Good gun for protection and for a lady?

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

My husband and I are in the market for a handgun. Can any of you give me some pointers on a good gun for me?

[zorro]

Is this for home use or to carry concealed in public?

[No-Halo]

Yes, stick with a revolver that way you won't have to fumble with a safety in an excited situation.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Is this for home use or to carry concealed in public?

Mostly at home. I am at home with the kids at night often. The way things are happening in Hattiesburg, my husband don't like me going out at night. I might would keep it in my car if I was out.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I wan't something that my 22 month old won't set off or my 13 year old. Yes, you read it right. I had them spread out.

[zorro]

If concealment is not an issue, then I would strongly recommend a Smith & Wesson Model 19 with a 4" barrel. This is a .357 magnum handgun, but it shoots .38 special as well. And there is not much kick to it when you are firing the .38 special.

For an easier to conceal gun, but not as accurate at a distance, then a Smith & Wesson Model 642 is hard to beat. It only has a 2" barrel (actually 1 7/8 inch) and fires only .38 special. It is a close range only handgun.

[carsalesguy]

get one of those machine guns. or a rocket launcher. i hear they work wonders over seas

[No-Halo]

16y and 9y here so I know where your coming from.

No matter what style gun you get the threat of a child finding it even in the best hiding spot is there. Gun boxes are good but in a "situation" nerves, keys and locks play a big part on how fast you can get it out. If you do get one and put it in a gun box, practice getting the hidden key and unlocking it so it becomes a trained response. Just be sure the key is hidden well from the 13y old. :)

[zorro]

I wan't something that my 22 month old won't set off or my 13 year old. Yes, you read it right. I had them spread out.
There are 15 years difference in the ages of my 2 sons (yes, both by the same wife).

Any gun that you can fire, a 13 year old will be able to do so as well if they get their hands on it. They must be instructed in the rules of firearm safety and they need to stay away from it until you and your husband permit supervised handling of the gun.

[virgo]

Personally, I love my Glock 19 9mm. It has a clip and can be loaded very quickly. What can i say. I learned a lot from some good ole boys back in my law enforcement days

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

That is what my husband has mentioned the Glock. He says it is lighter and don't have mule kick.

[zorro]

Personally, I love my Glock 19 9mm.
I love my Glock 19 as well, but IMHO, I think that a revolver is probably the best choice for a first gun.

[virgo]

I love my Glock 19 as well, but IMHO, I think that a revolver is probably the best choice for a first gun.

LOL. The Glock 19 was my first gun. (Thanks guys. You know who you are.)

[virgo]

That is what my husband has mentioned the Glock. He says it is lighter and don't have mule kick.


I love it. I also used to have a Baby Glock. Don't even know if they are on the market anymore. It was much smaller. I sold it before I moved to Alabama.

[zorro]

I love it. I also used to have a Baby Glock. Don't even know if they are on the market anymore. It was much smaller.
They still make it. It is a Glock 26 and like the 19, it fires 9mm. I frequently carry the G26 in the summer.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Is it okay to buy a used gun?

[SouthChic]

I carry a Kel-Tec .380 Auto pistol (http://www.kel-tec.com/p3at.html). It's the lightest .380 Auto pistol ever made.

[virgo]

Is it okay to buy a used gun?

Yes, I think so. As long as you know where it is coming from. You want to make sure it's clean (and it might make you feel better if you know it wasn't used in any sort of crime, lol)

I really think you would like the Glock. It is so light and hardly any pull when you shoot.

[zorro]

Is it okay to buy a used gun?
Absolutely. Most people will tell you if there are any problems with a gun they are selling. If there is a functional problem, don't buy it. If you really don't care if it has a few nicks or scratches, you can often get them a lot cheaper this way.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I carry a Kel-Tec .380 Auto pistol (http://www.kel-tec.com/p3at.html). It's the lightest .380 Auto pistol ever made.

I like it....

[No-Halo]

Is it okay to buy a used gun?
It is as long as it's a reputable dealer or a friend that you trust. You don't want a paperweight.
Pawn Shop Plus on W. Pine as Hawk mentioned is a good start.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Absolutely. Most people will tell you if there are any problems with a gun they are selling. If there is a functional problem, don't buy it. If you really don't care if it has a few nicks or scratches, you can often get them a lot cheaper this way.


I wouldn't mind at all a used one if we could find a good one. Few scratches won't bother us at all.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

My husband wanted me to ask about a 40 cal whatever the heck that is?
If a woman would have problems shooting it?

