Purchasing a handgun for home, with no LTCH?

[New2Gunz]

I should probably start a new thread for this question but.. What are some of your suggestions for first handgun? I know it's a matter of personal choice but I'm new and want to hear different people views.

 

[Snapdragon]

There are several threads on it, but since I just went through the same thing, I'll share here.

I applied for my LTCH first thing, so I knew that I wanted something small enough to carry. I went with a .357 Ruger LCR, since I prefer a revolver. I talked to several people and decided that a revolver was best for my first gun because it is simpler to operate and less likely to jam. Now that I've had the LCR for about a month, I'm realizing that I would also like a larger revolver to keep near my bed. We have a 2300 sq. ft ranch, and since it's a long walk from one end to the other, I want to have a gun easily accessible at both ends of the house. Last night I ordered a Smith and Wesson 686. I have small hands, and of the medium to large revolvers, the 686 fit my hands best.

There's a lot of information here, and everyone is very helpful. Also, if you know someone local to you who has guns, it really helps to be able to fire some of them at a range before you decide what to buy.

Good luck!

 

[KLB]

I should probably start a new thread for this question but.. What are some of your suggestions for first handgun? I know it's a matter of personal choice but I'm new and want to hear different people views.

It is all personal preference. Your best bet is to try out a bunch of different guns and see which one you like/shoot the best. See if there is a range near you that rents guns, or if there are particular guns you want to try there might be someone here that would be willing to meet you and let you try theirs.

 

[wtburnette]

It is all personal preference. Your best bet is to try out a bunch of different guns and see which one you like/shoot the best. See if there is a range near you that rents guns, or if there are particular guns you want to try there might be someone here that would be willing to meet you and let you try theirs.

+1

If you want to meet at Beech Grove Firearms some Saturday, I'd be happy to let you fire my Glock 19 and Glock 26. Just bring a box of 9mm and expect to pay half the lane fee.

 

[New2Gunz]

+1

If you want to meet at Beech Grove Firearms some Saturday, I'd be happy to let you fire my Glock 19 and Glock 26. Just bring a box of 9mm and expect to pay half the lane fee.

I'd appreciate that have to take you up on the offer one Saturday

 

[wtburnette]

I'd appreciate that have to take you up on the offer one Saturday

Just PM me. Always happy to help out if I can

 

[looney2ns]

Shoot a variety of guns. Pick the one that best suits YOU and the one you shoot the best. Glocks aren't magic in anyway. Other then the companies success in marketing the name.

 

[scootn103]

If you don't absolutely have to get a pistol , get a remington 870 , add a flash light ... Just my thoughts

 

[bonnellt]

Welcome.

 

[New2Gunz]

If you don't absolutely have to get a pistol , get a remington 870 , add a flash light ... Just my thoughts

I've been leaning towards the 870

 

[danielson]

I prefer mossberg 500. Hell, if you want to save some dough, the maverick 88 is built well, and priced well too. If your a lefty, you will appreciate the tang safety, unlike the stupid trigger mounted safety on the 870.

One of the biggest complaints about the 870, compared to mossbergs is the fact that if you ever break the ejector, you have to send it back to remington to get it fixed. Whereas, with the mossberg, you just unscrew it and screw the new one on. Not a big deal, as I dont know many people who have broken an ejector, but... there it is..

 

[Hohn]

For home protection in a dangerous neighborhood I'd recommend a shotgun or an AR-style rifle. Pistols are great, but no pistol will give you anywhere near the controllable firepower of an AK/AR rifle or shotgun.

i recommend a shoulder weapon if portability isn't a main requirement.

 

[littletommy]

One thought on the shotgun vs a handgun, and this is coming from a guy who carries on my person, at all times, even at home: what if you're sitting in your living room and someone kicks in the front door? Do you plan on having the shotgun on the couch next to you? In a bedroom? Locked in a closet?

Not being a wise guy, just wasn't clear on if you plan to ONLY buy a shotgun, or a handgun AND a shotgun. Don't get me wrong, a shotgun is great to have, but just starting out from zero firearms in the house, I'd strongly consider a handgun as my first purchase.

 

[looney2ns]

One thought on the shotgun vs a handgun, and this is coming from a guy who carries on my person, at all times, even at home: what if you're sitting in your living room and someone kicks in the front door? Do you plan on having the shotgun on the couch next to you? In a bedroom? Locked in a closet?

Not being a wise guy, just wasn't clear on if you plan to ONLY buy a shotgun, or a handgun AND a shotgun. Don't get me wrong, a shotgun is great to have, but just starting out from zero firearms in the house, I'd strongly consider a handgun as my first purchase.

Many stories of home invasion's and the home owner not having time to reach a gun that's just a few feet away....let alone in another room.

 

[flintman50]

Under the tension of a home invasion, I wouldn't want to think about the mechanics of a firearm...period (i.e. is there a round chambered? did I rack the slide? safety on or off?....) Consider any reliable revolver - .38 special with plus p - almost "idiot" proof. I keep an old Colt Cobra in the nightstand within arms length - of course no small children at home anymore. With kids around consider quick access lockup box - only results in a few seconds delay.........good luck.


The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of someone eles's money......Churchill

 

[Leadkrm]

My home defense is an iac hawk 982 12 ga. Folding stock and a tri railed forend. Shoots very very well and is sturdy as heck.

 

[danielson]

I almost bought one of those just for ****s and giggles. Kinda wish I had..

 

[Guitargallegos]

Is there any specific reason for suggesting a glock 19 over a glock 17? Is it just a preference thing?

thanks

 

[Hohn]

Is there any specific reason for suggesting a glock 19 over a glock 17? Is it just a preference thing?

thanks

Sweet spot. You gain almost nothing in shoot ability of the 17 over the 19, only give up a measly 2 rounds, and have a more carry-friendly package. Both would be fine, but the 19 is the "Goldilocks Gun"-- it's "just right."

 

[Guitargallegos]

Thanks Hohn