the revolver, due to the fact that is has no overly complex buttons or switches to confuse them. Likewise, assassins will enjoy the revolver because it does not leave behind any incriminating shells at a blood-soaked crime scene. Therefore, the best logical candidate for a revolver is a senior citizen who also happens to be an assassin. In this role, the classic revolver reigns supreme. It is worth mentioning, however, that no other tactical argument can be made for the revolver.

The 1911 Pistol: This pistol represents old-fashioned American ingenuity, innovation, and charlatanism at its finest! Experts agree, that as long as one excludes consideration of any other American firearm produced in the past 150 years, that the 1911 pistol is undeniably the greatest American firearm ever created. Sadly, this weapon has achieved a cult following over the years, because the creator, John Moses Browning, was literally the headmaster of a firearm-related cult. Like the Biblical Moses, John Moses Browning also sought out to achieve a legion of loyal followers. John Moses used the popularity of his infamous pistol to attain this end goal. It is a little known fact, that the unreasonably high (yet often unquestioned) prices demanded for the venerable 1911 pistols still serve to fund the cult’s activities!
TAURUS Firearms: “If you are a South American drug lord, we want your business!!” At least, this is the motto TAURUS is considering for it’s next advertising campaign. Here is the stock photo used for the ad campaign: http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...ategory=Pistol Preliminary market research suggests that 94% of Columbian Cocaine lords prefer such a finish on a firearm.
TAURUS is a revolutionary, yet elusive firearms company that is based somewhere in South America. Frustratingly, nobody who lives above the Equator actually “knows” where the TAURUS factories are located, simply because the TAURUS headquarters doesn’t know either. It is rumored that many of TAURUS guns are actually handmade by poor rainforest villagers, while other guns are stamped out in portable factories joint-operated by Taurus employees and reclusive cocaine dealers. Since 2001, TAURUS has gradually been diversifying into firearms that actually fire ammunition reliably, and this trend will likely accelerate in the future. This can be illustrated by the new Ecuadorian TAURUS facility that contains a 57-meter indoor shooting range. Several of the new products developed by Taurus have been rumored to fire rounds across the entire 57 meters! New developments from TAURUS will include both sporting and special purpose arms, which may (or may not) contain rust-semi-resistant finishes.
Kel-Tec Firearms: Kel-Tec CNC Inc is an American gun manufacturer that is firmly committed to the development and production of novel, high-performance* firearms that can comfortably** be carried in a pocket. Each Kel-Tec firearm offers a uniquely unreliable design, which only enhances a person’s odds of victory should he or she decide to engage in a game of Russian Roulette. As a bonus, the use of Kel-Tec pistols adds additional excitement to any self-defense scenario! Having said this, Kel-Tec firearms make excellent choices for gambling addicts, or for professional Russian roulette players. Also worth mentioning, is the extreme care that Kel-Tec takes in designing their aesthetically appealing guns. Kel-Tecs are world renown for their exquisite handmade*** beautiful craftsman ship.
* High-performance is defined by Kel-Tec as “having equal to, or less than, 6 (six) misfires, failures to feed, or failure to eject per magazine”. ** Comfortably is defined as “without causing extreme pain.” *** Handmade is defined by Kel-Tec as “sort of machine-made, at least we think so.”

24 posted on 08/04/2008 9:47:05 AM PDT by smokingfrog
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To: GOP_Party_Animal

Semi or revolver, your choice but don’t wait! Get one (or 10) now while you can! Make sure you have a good rifle too! Something in the .30’s (30-30, 308, 7.62, etc...) as well as a shotgun. At the very least, you will have your tools in case something ever did happen.

my 2¢


25 posted on 08/04/2008 9:47:34 AM PDT by ironwill (I want my daddy's records.)
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To: GOP_Party_Animal

Kel Tec PF9. Compact, easy for small hands to grab. Simple to operate, well built, and still a decent caliber (9mm).


26 posted on 08/04/2008 9:52:24 AM PDT by PugetSoundSoldier (Indignation over the sting of truth is the defense of the indefensible)
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To: allmendream

May I suggest that you and GOP_Party_Animal spend some time with the FR Gun Club at: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2056102/posts

Very informative stuff there.


27 posted on 08/04/2008 9:52:29 AM PDT by PowderMonkey (Will Work for Ammo)
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To: GOP_Party_Animal
It is hard to go wrong with a 4” barreled .357 revolver made by Smith and Wesson or Ruger. Taurus makes some good revolvers as well, backed up by a lifetime warranty.

