LadyByrd, I too will echo what everyone here is saying, go with the revolver for your first handgun. They are extremely safe. I have been in law enforcement and a training officer for years, and I always lean towards the revolver for a first time owner. Semi's can be prone to feeding problems, normally when you need them the most, and you need to be able to clear them quickly and without thinking. Depending on the firearm, working the slide can be a task, especially in a high stress situation. Revolvers are 'point and shoot' , and always ready. Just mu $.02 worth. You can always buy another later.

When it comes to handguns, look for the gun you feel the most comfortable with. I see it all the time. Someone buying the latest and greatest semi and it doesn't fit their hand or they can't handle the recoil. Go to the gun store and pick up a few guns. Make sure the one you want is the right size for you, and that it fits. Don't worry about it being a revolver or semi at this point. Just find the one that FITS your hand. Don't worry about caliber at this point either. Any gun can be lethal regardless of the caliber. I do agree that a revolver is the safest if you are new to guns. Easy to use and most likely less expensive. I always have to laugh when someone goes and buys a gun that doesnt' fit them or isn't the right caliber and they can't hit the broad side of a barn with it but bought it cuz they heard it's a great gun or got info from some magazine.

I'd also have to give the nod to a small-frame revolver in .38 Special thats capable of handling 38+P loads.(some "airlites" or "airweights" are not) There are several companies making them, but I'd have to go with Smith and Wesson. Take a good look at their model 649 Bodyguard. Its a 38 that'll handle the +P loads and it has "hammer-shrouds" that makes it easy to pull out without hanging up, but also allows you to cock it for single-action. If you're not set on a new gun, you may want to look for a used S&W model 66 with a 2-1/2 or 4-inch barrel. Its a 357mag, but as with all 357's, it can shoot .38's. You can shoot the lighter 38's at the range and keep the mag loads in it while packing. just a thought. No matter what you end up with, invest in a quality holster!! It will be the difference between be comfortable and sorry you're packing. Good luck in your search.

I wouild get a revolver as well. If you can carry a 4 inch barreled revolver, they are much much more shootable than a 2 or 3 inch. If you can find a way to carry it, get a 357 Mag Smith ,Taurus or Ruger. You can shoot the 38 special shells in it for practice and low power loads but you will retain the ability to fire full house 357 loads if need be.

Thank you so much for your help. I think I am leaning toward a smith and wesson .357 revolver, with a 4" barrel and not an ultra light version (don't those kick more?) That way I can practice with 38 and take the .357 mag with me if i need it in a certain area. You have all been a realy big help.

I will probably try a variety of .357 hand guns. The range near me does have a variety of rental guns. However they don't have a huge selection. They more gear toward glocks and 1911 frame guns becuse most of the 'renters' are guys that are looking to purchse something like that. But if I know about what I want and can narrow it down to about 2 different guns they will let me try out their used for sale guns of that type before I buy.

I will most likely purchase one this week end.

Thank You Again!

LadyByrd, please let us know what you decide on. All of us guys are proud of you for being smart enough to do some basic research and asking for advice before buying. (Please do not think that this in an any way comparable to being silly enough to ask for directions if one is lost when driving, however. This is different.)

The best of luck to you, and please let us know what you decide to buy, and how well you like it!

I decided on a .357 S&W 686 revolver, with a 4 inch barrel.

Thanks everyone so much for your help. You were realy able to point me in the right direction.



Thanks!

I would suggest a Ruger KP-89 or KP-95 9mm.

Depending on whether it fits your hand or not, I'd suggest the P-95 as the first alternative: The KP-95 is a stainless slide on a polymer frame, 9mm manual safety DA/SA semiauto pistol it can be viewed here:

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProd...=3094&return=Y

Having a stainless slide and polymer frame makes this thing pretty easy to maintain, most gals I've helped start shooting weren't really tickled about cleaning their guns, this combo gives you a litte leeway in that area. The polymer frame and Steel slide combination leads to a gun that is balanced above the hand and towards the muzzle. This is good for new shooters, especially recoil sensitive women, it turns recoil into rotation instead of straight back into your hand, however, since it is balanced towards the muzzle (especially with an empty mag), muzzle control is simple. When you're emptying a mag in a hurry, this thing gets more and more balanced to the muzzle, so it helps you control your muzzle during "rapid fire".

The P-89 is basically the same gun, just in a steel gripframe. It doesn't balance the same as the polymer/steel combo, but it's quite nice on recoil anyway.

Ruger pistols are bombproof, and you'll not regret buying one. They're relatively cheap as well, I bought my last P-series gun (KP-97DC .45acp) for $318

Ruger P90D

Excellent choice! Fine versatile handgun. Only limitation would be concealment difficulty. Spending so much time outdoors keep in mind you can also load this with .38 Spl shotshells for snakes and rodents.