[jda]

I'm considering buying a handgun for personal safety, particularly when driving around (I live in a right-to-carry state and have hunting guns for protection at home) and am looking for any advice the FReeper nation may have. Thanks.

[FlashBack]

Recently purchased a Ruger SR40...like the SR9 as well...for a smaller version check out the LC9 or LCR and LCP versions. Reasanably priced, very reliable.

[Tolsti2]

Let’s stop this potential 500 post non-news thread right now. Glock 32.

[US Navy Vet]

http://ruger.com/products/p95/models.html OR
http://ruger.com/products/sp101/models.html

[capydick]

Yes - don't drink and drive.

:^D

[Lurker]

If it’s your first handgun consider a used small frame .357 magnum revolver.

[Silentgypsy]

I rented potential choices at a gun club/range. Got to practice w/them and eventually found a couple that felt like an extension of my arm/hand.

[DTogo]

Springfield Armory's XD or XDM.

[2ndDivisionVet]

If money is tight, I recommend the Hi-Point line. .380, 9mm, 40 S&W, .45 caliber. Most less than $200 with a lifetime, transferable guarantee.

[Silentgypsy]

One other thing—when you’re at the range practicing, keep an eye out for other shooters whose firearms jam. That will assist you re: making a suitable choice. Good luck and have fun!

[dblshot]

Go to a good range that rents guns and try some out. You’ll be best with what feels the most comfortable. Take some classes. Learn how to clean your gun and the local laws about securing and, God forbid, having to use it. Don’t be swayed by the experienced shooters preferences on this thread or what the gun mags are touting this month. What works for you is a personal thing. If you want reliablilty check out revolvers, simple to use and clean. Good Luck.

[Hacklehead]

If you have little or no experience with handguns, I suggest a 357 revolver with a 2-4 inch barrel. If you have lots of experience, consider a 9mm, 40, or 45 semi auto. Glocks are my choice, however, do not buy one until you have enough discipline to keep your finger off the trigger.

[Thane_Banquo]

It really depends on what you're using it for. Carry? Then you want something thin, like a Kahr or maybe the Springfield EMP (if you have the money for it). Admittedly, I've never carried, but most experts agree thinness is the number one attribute for concealability.

If you're only going to use it IN the car and for home defense, a .357 revolver is excellent. The .357 is hands down the best man-killing round for handguns. Of course, .45 is right up there, and probably easier to shoot.

If you don't like revolvers, I personally recommend the Stoeger Cougar. It was my first handgun, and three guns later it is still the my favorite. Extremely comfortable in my hand. Very simple design and very reliable. I've had only one jam in over 1000 rounds, and that happened when my wife limpwristed it after it hadn't been cleaned in a while.

[Red Badger]

Bigger is better............

[Osage Orange]

Go to a range that rents handguns....and find one you like.

[muir_redwoods]

A “friend” of mine owns Glock, S&W, Ruger, Sig and maybe 8 or 9 others. If he had to pick just one it would be Glock, caliber your choice but it ought to begin with a 4

[The KG9 Kid]

FN-Herstal FNP 45 Tactical with Trijicon RMR LED (4 MOA reticule) optics, a Viridian X5L integrated green laser/taclight with dazzler strobe, and an AAC TiRant 45 suppressor.

There you go. Perfect gun for home and car.

Don't buy one before I get mine, please.

[RC one]

I think I'd go with two guns, one bigger gun that stays in the car and one smaller gun that gets carried when you leave the car. I think I'd try to keep the ammo the same so I'd go for a Smith and Wesson 686P with a 4" barrel for driving the car to the grocery store and a Smith and Wesson M&P 340 for walking to and from the grocery store. That's just me of course. Opinions will definitely vary.

7 rounds of .357 magnum, dependable, extremely authoritative

Five shots of .357 magnum, tritium sites, dependable, extremely concealable

[Disambiguator]

The Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum with a 4” barrel is a great all-arounder. Revolvers are less prone to malfunction than semi-autos.

The aren’t the most svelte gun in the world, but can still be concealed.

[ozzymandus]

Look at every handgun you can find. Make up your own mind.

[count-your-change]

For about a thousand dollars a S&W .50 cal. will that Yugo into a tank. Start building up those arm muscles now, with the double action you’ll need them!