First gun for a new guy.

[bdjansen]

Hi,

I'm going to be buying my first gun soon. It will be for home defense and fun at the range.

I have it narrowed down to a few choices:

-First is a used glock 17. I shot the 19 and the 34 at the range and liked them both. I'm sure I would like the 17 the same as these.

-Second is a used Smith and Wesson 28. It has a 5.75 barrel. I have not shot any revolvers at the range yet but plan to tomorrow. It would be nice have a choice of ammo.

-Third would be one of the Ruger 357 guns. I think this would be a new gun and I plan to try shooting one at the range tomorrow as well.

-Fourth would be a .22rl gun like a used S&W 22A. I have shot a Ruger 22 before but it was a pain to take apart and clean. I am hoping that a similar gun from a different brand would be easier to clean. Going with the 22 would be saying goodbye to home defence but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We don't need a gun for defence, I just feel like if I am going to have a gun then I might as well have a real one. My bank account might not agree after a few shooting trips with centerfire ammo though.

Mostly I'm wanting to see what you guys think, and to find out info about the 28. It seems like the sexiest of the bunch but I know nothing about that model. I also don't have that model that I can rent at the range. I do know plenty about the other guns however.

The other cool used gun the shop had was a S&W masterpiece 38 that was built for the west german olympic shooting team. It has a 6 inch barrel and only shoots 38s. But maybe 38s coming out a 6 inch barrel would have enough power for defensive purposes? I don't know if it can shoot high power loads either. Maybe I'd better stick to the others. Seemed cool though. Anything you know about those would be great as well.

Thanks for any help guys. The shooting bug has bitten me hard.

Brian

 

[Matt Almeda]

Hi Brian,
Out of your choices, my vote would be for the GP100 with a 3 or 4" barrel.
You sometimes can find .38 special at reasonable prices and they can be fun guns to custom to your own likes.

The Glock is a good "tool" but not a very good looking firearm in my opinion. Seen one Glock, seen a thousand.

The Smith and Wesson line are my favorite. I would recommend looking at the 686 with a 4" barrel. Fun guns to customize.

The .22 would not make a very good home defence gun but really, how many times have you been attacted by your home? After the first time, I would move......Just kidding. The .22's are a lot of fun to shoot and very affordable. However, when you go to the range, you will probably get "magnum caliber envy" and end up buying a .357 shortly there after.

Best of luck with your choices!

 

[Alex45ACP]

I'd go with the 4" GP100. I just got one for a home defense gun and I love it. I like revolvers because they're simple, low maintenance, all parts are at rest when loaded (no recoil or magazine springs to worry about wearing out). Also if it misfires because of faulty ammo all you have to do is pull the trigger again. Plus with a .357 magnum revolver you can also shoot .38 special.

The only thing I don't like about the GP100 is that the front and rear sights are both black and it's hard for me to focus on the front sight because there's no contrast. I have bad eyes though, might not be an issue for you, but if it is you can get a new front sight with a red ramp for like $10 from Ruger.



Also look at the Smith and Wesson 686, a 4" .357 revolver. It's very similar to the GP100 and you can't go wrong with either one from what I've read. Plus the 686 holds 7 rounds instead of 6.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

bdjansen,
Welcome to the forum. You've come to the right place for information. Unfortunately you will probably get as many opinions on what to buy as replays!! LOL

IMO, there really isn't al all-in-one gun out there. for home defense there's nothing like a shotgun loaded with #4 Buckshot. As for a HD handgun I would choose a 4" .357 Magnum. That revolver is also fun at the range because you can fire the "cheaper" .38 Special rounds too. If you want a carry gun then a 4" revolver is large and heavy so not really the best choice for CCW. A J frame revolver is a good choice for a carry gun IMO but I'm a revolver guy. If you don't mind the weight, a Ruger SP101 isn't a bad choice for carry either.

Bottom line is, no matter what anyone tells you the best handgun is the handgun you shoot well. Find something that fits your hand well and you feel comfortable with. Then go out and shoot it A LOT. Handguns aren't magic, you have to do a lot of shooting to become proficient at it's use.

Have fun and be safe!!

 

[md7]

welcome to thr bdjansen. from the list you have, i think the 3" or 4" GP100 would be a good pick. a GP100 is next on my to get list. just can't decide on the 3" or 4".

