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ok, I need a handgun (in a little more detail)

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Texasgirl

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Apr 18, 2006
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I live in Texas. Where else would I want to live?
Wow. I wasn't expecting to get that many replies. Here's a couple more details that might help.
I'm 23.
My dad is a hunter so I've grown up around guns, and I've hunted with him numerous times.
I've shot a .22, a pump shotgun, and a 30 aut 6 (I don't know the actuall name for this gun, but that's what he always called it).
In the line of handguns, I've shot his pistol (it's one that you have to put the bullets in the individual chambers, and I've shot his handgun (it's black and you have to pull the top part back to cock it). I found out the hard way to move your hand away from the top back of the gun if you want to keep all your skin!
Another thing I should have mentioned: I'm not all excited about the recoiling. I guess a medium size handgun would work if it would cut down on the recoil.
Are silencers illegal? The perfect gun would be something small - medium without major recoil that held a lot of rounds and was quiet. Does this exist?
 
Why not go to a rental range and try out different guns? See what YOU like not a bunch of gun nerds here.

Suppressors are regulated by the NFA of 1934 which was recodified into Title II of the SSA of 1968. One must pay a $200 tax on each suppressor.

Remember it is not about the weapon, it is about one's skill with the weapon. Software trumps hardware.
 
In the line of handguns, I've shot his pistol (it's one that you have to put the bullets in the individual chambers,

*That is a revolver, just to help you with terminology.

and I've shot his handgun (it's black and you have to pull the top part back to cock it).

*That is an autoloader, automatic, semi-automatic, depending on the background of the speaker.

I found out the hard way to move your hand away from the top back of the gun if you want to keep all your skin!

*Dern tootin'.

*Bear in mind that concealability usually means small size and light weight which mean more recoil and more difficulty in shooting accurately. The S&W 642 .38 Special revolver mentioned above (and several of the other guns called out by make and model) will fit in pocket or purse and have enough power to defend yourself at close range but will not be a whole lot of fun to go out and shoot a lot of shots on a tough target.
*On the other hand, a good .22 will have low recoil, excellent accuracy, and cheap ammunition that makes accurate shooting easier and more enjoyable. But it will lack power and concealability, not a gunfighting weapon unless that is all you have.

Think about what you will use a handgun FOR.

Wish I were there (or you here) I'd round up enough guns for you to get an idea of what's what. Try to tap into the Gun Culture there. I bet there is somebody around with a good collection and a helpful approach.
 
OK, I saw your other post..

You have some questions to answer for yourself. Not so much for us. But, once you answer yourself, then we can help more.

OK. Your dad brought you up around firearms. Good for him. Good for you. Now,
  • Why do you want a handgun?
  • What do you consider a decent amount of rounds?
  • Will you be applying for a Concealed Weapon Permit?
  • Will you be attending a basic firearms training course and a personal defense course that is talored for firearms defense?
  • Do you plan on competing/target shooting with new pistola?
  • Not to be so bold and ask if you live alone, but if you have roomates or friends in your home, do you have a safe place to store your firearms?

You mention small/light/decent amount of rounds/low recoil, quiet.

I'll first explain that these things are all relative to one's perspective. And, it's not just the size of the firearm that determines it's bite. (or bark)

So, some of the smaller calibers of cartridges are:

.22 Rimfire -Vamint control and target shooting)
.32 ACP -Close-in self defense)
9mm Parabelum -Self defense ranges. Many police carry this)
.40 S&W -Self defense ranges. Many police carry this)
.38 Special -Self defense ranges. Many police carry this)

There are variants in between the few that I listed. And many more larger ones that we'll leave for the 'having a little too much recoil, loudness and size of weapon' realm. I mentioned caliber of cartridges, (as the size of the bullet), instead of mentioning my favorite pistol to carry. You'll get a ton of garbled answers if you just ask for everyone's opinion on a pistol. First determine the primary purpose, then determine what fits that role.

So, go to a range where you can rent guns with an instructor, or as a second choice, with a friend with a membership in such, that has many chioces of pistols for you to shoot. Unfortunately, the retail range will try to push what they have on the shelf for sale. That might not be a perfect fit. Do you know any other shooters locally? That's a good place to start. (Dad?)

I know there are Texan's here on THR. You need to be smart if one offer's local assistance. But I'm sure that there's an honest someone to help. If you were in my area I'd offer to meet you at our local club with other people that have the same interest.

