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09/24/2006 12:53:50 AM · #26 |
Handgun Questions:
I just got married and my mother-in-law has offered to buy my wife and I some handguns for a wedding present. These will be our first.
I am looking for a good gun to allow novices to become comfortable with handling & cleaning a gun and enough use to achieve reasonable accuracy.
This has me leaning toward a pair of .22 pistols for a few reasons. Ease of use, accuracy, comfortability, and affordability of ammo. (We can burn thru a brick of .22 ammo for minimal cost.)
I understand that there are better home defense choices than a .22 caliber. A shotgun being stated by many as the most effective. And I am fond of the .357 caliber for home defense as a pistol.
We are likely to add both a shotgun and heavier pistol at a later date. But for now, I believe gaining a comfortability and familiarity with guns and to build target accuracy to be first and foremost.
My real debate on this is whether to go semi-automatic or revolver? Both have their pros and cons. Semi-automatics are more prone to jams and failure due to wear and tear. A revolver's simplicity is it's best advantage. Also the safety of being able to check that all rounds are indeed unloaded is nice. Semi-automatic have the advantage of being "semi-automatic" and usually holding more rounds. (Though I do believe some .22 revolvers will hold 9 rounds as my father-in-law has a 9 round .22 revolver that fires the .22 magnums.)
So I'd love some feedback, suggestions, advice....brand/model recommendations (and why you like said brand/model).
Feel free to post publicly or PM me. Thanks!
- Saj
PS -I've always fancied blue-steel, and since these are to be wedding presents (which we might have engraved as well) I think it'd be gorgeous in blue-steel. I understand as a non-stainless they require more maintenance. Is this really difficult or rudimentary.
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09/24/2006 01:07:21 AM · #27 |
Saj, I don't think a .22 or a shotgun would be the best choice. First, a shotgun is going to take a whole lot of room to aim and shoot...great if your attacker/invader is far away, but if he's already in your house, you're probably screwed.
A .22 just doesn't have the stopping power needed...Now, any bullet put into the proper place is going to stop an invader, but I think the 9mm is the way to go. The .40 is only a bit bigger, like 1mm wider or so...but I think the gun has more recoil and is a bit harder to learn on.
I'm not sure how long a gun lasts, but mine came with a lifetime warranty. I guess if someone breaks into my house and it fails, that's that...at least I tried...I'll just give up at that point I suppose.
--
Tajhad:
I need a handgun because if someone breaks into my house in the middle of the night, I'm not cowering in the corner hoping they don't see me or running out my own back door leaving my family or my belongings at risk.
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09/24/2006 01:07:44 AM · #28 |
Oh yeah...and it's my right to own one, so that helps too.
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09/24/2006 01:10:56 AM · #29 |
Get a 22 to use for target practice, and getting used to guns in general. Get a 9mm for protection.
As far a Semi/Revolver, I'd go Semi. I've been shooting for years, and I've only had one semi jam on me. I have had more trouble with Revlovers misfiring, etc. Of course that could be the specific guns... I also like the ease with which you can reload a semi with a second clip... |
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09/24/2006 01:14:30 AM · #30 |
| don't waste your time with a 22 if you are thinking self defense. it'll just piss someone off unless you are very very accurate. Even a 9mm is marginal. Look at the Florida and California police shootouts where the police had 9mm and the bad guys bigger calibre. The US military stopped using the 38 special because it was not effective, went with the Berreta 9mm. I have owned a couple Berrettas and never had a jam even when mixing different kind of rounds in the same magazine. The .357 if ine but harder for a beginner to learn how to handle. If you want to learn get a 22 semi-auto and a Berretta 9mm semi-auto. Don't go with a revolver if the intent is self defense. I might even encourage the 10mm but again harder to control than the 9mm. Back to the start of this thread, with the Berretta 9mm it's easy to get a large capacity clip now. |
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09/24/2006 01:17:51 AM · #31 |
oh yeah...I was going to mention that too...