 

[gunzrfunz]

Out of those choices, I would get the S&W model 28. Classic gun, well-made and will not diminish in value, only increase. You can't say that about the other choices, any of them. Although Rugers are solidly made, they don't increase in value. They are also a bit clunky and not as attractive a weapon as a smith. I concur with the other guy about the glock, seen one..seen em all. A .22lr semi is ok to plink with, but I would get that later down the road. For a first gun, get the classic you'll have forever and pass down to your kids.

 

[Rustynuts]

Ruger SP-101. Rugged, will not break, stainless, 357, what's not to like!

 

[Photoman]

If I had to pick from the ones listed, I would get the M28. Not the best first gun, but the best of the bunch listed.

Consider a surplus K frame S&W. My local gunshop has some surplus M64 4" .38's for $269. The K frame is a bit more user friendly than the bigger N frames and better speedloaders (Safariland Comp III) are available. More holster options for the K frame too.

 

[mavracer]

the 28 would make a great first gun as others said it is a classic.357 is IMHO the all around revolver caliber.glocks are good guns either will do what you ask

 

[bdjansen]

Well the problem with the 28 is they want $450 for it. I'm thinking that's way too much. I shot a handfull of smith and wessons and none were very comfortable in my hands. The ruger gp100 was my favorite. I didn't try the sp101. I should have. I have large hands and really long fingers and the ruger just fit. But there is a used sp101 at a store close to me. Guns are really hard to find here in Seattle.

I also liked the MK3. Plus my brother had 1000 rounds of 22lr ammo that he bought for the exact same price as my 50 rounds of 38 special.

The glocks were not as fun to shoot this time around.

Maybe I should think of something like a single six in addition to a gp100 or sp101 so I can have a cheap ammo fun gun in addition to a real one.

Did I mention that guns are hard to find in seattle? Plus a 10 day waiting period. It's same day if you have a carry license, but it's 30 days and $60 for that. Just to be able to shop for handguns like a normal item. No thanks.

My brother has his carry license. Maybe he could buy the gun then sell/give the gun to me? Seriously. Would there be any problems with doing something like that?

 

[Walkalong]

XD? Is it out? It's a great gun for a new shooter. I know. It's an auto.
I say a used M10, M14, or M15. M10's and 15's can be had reasonable.

 

[C-grunt]

Your brother buying the gun for you would be a "straw purchase" and is a federal offense. Also dont doubt the lowly old .38. The .38 out of a long barrel is a very effective round and was used by the police for a long time. Stoke that bad boy up with some heavy hollowpoints and your good to go. My opinion is that a .357 has way to much blast to be a really good HD round. A quick follow up shot is more important than the extra power that the magnum is going to give you.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would get the Smith Model 28. A new Ruger GP100 would be a good choice, but you will pretty much spend the same money for the M28 vs new GP100.

A 22, well, the Smith is fine. I prefer revolvers overall but shoot a Ruger Mark II with bull barrel (5.5") quite a bit plinking or casual target. The Ruger balances very nice for me and it still is not too heavy to carry in a holster in the woods. Wouldn't lug it around on a week+ backpacking trip though. For that purpose the little Smith 317 (22) is very light and nice. It is hard to beat a Smith Model 17 (4 or 6") or 18 (4") revolver; Classic high quality 22 DA revolver.

A little paint on the front sight of the 3" GP100 helps with aiming.

 

[bdjansen]

C-grunt,

I looked up "straw purchase" and read about it a little. Does that apply to people who are allowed to own the gun as well? Does this mean that you are not allowed to give a gun as a gift? I have heard of plenty of people who have received guns as gifts.

I think the 38 would be better as well. After shooting some 38s, they had plenty of pop for me. I don't think I would want to shoot a 357 mag. And the good thing about that is used 38s are much cheaper then the 357s.

I think maybe a 22 would be the best choice for me. They are cheap and fun to use and I'm not all that worried about home defense. I have pepper spray. And of the 22s maybe a single six would be the best bet. I've liked every Ruger I've shot, I'm not in a hurry and they're cheap. Plus a revolver is cooler then a auto.

 

[gunzrfunz]

How bout an XD-40?

I have this in the classifieds:

and here is the link. And it is VERY cool.

