Guys need some honest help

[bfdast]

I'm looking for a do all type gun, home defense, CCW (when I get mine in a few months) and I will shoot which ever every week. I'm not new to guns but I had to sell my only hand gun do to life. I'm looking at a (both of these are in my budget) M&P 40 used in like new condition or a S&W 6or442 or possibly a 638. I know the pros and cons of both and I like both equally. My question is what would you guys recommend.
I'm in a good area and travel to a bigger city a few times a year. My area is lower crime due to the fact it's an above average income area. Again which ever will be all of the above gun for me for atleast a few years. I know I will buy another but at the moment my wife's in school and no play funds so yea I'm limited.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[S&W Fan]

Well my advice is worth exactly what you're paying for it but here ya go
I can carry and shoot my Shield (9mm) better than any J or k frame snubbie I've ever owned. It's easier to conceal in warm weather (I carry a full size gun in cooler/colder months) for me than any revolver. I also have a minimum of 7 rounds in the gun and I can reload a semi faster than a round gun as well.

Get the one that fits your hand best, that you shoot best and can conceal easiest for the way you dress/your lifestyle.

[DevilDog72]

IMO.. find a gun range and rent a couple that you might be interested in and go from there. That said there are a couple of mdl 64's with 3 inch barrels for sale on this forum that would make very good home defense and CC guns. I switched from semi autos years ago and carry a 19-4 snub and feel very comfortable with it. Good luck with your search.

P.S. Welcome to the forum. You will find a lot of info here and very knowledgeable people willing to ..... help.

[ContinentalOp]

I am a fan of the 642. I've carried one for the past 5-6 years. I think it's well-suited for self-defense purposes. And they're not budget-busters, either. I like the carry versatility of the 642: OWB, IWB, ankle holster, pocket holster, shoulder holster, belly band, fanny pack, etc. While I have a Beretta 92FS for a "hunker-down-in-the-safe-room" gun, my nightstand gun is still my 642.

However, you're asking for an all-purpose gun that can fill mulitple roles. The first gun that comes to mind is the Glock 19. Compact enough to carry, big enough to be easy to shoot, good capacity for the HD role, not too expensive, mags are inexpensive, and 9mm is probably among the cheapest factory handgun ammo you'll find. That's probably where I'd start looking. I had a Glock 23 and it served me well, but if I were getting a Glock now it'd be the 19.

I think one of Kahr's 9mm guns would also serve well, though I have no experience with them. Their CW9 might be a good, budget-minded choice. I have handled them in gun stores and I think they have a great trigger pull.

I'm also a fan of K-frame snubs, particularly the 2" 64. I had a DAO model for a while and it was a great gun. Also well-suited for the carry/HD role, IMO.

Of course, the best option is to try as many as possible, either borrowing them from friends or at a rental range. That's really the best way to see. You may try a J-frame and decide it's not for you, or the M&P may just be the cat's meow. We can offer suggestions but they may or may not work for you in your situation.

[AlHunt]

Originally Posted by bfdast

I'm looking for a do all type gun, home defense, CCW (when I get mine in a few months) and I will shoot which ever every week. I'm not new to guns but I had to sell my only hand gun do to life. I'm looking at a (both of these are in my budget) M&P 40 used in like new condition or a S&W 6or442 or possibly a 638. I know the pros and cons of both and I like both equally. My question is what would you guys recommend.
I'm in a good area and travel to a bigger city a few times a year. My area is lower crime due to the fact it's an above average income area. Again which ever will be all of the above gun for me for atleast a few years. I know I will buy another but at the moment my wife's in school and no play funds so yea I'm limited.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Within those parameters, the M&P, assuming you can handle it well. More rounds on tap is the decider for me. Probably better follow up shots, too.

Just the view from here.

