RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

DTLarson I forgot to mention Welcome to the forum.I gathered that's what you were talking about.I'll stick to what I said in my previous post.
Ruger Redhawk

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

I often see used Ruger GP100's in gunshops that have been sold by the state or local police departments. Last batch I saw were selling for about $250 a piece.

For a little over $400 I would look at a Springfield xd-9 or xd-40.

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

Or a S&W SW-99. I believe that Walther makes it for S&W. If not it is an exact copy of Walthers P-99 and Smith must be paying royalties to Walther. They run right about the same price as the Springfield XD.

I like the safety features that the P-99 has. Like a cocking indicator and a decock function and it is a double action auto so from decock all you have to do is pull the trigger and it acts just like a revolver on the first shot. You don't have to worry about recocking it.

They have a full size with a 4.25 inch barrel as well as a compact with a 3.5 inch barrel and a shortened grip.

I have been looking at a lot of them lately for the same purpose as you and I am down to the compact 1911, Springfield XD and the P-99 / SW-99. I just need to go shoot some to see how they feel slinging lead. Although just holding them in the store the SW-99 feels / fits the best by far.

Here is the link to them and a pic of the full size model.
http://www.swfirearms.vista.com/stor...sw_activeTab=1

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

On a budget, I would pick up a 38 or 357 Mag four inch revolver. While not real easy to conceal, when it comes shooting time these are about the easiest guns to shoot well. Load 158 grain P+ lead Hollow Points. They are at the top of the one shot stop cartridges. The 45 Auto in the Ruger is a bargin priced auto and tough as nails.

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

i;d say used glock19 9mm, or 3-4in 357, easy to shoot, easy to conceal, ammo aplenty and affordable,

on the revolver status, any of the major players (smith and wesson, ruger, taurus, colt)

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

Just to let you all know, I made my decision. The Smith and Wesson model 642. It is a hammerless five shot .38 revolver. Thankyou for all your help.


David Larson

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

The best pistol for self defense? that's easy... the one that you feel most comfortable with. Personally, i have seen people pick up a 45 ACP and say "this is my defense gun" yet they can't shoot it 10 feet and hit a life size target cuz they flinch or can't get their hand fully around the grip. You almost have to laugh. They would be better protected shooting a .22 target pistol if they ever needed to defend themselves. But that's the point. Go to the gun store, pick up some revolvers, and semi's and just see what feels most comfortable. Pick what is easy for you to use and a caliber that you can handle. Don't feel un-comfotable if it's not a .50 desert Eagle. You won't need that kind of fire power. Put it this way, i go over 215lbs and stand about 6'2" and i prefer to shoot a 9mm pistol. is it the most powerful? nope, but i am good with it and that's what matters. If fits my hand and shoots real well. Doesn't have the knock down power of a .45, but i would rather hit with a 9mm then miss with a .45 if i had a problem shooting a .45.

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

Semi makes a good point. Once in a while, you can scare off a bad guy by missing him. I'd rather knock them down where they were. You have to be able to hit what you're aiming at. If my Kimber didn't basically tear one ragged hole from 15 yards with an 8 round magazine, I wouldn't carry it for defensive purposes.

DTLarson, I hope you enjoy your new revolver and it provides many years of trouble free service.

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

Hi DTLarson,

There are many handguns that would work very well for concealed carry. And you will get nearly as many answers to the question you asked, as the number of people that answer you. There are quite a number of forums that are directed more closely to answering that question than HuntingNet.com. (Though you will find some very knowledgeable and well thought out here as well!)

Without knowing anything about you other than your desire to find a suitable handgun for concealed carry self protection it is very hard to give the best advice for your needs. But a few basics to consider:

1. Find a handgun that is sized reasonably enough that are going to willingly carry it all the time!

2. It is probably best to have one in a common caliber that is neither expensive nor difficult to find effective ammunition.

3. The gun should fit your hand (and spouse's as well if that is a consideration).

4. Don't buy something that any expected user (self/spouse) will be too intimidated with to practice.

5. Be willing to spend enough to obtain not only a reliable handgun but a GOOD holster. (There are few things that make less sense than having a handgun for self protection and then buying a cheap/barely usable holster in an effort to save a few dollars.)

6. If you'd like to find more information specifically directed to your question try some of these sites:

http://www.glocktalk.com/

http://www.plusp.com/classroom/

http://thearmedcitizen.com/

http://www.kc3.com/gear/guns_and_gear.htm

http://www.packing.org/

These are only a handful of the many useful sites directed towards answering your question.

Generally speaking it is hard to go wrong with any quality medium bore revolver or semiauto. You can obtain either new or used (insure if you're buying used, that it is not altered or damaged). The medium bores (.38 Special/.357 Magnum/9X19) tend to offer a reasonable level of power combined with controllability and affordability for plenty of practice.

If you haven't had much experience with handguns it might be worth your time and expense to visit a local range with rentals and try several. See what feels good in your hand, fits you, and you find not difficult to control. Also usually speaking, the attributes that make a gun smaller and easier to carry.......also make it more difficult to shoot well. So there is a trade off between portability and shootability. The only good way to determine which of these features work best for you, is to try out as many as possible prior to making your purchase!

Buy what you determine you feel most comfortable with........not what someone else necessarily thinks is best!

Good luck with your choice whatever it turns out to be!

Dave

RE: What pistol for self defense?
 

Congrats on your new pistol, DTLarson. The 642 will make a fine CCW pistol. Now comes the fun part, spending hours at the range.:D