1.) Go to a firing range and rent different kinds until you find some that you feel comfortable with.
2.) Buy the largest caliber weapon you can accurately fire.
3.) Practice.
Many people choose a CZ-82 for a car gun.An excellent Czech gun costs ~ $200.
It can be carried cocked and locked with 13 rounds.
Ammunition is Makarov 9x18 95 gr JHP.
In the end the best post will be the one that says this:
Go to a local dealer. Pick out a bunch of them. Go to the ranch and shoot them.
If you can carry it, shoot it straight, and it will go bang every time you pull the trigger; thats the gun you want.
A gun that doesn’t fit your hand or that gives off too much recoil to aim straight, or if you cannot hold it up....it is just a piece of metal the commies want to take away from you.
as i live in a fairly rural area my daily carry gun is a Star.40 that's really not that much bigger than the Ruger
but if i think i need more than that i carry either a S&W M59 or my S&W 4516
all depends on the situation and climate/season
also, think twice before ever leaving any gun in you car unless locked in the trunk, even home...
I would then practice, practice and practice some more with it using 38 Special ammo. Then I would get some “quality” hollow-point 357 magnum ammo and some quality hollow-point 38 special ammo for self defense.
Practice at least once a month and get use to shooting at distances to 25 yards in all kinds of light conditions.
Finally, and most importantly, learn the local laws in your state or community that relate to the carrying of a firearm and to the use of deadly force. Ignorance of the law is not excuse and carry & deadly force laws are sometimes the opposite of what “common sense” or TV westerns/TV cop shows might have taught you.
Good luck
please post pictures.
I love gun porn.
Uh...get two?
A .45 semi-auto, IMO. It’s the best all around for temperate climates that I know of, where clothing isn’t commonly extremely thick (re. ballistics).
I prefer Ruger Blackhawk single-action with higher powered handloads and a little customization for accuracy, but I’m in the middle of cold, high wind, high country nowhere and have low costs and lots of time for plinking with the extra safety steps and lead recycling (lead catcher on range). ...wouldn’t recommend that for most people, as most have different circumstances including much less range time.
Since you have to ask...revolver...38 special...3” barrel...use “FBI load” ammunition (just say that at the gun shop, they’ll know what you mean)...practice practice practice.
bfl
I have a holster between my seat and console. I leave my Rock Island Armory Tactical .45ACP in it all the time. I went with the RIA because it costs about half what a Colt or Kimber, it reliably does the same job and I won’t anguish over it if it gets stolen. It is also safer (IMO) to pull out of the tight space with one in the pipe than a Glock.
A .357 Magnum revolver is a good choice for this use, as is a .38 Special Hammerless revolver.
If you have no previous experience with handguns, consider it a matter of prudence to spend at least as much money on ammunition as you do on the weapon. That's how you get good with it, not all at once, but about 3 boxes worth/ 150 rounds per session. I'd suggest that you choose the caliber of the weapon you intend to have with you first, then decide which particular design or model of weapon best suits your particular circumstances, including the size of your hands, how well your eyes work with the pistol sights, and your general body size/frame.
You'll likely find that concealed carry may require different holsters depending on the season and outer jacket you're wearing. Carriers for extra magazines [or spare rounds, should you choose a revolver, still not at all a bad pick, if a less-likely one]are a consideration as well.
My own choice, after having been trained by the U.S. Army in its use, and in the aftermath of two lethal encounters in which I was equipped with a handgun and came out of it okay? Mr. John Browning's M1911A1 .45 automatic pistol in .45 caliber, now a 100-year-old design- proven! It works.
Ignore or take with a block of salt anyone who writes that you should use a specific firearm.
Embrace those responses that ask you a long list of questions to help YOU establish what is right for you.
I would suggest to you to take the NRA Basic Pistol Course which does cover this.
There is a huge variety of firearms. While many may be fit for your use, someone stating so on some forum is not the way to select one.
I would recommend buying several handguns, let’s say 2.
Why? Because gives you more options, more roles.
One could be worn on your hip, the other put between seats or under a leg while driving for better access. A roving backup gun, which will be small frame, very concealable, lightweight, simple to use. A snubby fits that role well.
How fast will you be able to access the firearm in close-quarters situation exiting your car? A MAC10 from Masterpiece Arms (affordable by the way) in lap top bag, carried to the car for instance, or a simple j frame revolver in a pocket?
So there you could have a high capacity piece large frame, or machine pistol zippered up for SHTF situations in your car, and a regular carry on your person.
Things can come up on you very quickly. A simple walk to empty the trash in the alley, or your apt parking lot, and a car/person can roll by in seconds. Things to think about. How fast can you access your piece? Will you carry a round in chamber or use both hands to work slide?
I have a friend who came back from work 2am, exited his car in front of house and punk emerged out of nowhere in his face demanding a ride. My friend’s Glock 17 with extra mags? In his backpack. A grenade launcher, you’d be in the same situation. Slow to the draw.
So my recommendation is several handguns, at least a revolver for simple ready use and a high capacity pistol with extra mags, 30 or more round capacity happy sticks if possible. Some people that might sound excessive but in this day and age, I want more at my disposal than any law enforcement officer. Odds will be you face more than one perp and one shot stops are rare.
Taurus, Charter Arms revolvers are inexpensive but decent reliable options to more expensive S&W, and a used high capacity semi-auto should go for around $400. High capacity happy sticks best for Glock, also available for Beretta, Ruger models. So $700-800 for 2 guns.
Glock 26. I have 43 guns andalways come back to that.
So, have you made any purchase decisions yet?