For those into guns... have a question

[CleenSweep]

Ok, I don't want to hijack this thread. So I'll say this. Yes my statements were simplified because he made the statement that He doesn't know anything about guns. I'm trying to oversimplify the load. I'm not saying one is better than the other. I have or have used many different loads and love each one of them. I'm trying to think simply (key word) about safety. The larger the powderload the faster the projectile. Granted jhp and shocks, can be faster but deliver more bullet energy and not be as likely to go through the target as would fmj's. I don't even know if he knows the difference between load types, hence my oversimplifying.

As or he 10mm. I never said the SS uses it, I said it was developed for them and for the FBI/ATF. It was originally manufactured for the Bren Ten. There was too much recoil and not a fast enough target reaquisition. So it was scrubbed (gun)....yada yada yada the case was cut down and the .40 as we know it was born.

Any gun with the proper load and bullet is great for just about any situation. If it is in the hands of a trained professional. For the average guy I always try to think simply.

And like I said in first post, find the one you like and go with that. "If it feels good..."

[maxama10]

blegh im only 15 and havent shot many handguns but i like our .357 revolver made by ruger....pretty nice i also shot a kimber at the local range once....9mm was pretty nice too

[geekwarrior]

i agree about starting with something small, and a .22 is fun and will give you a chance to shoot alot for cheap, than move up. i personally like glocks, but most gun shops/shooting ranges will let you rent guns and try them out.

[Yudanja]

I have a Ruger P94 chambered in .40 caliber. It was pretty inexpensive like around 300ish at a gun show. It shoots nice and my wife could even shoot it.

My brother has a HK USP .40 cal and damn I love it.

[Target Practice]

Stay away from the Ruger autos, unless it would be a Mk II or Mk III .22 (my recomendation to those just starting out.) The Ruger P-series pistols are pretty chincy, and (personally) they feel like toys.

My two cents: Bersa Thunder in .380. Read up on it:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/bersa_380.htm

http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_Thunder380.htm

[Lohman446]

Stay away from the Ruger autos, unless it would be a Mk II or Mk III .22 (my recomendation to those just starting out.) The Ruger P-series pistols are pretty chincy, and (personally) they feel like toys.

My two cents: Bersa Thunder in .380. Read up on it:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/bersa_380.htm

http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_Thunder380.htm

Thats not a bad choice. I know my father has carried one for years, and maintenance is less than stellar on it. that being said, it never fails to function, and is a pretty nice little gun.

[Recon by Fire]

A local range or gun store can likley provide basic pistol/firearm instruction. everyone loves autos but if you want something simple and absolutely reliable, go with a revolver! Since you and the Mrs would be sharing the same pistol, I would suggest sticking to something from .38 to maybe 10mm or .40 caliber range. Larger caliber pistols and high capacity magazines often have larger frames that smaller female hands and some males just don't handle comfortably.

An unloaded or locked up weapon for home defense is not much help. An intruder will not always give you time to unlock or load your weapon. Use/accessability and having children is a serious consideration.

[etjoyride]

I would go to some safety courses, then check out a pistol range and talk to some people about their guns. That's what my cousin does, and now he's even farther away from his decision.......Actually, i say just go with a .357 revolver or a glock(i love glocks)

[slateman]

Yea, first go to some classes. NRA has them all over the country.

Second, for home defense, nothing beats a 12 gauge. Even Army would take that over his precious 1911s

As for what handgun, it really is a matter of personal tastes. You and your wife need to go out and shoot as many as you can and decide what you like the best. Sig, Glock, Ruger, Walther P99, HK USP and P2000, Beretta, and 1911s are all good stuff. I would also recommend a .22LR pistol. These run around 200 or so. The ammo is very cheap and allows you to practice your shooting technique with minimal recoil

You may find that your wife and you disagree as to what you like. Apparantly that happens in marriage You may end up buying two handguns.

Honestly, with modern day hollowpoint ammo, the difference between 9mm and .45 ACP is a lot smaller than it used to be. So shoot whatever you can handle. If you can shoot the .45 accurately and consitantly, then buy it. If all you, or your wife, can handle is 9mm, then stick to that.

Remember, with handguns, its all about what you are most comfortable with. Especially if its your first handgun.

[IronCore]

..
Second, for home defense, nothing beats a 12 gauge.

got my vote there
maybe even a 20gauge, so its not so hard for mrs.