Best handgun for home protection?

[Dayton]

Originally Posted by ProTouring442

.357... you can practice all day with .38 ammo, then load it with some nice .357 hollow points and really make someone's day go all to hell. The revolver is easy to fire without complex safety levers or "racking" procedures. ......... With a revolver, if one round fails to fire, you just pull the trigger again.
Bill

X2
S&W .357 7 shot revolver in night stand next to bed.
I use my 9mm to shoot tin cans....

[jbutlr]

from what I remember a 357 mag has more knock down power than a .45. Something like 1200 fps and 500 ft/lb out of a typical 158 g bullet for the 357 vs. 950 fps with 350-360 ft/lbs energy out of a 180 g bullet for the .45.

Originally Posted by 68RS350

The .357 and 9mm do not have the knock down power like the .40 or .45. If you want to knock them on there rear you want the .45. But depending on the barrel length and the gun a .45 is tougher to handle. So if your wife/gf could potentially use it then you'll need to take that into consideration. But in all likelyhood if you shoot at an intruder with anything they will run. I am in the markey for a 4" .40 and thats what I would recommend. A smaller person can handle it and they still have good power behind it. If you are wanting to use more than a home defense weapon I would get a .357 or 9mm because the .357 revolver you can shoot a .38 or .380 (not sure which one) out of the same gun and that makes it cheaper also the 9mm rounds are cheap to target shoot. Hope this helps and sorry for such a long answer!

[woody80z28]

Originally Posted by customcam

Beretta 9mm "black" lol Its the best for 5-15 metres close combat shooting.

I always loved my black Beretta. Just got a permit to pick up a 9mm variant as well. With the writing on the wall here in NY, I'd like to be grandfathered in.

[96z28ss]

Just bought this Ruger 9mm with laser this weekend,

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by 96z28ss

Just bought this Ruger 9mm with laser this weekend,

My son Alex would call that an ankle biter!!


Looks like a nice piece!





While over in SV.... I bought a 1965 Browning Superposed - Belgium made - Pigeon grade - 28 ga over and under.... with skeet barrels. We'll see if I can still shoot clay.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by 96z28ss

Just bought this Ruger 9mm with laser this weekend,

Good choice! I know a couple LEO's that use those for "deep cover" backup.

They maybe small and lack a little firepower, but being so convenient and comfortable to carry you'll carry it more often than not and the best gun is the one you have when you need one.

[Tony_SS]

Originally Posted by 96z28ss

Just bought this Ruger 9mm with laser this weekend,

Very nice. I love my .380 LCP with a crimson trace. The trigger is long, but once you get used to it they're great to carry.

[96z28ss]

Going to my concealed carry class tomorrow.
Oregon, Utah, and Arizona License. It covers all but 13 states.

Taking the class at http://www.threatdynamics.com/civilian/

[Joel145]

Originally Posted by jcal87

looking into buying a handgun for protection and every time i go to the gun store the confuse me so I'll ask you guys.

The best gun is the one you feel most comfortable with. Find a friend wih loats of guns or range where you can rent different calibers, gun types and handle sizes. Pratice, practice, practice. You have to be super comfortable with whatever gun you get; remember, chances are if ever have to use that gun, it'll be in the dark and you may be half asleep.

[Spiffav8]

Lot's of good advice so far!

I have to agree with Frank. A shot gun for the house is the best way to go and for a hand gun a HK 40 or 45 with a 4" barrel is an awesome way to go. I carry my HK40 (3") daily and love the fit and feel of it. I also own a Springfield XD 40 (3") and it is a great gun. My wife has the XD 9mm 3" barrel and it to is a great weapon. The ONLY reason we go with the 3" barrel is for concealment! I shoot a lot of different hand guns on a regular basis. I really like the XD series. I would give serious consideration to the Springfield XD 9mm with a 4" barrel and use Spear Gold Dot ammo to up the stopping power a bit. It has great magazine capacity, a nicer trigger, it's easy to operate and you're wife can shoot it no problem.

I suggest you go to a range that rents guns. Shoot everything you are considering in all calibers. Take your wife with you! Start with a 45 and work your way down to a 9mm. The right gun is the one that you feel most comfortable with. Keep in mind that you may not be the one pulling the trigger when the perp comes a knocking.

Hit Marine71 up with a PM and ask him. Andy is a firearms instructor and can offer some very good advice on this subject.