I was looking at the revolvers, and they just seem so time-consuming. With my set up, I have a holster and a little clip that holds 2 magazines. So I can basically fire 16 shots non-stop, reload in a fairly quick amount of time, fire 16 more shots, reload, then fire 16 more off...that's a lot of shots lol.
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I love my Marlin .22 long rifle. It's brought me plenty of fun shooting at beer bottles and stuff up at my camp...I guess it is better than nothing for protection of your home if need be, but not the best. I mean I wouldn't want to get shot 17 times with that thing, or a bb gun for that matter.
--
Either way though, like at the shop where I purchased this xd9, they offer a class on defensive handgun something or other...it's $50 and I'm sure they'll take you from the ground up. I'm going out in the morning with some of my buddies who are cops, so I'm guessing they'll teach me the stuff that I need to know.
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09/24/2006 01:18:43 AM · #32 |
Why, pray tell, is the subject one that you feel is best discussed on a photography web site? There are communities that discuss weaponry the same way this site discusses photography, with knowledge and sympathy. If you start listing all the great reasons why you want to own a tool, designed to kill people quickly, outside of a community dedicated to discussing those weapons, then you have to expect to hear the other side of the argument; and frankly I rather not hear them here.
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09/24/2006 01:21:20 AM · #33 |
Originally posted by BrennanOB:
Why, pray tell, is the subject one that you feel is best discussed on a photography web site? There are communities that discuss weaponry the same way this site discusses photography, with knowledge and sympathy. If you start listing all the great reasons why you want to own a tool, designed to kill people quickly, outside of a community dedicated to discussing those weapons, then you have to expect to hear the other side of the argument; and frankly I rather not hear them here. |
Then you have two options...click the ignore thread, or DONT CLICK A THREAD THAT SAYS HANDGUN KNOWLEDGE. I mean seriously dude...the title of this section is "No other place for it? Try here!" and there are people here that I would trust more than some random person from another forum that I'm not familiar with.
Please don't pollute my post with your nonsense about how it shouldn't exist. Grow up and respect the fact that some of us do choose to exercise the rights that we do have left.
Message edited by author 2006-09-24 01:22:26.
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09/24/2006 01:24:05 AM · #34 |
Originally posted by deapee:
I'm not sure how long a gun lasts, but mine came with a lifetime warranty. I guess if someone breaks into my house and it fails....
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A gun will practically last forever or at least as long you keep it properly maintained but the ammo is something thats best when its fresh. |
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09/24/2006 01:25:40 AM · #35 |
lol I have some .22 ammo that is like 3 years old. Maybe I should update that.
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09/24/2006 01:37:06 AM · #36 |
| Three years isn't really that bad, although it depends alot on how it is stored and the quality of it and things like that but here we tried our best not to use any ammo older then ten years. |
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09/24/2006 01:38:00 AM · #37 |
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09/24/2006 01:50:21 AM · #38 |
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09/24/2006 01:50:35 AM · #39 |
I personally like the EAA Witness in a .40 caliber. It fits my hand better than a Glock, but is just as reliable. When I bought my first Witness, it had plastic grips and lower receiver. My second, and favorite, is all steel.
Also, a shotgun with a short barrel is perfect for in home protection. All you need is thirty inches, and if you let someone get in your house and that close, it won't matter what weapon you have. You are going to get hurt.
I think it is wise to learn to shoot with a .22 hand gun. Less of a recoil helps the shooter learn proper alignment. Also learns not to flinch in anticipation of the noise/recoil. But if you are going to be receiving these guns as a wedding present, then go for the .40 cal, 9 mm, etc.
I would go to a firing range and test different models. Many gun dealers will rent a handgun to you for just that reason.
The main criteria for selecting your first handgun are shooting power, and fit.
Anyway, my two cents . . . |
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09/24/2006 02:11:18 AM · #40 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
Handgun Questions:
I just got married and my mother-in-law has offered to buy my wife and I some handguns for a wedding present. These will be our first.