[No-Halo]

My husband wanted me to ask about a 40 cal whatever the heck that is?
If a woman would have problems shooting it?
40 cal is a good round PM but you might want to shoot one if possible to be sure it's not too much for ya.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Can you fire the gun prior to purchase?
You might can tell I am a big dummy to this kind of shopping!

[No-Halo]

Hawk doesnt Fisher's have an indoor testing area?

[SouthChic]

I like it....

My husband bought me the Parkerized Finish (which sells for $340 on the website I gave you) from Pawn Plus for around $270.

You could ask them if they will let you shoot it first. They may.

[zorro]

Can you fire the gun prior to purchase?
You might can tell I am a big dummy to this kind of shopping!
If 58ford can get us a shooting club going, then I think that it's a great idea to shoot a variety of handguns and calibers prior to a purchase. I have shown a few people how to shoot handguns who have had no prior experience. After going over the 4 rules of firearm safety and I am convinced that they know them, then I usually begin with them firing small caliber handguns and gradually build up to the larger calibers. They will be able to tell what they are comfortable with.

Forget Hawk's .44 magnum. :smt118

[carsalesguy]

ya know....i've never shot a gun in my life....but i'm thinking about getting one myself.....

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I have shot a 243 but can't carry that around can I?

[zorro]

I have shot a 243 but can't carry that around can I?
That's usually a rifle.

[No-Halo]

That's usually a rifle.
I've seen some mighty big purses, it may fit. :smt118

[Hermione]

Remember my earlier story about the lady with the gun in her purse. She accidentally killed the clerk at our neighborhood Baskin-Robbins in Memphis years ago. Watch with the purses.

[virgo]

Can you fire the gun prior to purchase?
You might can tell I am a big dummy to this kind of shopping!

Maybe you can get together with some of these folks and go to a shooting range and try out the different kinds they have. I'd let you try my Glock in a hearbeat, only I am four hours away.

I really think you should try it out before you buy it. You definately dont want to be uncomfortable with such an important purchase....

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I've seen some mighty big purses, it may fit. :smt118

ROFLMO:rollonflo

[No-Halo]

Maybe you can get together with some of these folks and go to a shooting range and try out the different kinds they have. I'd let you try my Glock in a hearbeat, only I am four hours away.

I really think you should try it out before you buy it. You definately dont want to be uncomfortable with such an important purchase....
Yeah, maybe one the those nice cops that hang-out around MH would do that. :)

[zorro]

I'd let you try my Glock in a hearbeat, only I am four hours away.
Where are you?

[fuzzis]

Yeah, maybe one the those nice cops that hang-out around MH would do that. :)

Who? I don't think I've seen one lately...:smt102

fuzzis

[virgo]

Yeah, maybe one the those nice cops that hang-out around MH would do that. :)

Yeah, if you are lucky enough, maybe you'll get one of the ones who helped me out many years ago......

[No-Halo]

Who? I don't think I've seen one lately...:smt102

fuzzis
Ha Ha and Ha!! :smt110

[No-Halo]

Yeah, if you are lucky enough, maybe you'll get one of the ones who helped me out many years ago......
Remember the one that helped you out is still in recovery from lead poisoning. :smt038

[virgo]

Remember the one that helped you out is still in recovery from lead poisoning. :smt038

And to think, I was trying to be nice. Hmmm. I may have to dig back into my memory a little bit more. What do you think?

[No-Halo]

And to think, I was trying to be nice. Hmmm. I may have to dig back into my memory a little bit more. What do you think?
Feel the love...feel the love!! :smt023

[virgo]

LOL. I am feelin the love :)

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I am so pleased with all the help and responses, keep em coming!
Thank you so much.

[maxim]

FWIW, my opinion is to go with a revolver, either .357 Magnum or 38 Special. You can load 38 Special ammo into a .357 Magnum, but not vice versa.

4 inch barrel if you aren't going to carry it concealed. 2 inch barrel if you will - get a permit!

Keep it secured unless and until your 13 year old has been instructed in firearms safety and you are satisfied they have taken the lessons to heart.

Finally, practice every so often - you don't need to be all that good, but you do need to have some basic skills that anyone can master.

[maxim]

Forgot - I've had only good experiences with Fisher Bros. on West Pine as well.

[LipsofanAngel]

That is what my husband has mentioned the Glock. He says it is lighter and don't have mule kick.

I haven't read through the rest of the thread, but I've been looking for a handgun as well... I shot a glock 9mm over Christmas... great gun, but too big for my hands. I have tiny hands, so it just felt akward. I'd suggest actually shooting a couple different types to see what you are most comfortable with. And let me know when you decide... I'm still lookin...