[bfdast]

Thanks guys well most are out of my budget but I did find the shields under 300. 300-340 is my limit and all are under that. I looked at the glocks but again I can only do a glock 22 used. If money wasn't an issue it would be different.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bfdast]

The M&P 40 is used and is the cheapest at $280-300, revolvers new are 310-320, and shields are $310-340. If I do the full size then after my CCW is done and I have funds of do a compact or sub compact. Or say shield now and full size later


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Richard M]

Please don't shoot me for this, but when anyone asks me what they should get for a first, do all gun, I say try a Glock 19. I don't own one or like the way they feel, but imho they meet the requirement for so many reasons.

[bfdast]

Thanks yea I have tried to find one but again those are what's in my budget, plus I like S&W


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Arik]

I don't like small grips. So I'd rather not carry a small revolver

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[haywood]

I'm a 442 guy. As long as you have the time and the spare cash for ammo and Range time too learn how to shoot it, I say 442.

[Marshal tom]

As stated above, go to a range and try several of your options out to see what works well for you.Do not get hung up on the .40cal unless you must for some reason. Everyone is advocating going back to the 9mm for a number of reasons, round count, controllability and increased terminal performance over some other rounds. I have many handguns, both revolvers and Semi Autos and carry both of them,depending on what I am doing and where I am going on any certain day. Semi Auto's carry more rounds and carry flatter but there is nothing wrong with a nice little J- frame in the pocket. Small revolvers are not for new or inexperienced shooters. Shorter sight radius and smaller frame with lighter weight equate to a harder to control package. Look at all of your options and pick the one that ticks off the most boxes after careful consideration.

[31FordA]

Between the M&P40 and the 642 as a choice for a "jack of all trades" gun I'd say the M&P. It is probably the better choice for all but concealed carry, which is where the J frame excels. Since the M&P can be concealed with a good holster I'd opt for it.

My personal choice for a "one and done" handgun would be the 3" SP-101. Unfortunately even a used SP-101 would exceed your budget limitations. You might find a surplus 10/64 for close to your budget, and there are a variety of surplus .40 cal pistols in your range out there. Having shot both Glock and M&P .40's I would opt for the M&P.

[Don~Z~]

Shield 45 is my edc, expensive ammo for some, but for me it's about perfect for carrying and nightstand... 2000 rounds so far with no malfunctions. Rent some first, when it comes to a firearm that is for self defense, you need to find one that you will carry everyday, even if you have to save a little longer to get it... good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shawn mccarver]

Originally Posted by bfdast

I'm looking for a do all type gun, home defense, CCW (when I get mine in a few months) and I will shoot which ever every week. I'm not new to guns but I had to sell my only hand gun do to life. I'm looking at a (both of these are in my budget) M&P 40 used in like new condition or a S&W 6or442 or possibly a 638. I know the pros and cons of both and I like both equally. My question is what would you guys recommend.
I'm in a good area and travel to a bigger city a few times a year. My area is lower crime due to the fact it's an above average income area. Again which ever will be all of the above gun for me for atleast a few years. I know I will buy another but at the moment my wife's in school and no play funds so yea I'm limited.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would select a Glock 19 for the tasks you mention.

[bfdast]

Thanks that was my next option, I'm going Friday to get my hands on them but I believe it will be between a shield and the full size 40. The full size is a 40 because you can not find any 9mm in police trade ins. That's the only reason I'm looking at them. Thanks a lot guys great advice and hope to soon make a decision


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cnette01]

My concern with a full size M&P 40 is whether or not you would actually carry it. A J-Frame is easy to carry and conceal, so between the two of those that would be my recommendation. If you are open to considering other options, I think the Shield is an excellent choice. I own all 3 of these and carry a 642-1 most often, with the Shield next, and the M&P 40 is a home defense and range gun only for me. Let us know what you end up with, and good luck with it!

[bfdast]

Thanks I just found the shield in 45 or 9 for 320.00 so I can now say it will probably between those two. I haven't held one but everyone that has them loves them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mister X]

Something else to consider... What kind of experience does your wife have with guns? I'm sure at some point, you're gone and she should be comfortable with whatever you choose and know how to use it. Nothing is simpler than a DAO revolver.

