Looking for the all in one gun.

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axelar

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Howdy all!

New to this forum, and what a blessing and wealth of information. Here 's my situation. Recently started working for a security company, and they told I could qualify for an armed position. I'm allowed to use either a 38 or 9mm. I'm not very experienced with handguns on any level. However they will train me, but I must buy my own gun. Additionally I would like to get my CWP. Basically I'm looking for the perfect all in one gun, to carry on and off site. I"M not allowed to carry a back up gun, which a friend recommended I only carry a revolver b/c it's more dependable.

I've been to 2 gun shops, and they recommended a glock, then a glock, then another glock. To be honest semiautos intimidate the heck out of me, especially glocks even more for a ccw. Money is a factor here... I'd like to stay between 300- 500 dollars if possible. I've looked at the taurus 617 (329.00) and S&W 642 (399.00), but don't think those would really make great sidearms b/c of lack of capacity, but good for a CCW. I'm tryin to stay with a revolver that can chamber a 357/ 38 round while I'm learnin. Sorry for the long winded post, but figured I might find some decent advise here.

Any and all advise is welcome. Thanks.
 
I you want to buy a new revolver for both work and personal carry and you can carry a .38 Special but not a .357 Magnum I suggest a 3" S&W Model 64.

You are going to get MANY different suggestions, some good and some bad. Since you are new to handguns I won't tell you to find a used handgun that's in good shape because you probably don't know what to look for YET. The above handgun is a good compromise between a very large and a very small revolver. It's a throwback to the glory days of the K frame revolver and will serve you well at work and at home. (IMO of course)

The 3" Ruger GP100 is also a very good revolver but it's larger and heavier than the M64 so it will be harder to conceal and probably a lot less comfortable when you are not working and want to carry CCW. Also, since it's a .357 Magnum it might not be approved by your employer even though it can be loaded with .38 Special rounds.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the job and finding the right handgun for the job.
 
Welcome to THR

While the semi auto at first may be a bit intimidating or unfamiliar with a little training and practice you will probably after a short while prefer it to the revolver.

A 9mm can be cheap to practice with and a good used one is often found as most people seem to want a .40 so many are out there with little use.

Some models to consider looking for new or used.

Sig 228/229/220/226/2022/Sig Pro
Glock 17 19 21 22 23 30
CZ 75 or P-01
Smith & Wesson 6904 6906 4046 4006TSW 5906 etc. many sell used for less than $350

With a good semi auto you have anywhere from 8 to 18 rounds capacity without reloading, advantage goes to the semi auto here.

A fast reload if needed takes allot less time and practice with a semi auto than it does with a revolver with a speed loader especially if you are under stress or on the move.

The semi auto is usually thinner and less bulky than a similar power level wheel gun and as a rule tends to carry concealed better.

The revolver depends on more practice or trigger time to fully master its double action trigger pull which usually is 8-12 plus pounds of effort.
Under stress or facing moving targets it can be harder to get accurate hits with a wheel gun than a semi auto pistol.;)

On a semi auto you can have either a double action only or a single action or both DA/SA trigger pulls the amount of force required to work a semi auto trigger is usually less than a DA revolver.

Many good factory reconditioned and police trade in semi auto pistols can be found at considerable savings with a little shopping around have your local FFL dealer order one for a fee and shop around as FFL fees also vary.

Dealer cost is less than what most people see or pay have your FFL check with some of the various wholesalers such as

www.southernohiogun.com
www.jgsales.com
www.cdnninvestments.com
www.summitgunbroker.com allot of great deals on trade ins

FWIW I used to be a revolver only dinosaur and other than a few 1911s and Brownings it was the six gun or none for me but times technology and needs change and sadly now days 5 or 6 may not always be enough.:fire:

Best of luck stay safe and if you go into security work get a good vest.;)
 
Hi Axelar...

Give a look at the Ruger double-action revolvers too. Especially the older Security-Six and Speed-six models. For one thing, they are famously reliable and for another they are often found used (eg like at gun shows) for very reasonable prices.

Don't get too caught up in finding "the ultimate" gun for your present needs - it doesn't exist.
And be clear-eyed about your present needs. Your employer can get (and pay) extra money if you carry a gun but I guarantee you they really don't want you to use it.
On your behalf - whether or not you are armed with a .22 single shot or a bazooka -your best bet by far is always going to be to avoid an armed confrontation. Your best "ultimate" weapon will always be between your ears.

I used to oversee pistol qualifications for security guard companies in San Antonio. People would be elated if they shot in the top 10% of the class, esecially since it was timed fire and it's great to see them pleased with their performances. But one time there was a fellow who shot the best in the class (a 90%) and was being terribly obnoxious with his boasting. The range owner got fed up and bet him he knew someone who could shoot a perfect score in less time than his and the braggard scoffed and took the bet. The someone was me and I did shoot the perfect score - holding my L-frame revolver upside down - and in just about half the time it had taken him to finish the test. The loud-mouth not only lost some money but the others literally laughed him away from the range.

My point is - no matter what gun you buy and no matter what score you shoot on your qualification - your best bet by far is always going to be to avoid an armed confrontation. Your best "ultimate" weapon will always be between your ears.