I am looking for a good gun to allow novices to become comfortable with handling & cleaning a gun and enough use to achieve reasonable accuracy.
This has me leaning toward a pair of .22 pistols for a few reasons. Ease of use, accuracy, comfortability, and affordability of ammo. (We can burn thru a brick of .22 ammo for minimal cost.)
I understand that there are better home defense choices than a .22 caliber. A shotgun being stated by many as the most effective. And I am fond of the .357 caliber for home defense as a pistol.
We are likely to add both a shotgun and heavier pistol at a later date. But for now, I believe gaining a comfortability and familiarity with guns and to build target accuracy to be first and foremost.
My real debate on this is whether to go semi-automatic or revolver? Both have their pros and cons. Semi-automatics are more prone to jams and failure due to wear and tear. A revolver's simplicity is it's best advantage. Also the safety of being able to check that all rounds are indeed unloaded is nice. Semi-automatic have the advantage of being "semi-automatic" and usually holding more rounds. (Though I do believe some .22 revolvers will hold 9 rounds as my father-in-law has a 9 round .22 revolver that fires the .22 magnums.)
So I'd love some feedback, suggestions, advice....brand/model recommendations (and why you like said brand/model).
Feel free to post publicly or PM me. Thanks!
- Saj
PS -I've always fancied blue-steel, and since these are to be wedding presents (which we might have engraved as well) I think it'd be gorgeous in blue-steel. I understand as a non-stainless they require more maintenance. Is this really difficult or rudimentary. |
Jason; As a lifelong shooter, and multiple gun owner, I would advise you thus...
Ignore the .22, they just don't carry enough weigh or power for home/personal defense. Ulness you envision being over run by squirrels.
It sounds from your post that you don't have a lot of experience with handguns, so I would steer you towards a .357 revolver. The reasons for this are that you can still fire .38 calibre ammuntion (much cheaper, and less recoil) to get used to the feel of the weapon, and most importantly, it is awfully difficult to jam a revolver.
I own and concealed carry both (legally...), but the wheel gun is always my failsafe back up piece.
Incidentally, which ever one you choose, get a load of ammunition, and book a bunch of range time, for you and your bride. Do some familiarization firing with the cheap stuff, but be sure to put the rounds you intend to use for defense downrange as well. The middle of the night with a home invader is no time for surprises.
Any other questions, feel free to PM.
Dave; Sorry, I know peanuts about Pa. gun laws. I apologise for the thread jack... ;)
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09/24/2006 11:20:33 AM · #41 |
| I would look at a .32 for her (they do a good job, and fit a female hand). For him not less than a .357 or 9mm. With hollow points of course. All I have is a .22 with hollow points and 00 buckshot in the ole 12 gauge (thats about all ya need for an intruder that gets past 3 60 lb dogs). :) |
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09/24/2006 12:03:29 PM · #42 |
Yea, but I put a warning on my golf thread... ;-p
BTW - I'd be tempted to buy an Uzi 9mm, some cool sunglasses, and a black leather jacket to go with it.
Oh, and learn to say 'Uzi nine millimetre' in an Austrian accent.
Message edited by author 2006-09-24 12:04:43. |
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09/24/2006 12:51:33 PM · #43 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
Handgun Questions:
I just got married and my mother-in-law has offered to buy my wife and I some handguns for a wedding present. These will be our first.
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Now that should take care of the seven year itch problem.
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09/24/2006 01:47:29 PM · #44 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
Handgun Questions:
I just got married and my mother-in-law has offered to buy my wife and I some handguns for a wedding present. These will be our first.
I am looking for a good gun to allow novices to become comfortable with handling & cleaning a gun and enough use to achieve reasonable accuracy.
This has me leaning toward a pair of .22 pistols for a few reasons. Ease of use, accuracy, comfortability, and affordability of ammo. (We can burn thru a brick of .22 ammo for minimal cost.)
