looking for handgun recommendations

[Johnny Quest]

i was not brought up around guns, and have only been shooting a handful of times in the past few years; i'm honestly not anywhere near as comfortable as I would like to be around them. that being said, i'm looking to purchase something to have a bit more security both in our home, and while out wheeling/camping/out in the boonies. most likely wont be carrying full time, so size/weight isn't a huge priority. i went into a firearms store friday afternoon, and was pretty overwhelmed, even after talking to one of the guys who worked there. i just don't know enough to make an informed decision on my own. been leaning towards a 9mm, but i'm not married to that caliber.

priorities i guess would be reliability, accuracy, ease of maintenance, and cost per round.

 

[mbryson]

9mm is a good start for anyone in my opinion. (there will be a LOT of different opinions) My take is buy something YOU are comfortable with. I'm SURE we could recruit some folks to show you a few weapons where you could handle and shoot them. Before my pistol was lost in an unfortunate boating accident, I really liked my Kahr CW9. I did not expect to buy a Kahr but liked how it felt in my hands WAY more than other guns I handled at Dougs Shooting Sports when I was looking. I was looking for a $200 gun and walked out with an almost $500 gun. For me, I'd stick with a brand you know vs a brand you don't know.

Good for you on the priorities. To me, reliability is the biggest factor in any kind of pistol/weapon purchase. In a pistol, tough to beat a revolver for that. There are a LOT of reliable semi-autos out there (handle a Glock, S&W, Walther or Springfield while you're looking). Just practice for a misfire and clearing the weapon so you can fire the next shot. For home defense, I would really like a pump shotgun. VERY distinct noise that might make any intruder think twice about continuing whatever they are doing in your home and unmatched shot pattern in close quarters without endangering your neighbors (as much as a pistol or rifle round). Just make sure you are familiar with your purchased weapon and shoot it at least once a month or so. 9mm is hard to beat for cost per round, availability and such. I'd shoot a .45, .40 and .38 before settling on the 9mm. Each do the job but a little differently. I like having commonly available calibers

 

[Unimog]

A full-size 9mm might be the easiest handling gun that is capable of serious self-defense, IMO. This kind of gun will easily hold 18-20 rounds of ammo, which is an added benefit. You really need to shoot a few to decide what you like - either renting from a gun range or going out with friends. Personally, I would start out by trying a Springfield XDM9 and a Glock 17.

 

[Unimog]

You likely have friends that shoot, but I'm always game for a lunchtime or after work shoot at the Lee Key range. If you get 3,4, or 5 guys together it's easy to try out a dozen different firearms in an hour or two.

 

[I Lean]

You likely have friends that shoot, but I'm always game for a lunchtime or after work shoot at the Lee Key range. If you get 3,4, or 5 guys together it's easy to try out a dozen different firearms in an hour or two.

^^I'd be in for attending that party.

 

[Hickey]

A full-size 9mm might be the easiest handling gun that is capable of serious self-defense, IMO. This kind of gun will easily hold 18-20 rounds of ammo, which is an added benefit. You really need to shoot a few to decide what you like - either renting from a gun range or going out with friends. Personally, I would start out by trying a Springfield XDM9 and a Glock 17.

I fully agree. Both of these suggested guns are what I would suggest for you.

 

[Johnny Quest]

You likely have friends that shoot, but I'm always game for a lunchtime or after work shoot at the Lee Key range. If you get 3,4, or 5 guys together it's easy to try out a dozen different firearms in an hour or two.

that's about a mile from work for me. would absolutely be interested in that

 

[Kevin B.]

If you get 3,4, or 5 guys together it's easy to try out a dozen different firearms in an hour or two.

^^I'd be in for attending that party.

x2. I think I'm going to get serious about looking for a handgun. I was set on finding a range where they rent handguns, but I'm in for a pistol party too.