As a starter.. Not to be condesending, a good personal defense weapon in a purse is a good ole' small frame revolver chambered in .38spl. No safety to worry about. Squeeze the trigger and it goes bang! But no chance of an unintended firing from within the purse when the purse is tossed on the coffee table. (Not that this should ever happen with a semi-auto, but you'd be surprised at how a tube of lipstick can wedge itself in front of a trigger of a single action pistol.)

FYI, My wife carries a Colt Cobra. 38spl.

I suggest that you send a note to PAX, (She's a moderator), within THR. She's probably got some good suggestions.

Remember, in a defensive situation, your mind is the best weapon you have.

-Steve
 
Check out a Beretta model 84

13 rounds of .380 auto in a medium frame gun that doesn't kick much at all (this is my mom's hand bag carry gun) and it is very reliable and accurate.

just a thought

Fred
 
Just so my favorite line of handguns (autoloaders) does not go unmentioned, the CZ line. To become familiar with the line, czech (I couldn't help that) out the forums at www.CZShooters.com and www.CZForum.com. The US distributor is CZ-USA at www.cz-usa.com. There might be something that drops your hammer (again, pardon the pun) in the line. The CZ75 Compact, D Compact, PCR and 2075 RAMI are in both 9m/m and .40 S&W. The CZ83 is most commonly found in 9m/m Short (aka .380 ACP). All have smooooth triggers and are accurate out of the box. Just something to think about.
 
My advice to you is to get a .357 and practice shooting .38's out of it. when you feel comfertable with the recol of the .38 you can move on to the .357 round. check out ruger and smith and wesson. both make good reliable guns.

Best of luck:)
 
I believe with the conditions you have set forth, a 9mm, 380, or 38 would be the best choices in caliber for you. Any smaller and self defense effectiveness becomes questionable. Any larger and recoil will become an issue. A SIG P232 or P230 would be a great option for you. It has the concealabilty, lighter weight, and a manageable cartridge/caliber in the 380. But, as many have said, you really need to handle several and shoot a few to see what feels right in your hand.
 
You mentioned the Smith 642, well that's the gun I usually carry. It's very light and small and convienient to carry, but because of these attributes it is also a very uncomfortable gun to shoot. Light guns recoil more, it's physics.

If all you want is a gun to shoot at paper at a range a 22 is fine. If you also want a house gun for defense than a full sized 38 special service revolver like a Smith model 10 is excellent. And if you prefer a semi-auto for home defense, a full sized or compact sized gun in 9mm is comfortable to shoot. All the major firearms manufacturers make gun of this sort and most are good, there is no "best" gun. Guns that are easily concealable preent the same problems the 642 do.
 
Quote (from sm's link above): "Welcome to THR.

I would first suggest doing a search here on THR in regard to training the brain first.
NRA classes, Classes near you held by training facilities that do new shooters introductions. "

Very much in agreement with that - and what others have said about NOT starting out with small "carry guns" (although you may evolve to obtain one later.)

If you happen to be in North Texas are, you may want to check out www.dentoncountysports.com. We've got severl each of ones "that you have to put the bullets in the individual chambers", and and types where "you have to pull the top part back to cock it". ;) :D
 
In the line of handguns, I've shot his pistol (it's one that you have to put the bullets in the individual chambers, and I've shot his handgun (it's black and you have to pull the top part back to cock it).
Click to expand...
that's cute I like it!



My advice to you is to get a .357 and practice shooting .38's out of it. when you feel comfertable with the recol of the .38 you can move on to the .357 round.
Click to expand...

i agree totally with the above. also the kahr k9 like was said already i think those would be the best to choices for ya. I have no experience with the taurus pt111 but several people on here do maybe someone could fill you in on it, it might be the ticket for you too.
 
Sig p232
cz 83
Glock 26
S&W 60 or 36

Forgot to add the Ruger sp101 snubbie. A little heavy, and will require a trigger job, but o/w ok.
BTW, my assumption is that you are looking for a personal defense weapon, so my recommendations are based on that.
-David
 
in your first topic you listed light weight and easy to conceal.

Remember, for every gain there is a loss. The larger and heavier a gun is, the more the felt recoil will be lessened. Of course, big guns don't conceal well. Consider seriously how you will be using the gun, and how it will be concealed. A handgun concealed in a purse, weight might still be a factor but size will be less important.