My own suggestion about the gun would be to buy a gun that is good for your CCW needs/wants and then become good enough with it that qualifying for work is no problem despite any esoteric target advantages someone tells you about. If you know your gun - you'll never be worried about a security company qualification test.

HTH :)
Shawnee
 
axelar, I would follow Shawnee's advice. A used Ruger DA won't break the bank, and as you become more familiar with handguns in general, you well be better equipped to make a decision on your next purchase.
 
I was in your shoes last year....I wanted one gun for all situations. I started out with a S&W 386 (357/38). I loved this gun...fit the hand great, shot at the range great, but the 7 shot cylinder had no chance at concealing. I sold it and bought a S&W M&P 9mm. I still have it and love shooting it, and it even conceales better than the revolver. But, now I want another revolver...there is something about revolvers that feel great.
I have narrowed my list down to two, and I think they would both work for you. S&W 442 or a Ruger SP101. I would say there is a 1% chance you will actually fire your gun at work, and then there is a 1% chance that you will have to reload that gun...are you really ever going to need more than 5 shots? In my opinion the answer is no.
I love my full sized M&P, but unless I am in Iraq, I will not need the 17+1 rounds. So now I am searching for a daily carry small frame revolver.


In short, check out the RUGER SP101 and SMITH AND WESSON 442.
 
With a good three-inch barreled revolver in .357 Magnum, you're as well armed as any and better armed than most. It's a simple, powerful, and easy to understand weapon that will do any job you can ask of a handgun.

I recommend a good used S&W K-frame, like the M13 (my personal favorite), or its stainless twin, the M65. The Ruger GP100 is also a good choice, as are the older Ruger Speed/Service Six revolvers.
 
I don't think one gun will fit all your situation. For work, you will be carrying in a belt holster more than likely. For that, I think a good old steel revolver would work best (not a 642/442). The 4" Smith Model 10 would make a great service handgun. If you are allowed to carry a 357 loaded with 38spl's, I'd lean toward a 3" Smith 686 or 3" Ruger GP100. Both would be a bit heavy and not easily concealed for off duty times. During the off duty period when concealed carry is desired, I definitely favor the Smith 642 or 442 as a pocket revolver. It is just not a good duty gun except as a backup.

If you get used to one, a Glock is hard to beat. I prefer the 40S&W Model 23. You can carry fast large capacity magzine reloads with the semi-auto.
 
Stay away from autos if you're not "into guns". There's too much to know, clean, upkeep on the things. You cannot neglect 'em like you can a revolver. Novice handgunners have no business relying on autos for defense IMHO. The revolver will get it done just as well, anyway.

I'd look at Taurus. A new Taurus .38 6 shot M82 ( http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=291&category=Revolver ) would be ideal with 4" barrel as a service gun and could be carried IWB off duty. While not as comfy as a M85, it can be done.

If it were me, I'd just carry my M10 Smith and Wesson. It once belonged to the Wharton County, Texas sheriff back in the 60s, so it's no stranger to law enforcement and is still tight, smooth, and accurate.
 
Talk to the people that are going to train you and keep you trained.
Is this going to be A permenant job or just A part time until you find somthing better? How much are you interested in this line of work.
A revolver as A duty gun takes more training to shoot well then A pistol.
I really think your first questions and answers on the GLOCK have merit.
If you go GLOCK you can have A fine duty gun and then buy A nice CCW weapon that you will have prior training with.
 
If you are intimidated by the autos, then don't let anybody talk you into getting one. Get a good revolver and learn to use it well. One of the best shooters I've ever met was a 55-ish grandmother who owned one Smith & Wesson revolver. She worked for an armored car company. She could hit anything she wanted to, and do it fast. Nobody wanted to go shooting with her, so she went to the range by herself every Saturday, bought herself a couple hundred reloads, and shot for a couple of hours.

She was the top shooter at a qualification, and rewarded herself with a toy -- a new Springfield .45. Shot it well, too, though she couldn't carry it at work. But that was years after she started working with that old .38.

You will be very well armed if you get a Smith or Ruger or Colt or maybe even a Taurus .38 and learn it. Learn how to shoot it, sure, but by that I mean learn how to shoot it with a flashlight, strong hand, weak hand, and two hand. Get a couple of speedloaders, and learn to make them work too. No spraying rounds in the general direction of the target -- every round must count.

Good luck.
 
The average person can shoot an automatic faster than a revolver, but in my experience, the average person can also shoot a revolver more accurately than an auto.

Personally, I'm much more accurate with a revolver. I'm also just as fast. Most people are intimidated by the double action trigger on revolvers, but I find them to actually enhance my accuracy. In fact, I'm more accurate firing them DA than SA. There's nothing like an unexpected break to keep you from flinching, and they are just as fast as an auto when accurate shooting counts. Get a 3" S&W or Ruger in .38/.357. It just doesn't get any better than that for an all purpose gun.
 
get a glock 17 and go to the range with someone who knows about these things. you'll be surprised how good a glock is! also, get rid of the factory sights and get some meprolights, they make a real differance.
 