I understand that there are better home defense choices than a .22 caliber. A shotgun being stated by many as the most effective. And I am fond of the .357 caliber for home defense as a pistol.
We are likely to add both a shotgun and heavier pistol at a later date. But for now, I believe gaining a comfortability and familiarity with guns and to build target accuracy to be first and foremost.
My real debate on this is whether to go semi-automatic or revolver? Both have their pros and cons. Semi-automatics are more prone to jams and failure due to wear and tear. A revolver's simplicity is it's best advantage. Also the safety of being able to check that all rounds are indeed unloaded is nice. Semi-automatic have the advantage of being "semi-automatic" and usually holding more rounds. (Though I do believe some .22 revolvers will hold 9 rounds as my father-in-law has a 9 round .22 revolver that fires the .22 magnums.)
So I'd love some feedback, suggestions, advice....brand/model recommendations (and why you like said brand/model).
Feel free to post publicly or PM me. Thanks!
- Saj
PS -I've always fancied blue-steel, and since these are to be wedding presents (which we might have engraved as well) I think it'd be gorgeous in blue-steel. I understand as a non-stainless they require more maintenance. Is this really difficult or rudimentary. |
My first handgun was a .22 auto. Loads of fun to shoot, ammo is cheap too. It's all but useless as a home defense weapon, but, you will be able to get familiar with firing a pistol for a lot less money than if you bought any other caliber. I later moved up to a .40S&W and a .357
For home defense, I suggest a 12ga shotgun with an 8 round magazine and a 3" shells of #2shot. The #2 will be lethal at any range inside your house, yet is unlikely to carry that lethality outside should a shot penetrate an exterior wall. |
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09/24/2006 02:07:24 PM · #45 |
There's just no way to bring up a polarizing, emotional topic like this without arguments breaking out. The last thing these forums need is more arguments. I don't fault DP for his original question, but if everyone is satisfied that he has his answer, then maybe this thread has run its course.
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09/24/2006 02:36:18 PM · #46 |
Has it occurred to ANY of you people that the so-called "snide/flippant" remark could have been ignored, and the thread would just have moved on? Sheesh...
R.
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09/24/2006 02:43:35 PM · #47 |
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09/24/2006 05:43:21 PM · #48 |
Originally posted by deapee:
Saj, I don't think a .22 or a shotgun would be the best choice. |
Just to clarify, I am not trying to get a pistol for self-defense. For that I will get a shotgun and a .357 revolver. But no pistol will do any good if you are not comfortable handling a gun or accurate in firing.
So I am really looking at the .22 for the basics and for something that we can go to a range and shoot a 100 rounds without shooting a hole in the pocket.
I am just not sure what the best .22 for such purpose would be... |
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09/24/2006 05:47:08 PM · #49 |
Originally posted by BrennanOB:
Why, pray tell, is the subject one that you feel is best discussed on a photography web site? There are communities that discuss weaponry the same way this site discusses photography, with knowledge and sympathy. If you start listing all the great reasons why you want to own a tool, designed to kill people quickly, outside of a community dedicated to discussing those weapons, then you have to expect to hear the other side of the argument; and frankly I rather not hear them here. |
There are just so many similarities:
- both art forms deal with "shooting"
- both covet the best glass.
- wide preference of grips
- both have to reload after x number of shots
- both are a pain to get thru airport security |
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09/24/2006 05:49:35 PM · #50 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
Originally posted by deapee:
Saj, I don't think a .22 or a shotgun would be the best choice. |
Just to clarify, I am not trying to get a pistol for self-defense. For that I will get a shotgun and a .357 revolver. But no pistol will do any good if you are not comfortable handling a gun or accurate in firing.
So I am really looking at the .22 for the basics and for something that we can go to a range and shoot a 100 rounds without shooting a hole in the pocket.
I am just not sure what the best .22 for such purpose would be... |
If it's just for practice and getting used to firing a gun, it should as similar to the .357 that you will eventually get as possible...
Message edited by author 2006-09-24 17:49:49. |
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