 

[Riverblue]

I think you might end up getting more than one gun! It tends to happen..... You'll probably at least get one self-defense handgun, and then a 22lr for plinking and target shooting. I have a Ruger MKIII set up with a red dot scope for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting. It's quite accurate and not as heavy as a long-barreled "HUnter" version of the Ruger Single Six. For quick return shots on a moving jackrabbit it is faster than a single action revolver, even though I like revolvers better. It is a lot of fun to use, especially with the red dot scope. It does jam from time to time. My revolvers don't jam.

If you like revolvers, a 38 is likely what you'll get for defense, as it's comfortable to shoot. I don't know much about centerfire pistols...
I wish I lived in an area that had inexpensive used guns! I saw a used S&W 442 for sale in a local gun store, it was going for $550. That was more than I bought it for new somewhere else.

 

[Feanaro]

I looked up "straw purchase" and read about it a little. Does that apply to people who are allowed to own the gun as well?

Yes. You can't give John Doe $300 to buy an SKS for you. If John buys a gun with someone else's money, ANYONE, it is a straw purchase. The person who fills out the paperwork must be the actual buyer.

Does this mean that you are not allowed to give a gun as a gift?

You can give them as gifts. If John is buying a gift, he is the actual buyer. But it has to be his money.

 

[22-rimfire]

Just so you know, if you go the gift route, some states require that the gifted gun be channeled through a FFL prior to your taking ownership unless you are immediate family. My state does not require a FFL for private transattions.

Take the long term view on the 22 purchase and go for a quality piece. Sounds like you are headed toward a one gun purchase followed fairly rapidly with a second... Enjoy

 

[Alphazulu6]

Hey Brian, I can 100% honestly say you will love the Glock the most. It is by far the most versitile of any that you listed and the needs you listed for. The 9mm NATO round will be cheap ammo to shoot and the high capacity magazines you can find factory from Glock make the 17 model one of the best for bowling pin shooting.
S&W are good but their quality has gone down hill this past decade (yes that is my imperical observation and I am talking about the J frames down to their autos. . . mass production really hurt S&Ws performance along with Browning...)
Back on subject, The G17 is a great little firearm. Consider a G22 if you think a 9mm is too small.
Good luck!

 

[20nickels]

"The ruger gp100 was my favorite."
Then this is your gun, and a good one at that. Also a common gun as were most of your picks, with some searching and friendly negotiations I'm sure you will find a bargain.

 

[Wedge]

Get your carry license.

The GP-100 fit you the best. Buy it.

Shoot.

 

[DavidVS]

My bank account might not agree after a few shooting trips with centerfire ammo though.

Since you asking for advice, I'll focus on that part.

For a first gun, a .22LR is great. Developing good habits is of paramount importance (carrying, storing, shooting, cleaning, etc.). You won't do develop the habits if you can't afford to practice.

For the amount you save on ammunition you can buy a second gun of higher caliber once you know more about your local scene: what calibers are often on sale locally, which participate in matches/tournaments, which your friends use, if you might hand load, etc.

If you sell the .22LR the financial break-even point comes sooner, but you'll loose a nice gun for introducing others to the sport.

You're better off with a well-placed shot of low caliber than a badly aimed shot of high caliber. That's true whether you are plinking for fun or (Heaven forbid) defending someone from deadly assault. So start with inexpensive entertainment and develop good habits; no need to rush into an expensive hobby yet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are looking for a gun to shoot a lot for very little money then a .22 revolver is a blast. You can't go wrong with a .22 for a fun/plinking gun but don't make the mistake of thinking it's a good choice for a Home Defense or Self Defense gun. Yes, a .22 can kill and sometimes even in one shot but I wouldn't choose it as your only SD handgun.

I'm not all that worried about home defense. I have pepper spray.

Pepper Spray is a joke against a armed assailant so don't fool yourself there either.

For fun get a .22, for HD get a inexpensive shotgun like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870.

 

[C-grunt]

I think a good .22 would be a great choice. Its cheap and fun. If a .22 was all I had for home defense, by god thats what I would use. Its not the best tool for the job but it beats harsh language. It probably wont drop the bad guy in his tracks but it will give you an edge if he doesnt turn and run away. I would rather fight a home invader after I shot hime a few times with a .22 than man to man.

 

[C-grunt]

Also dont rely on pepper spray. I just got sprayed in the academy a couple weeks ago. It HURT A LOT but I was sprayed with half a can at a distance of 10 feet directly in the face and I was still able to conduct an "arrest." It definitely is painful and incapacitating but I was still able to function somewhat afterwards.