Handgun for a semi-new gun owner

[Marshall 357]

I have a friend who is interested in getting a pistol for home defense. He already has a Ruger 22/45 so he is no stranger to handguns. I told him I would go with a 1911 .45. Since ammo is so high and SD rounds cant be found.I think the big old .45acp would be a good pick. What do you think?

 

[gunlovingirl]

I would suggest he go to a lgs/range, where he can try out a few different handguns. Then get the one that he feels most comfortable with and can shoot best. jmho

 

[feralmerril]

For home defendse anything .38 or above that is reliable and in working order that strikes his fancy will do just fine. Things do take a little more thought when you want one to pack concealed, hunt, target shoot or whatever. Kind of like makeing a science of what hammer or weight rock to use. Hell of a answer, huh? But then we are all aficiaotos, or we wouldnt be here!

 

[Smitty500Mag]

Semi auto's are not really guns I'd steer a newbie to buy. I'd much rather recommend a revolver for home defense for someone that hasn't used a gun a lot. With the revolver it's point and shoot and no worries about the thing jamming or forgetting about the safety.

Also the 1911 ain't exactly cheap if someone happens to be on a budget.

Smitty

 

[redlevel]

A good quality .357 Magnum revolver is hard to beat for a newbie or even an old timer like me.

 

[greyhawk178]

Tell him to buy something YOU like.....then,when he doesn't like it...........: )

 

[USAF385]

A good quality .357 Magnum revolver is hard to beat for a newbie or even an old timer like me.

Agree 100%!!!!!

Like Smitty500Mag said, I'd go with a revolver for a newbie. .357 is a great defense round.. and you can practice with .38s for cheaper.

I think .357 revolvers are great higher powered introductory guns.

 

[HUGHP]

Might want to consider a Ruger SP101 .357 Very reliable and reasonably priced.

 

[GatorFarmer]

If it fits his hand, and he can shoot it well, then get a Glock. Glocks can be had in .45ACP. Plenty of police recruits with no experience using handguns learn on a Glock. They're relatively simple to learn.

I understand what you mean about a lack of self defense rounds. When modern JHPs can't be found, or are too expensive, the good old .45 FMJ probably trumps a great many other choices.

 

[ACP230]

Has the tried the Ruger centerfire autos?
He might like to keep to the same family of guns.

 

[Jack Flash]

Smitty's advice is right on. A few days ago, someone posted a link to a dealer who has 4" M64s (Stainless Steel .38 Special) for under $250. An ideal choice. If he wanted to go .357, he shouldn't have much trouble locating an M13 or M65.

Think long and hard about a 1911. A cheapie may not be reliable. Would he be able to spend the money for a top-of-the-line version? Also, is this something his gf/wife may have to use in a stressful situation?

I am very confident in being able get my M10 into action, even if I just woke up out of a dead sleep. There's just more involved in getting an auto going, and there's just more that can go wrong with one - often at the worst possible time.

 

[wbraswell]

Model 10,13,19,64,65,or 66. Take your pick.

 

[Broker57]

Don't forget 586/686 The Smith L-Frame is one of my favorites!

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

Like others have said, I would steer away from a semi-auto. There are just too many considerations with a semi-auto for the newbie.

For a good, reliable home defense gun, go for a K frame Smith revolver in either .38 or .357. I'd spring for the .357 then use what you want.

A revolver just doesn't have any hidden quirks.

I knew a woman, years ago, that died while futzing around with a P-08 pistol. She wasn't a "gunny" type and really didn't understand the operation of a semi auto. The results were not pretty.

The double action revolver is like "a brick at rest". It will just not jump up and bite you.

 

[Grayfox]

+1 on the revolver. Keep it simple.
I do consider the 1911 to be the finest fighting pistol ever made, but its not for a newbie. One must be willing to put in the time and the practice to make releasing the safety an automatic movement. Forgetting to release the safety will get you killed.

 

[minuteman]

Ditto on the revolver, J or K frame Smith. And 357 Mag or 38+P is ideal. It works real well and you can use standard 38 loads for practice.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

I know this is the S&W Forum, and I love my J,K, L and N-frame revolvers, but your friends best bang for the buck is a Ruger GP-100. An absolute work horse that is dead balls accurate and built like a tank. I suggest the 4" bbl.

There, I've said it!

WG840