[pEtAl pUrr-Dog]

This is AWESOME information!
I have been looking for a better gun for myself... SO thanks for starting this thread MISFIT!

[virgo]

I haven't read through the rest of the thread, but I've been looking for a handgun as well... I shot a glock 9mm over Christmas... great gun, but too big for my hands. I have tiny hands, so it just felt akward. I'd suggest actually shooting a couple different types to see what you are most comfortable with. And let me know when you decide... I'm still lookin...

You probably shot a larger size Glock. There are other models that aren't so big. The Baby Glock is nice and so is the Glock 19.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

We just need to have a show & shoot your gun day!

[fuzzis]

We just need to have a show & shoot your gun day!

Careful...the jackassclown might think you're talking about a different kind of gun. :smt102

fuzzis

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Careful...the jackassclown might think you're talking about a different kind of gun. :smt102

fuzzis

ha ha didn't think about that gun at all...

[No-Halo]

ha ha didn't think about that gun at all...
I believe they need you two in "No Mans Land"

[amanda]

I carry a Rossi 38. It has a great grip for a woman and easy to conceal. Even better - since I have curious kids too - it has a lock under the hammer. I keep one key in the holster and one on my key-ring. It's a good, clean, inexpensive gun with barely a kick.

[58ford]

I carry a Rossi 38. It has a great grip for a woman and easy to conceal. Even better - since I have curious kids too - it has a lock under the hammer. I keep one key in the holster and one on my key-ring. It's a good, clean, inexpensive gun with barely a kick.
Just tuned into this thread & haven't read the whole thing so, I may be repeating someone else the Rossi/Taurus 5 shot .38 is a great little gun (I gave one to my brother a couple of years ago) it's slim & concealable & reliable & in my opinion the best little revolver you can get for the price.
I think the trigger mechanism geometry is a copy of the Smith & Wesson, a little jeweler's rouge to polish the mating surfaces makes a very slick trigger (Not reccommended for amatures)
I don't like the trigger lock on the Rossi/Taurus takes too long to find the key & unlock in an emergency (which is the only time you need it). For those with kids there is a trigger lock that goes in the trigger guard & has no key it takes finger pressure to knock it out. Adult fingers are strong enough to knock it out, but kid fingers aren't.
always remember, the only gun safety that works is the one between your ears.

[N-Flight]

Thanks to everyone who has posted information on this thread. We appreciate all the help.

[CircusRide]

How about the Smith & Wesson Model 500. .50 Cal that produces 2600 ft-lbs. (.44 Mag. only produces about 900 ft-lbs). On the down side, it weighs about 5 lbs. when fully loaded.
Of course, you could just go with the Raging Bull .454. It's pretty stout too (1900 ft-lbs).

[BlueDogDemocrat]

Just tuned into this thread & haven't read the whole thing so, I may be repeating someone else the Rossi/Taurus 5 shot .38 is a great little gun (I gave one to my brother a couple of years ago) it's slim & concealable & reliable & in my opinion the best little revolver you can get for the price.
I think the trigger mechanism geometry is a copy of the Smith & Wesson, a little jeweler's rouge to polish the mating surfaces makes a very slick trigger (Not reccommended for amatures)
I don't like the trigger lock on the Rossi/Taurus takes too long to find the key & unlock in an emergency (which is the only time you need it). For those with kids there is a trigger lock that goes in the trigger guard & has no key it takes finger pressure to knock it out. Adult fingers are strong enough to knock it out, but kid fingers aren't.
always remember, the only gun safety that works is the one between your ears.

I agree with this fella 150%. The Taurus .38 is a fine handgun and will do the job nicely. It is the perfect size-- big enough to scare the hell out of someone yet sleek enough to conceal or pack with relative ease. I don't carry a gun, but we keep one in the house incase we have an unannouced visitor. You can also attain this firearm for a good price.

[CircusRide]

My wife actually carries a Kimber .40 cal. KPD (Kimber Pro Defense). It's a pretty nice little gun. Another she likes is the Llama Micromax .380. It's lite weight (23 oz) and is only 6 1/2 inches long. It's pretty sweet for an inexpensive gun (about $280).

[Omerto]

Here (http://www.m1911.org/mod_colt.htm) are a few of the bean shooters me and my triggermen use. They'll blow one down and put'em in their chicago overcoat like duck soup. :smt070

[zorro]

Omerto, I think that the Colt Python at the bottom of the page of your link would be a good, but somewhat expensive choice, for this particular case. I'm not sure that a 1911 would be a good 1st choice for a handgun.

Note: I'm not knocking 1911s at all. I just don't think that they are the best initial choice in a handgun for most people.