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.


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[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]

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.


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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.


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[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


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[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


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[Arik]

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

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[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!


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[shawn mccarver]

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.


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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


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[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.


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[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)


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