Getting Confused About Hand Guns:
 

Hello everyone my name is Mike and I am looking for help on choosing my first hand gun. Little bit of my back ground and what I am looking to do. I been a hunter my whole life. I used shot guns and riffles and bow. I moved down here in Florida now. I can't hunt no more because I am disable now. I do miss it. So I decided to go for my concealed licensed.

I am looking to bring my hand gun with me when we are using our camper. Also protection in our home. Just me and my wife now and she is going to go threw now the courses. I like to have a hand gun that I can also bring to the range and have some fun and practice of course. A friend of mine told me to go to a gun shop and look and feel what gun fits me and I be more comfortable with.

I looked at 9mm, glock, 38sp and a 357-38. In my hand I liked the 357-38 the way it fit in my hand and the weight felt good also. I also like the idea for my first hand gun to be a revolver. Going to spend time at the range, I have to time to spend to practice. My question is, the 357-38 is this a good choice for my first hand gun and for what I want to do. Or is this to big of a gun also to be concealed. The gun shop said no. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I thank you all.

A full size (steel, 6-shot, 4" barrel) .357 Magnum will be a more difficult gun to conceal just based on the odd shape and weight.

As a first handgun, based on the use criteria set above, you should probably look at a Glock 19 or Sig P229 compact 9mm auto.

Women typically aren't as handy with guns, so a 9mm compact would be a good choice of a gun for home defense if you're sharing.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your disability? And what is your price range? These guns will run ~$600-700.

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If you're still set on a revolver, a S&W .38 Special such as the Model 67 is a good range and home defense choice if properly loaded.

It isn't as good as a 9mm auto, but if you like the way a revolver feels and want one for the range, S&W revolvers are top notch.

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I love how Tilted Weaponry showcases my weapons knowledge growth from clueless fudd to cocky full-retard tacticool mall ninja.

The wife will not be using the one I pick out. She will be getting the Lady 38sp eventually. As for my disability, I can not stand or walk for a long period of time is one of the main things. As for price being the wife will be getting her own soon down the road. So I was looking to spend for my self between 400 to 500 dollars. I am kinda set for my first piece to be a revolver. I should say the more I think about it one of my top concerns is target shooting, then defense and then not to hard to concealed. Or am I over thinking this. Thanks for all your help.

Mike

How do you feel about the S&W 66 .357? LINK

That is interesting looking piece. I am open to this. This is what I been looking at and can pick up local. Your opinion on this one. This is on sale till 2/28

Galati Guns
In New Port Richey, Fl
Local Dealer for me.

Wish I could post there link but this site will not let me yet.

Item # KSP331-C MSRP $629.00
Mfg Ruger Your Price: $452.99
Model SP101 Model KSP-331X Sale Ends: 02/28/11
Type Revolver Quantity: 18
Caliber: 357 Finish Stainless Steel


Also does all 357s allow you to also use 38 .


Mike

Yes, any revolver chambered in .357 Magnum will allow you to use .38 Special.

And the Ruger SP-101 is a compact revolver. I'd recommend the GP series.

A gun show would be a good choice for you as well. Get a used sixgun.

Thanks so much for all your help, I also been looking at the GP series. You been a lot of help. I am going to keep looking around, I am one to take my time before I make a purchase like this so I don't have to go back in 6 months and say why didnt I spend the little extra and get the better one. Thanks

I had a Ruger SP101. Horrible gun for target shooting, great choice for a ccw revolver. The gun was no fun to shoot, it physically hurt my hands to shoot my carry ammo through it. It was bad enough where I didn't enjoy practicing w/ the gun at all. I sold it for that reason.

I had a good friend w/ a GP100, I loved shooting that gun, but it takes a bit of work to conceal.

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Research this a lot before you buy.
1. if the gun is too big, or thick or heavy, you may be less inclined to take it, thats bad.
2. if its too expensive to shoot often to be good with it, thats bad.


I got a glock 26 with night sights but found it was too thick. Its great otherwise, durable, wont rust, sweat, humidity etc......

Then I switched to a Walther PPS. it too is 9mm but VERY slim, sure it carries only 7 rds, but its very light and easy (not painful) to shoot.
The PPS is just as durable to the elements and being stuck in a pocket or hot car.

youtube PPS
http://www.missouriwhitetails.com/fo...203&aid=103211
discussion here
Missouri Whitetails - help me choose a new carry pistol - Powered by XMB 1.9.11



I second going to a gunshow and LOOKING and feeling, dont buy right away.

Dude said concealed carry was at the bottom of his priority list, though.

PPS = reliable, lightweight, good for concealed carry

PPS = shitty fun gun at the range for 15 yards

I'm in a similar predicament. I'd be curious to see which you choose.

I am still looking and trying to find a range to rent and fire the SP101 KSP331X, what I like about this piece is the 3" barrel. Again I am not to concerned about concealed. I am looking to go to the range and defense. I am not putting down no one at all so please under stand. Every law enforcement person is trying to talk me into a glock. I am not going to be in a gun battle at the bank down the street. So I don't care how many shells it holds. I want to buy something that will last and have some fun. I really do appreciate all your help that you have given. I am taking my time and not rushing in this and end up making a wrong choice...I HOPE....LOL....

Thanks Everyone

Mike

Rent ten or twelve guns before you even think about buying.

I have been a police officer in Los Angeles for 2 years, my primary is the beretta 90-two its a wonderful sidearm, my back up is the bersa .380 plus its around 300-350 dollars and hold 15 rounds. its 20 0z. empty, very managable recoil. and has a lifetime waranty i love it, hope this helps