Wow!:what: Thanks for the great speedy advice. I was expecting maybe only a few vague posts. This sight is definitely the info source I've been looking for.

Went back by the gun shop today, and found several model 65's with 4inch barrel ( all were used, I believed purchased from a police auction ) salesman said they were "carried alot, but shot very little". Prices ranged from 260-349. Also checked out a ruger gp100 which definitely peaked my interest for camping also, but price was 480.00. They had a used glock 9mm for 353.00, which peaked my interest. They offered to let me shoot the glock on monday which I'm going to do. Took notes based on everybody's advice to take with me on monday. Will hopefully of made decision by next weekend. Still searchin though. Will keep everybody updated.

And again thanks for all the input guys. This advice is priceless.
 
I just got a stainless 4" barreled S&W Model 67 in .38 SPL. It's the most user friendly thing I own. It almost aims itself, has minimal kick and is pretty corrosion proof. Looks kinda intimidating, too, always a good thing. It has way better sights than a 65, too. I think a 66 is a 65 with adjustable sights. Go K frame! It's my new religion. That's if you'll have a visible holster.

If you want to carry very concealed, get a Kel-Tec. Pull the trigger and they shoot.
 
I shot a Taurus 24/7 in 9mm and was very impressed with the accuracy and how it pointed, I would choose it over a Glock. If you can carry a .357 mag. loaded with .38spl then I would be looking at a new Ruger GP-100, I found this at a gun show the other day;
DSC01672.JPG
 
For revolvers its hard to beat a Ruger GP100 4 inch. For semi's a good 9MM like a BHP or CZ-75B are good choices.
 
Talk to the people that are going to train you and keep you trained.
Is this going to be A permenant job or just A part time until you find somthing better? How much are you interested in this line of work.
A revolver as A duty gun takes more training to shoot well then A pistol.
I really think your first questions and answers on the GLOCK have merit.
If you go GLOCK you can have A fine duty gun and then buy A nice CCW weapon that you will have prior training with.
Click to expand...

Well, if I were less than well trained and less than very familiar with the manual of arms, I'd just have to ask myself "Would I rather be a little less accurate at first and have to work on DA accuracy, or would I rather shoot a hole in my leg because I'm so well trained and I'm the only one here capable of safely handling this Glo....POW!"

The revolver is the safest platform PERIOD for the new shooter. Consider that before you go getting all mall Ninja. The revolver is likely going to be quite a bit more accurate, too, than any auto is likely to be, of course there are exceptions.
 
There are several reasons why the Semi Auto Pistol has become the side arm of choice for almost all major military and police services.
If your going to serve as A armed guard its would be best to learn how to use the best weapon.
If A stupid person does somthing stupid with A object, don't blame the object.
 
There are several reasons why the Semi Auto Pistol has become the side arm of choice for almost all major military and police services.
Click to expand...

Most of them are in the magazine. :p
 
There are several reasons why the Semi Auto Pistol has become the side arm of choice for almost all major military and police services.
If your going to serve as A armed guard its would be best to learn how to use the best weapon.
If A stupid person does somthing stupid with A object, don't blame the object.
Click to expand...

First of all, "a" does not require capitalization. I don't know if English is your first language, so I won't give you a hard time about it. Just thought you'd like to know.
Second, Our new member is going to be an armed guard. Not someone involved with rooting out terrorists, and doing close quarters combat where he may have to take on multiple well armed attackers. For his role, the presence of the gun is just as important (as an intimidaiton factor) as anything else.

I don't mean to put down being a security officer with this third comment. It is good honest work, and keeps people safe-which is something to be proud of, so please don't take this as criticism.
This guy is going to be a guard. Not a cop!!! No LEO status. He is not going after bad guys, and getting in the middle of disputes that can turn out deadly. Sure, he MIGHT. But so might I .
Now instead of playing "super-cool tactical mall ninja" let's be practical. For someone who has no experience with firearms, the simplest, safest manual of arms is a revolver. no question. It is a great noob handgun.
Now, this isn't to say that the Glock would be a terrible idea. I just think the fact that military and cops use semi-autos is the most useless, irrelevant, and ignorant reason upon which one could base an argument to spend the best part of $400.

Edit to add:
Everybody else has already listed a great bunch of revolvers and semi's that are worth looking into. I think whatever you choose that you are comfortable with, and will feel confident to use if the time ever comes will be a dandy choice. Just remember that whatever you pick, you MUST PRACTICE!!!! if you can't shoot it well, it won't matter how many rounds you have, or whether it's a wheel-gun or semi!!
 
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I have carried A revolver as A private guard. I did twenty odd years in the US Army and carried A 1911. I have competed in Bullseye, Bowling pins and various other hangun games with Pistols and Revolvers.
I currently compete in IPSC with A S&W 625. Revolvers are not as easy to shoot as pistols.
Limiting someone to A revolver because they are new to firearms is wrong.
My last IPSC shoot had 28 pistol shooters and myself shooting the only wheel gun.
When I shoot steel targets the numbers are about the same.
If A guard is needed, then the better weapon is required.
 
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