Vanity-Need advice on handgun purchase.

today | self

[GypsyBob]

I was hoping someone would give me some advice on a new handgun purchase.

My Walther PPK is becoming more trouble than it is worth: lots of jams, which I am told is a problem with all .380s. So I am looking for something new.

First I want something safe, reliable, and easy to maintain, so I am thinking a revolver.

I want something comfortable to shoot, and that will last many rounds, and be good for home defense. Since I live in Wisconsin, there will NEVER be concealed carry laws, so it does not need to be small.

I am not rolling in dough, so I would like to keep the cost of it and the rounds low.

Is a medium frame .38 revolver a good choice for all of the above?

Also, the guy at my gun shop recommend Taurus? anybody have an opinion?

Thanks all.

(P.S., if I own more than one gun, does that make me an official gun-nut?)

[TheGrimReaper]

First of all, most of the leftists in this country already would call you a "gun nut" for even contemplating such a purchase.

Now, if you want a good, accurate handgun at a low cost, I suggest you look at the Makarov 9mm, made in Bulgaria.
This was (probably still is) the KGB's weapon-of-choice.
You should be able to find one easily for $200 +/-.

I really enjoy mine.
TGR

[dd5339]

From what you say, I'd have to suggest a Ruger GP-100 in .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel. They can be had used, (police trade in) for about $275.

My wife has one that shoots great!

The 357 will shoot 38 loads for plinking or just general pratice and full power 357 loads for home & personal defense.

Since you live in Wisconsin, I might be willing to work out an ammo trade from some beer and cheese!

Semper Fi!

[balrog666]

FWIW, Taurus's are reasonably good and reliable. Also check out the Rugers which I would also recommend.

[ibbryn]

You were pretty much on target with your choice. Get a used .357 revolver, 3 or 4 inch barrel, nice big grips that fit your hand. Use .38's until you are confident in your shooting abilities. Have a smith inspect the weapon before use. Practice

And two guns don't even come close to making you a gun nut.

[matrix]

You can find one (Makarov 9mm), at www.impactguns.com. It fires a 739X23 round and is "surplus." I can't vouch for it.

Taurus makes nice, inexpensive revolvers in many calibers. The titanium light weights are especially nice. You can find them lots of places online, but compare www.gunfinder.net to get some idea of what's available, and the prices. You can go from there.

[HairOfTheDog]

Smith and Wesson Model 19 - .357. Good reliable gun, and I can drill holes with it!

My theory is why buy a .38 when you can have a .357 and shoot both calibers? Target shooting I fire mostly .38 through mine for comfort, then a few .357 for practice, and leave it loaded with .357.

[elbucko]

Is a medium frame .38 revolver a good choice for all of the above?

Yes, I think so, with a 3in. barrel if concealment is not a concern. Some will recommend a .357 Mag. but I disagree with its use as personal defense. It is basically a hunting round and is a good choice for state police in rural areas in case an officer needs to humanely dispatch injured livestock. A 38. Spec. is plenty of gun. As for the Taurus, I don't have any, but I've shot a few and don't consider the trigger to be the quality of Colt or S&W. However, a Taurus with some professional trigger work might be a good choice. Good Luck.

[LouD]

I second the Ruger in .357 - Then you can get yourself a matching SP101 when we do pass concealed carry in Wisconsin.

[American Preservative]

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[spokeshave]

I have taurus 357 4inch 7 shot and a 38 special in 5 shot 2 inch barrel.

What I like is the real nice grips...same for each gun and fits my large hand....also the nifty trigger lock...same key fits both guns.

seems to shoot will.

I found the S&W police trade ins too awkward to grip....not enough space for my small finger.

[HairOfTheDog]

I have an S&W airweight .38 in addition to my model 19 .357. They are a nice small lightweight carry gun, but no fun at all to shoot very much. If I could only have one gun, it would be my heavier, more comfortable gun.

[Gunner9mm]

Taurus .357 magnum with 4" barrel.

[rdb3]

The .44 Desert Eagle, of course.

It's my "hater-eater."

[uncbob]

From what you say, I'd have to suggest a Ruger GP-100 in .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel. They can be had used, (police trade in) for about $275. My wife has one that shoots great!

Excellant choice
Great gun
My wife loves ours and she is only 5'3"

If you can handle a large frame weapon Taurus makes an 8 shot 357 revolver

[niteowl77]

I have traditionally preferred autos to wheelguns, but as I get older (and practice less), I have gravitated to the revolver for my "SHTF" handgun. I am very happy with my Ruger SP101 (.357, 3" bbl), and with .38 Spl loads, it is pleasant to shoot and accurate; with .357 Mag rounds, it can be a handful, but not agonizingly so.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Why not go with a .357 mag? That way you can target shoot with cheaper .38 Special and use .357 mag for self defense.

A Taurus is a good choice. They even offer a fully transferrable lifetime warranty. So if you buy a used one, you can send it back to the factory if it breaks (or is already broken and a really low price) without worry.

Ruger is also very good as is Smith and Wesson (used of course).

You should be able to pick up any of the above in used condition for $300 or less.

[Capt_Hank]

Get a Dan Wesson. You can then buy multiple barrels, which will fit every need.

[AdamSelene235]

A mid-sized Glock .40 with Trijicon nightsights.

Cleaning is a breeze, they don't jam, and the whole thing breaks down into three simple parts in < 3 seconds.

(P.S., if I own more than one gun, does that make me an official gun-nut?)

My rule is if you own more guns than windows, you are a gun nut. Counting my car windows, I'm in the clear.

[Blood of Tyrants]

(P.S., if I own more than one gun, does that make me an official gun-nut?) Only if you keep more than 100 rounds of ammo;^) Then if you are ever arrested the newspapers will talk about your "arsenal of weapons and cache of ammo" (two .22s and a 500 round brick).