A .22 handgun like a Ruger 22/45 is an great pistol to have. It's cheap to shoot and would be good practice. Granted it's probably much more of a target gun than most semi-auto pistols but you will learn the basics cheaply with it, plus they are so much fun to shoot. When you can take a box of 50 shells and put them all in the black, that is a good feeling.
Looking for a second firearm
- Thread starter Rob224
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I agree with a full size M&P for home defense either in 9MM or if you want a variety in ammo .40 S&W or .45 ACP. I have an M&P40 as well as a 40C & can successfully conceal both & I carry them interchangeably. Much easier concealing anything with temps below zero, lol.
I'll agree with this, though I like the Mark II or III better than the 22/45. (The grip just doesn't feel right to me, and is too big for my relatively small hand.)
I picked the Mark III Target model. One of the less expensive ones, and includes a rail for easy mounting of a scope or red-dot sight. I'm using mine twice a week in Bullseye and bowling pin-shooting matches. There are lots of after-market upgrades available. I'm currently using a smaller red-dot than the one in the photo.
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gkitch
Member
1. Everybody should have a good 22. Buy one that appeals to you and shoot the heck out of it.
2. A full size M&P makes sense for a gun to reach for when concealment does not matter. The pro series is worth a look. Perhaps a detachable light?
3. Get an instructor if you have not already.
2. A full size M&P makes sense for a gun to reach for when concealment does not matter. The pro series is worth a look. Perhaps a detachable light?
3. Get an instructor if you have not already.
I know I'm gonna get beat up for this but buy a Glock 17. Best self defense hand gun in the world. Glocks are much easier to do a detailed break down than a Smith of any kind. I bought a Shield because of its size and it is a great firearm but Glocks are still King. I love my Shield! Have at me guys I can take it. lol
Rastoff
US Veteran
Why would we beat you up for that? Glock makes a good gun.
This I will beat you up for because it's simply not true.
How a pistol breaks down is not relevant to being a good self defense pistol. Yes, it can make it easier to maintain the gun, but doesn't help you at all when shooting. Besides, "much easier" is a little stretch, don't you think? The M&P is super easy to field strip and easier to detail strip than a Glock.
The gun you shoot best is the best self defense pistol.
REALLY "GLOCK IS THE BEST DEFENSE GUN IN THE WORLD"..
because you can detail strip it faster than a s&w. Well if you say so
. I`ve had a half a dozen Glocks, they're pretty good, other than some problems they may have worked out in the 19 9mm. I have M&P's now and love them, they fit my hand much better than the Glocks ever did. My M&P cases don`t hit me in the face like the Glocks did. For me my M&P's handle recoil better than the Glocks [ thus more accurate ], it looks far better and has been flawless which is better than my most recent Glocks I had. Glocks are good but M&P`s are better IMHO
Oh I remember what it was like to be young
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Sinkhole30
Member
I'll keep it simple and list a few of my favorites under $600
FN Herstal FNX-9
FN Herstal FNX-45
FN Herstal FNS-9
S&W M&P9/9c
S&W M&P45/45c
Glock 30 Gen4
Ruger SR9c
Ruger SP101
I personally carry an FNH FNX-9 most of the time. For HD I have a Mossberg M590A1 and my M&P45 full size which I also carry sometimes.
FN Herstal FNX-9
FN Herstal FNX-45
FN Herstal FNS-9
S&W M&P9/9c
S&W M&P45/45c
Glock 30 Gen4
Ruger SR9c
Ruger SP101
I personally carry an FNH FNX-9 most of the time. For HD I have a Mossberg M590A1 and my M&P45 full size which I also carry sometimes.
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George9
Member
I have a Colt officers model 1911 in .45 Great bed side table gun as well as a good CC gun. It's a very slim gun. I like my M&P's too as I have a few.. Also have Ruger LC9 in 9mm and a LCP in 380 if really small is needed for CC use or used as a backup gun. There are many choices but I don't think you would ever kick yourself with a good brand named 1911 in a commander or smaller yet officers model "This day and age they call them compact model in .45 cal".. George
spad124
Member
I agree with those who have suggested a 12ga shotgun as your next purchase. Shooting trap or skeet will sharpen your marksmanship and gun handling skills quickly. Shooting moving targets is challenging. The fast target acquisition skills will transfer to your pistol shooting.
If you want to stay with semi-autos, a field grade Remington 1100, Beretta 390 or 3901, or a Browning Gold is a great reliable gun. Remington has made 5 million or so 1100s so far, so used ones are around and aren't very expensive. Change the field barrel for a slug or HD barrel for HD duties. 00 buck is much more effective than any handgun round and a shotgun with a proper buttstock is more controllable than a handgun.
For a pump shotgun, an older Remington 870 Wingmaster or a 500 series Mossberg is a great choice. Either would have the same flexibility as a semi auto shotgun.
If you want a handgun as a second gun, look for a good S&W K or L frame revolver in .357 or a 1911. Then you will find out how good a trigger can be. Ruger GP100s are also good, but not as elegant as a S&W.
If you want to stay with semi-autos, a field grade Remington 1100, Beretta 390 or 3901, or a Browning Gold is a great reliable gun. Remington has made 5 million or so 1100s so far, so used ones are around and aren't very expensive. Change the field barrel for a slug or HD barrel for HD duties. 00 buck is much more effective than any handgun round and a shotgun with a proper buttstock is more controllable than a handgun.