[bfdast]

I have a friend bringing me an old Taurus 38 and she has shot those a few times. That would be my stay at home gun for when I'm at the firehouse (24 hr shifts)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mister X]

If it were me in your situation, I'd go with the S&W 642. It's another gun your wife could use and both guns take the same ammo.

[bfdast]

Thanks guys I will let you all know when I finally chose


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mainsail]

The question you asked will get you pretty much the same answers you would get if you had asked, "What gun do you like?"

For what you are actually asking, I suggest the Sig P320. You buy the gun like any other handgun, then you can change the size of the gun, and even the grip circumference without using an FFL again. You can have one gun in full size, compact, and sub-compact all with the same serial number. One gun that works at the range, for carry, AND sized for you and your wife.

[silversnake]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

I'm also a fan of K-frame snubs, particularly the 2" 64. I had a DAO model for a while and it was a great gun. Also well-suited for the carry/HD role, IMO.

I second this. A short barrel K-frame is easy to conceal and much more fun to practice with than an airweight J-frame. Great all-around choice.

Among the options you mentioned I'd take the 642, it's a gun you'll never have to leave the house without. If you want an M&P I'd get the M&P9C, unless you really need .40 S&W. On limited funds though the lower cost of 9mm might be a good thing.

[gman51]

If you are sort of limited on spendable cash then I would get the 9mm. It costs dang near half as much to shoot and with special self defense rounds available it would do you a good job. So for range and defense the 9mm would be the ticket IMO.
I have one 45, Kimber Ultra Carry II with Crimson Trace, and I really like shooting it. But I seldom shoot it simply because of ammo costs. it is my nightstand go to gun.

I think the M&P Shield 9mm would be a good all around choice. But you sure want to shoot one before plunking down the money for one. You or your wife may or may not like it. $320 seems like a good price.

[photoman]

Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm Pistol | Academy

[mustangman]

Originally Posted by Photoman44

Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm Pistol | Academy

This is a solid choice in your price range. Glock 19ish in size, and 16 rounds of cheap to shoot 9mm.
For an extra $30 they also offer it in all black with fiber optic sights.
Good luck, and happy and safe shooting with whatever you decide.

[Wise_A]

Originally Posted by bfdast

My area is lower crime due to the fact it's an above average income area.

Where do you think the scummers go to score the really good stuff?

Your neighborhood.

Besides, there are junkies everywhere.

[Smoke]

Originally Posted by bfdast

Thanks that was my next option, I'm going Friday to get my hands on them but I believe it will be between a shield and the full size 40. The full size is a 40 because you can not find any 9mm in police trade ins. That's the only reason I'm looking at them. Thanks a lot guys great advice and hope to soon make a decision

I wouldn't buy an M&P40 until you actually shoot one. The recoil is noticeably stouter than the 9mm.

Since you mentioned being on a budget I'd drop the Shield from consideration altogether and consider a M&P compact (either 9 or 40, again wouldn't buy a 40C without shooting it) because a C model will take the corresponding Full Size magazine. So you only need the one type of spare magazine. I currently own a 9FS and a 9C for just that reason.

All that said if I had it to do over again I'd sell off every thing (excepting guns I've bought in private sales) and buy a Glock 19. My rationale is that the 19 really covers both the FS & and C niches adequately and the standard 19 magazine is legal in Colorado. That said I'd take too much of a hit if I sold off my M&Ps (especially since I can't legally sell most of my FS magazines) to buy a Glock and SWMBO would hang me.

[Irn-Bru]

For a budget carry/home defense, check out the EEA SAR. I've linked the link from slickguns below. For $245 you get a good reliable handgun.

