Best choices?

[ChiefyMan1234]

I was looking at a local gunshop website, and found a few I'd like opinions on... $500 max, preferably less...

http://www.discountgunsales.com/taur...11-page-2.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/eaa-...-0-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/hi-p...-0-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/sw-2...-0-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/sw-6...-0-page-2.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/bers...33-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/cz-7...10-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/sig-...90-page-1.html

There's a bunch more, but you have to search by brand...

I dont know really anything about guns and their quality, benefits and drawbacks, etc... basicly, the extent of my knowledge is point and shoot lol. I'm plannin on droppin by there this weekend, but I'd just like some thoughts before I go on those and others you may want to suggest that you see there.

[HK4U]

I was looking at a local gunshop website, and found a few I'd like opinions on... $500 max, preferably less...

http://www.discountgunsales.com/taur...11-page-2.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/eaa-...-0-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/hi-p...-0-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/sw-2...-0-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/sw-6...-0-page-2.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/bers...33-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/cz-7...10-page-1.html

http://www.discountgunsales.com/sig-...90-page-1.html

There's a bunch more, but you have to search by brand...

I dont know really anything about guns and their quality, benefits and drawbacks, etc... basicly, the extent of my knowledge is point and shoot lol. I'm plannin on droppin by there this weekend, but I'd just like some thoughts before I go on those and others you may want to suggest that you see there.

Of all of these the Smith and Wesson 635 is the most simple. Stay away from the 22 cal. handguns for protection.

[Cooter]

First I'd like to congratulate you for choosing to buy a firearm to defend your family and self.
Like most of the posts in this thread, I would also recommend a shotgun for home defense. A got small shotgun is a great weapon in close quarters combat, and you have a better chance of hitting a target because of the shot spread, as opposed to a handgun bullet. Secondly, shotguns are easy to operate for a novice, as some get confused and intimidated by the action on a semi-auto handgun.
I have a Remington 870 12 gauge for home defense. It has an 18" barrel, which is the shortest legal barrel you can have. It is easy to manuver inside the house, and can double as a club.
I deffinetly recommend investing in a name brand firearm, if that firearm is for defense purposes. Remington 870 is the worlds best selling shotgun, used by military, police, and civilians. If you have your heart set on a handgun, Glock, Ruger, S&W, Kimber, Springfield, H&K, Sig, are your best bet. Make sure to get some good home defense ammo.

[ChiefyMan1234]

What wrong with .22 cal?

[HK4U]

What wrong with .22 cal?

It is just a little small for defence. I would go at the very least 380 or 32.

[Samurai]

From your statement I take it you are a novice.

There are literally thousands of kinds of firearms to choose from out there. I will offer this, most novices find revolvers less complicated to operate. I would reccomend a nice snub nose 38 special either from Smith and Wesson or Taurus. They are very dependable and simple to operate.
The other choice is a automatic or more correctly a semi automatic. Most modern pistols are this variety. They have more moving parts and you must learn how to perform an immediate action drill in the event of a jam. Some autos are great and rarely jam others well let's just say you get what you pay for.

Shotguns are great for home defense and there are a variety of defense type shotguns out there. Many sporting goods stores sell them. They are a very man-ly type firearm not something many women would feel comfortable shooting. Ladies please don't take offense just my own experience speaking here. I know there are lady shot gunners who could put me to shame. One advantage of a shotgun is they do not penetrate as many walls as a high velocity bullet does. But any shotgun round capable of killing a intruder and thereby saving your life will penetrate at least one standard home interior wall. So aim it at the target that is critical with every firearm.

I would suggest going to a local indoor shooting range and asking them for a little help. They often have many different guns to rent for a modest fee and you can then shoot several and see which one you like. They will also probably have a basic firearms class you can take. A lot depends on how the gun feels in your hands. I highly reccomend taking a basic firearms class you will learn a lot and it will answer lots of other wise unanswerable questions, like how it feels etc.

What ever you choose you need to spend time shooting it and gaining the critical skills needed to use the firearm in high stress situation. Motor skills become impaired under duress adrenalin does funny things to you. So practice often and become proficient.

Diddo. My sentiments exactly!
As far as handguns, go to stores that let you fondel their guns and to ranges that let you rent theirs. Then find the one that feels best in your hands.
and when you decide the sheetrock needs replacing, try the shotgun...
And then check out that new fictional book Home Decorations and Redesign by Winchester

later - Sam

[PascalFleischman]

Ditto on the .22 guns. They're fun and cheap plinkers, but useless defense guns. Stay away from Hi-Point, as well. Your life is worth more than $150. When people refer to "Saturday Night Specials", I'm pretty sure that Hi-Point is stamped on the barrel.

Everything else you selected is a worthy pistol. If you're looking for something that everyone in the house will be comfortable using, I'd stick closer to the 9mm or .40. Many women do not appreciate the feel of a .45. Plus, if you're not going to carry it, I'd stick with the full-size pistols...you get more ammo.

[The Gunny]

It is just a little small for defence. I would go at the very least 380 or 32.

Nothing wrong with a 22 however your stated purpose was for a defensive type firearm. A 22 won't cut it when it comes to taking out a intruder and defending your life. Many consider a 32 auto or 380 auto the minimum. When it comes to defending my life I would prefer not to use the minimum. In my own personnel experience a 38 special is as low as I would go, 9mm is also a very acceptable round. Those are my own personel minimums.

Type of ammo is also a huge consideration. For defensive bullets you want to get a jacketed hollow point. Hollow points expand on contact and provide a wider wound channel. They are also safer as they are less likely to exit the target as they "mushroom."

[The Gunny]

Sorry HK4U I meant to reply back to his question regarding 22 cal.

[HK4U]

Sorry HK4U I meant to reply back to his question regarding 22 cal.

That's o.k. I have had that happen a couple times myself.