I think you have the right idea in this tread, look for a medium sized gun. Now, you mentioned being worried about recoil, so I'd suggest skipping the 40 and going right for a 9mm. Now, in general women have smaller hands than men, so often high capacity double wide (15 rounds of 9mm) autos don't fit the hand as well as single stack magazines. I've seen women who struggled with fat 9mms, but who could excel with single stacks, even 45 single stacks, because they fit the hand better, regardless of the fact that many people think 45 acp is too much gun for women. (BS, it is too much gun for a fair amount of beginners regardless of what is between the legs. Both sexes can easily and quickly work up to handling it. Lots of males are too stuborn and stay stuck in beginner mode their entire handgun life)

Also, regarding the smallest of the small, designed for conceal carry 9mms and 380s, these often also have very small control knobs and very minimal sights, hence mid sized single stack magazine autos I think would fit your desire of providing decent power, controlable recoil, fit the hand well enough to allow you to be accuate, have decent sights to help you be accurate, and conceal well because it is slim.

I'd suggest the Sigarms 239 http://www.sigarms.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=9&productid=72
and the Smith and Wesson 3913, or its economy brother the 908
3913

908blue

908 stainless


Something like the Kahr k9 would be a reasonable option, but these guns are in my opinion designed for concealed carry to such an extent that the sights are not as good as the other slim designs I listed wich are more a combo of concealed/regular duty pistol. THe new slim Kel-Tek may be a good option, or it too may have too small of sights.

If you want to go for 380, the beretta 85 is the 8 round model, and woudl fit the bill beautifully, especialyl as the beretta 84 is a 10 round (13 round some places) but is wider. Personally, for 2 more rounds, stick slim. beretta 85
 
As others have said, I think training before making a purchase decision would be the best course of action.

Texas is a very big (and very gun friendly) state. What metropolis area are you in/or closest to?
That will help those close to you point you in the direction of some ranges and classses near you.
I know I have friends in houston (a middle aged married couple, both of whom are big competion shooters) who do a lot of teaching from beginners to advanced (including a women only class).

You need to know what features you like and what action you prefer more than you need a list of makes/models, BUT MOSTLY you need to know how to safely and effectively handle a handgun.
 
Texasgirl:

If you are near DFW, check out the Bullet Trap:
http://www.bullettrapinc.com/services.htm

They have an intro to shooting class. I went through it with my wife when she was starting out (a family that shoots together*, stays together). I had already introduced her to handguns & they didn't cover anything I hadn't**...but in the second half of the class, she had the opportunity to shoot about 10 different handguns: large & small revolvers, large & small semi-autos, lightweight versions, etc.

It was well worth the cost of the course just so she could sample so many different pistols to see what she liked.

They are good folks, too.

If you want more formal instruction, TDSA has a lot of classes:
http://tdsa.net/

Good luck.

*But not at each other.

** They covered all the beginning stuff, just fine.
 
Take a look at these:

Firestorm .380 and 9mm autos

Taurus Millenium .380 and 9mm autos

Ruger SP101 .32 Mag revolver with 3" barrel.

I think they'd be dandy for you and are affordable too. They're all small and light enough, yet without to much recoil. The Ruger is a medium size, the others are small.

I think the ideal auto for you would be a Firestorm or Taurus Millenium 9mm shooting Corbon 9mm Powerball. I think the ideal revolver for you would be either the Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel shooting .32 Mag or a Taurus small frame .38 Spl with 3" barrel shooting Corbon .38 Spl Powerball. However, don't dismiss the Firestorm or Taurus .380s without trying them. They are also good.

Also, have a look at this other discussion to get ideas:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=195951
 
Texasgirl:
I suggest you go to a gun store or a shooting range and inquire about the NRA basic pistol course, and take it. I don't know the prices they charge in your area, but it should be less than $60 (I charge less). For someone starting out you can't go wrong by taking this course. They stress SAFETY, but also different handguns, care and maintenance, and will teach you how to shoot correctly. This course won't turn you into an Olympic champion but will get you started right.

First timers are usually recommended a .22 rimfire to learn the basics.
 
At this point, you don't need a handgun. What you need is training. Take a good class, I reccomend the NRA Basic Pistol class, and you'll learn enough about handguns to make an informed decision. Then you can start soliciting advice on particular makes and models.
 
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