EAA SAR B6P Sarsilmaz Compact 9mm Luger 3.8" Barrel 13 Rounds Polymer - $244.95 shipped | Slickguns

[Bpx4st]

Originally Posted by bfdast

Thanks that was my next option, I'm going Friday to get my hands on them but I believe it will be between a shield and the full size 40. The full size is a 40 because you can not find any 9mm in police trade ins. That's the only reason I'm looking at them. Thanks a lot guys great advice and hope to soon make a decision


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just throwing this out there & I may get booed but consider the Taurus PT 111 or 140 G2. They are a budget gun but I was thinking (tempted) about one because the reviews seemed pretty good, they're easy to conceal, the ones I've held felt pretty decent in my hand...& I have large hands...& you can get them in 9mm or 40 S&W. Under $250 in most places, less in some.
I'm not crazy about striker fired guns but this one is a true double action pistol, with second strike capabilities & a 12 round magazine.
Just a thought.

Wayne

Sent from my SM-T377P using Tapatalk

[bfdast]

Thanks guys I have decided on the shield not sure 9 or 45. But I can get either for 300-330. Here lately 45 has been slightly cheaper to buy than .38 which I'm use to buying


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[doug86]

Originally Posted by Photoman44

Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm Pistol | Academy

ditto on this recommendation. I owned one for 2 years and found it very reliable. Used they go under $300. It's guts are a copy of a Glock, it's size is almost exactly the same as G19.

Small enough to carry, and cheap enough that you can spend a few $$ on an Apex trigger kit.

Great gun.

[tx40d]

Looks like you already received some pretty solid advice from everyone else. The only suggestion I would add is to make sure your budget allows for extra expenses your carry gun will need (e.g., range fees, range ammo, carry ammo, holster (iwb, osb, and/or pocket), cleaning kit, etc). Whenever I pick up a new gun I figure TOC will be about double or more for the first year just due to range fees and ammo while getting proficient with it.

[bfdast]

Thanks, I have the cleaning kits, and a free range (part time just is mechanic and behind the shop is swamp. We shoot there every other day) yea it's not my first gun just last one I had to sell do to some expenses that came up. Thanks everyone I like the air weights but with having to go to the city sometimes I am going with something I can reload quicker. I'm not saying my area is safe, I know since I'm a career firefighter and have seen it all. We just don't have the gang activity since it's higher income area. I live however 45 minutes north of New Orleans and I do go there often. I like the shields, glocks and others but I find that smith you an get 9 and 45 and also either will cost me 300-330. As far as ammo my source is reasonable again I know 9 is always cheaper but I was paying $17-20 per 50 for .38 and the 45 is cheaper by a few bucks. I really appreciate everyone's advice. I also like that the shield is compact and not fat like the double stacks. I looked at the compacts but can't find any under 370. Thanks again


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[petepeterson]

Originally Posted by bfdast

Thanks guys I have decided on the shield not sure 9 or 45. But I can get either for 300-330. Here lately 45 has been slightly cheaper to buy than .38 which I'm use to buying


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

9mm has a few things going for it:
1. Slightly smaller
2. Possibly easier for your wife to handle
3. Larger capacity (however slight)
4. Ammo (online) is around 10-11/box, and good SD ammo is less expensive, as well

.45 is pretty awesome, too.

[Whitwabit]

you might look on Bud's they have used police S&W pistols usually in good to excellent shape many times below 300 dollars .. add the free shipping your only other cost would be the FFL charge which is usually around 30 dollars .. other sites have used police pistols for around the same price ..

If Bud's doesn't have a variety wait a couple of weeks they usually have more on the way .. you can ask here abut the quality many bloggers have one of those used police pistols ..

Edit : I would stay with a 9mm as the practice ammo is the cheapest ..

[bfdast]

Thanks guys yes I check them a lot but now the shield is out, it's between the full size and the revolver with the full size being cheaper. The one I'm looking at is a 40, you can't find trade in 9s seems like. Again if I do the full size next year I'll try to do a compact or revolver or vis versa.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mister X]

Originally Posted by bfdast

I like the air weights but with having to go to the city sometimes I am going with something I can reload quicker.

I travel to some of the largest cities in the U.S. on a regular basis. I drive around their interiors as well as frequently walk their streets. A S&W 642 is my weapon of choice more often not.