For a pump shotgun, an older Remington 870 Wingmaster or a 500 series Mossberg is a great choice. Either would have the same flexibility as a semi auto shotgun.
If you want a handgun as a second gun, look for a good S&W K or L frame revolver in .357 or a 1911. Then you will find out how good a trigger can be. Ruger GP100s are also good, but not as elegant as a S&W.
Mr_9mm
Member
Lots of good advice here. Also consider who else might be using your self defense weapon. While I have a 20 gauge shotgun, it's not going to gain much favor with some females!
I like the revolver suggestions. Just like a standard shift car, everyone should be familiar with how a revolver functions. As an added benefit, you won't have worry about reseating a magazine or clearing jabs at 2:00 am with a revolver. Great night stand gun as well as a trainer - and as others have stated, you're hooked now, and next you will be teaching others to shoot!
I own more S&W than any other brand, but if I was going to look at a second gun, it would be something I could use to backup my Shield. Of course, there are undoubtedly a number of us here that have a second Shield (you KNOW it true!) as a backup. That being said, I would consider a Glock 19. Very accurate, easy to shoot, and once you get comfortable carrying the Shield, you will be able to carry the 19 with ease.
As an added bonus, my over 50 eyes like the TruGlo TFO sights, and they make them for both of these fine pistols.
I like the revolver suggestions. Just like a standard shift car, everyone should be familiar with how a revolver functions. As an added benefit, you won't have worry about reseating a magazine or clearing jabs at 2:00 am with a revolver. Great night stand gun as well as a trainer - and as others have stated, you're hooked now, and next you will be teaching others to shoot!
I own more S&W than any other brand, but if I was going to look at a second gun, it would be something I could use to backup my Shield. Of course, there are undoubtedly a number of us here that have a second Shield (you KNOW it true!) as a backup. That being said, I would consider a Glock 19. Very accurate, easy to shoot, and once you get comfortable carrying the Shield, you will be able to carry the 19 with ease.
As an added bonus, my over 50 eyes like the TruGlo TFO sights, and they make them for both of these fine pistols.
hangnoose
Member
2ND GUN
A shotgun is a must have but maybe #3, if you are primarily a pistol guy. A 22lr gets my vote for #2 in as similar a platform as your first gun. You will NEVER need to stop practicing, no matter how good you are/think you are. Don't practice = skills decline.
A shotgun is a must have but maybe #3, if you are primarily a pistol guy. A 22lr gets my vote for #2 in as similar a platform as your first gun. You will NEVER need to stop practicing, no matter how good you are/think you are. Don't practice = skills decline.
Mr_9mm
Member
The M&P .22 is also a good choice IMNSHO - very reliable and similar feel to the Shield. Although, as much as I love my .22's (3 so far), I would strongly consider a backup carry gun before a fun range practice gun.
Riflemann
Member
What the heck, after 56 responses, I will add my 2 cents. I first had a FS 4.25" M&P40, than I went with a 40 Shield, than I picked up a M&P40L CORE. My Shield is my carry gun 90% of the time, the other 10% my 4.25" M&P40 rides in a shoulder rig, and is my HD gun, and my CORE is my range gun.
kip_j
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2013
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Second Gun Issue
I don't know about all of you, but I'm very intrigued by the Boberg XR9-S. I know it's expensive and very small and has ammo requirements that may limit it's functionality, but I like the forward-thinking design that Arne Boberg conceptualized in it's production.
It's a bit of a cachet/boutique sort of weapon, something that would be an excellent carry option or HD as a second gun.
But like many of you have already said, once you get the bug, you keep getting. And getting. I think I need a 22-cal to add to my range enjoyment and save dinero.
I don't know about all of you, but I'm very intrigued by the Boberg XR9-S. I know it's expensive and very small and has ammo requirements that may limit it's functionality, but I like the forward-thinking design that Arne Boberg conceptualized in it's production.
It's a bit of a cachet/boutique sort of weapon, something that would be an excellent carry option or HD as a second gun.
But like many of you have already said, once you get the bug, you keep getting. And getting. I think I need a 22-cal to add to my range enjoyment and save dinero.
jade2000_ent
Member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2013
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- 5
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I have small hands fro a male, a curse from Mom.
But this is what I have come up with. I can only shoot M&P FS with small grip back, M&P Shield and 1911's.
I tried many version of firearms and these seems to be the best fit, that's what counts. Cause no matter how powerful the gun is, if you cant handle it then it is worthless and a danger to you.
But this is what I have come up with. I can only shoot M&P FS with small grip back, M&P Shield and 1911's.
I tried many version of firearms and these seems to be the best fit, that's what counts. Cause no matter how powerful the gun is, if you cant handle it then it is worthless and a danger to you.
- M&P 9MM Shield for carry, very nice shooting gun
- M&P .22 LR for the range
- Springfield 1911 A1 Mil-Spec no upgrades for Range and Home
defense w/2 ea Wilson 8rd mags. Planning on buying Chip Mc Corminck 10 rd mags.
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Water-Man
US Veteran
My HD pistol is a M&P45 midsized 4" barrel.
It's loaded with a 14rd. mag.
It doesn't get much better.
It's loaded with a 14rd. mag.
It doesn't get much better.
