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Need opinions on first handgun/home defense

Discussion in 'Guns & Hunting' started by jonny, Aug 26, 2011.

  1. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:18 AM
    #1
    jonny

    jonny [OP] Betty White Edition Heep ZJ

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    Hello TW Gun Gurus
    I would first like to start off by saying I do not have much experience with handguns and I am not looking to be hero....Just looking for something to get familiar with at the range & keep in the house just in case (god forbid) I ever have to protect myself and my wife. We live in a very secluded area and rumor has it (neighbor talk) that a small goup of homeless men have set up camp about a quarter mile from our back yard by the running creek. I have been having "nightmares" if you will about people trying to get into our yard/home and there I stand with nothing to protect myself but a louisville slugger bat from my childhood t-ball days :laugh: The neighbors have called the cops...but I doubt they actually walked down to the creek and checked (no offense to the popo out there):p
    I will cut the BS short, just wanted to give a little background.
    I would like to keep it under $500 bucks for my first handgun and have narrowed it down to 3 handguns..just wondering if anyone has experience with any of these.

    S&W sigma series
    http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo..._l=SBC;cat104792580;cat105526980;cat105529680

    Ruger LCP
    http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo..._l=SBC;cat104792580;cat105526980;cat105529680

    Springfield XD Service Model
    http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo..._l=SBC;cat104792580;cat105526980;cat105529680

    thank you in advance
     
  2. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:23 AM
    #2
    luk8272

    luk8272 Poodoo

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    I personally like the Springfield. Fits my hand very well. My brother loves his glocks, I enjoy shooting both and can do so well. But the Springfield fits my hand and that is what made the difference to me.

    Best advice is go to the range and shoot as many different guns as you can. Find the one that fits most comfortably. Practice, practice, practice with the gun of your choice.

    After you get a gun and practice with it purchase you some self defense rounds, they'll cost a bit more, let off a few rounds with them so you can feel the difference (there will be some) keep the gun loaded and in a location you or your wife can reach easily and while not fully awake, possibly in a panicky situation. Invest in a flashlight to help you, something small and easy to handle with your gun. You don't want to shoot a Leo or neighbor that may be outside looking for the hobo's.
     
  3. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:23 AM
    #3
    TnRedNeck721

    TnRedNeck721 Nick Namer

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    only hand gun i have experience with is GLOCK. so i guess i no help.
     
  4. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:25 AM
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    bendbolden

    bendbolden Come and take them.

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    Can't go wrong with the xd. If you are using it for just home protection and not trying to carry concealed or open on your person then you want to get the biggest framed and caliber weapon you can shoot comfortably and accurately. Since you are new to handguns I would suggest a 9mm or .40 caliber. You may also look into shotguns for home defense.
     
  5. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:28 AM
    #5
    TRD6Speed

    TRD6Speed senior member

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  6. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:28 AM
    #6
    mak90

    mak90 Well-Known Member

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    X2 Also check into Glock's
     
  7. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:31 AM
    #7
    jonny

    jonny [OP] Betty White Edition Heep ZJ

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    Solid information..
    I was not aware gun ranges rented guns. (used to work at a shotgun range whan i was a teen too) :cool:
    I guess I had it ass backwards. Thought you purchased a gun and got familiar with it...not the other way around.
    Looks like I will have to look up a few local shooting ranges and see if they rent.
    open to any and allc omments on the three guns I chose so far..

    thanks everyone! :thumbsup:
     
  8. Aug 26, 2011 at 7:31 AM
    #8
    bendbolden

    bendbolden Come and take them.

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    I also agree on the range time. Also keep in mind that shooting a weapon in a dark room will be disorienting for you as well as the intruder. It's hard to get around muzzle flash without investing in a suppressor and all the paperwork to go with it.
     
  9. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:35 AM
    #9
    luk8272

    luk8272 Poodoo

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    Lets not turn it into that. You live where you live we live here. I can own and carry, I have the right to choose to have a gun or not have a gun. Thats the end of that.

    People go to war they use weapons. Cops and Military are people with training. Anyone that has a weapon needs to be trained how to use it. Before you can drive you learn how to do it or should then you get a vehicle and drive one that fits you and your needs.
     
  10. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:47 AM
    #10
    rleeharris

    rleeharris "Old Timer," compliments of 11Taco2.7

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    A good large caliber revolver (at least .357) or if you want a semi-auto, Glock, period. No more reliable a firearm IMHO. I've been shooting handguns since I was 11 and have owned dozens. Both a good revolver and any Glock will offer security, reliability, and dependability for years. Glocks are the most issued/used firearms around the world for LE and security work for a reason. I own two currently, and put thousands of rounds through the combo...never a single malfunction (of course, I use name brand ammo).

    For simplicity and ease of use, a good revolver cannot be beat. Many women prefer revolvers because a revolver requires little manipulation other than the trigger (e.g., racking a slide on a semi). My wife prefers to carry her S&W 442 in her purse; I carry my ported Glock 26 with Hornady Critical Defense loads, or my S&W Bodyguard 380, depending on what type of clothing I wear. On the nightstand is my Springfield V-10 .45, and my 18" 870 Wingmaster (police) in the corner. Nearby, I also keep my Ruger Redhawk .44, just in case. :D

    In my opinion, every law-abiding citizen should own a firearm. An armed society, is a polite society.
     
  11. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:49 AM
    #11
    Jester243

    Jester243 all I wanted was a god dang picture of a hotdog...

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    some of this, a little of that
    if you want that start a new thread, please don't derail this one.

    Also for me I love my XD .45 compact, my dad has the tactical model and my good friend has the service. They all fit my hand well and shoot great. I cannot agree more to get out and rent a few and see what works best for you and your hand size. Good luck :thumbsup:
     
  12. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:51 AM
    #12
    jonny

    jonny [OP] Betty White Edition Heep ZJ

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    I def see TD's point of view and trust me, I have always had those thoughts in the back of my head. We do not have any children and the handgun will not be out in the open or even accessible to visiting children. I have already found an established "stash spot" if you will and it will be completely safe.
    I am not under the impression that "If i have a gun in the house I am safe" I just want to have an "edge" against any hobos trying to break in to steal&pawn for their next meal. I work hard and love my wife very much and would never want to be in the situation where I couldn't protect us. The Bat can be used...but I would feel safer having range experience and a hand gun against the said hobos.

    Just my point of view and where I was coming from by posting this thread.
     
  13. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:53 AM
    #13
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    johnny...the best thing i can tell you is to handle as many as possible...visit different stores and talk to different people...get their opinions on WHY they like this model over that model...do not limit yourself on price...if possible, save up a little bit more

    the ruger lcp is a completely different beast and i do not ecommend that at all for a first time handgun owner

    it is designed solely as a backup weapon and its a complete booger to shoot...sights suck...

    i have no experience with the s&w series but I used to own an xd40...the xd was a nice pistol but didnt fit my hand right so i sold it

    I'm a fan of my glocks, but i love my Kimber 1911 even more


    as with everything else, you get what you pay for typically with firearms





    As for the canadian's questions

    Many times, where you live does not dictate who gets burglarized

    I work in an area where there are multimillon dollar homes AND crack houses

    All neighborhoods experience burglary

    One in particular I've responded to...the burglars broke the front door glass and unlocked the door, the homeowner heard this, quietly grabbed his shotgun and waited by his bedroom door...as he heard them come up the stairs, he racked the shotgun at which time he heard them go "oh shit" and run out of his house

    He was not in a crack neighborhood, nor was anyone who would be at a higher risk of being victimized

    I've responded to many others similar in nature...where the evil firearm was used to protect innocent people

    Just a couple weeks ago during a robbery/rape attempt at a hotel, the manager was able to draw her concealed handgun and pop the dude twice with it, killing him


    Criminals pick victims at random...the news is going to report what they want...kids shooting themselves is "better" news than homeowner shoots burglar
     
  14. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:58 AM
    #14
    rleeharris

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    You are right to be concerned, both for your children and the potential of becoming a victim. You have a right to secure and protect your family, home, and property. My suggestion, taking it you have never owned a firearm, is to buy a small caliber revolver (Taurus 85 is an inexpensive adn reliable revolver~$360) and shoot the shit out of it at the range. Build confidence and an understanding of how to use a handgun; take your wife with you. Take a self-defense course and if your state offers it, a concealed carry class, regardless of wether you intend to carry.

    Being comfortable around firearms and knowing your limits and your weapons only comes with practice, practice, practice. That being said, you should make every effort to secure your home from intruders by all means possible. This may include additional locks, audible alarms, and other traditional non-lethal means of self defense. Additionally, responsible gun owners should keep their weapons child-proofed and secure when not in use. There are ways of doing this and still keeping the weapon available for relative immediate use.
     
  15. Aug 26, 2011 at 8:58 AM
    #15
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    Just FYI i also dont believe in shooting someone just to protect my stuff from being stolen...only to protect life and safety
     
  16. Aug 26, 2011 at 9:02 AM
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    rleeharris

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    As for me, I would not hesitate one iota shooting someone stealing my property--not a single bit. Given continued criminal activity and the opportunity, most thieves (those committing B&Es) will escalate their brazen behavior over time. I would prefer to stop him or her from eventually making the relatively simply leap to assault or murder.

    Call it my personal one-man intervention program for wayward thieves.
     
  17. Aug 26, 2011 at 9:04 AM
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    jonny

    jonny [OP] Betty White Edition Heep ZJ

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    Thank you. Very good info. Much appreciated. I am going to call a few local ranges and see if they rent & hopefully get a feel for as many handguns as I can. Thanks for the ruger info!


    As far as the location. Not a bad area. Just in the middle of nowhere off a busy highway if you can visualize that. Nice neighbors. I wouldn't say it is "hood" more of an "out in the boonies" area. :p
     
  18. Aug 26, 2011 at 9:07 AM
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    brs127s

    brs127s Well-Known Member

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    A good revolver is hard to beat. I have a buddy who has a S&W hammerless .38. Granted he had some trigger work done, but it is one of the smoothest, hammerless revolvers I have seen. A .357 is nice, as you can shoot .38 and .357 ammo.

    I myself have a North American Arms .32 auto, but it is for conceal and carry.

    My dad has a Taurus 24/7 Pro-Compact chambered in .40 S&W. Had he not bought it, I probably would have. It is a smooth shooting auto that is comfortable to shoot.

    As far as home defense goes, all C&C instructors will tell you a shotgun is the best for home and personal defense. One more thing they will tell you...there is no question about having a firearm for self defense/protection in case you need it. If you have a gun for protection you will draw it and and shoot in a self-defense scenario. One of the first questions my C&C instructor asked was "How many would draw their firearm and might shoot?". He told those that raised their hands they would never shoot a perp. You have to have to mind set to draw, warn, then shoot.
     
  19. Aug 26, 2011 at 9:14 AM
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    GP100

    GP100 Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you can use a dog with a decent bark too. Please let us know what gun you decide on.
     
  20. Aug 26, 2011 at 9:16 AM
    #20
    jonny

    jonny [OP] Betty White Edition Heep ZJ

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    :eek: We have a small lap dog that sleeps inside...but she doesn't bark and is extra friendly

    But I totally agree.
     

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