The primary reason I choose the 642(or any enclosed hammer snub) is it's advantages in extreme close-quarter scenarios. I'm much more likely to be involved in a car-jacking attempt, a mugging, a physical assault by protesters(I run across them a lot lately) from groups like BLM than I am in some type of unavoidable across the street shootout.

A small auto can be used effectively in these close-quarter types scenarios, but in contact scenarios, it can pushed out of battery, the rearward movement of the slide can be block/obstructed or you can induce malfunctions if you have a less than ideal grip on the gun, which isn't improbable in an actual defense encounter.
Just moderate pressure against the slide of an auto can cause a malfunction as demonstrated in the video below.

With a hammerless snub revolver, it still will function reliably if a muzzle contact shot were needed, during disarm attempts and if entangled in clothing and it can even be fired from inside a jacket pocket. About the only way to stop a hammerless revolver from working in a close-quarter struggle would be to grab and hold the cylinder or get a finger behind the trigger and that is extremely difficult to do in a violent, active defense encounter. It is the hardest gun to disarm form it's rightful owner due to shape and size.

Reloading simply doesn't happen with any regularity in civilian self-defense. The dynamics simply do not allow for it. The fight will almost certainly be settled with what is in the gun. The J-frame's low capacity is indeed a concern, but a single stack auto is scantly any better in that regards , plus you lose the snubs ECQ benefits.

But, YMMV, so do as you see fit. Good luck either way.

YouTube

[bfdast]

Thanks a bunch I'm sorta in the same predicament as far as where I go. I do like the snubbies and have owned on. It was great and not bad to shoot. I'll check the video out later and look at it more. Thanks again


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bfdast]

Well I found a 642 and a 638 for 300. Possibly lower after mail in rebate so I'm going to take the advice and purchase one of those. I like the fact that both guns (new one and one a friend gives me) will be the same caliber. The one he is giving me needs to be refinished but is shootable. It's an old wood grip Taurus.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jmace57]

I have carried 642 for the past five years. It is wonderful for concealment. I is my LEAST favorite gun to shoot I own. But at this time in my life (where I live, still working, etc) I will continue. When I retire and have more control of my wardrobe, I plan to carry something larger.

[bfdast]

Ok guys thanks for all the help, I went to my lgs this morning and put my hands on all of them. I will be going with the full size. It felt great and was (to me) more comfortable than the shield. Felt like I had to stretch my hand on it. The full size really felt better than a glock (again that's me). I will be going with it and after I get me conceal carry I will go with a j frame. My friend brought me his revolver so i have that option as well. Thanks for everyone's help. Now I just have to hunt done some holsters


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mister X]

Makes sense.

A hammerless snub for concealed carry: great to respond with to quick, close, reactive scenarios you can't avoid. At longer ranges, you probably can simply flee the scene.

A full size auto for home defense: less concerns about ECQ, usually more warning in HD, there might be multiple intruders possibly armed, have to make a stand/can't escape.

[Genetically Swiss]

Originally Posted by haywood

I'm a 442 guy. As long as you have the time and the spare cash for ammo and Range time too learn how to shoot it, I say 442.

I agree. Simple, lightweight and effective. I love mine.

GS

[blues7]

The 642 backed up by a full size semi-auto sounds like a good and prudent plan.

[Rat458]

You did well.
The only way to pick the right one is to handle it personally.
It has to fit YOU correctly.
I like 1911's but they don't fit my hand .
Revolvers have more latitude in that grips can affect the proper grip and are easily changed.

[bfdast]

Thanks guys now just to decide which comes first! I will be getting my CCW later this year and would be next year before I could get the other gun. Do I go with the full size or go j frame and shoot it till I get comfortable with it for my CCW? I swear this is worse than buying a new truck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[blues7]

Personally, I'd go with the full size first and get the J frame later.
Being able to protect home and hearth (while building skills with the firearm) makes more sense to me.

You can save up for the J frame in the interim and maybe train with one if you have a buddy that will let you shoot his. This way you'll be prepared when it comes time to carry.

[bfdast]

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk