Shopping for handgun

[PamAndJim]

I have been feeling the need lately to pick up some protection. This Thanksgiving I'm hoping to get my guns from my parents house. I have waiting for me there a 12 guage, a .357 revolver and a .22 rifle. I don't know what brand/model etc. But, I've really been waiting to get a semi automatic pistol too. I'm thinking .45 or a 9mm, something that my wife can feel comfortable shooting too. I've been reading up a bit, and it seems that a lot of folks prefer the 9 becuase it's cheap to shoot and that there have been many developments in ammo that make it pretty close to the .45 in terms of stopping power. I don't know much about guns, but I do have some experience shooting them. I basically want something that's affordable to shoot and easy to maintain. I've been reading a lot of good things about the Sig p320 and the Beretta PX4. What do you guys think of these? Any others that you'd recommend instead?

Sponsored

 

[blue15gt]

Might look at a Walther PK380. Small enough for concealed carry and slide is easy enough for even a small lady. Happy with mine.

 

[PamAndJim]

I forgot to mention the S&W M&P is another one I've seen good things about it. It seems like folks on here like it.

 

[evo8904]

I own several glocks, M&Ps, XDm and Sigs. The Sig p226 is by fay my favorite. It is very smooth and accurate. But, I mostly carry a full size M&P .45.

 

[Surtur]

i have a sig p320 full size on its way to me right now, i got to shoot one before i bought it on gunbroker and man it is sweeeeeeeettttt.

 

[Evolvd]

That's a loaded question! (pun intended) What is the primary purpose of said gun? Honestly you should decide exactly who it's for and what it's for. A gun that is great for concealment isn't exactly friendly to the hands for hundreds of rounds at the range. And stopping power is subjective...I argue that a shotgun with .00 buck has much better stopping power than any handgun, and you have better miss percentage. Will it be for your wife or for you? If she has smaller hands you may find one of you will hate shooting the gun, and if it's your wife who hates it, you just wasted money.

As far as cheaper rounds, unless you're pumping hundreds of rounds through it on a weekly basis, the price difference is negligible, maybe a few dollars a year depending on your range habits. My recommendation, go to a local range that has a large selection of rental guns in various calibers. Spend the better part of an afternoon, or better yet split over a couple days as you'll easily fatigue your hands and ears over multiple boxes of ammo. Both of you can then decide what you like, what is ergonomic, and what is more comfortable to handle. You may find that both of you have completely different ideas of which caliber and gun size meets those criteria.

 

[mikef523]

I forgot to mention the S&W M&P is another one I've seen good things about it. It seems like folks on here like it.

This is a great piece. Especially if you have a CCW permit. very slim frame for much better concealing. I also have a Glock 9MM, but this M&P shield is the one I carry.

 

[phrenetiK]

i just picked up a bersa thunder 380....shot it along with a few friends concealed carry 45 and 9mm but I am really happy with my decision. really comfortable to shoot for me since I have bigger hands and it has the extended grip on the mag.

 

[PamAndJim]

So, to answer a question from above: The main purpose of the gun would be home protection. I'd be the primary user. That said, I would definitely want to take it to the range from time to time to make sure I can shoot the damn thing. Also, I want my wife to be able to shoot in the off chance that something goes down when I'm not home. I'd take her to the range a few times to allow her to get used to it. But, I don't see her really going to the range for fun. So, basically it would be 90% me 10% her.

 

[navarro25osu]

I own a Sig Sauer P226 and P227, I prefer the P226. Going to the range and trying before you buy is your best bet, but I highly recommend the P226.

 

[WatchSquid]

Find a range that does handgun training and rents weapons. Rent a bunch of 'em and see which is your and your wife's favorites. You're in the D/FW area, both Eagle (in Lewisville) and Bullet Trap (in Plano) are good choices and do rent handguns.

My carry gun is a Ruger SR9C. You're welcome to shoot any of mine if you want to meet at the range.

 

[Varekai]

Another vote here for M&P Shield, I run mine in .40

 

[TNcoupe]

Springfield XdM 9mm in full frame. It will hold 19 in the mag and 1 in the pipe. 20 rounds for home defense is pretty good.

 

[PamAndJim]

Find a range that does handgun training and rents weapons. Rent a bunch of 'em and see which is your and your wife's favorites. You're in the D/FW area, both Eagle (in Lewisville) and Bullet Trap (in Plano) are good choices and do rent handguns.

My carry gun is a Ruger SR9C. You're welcome to shoot any of mine if you want to meet at the range.

Thanks, maybe I'll try to check Eagle out over Christmas.

 

[PamAndJim]

Another vote here for M&P Shield, I run mine in .40

Seems to be a popular choice and it's priced nicely too. It's at least a couple hundred bucks less than the Sig. At that price I may just get the 9 for her and the .40 for me..

Sponsored