 

[mbryson]

You likely have friends that shoot, but I'm always game for a lunchtime or after work shoot at the Lee Key range. If you get 3,4, or 5 guys together it's easy to try out a dozen different firearms in an hour or two.

excellent idea

that's about a mile from work for me. would absolutely be interested in that

I'm in for that. Just a thought, your puppies will be an EXCELLENT deterent for intruders. Not that you shouldn't protect your family but you have THE right breed for home defense.

 

[Johnny Quest]

I'm in for that. Just a thought, your puppies will be an EXCELLENT deterent for intruders. Not that you shouldn't protect your family but you have THE right breed for home defense.

haha they look mean, but they dont have a mean bone in their body lol

 

[mbryson]

haha they look mean, but they dont have a mean bone in their body lol

Someone coming into the house REALLY doesn't know that. They'll see two Germans and be GONE. They show up at my house with my Golden Retriever and they'll laugh as my dog licks their hands and escorts them to the silverware. I'm also curious how your dog's "herd" instinct comes out with your upcoming life events. They'll likely be AWESOME with your new addition and will be a great asset to your family

 

[Johnny Quest]

Someone coming into the house REALLY doesn't know that. They'll see two Germans and be GONE. They show up at my house with my Golden Retriever and they'll laugh as my dog licks their hands and escorts them to the silverware. I'm also curious how your dog's "herd" instinct comes out with your upcoming life events. They'll likely be AWESOME with your new addition and will be a great asset to your family

thats true. my wife has said that theyve let out a few low growls if someone walks by the house when im not around

 

[mbryson]

thats true. my wife has said that theyve let out a few low growls if someone walks by the house when im not around

My guess is that your new addition will have two friends that will handle any perceived threat with more ferocity and aggression than you'd expect. Not that they'll run around chasing people or anything but they'll feel like it's their JOB to take care of your little one and ensure that anything that approaches will not be a threat. My neighbor has a very cool (and large---maybe 90 lbs) German who is a SWEET dog. I do NOT like to knock on their door as that Shepard is just doing his job ensuring that I know that he's committed to protecting what he's supposed to protect. If their dog is out and wandering to our house, he's awesome. He's great with our dog and let's our younger dog get the upper hand pretty easily.

 

[thefirstzukman]

I am a 100% a Glock guy.... I have owned many other handguns that made me become a Glock guy, I never wanted to be a Glock guy but after shooting many and comparing them with guns I have owned I have found that they plain work and are also very interchangeable with other Glock parts. If I were to recommend one I would say go with a 19, its a good midsize gun in 9mm and you could Carry it pretty easily if you ever decided to go that way, but it still has a full 3 finger grip and only 1/2" sorter slide than a Glock 17.

 

[nnnnnate]

[video=youtube;r573VYk88eM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r573VYk88eM[/video]

 

[Hickey]

Hot dog!

 

[Coco]

It's been said, but go to a gun range, and shoot several different firearms. See what feels good in your hands, what caliber feels best for you (recoil, weight, etc), how you can get on target from a draw (if you will be moving the firearm a lot to acquire the target from your draw.) How is your muscle memory when in a firing position with the firearm. For me, (and everyone is different) multiple models fit great in my hands, and feel extremely comfortable (the VP9/40, M&P fullsize/compact, P30) but when I would draw and go to get on target, I personally found myself having to make adjustments to get on target. If you plan to carry for personal protection, this can be valuable, and costly time needed. For me, Glocks fit the best in my hands and for muscle memory/target acquiring. I am able to be faster, and more accurate in less time with my Glock than I could with any other firearm. After you got your firearm figured out and purchased, next step is get a holster. If you plan to carry, do some research on what holsters are comfortable for daily use. Again, I have found nothing more comfortable than the StealthGearUSA holsters. They are padded, all synthetic materials, they breathe so you dont get any sweat build up, lifetime warranty, etc. (hit me up if you are interested in StealthGearUSA holsters, I can help you out there )

After you have your firearm, and holster, next step is practice practice practice. The more familiar and trained you are with your firearm, the better and more comfortable you will become. You can never get enough training.

 

[Rock Taco]

Id be in for a handgun get together at the range. it would have to be after work or a weekend for me, but don't schedule it around me.