You will have a wide variety of ammo available and a wide variety of grips so that you can find something that fits both the wife and you.

Taurus trackers, in stainless steel, use their patented “ribber” grips that adjust themselves to different sized hands, to an extent.

Once you start firing handguns, it is likely that you will want more than one, but the 7 shot .357/38 Taurus tracker in stainless steel is a good bet, as are the various Smith and Wessons in 357/.38, and Rugers. I recommend the 4 inch barrel for beginners. It is a little harder to conceal, but easier to control and shoot, and gives considerably better velocity for the ammunition used.

28 posted on 08/04/2008 9:52:58 AM PDT by marktwain
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To: GOP_Party_Animal

If you are worried about the Son of Marx becoming Messiah, you had better buy a piston that isn’t on the books. In many states, it is legal to buy a used pistol directly from another owner without any paperwork. Visit a few gun shows and you should find a number of people walking around with pistols for sale. You should do this now and not wait until the public goes into panic after November. A Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum revolver with 4-6” barrel would be good and an inexpensive choice for you and your wife. Stock up on ammo now for a ‘rainy day’.


29 posted on 08/04/2008 10:05:14 AM PDT by TexasRepublic (When hopelessness replaces hope, it opens the door to evil.)
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To: smokingfrog; DaveLoneRanger

I have no advice for the poster of this thread (sorry) but that is one hilarious post!


30 posted on 08/04/2008 10:06:03 AM PDT by Titan Magroyne ("Drill now drill hard drill often and give old Gaia a cigarette afterwards she deserves it." HerrBlu)
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To: mgc1122

Go to an indoor range ... rent or borrow different types of pistols to see what works best for you.


Best advice of the thread.


31 posted on 08/04/2008 10:06:46 AM PDT by Atlas Sneezed (Guns don't kill people, criminals and the governments that create them do.)
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To: smokingfrog

Lots of garbage, misinformation and nonsense in that post. I wouldn’t trust who wrote it.


32 posted on 08/04/2008 10:08:09 AM PDT by Atlas Sneezed (Guns don't kill people, criminals and the governments that create them do.)
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To: NoKoolAidforMe

What’s a full-carry permit?


33 posted on 08/04/2008 10:15:06 AM PDT by Turbopilot (iumop ap!sdn w,I 'aw dlaH)
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To: GOP_Party_Animal
not nearly enough pics of guns here. i love H&K's. this is a .45


34 posted on 08/04/2008 10:16:50 AM PDT by thefactor (contributing nothing of value to threads since 2001...)
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To: Eric in the Ozarks

LOL! I laugh about the .40. My brother-in-law is teaching me to shoot. He had me try his .40 After the first blast I would unconsciously pull up every time I pulled the trigger. Worse, I would close my eyes. He says he will get a smaller gun for me.


35 posted on 08/04/2008 10:24:21 AM PDT by HungarianGypsy
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To: GOP_Party_Animal

If you are going to go through the hassle to get a CCP, why did you indicate that you intend to leave it at home for your wife to use?


36 posted on 08/04/2008 10:25:26 AM PDT by Kirkwood
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To: Beelzebubba

I think your sense of humor is due for an alignment. That post was the funniest thing I’ve read all week.


37 posted on 08/04/2008 10:25:51 AM PDT by Turbopilot (iumop ap!sdn w,I 'aw dlaH)
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To: Kirkwood
If you are going to go through the hassle to get a CCP, why did you indicate that you intend to leave it at home for your wife to use?

Mostly because it's easy to get such a permit in ND now. May not always be that way.

38 posted on 08/04/2008 10:31:03 AM PDT by GOP_Party_Animal
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To: NoKoolAidforMe

***I got mine when OJ Simpson walked. Glad I did too. They’ve practically banned full-carry permits in my state. They are a lot more difficult to obtain.***

Could you explain the timeline for that in NY? I was in elementary school when he was on trial, and I specifically remember I wanted him found guilty even at my young age.

NY had a relatively easy process for permits?


39 posted on 08/04/2008 10:35:56 AM PDT by wastedyears (Show me your precious darlings, and I will crush them all)
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To: thefactor
Here's one for the simplicity of John M. Browning's designs.
40 posted on 08/04/2008 10:43:15 AM PDT by fightinbluhen51 ("...If it moves, tax it, if it moves faster, regulate it, if it stops, subsidies it.")
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