what would be the the best fit

[MelleeRN]

I am sure that this question has been asked many times on here, but here it is again. :)

I would like to carry a hand gun. I plan on taking a safety and shooting class along with a concealed permit. However, I do not know too much about hand guns, and not sure of which type to get.

The gun is mainly for protection and I do plan on carrying it. Any ideas

[backlash]

The best thing you could to do is to shoot as many different handguns as you can.
Go the a range or get someone to let you shoot theirs.
Revolvers are simpler than semi autos.

I have a Smith and Wesson mod 317.
I wouldn't want to shoot it all day at the range due to the fact it is small and light weight and therefor has considerable recoil.
But for a CCW it works extremely well.
It is a small very reliable handgun
Congratulations on being smart enough to get some instructions.
See if you can take a course before you purchase a gun.
Good luck and welcome to the CCW family.
backlash

[Teg]

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 and 642 are also nice guns, small framed and easy to conceal. We can give you tips on good guns but in the end it's best to find a reputable gun shop and try handling some guns to see what you feel most comfortable with.

[randallhilton]

I've carried a Glock 27 (sub compact .40 caliber) for a few years. I use a fanny pack or a pocket holster, depending upon what I'm wearing. I have a concealed belt holster but since I mostly wear polo type shirts it wouldn't conceal very well for me. (I wish lots of people would carry fanny packs because then the bad guys wouldn't really know who's packing and who's not. . .that in itself is a good deterrent)

There are times when I've considered a .22lr automatic of some sort, just to have a smaller size, but for me, the 27 is small enough yet has the take down power I assume that I would want if ever needed.

Something to consider: A round from a .22 can certainly be lethal but accurate placement of the smaller round is more critical than with the larger, center fire rounds.

You'll probably learn in class that when the adrenalilne starts flowing it's easy to forget your aiming procedures etc. which is why spending time on the range is important. (I have a conversion kit that lets me shoot 22 ammo in my Glock so that I can burn through lots of practice rounds without spending too much money)

You also need to practice your draw with your chosen carry configuration - get that muscle memory to working for you. I think I remember that the average gun fight lasts about 7 seconds (who times these things????) so if it takes you 5 seconds to draw, aim and fire. . . well. . . .you might have been better off running.

My philosophy is that responsible citizens should carry, if willing to do what it takes to carry responsibly. Not merely as "self" protection but in order to protect the peace. When bad guys know the playing field may be level, or lop sided against them, they choose to behave better.

[rice paddy daddy]

I second the suggestion to try before you buy. If you live near a fairly good size city or town, check your local ranges for:
1. NRA approved instruction
2. concealed permit classes
3. rental handguns
Your local Fraternal Order Of Police may offer classes. Or your state Game and Fish Commission.
I assume you are a woman. Don't let any good old boys try to push you into buying something you're not comfortable with. The NRA has female instructors also.
My wife has a 38 Special snubbie and my late father's Colt 32 Auto, but is comfortable with my 45 automatic also (good old boys never knew what hit 'em when they mess with her:lol:)

[DM]

I agree on shooting as many handguns as you can, and see what you like. BUT, when i taught handgun shooting, almost all the "newbies" i was around, (man or woman) did MUCH better starting out with a revolver. I'm not just talking about accuracy, i'm talking about getting use to having a gun in their hand and being comfortable with shooting it... Sooo, i always recommend a revolver to start with...

DM

[rAcErRicK]

I second the suggestion to try before you buy. If you live near a fairly good size city or town, check your local ranges for:
1. NRA approved instruction
2. concealed permit classes
3. rental handguns
Your local Fraternal Order Of Police may offer classes. Or your state Game and Fish Commission.
I assume you are a woman. Don't let any good old boys try to push you into buying something you're not comfortable with. The NRA has female instructors also.
My wife has a 38 Special snubbie and my late father's Colt 32 Auto, but is comfortable with my 45 automatic also (good old boys never knew what hit 'em when they mess with her:lol:)

Here's my vote as well, Mell. When it comes to makes, models, and calibers, you will get as many opinions as there are makes an models, and could easily lead to something you are not comfortable with. Qualified, local, first hand, face to face assistance will be your best friend here. As RPD eluded to, it's out there, and available, and finding it should't be too difficult. You will have to find this source anyway to obtain your permit to carry, assuming of course that is the desired direction you wish to take. I've seen a lot of folks in your position led into a purchase they are uncomfortable with, and therefore lost interest, or had to make another expensive purchase. What's "right" for one may be a nightmare for another. Good luck.

[MelleeRN]

Thanks to all of the advice. I am a member of the NRA and plan on going to a few of their events. I have tried out a few different ones and just am unable to make up my mind. I am use to shooting, however, there is a big difference between my shot gun and a hand gun. Just wish I could carry my shotgun around. :)

[Teg]

Just wish I could carry my shotgun around. :)

Well here ya go then, The Judge (http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=198&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=41). ;) :)

[MelleeRN]

lol... okay, I have to find one to test fire. Do you know how much of a kick it has?

[Teg]

Never fired one personally, but I don't think it would be an unmanageable kick with .410's with .45's it would probably be a bit stiffer of a kick, I found a short review of the gun here (http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-Judge.htm) as well.

[DM]

Well here ya go then, The Judge (http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=198&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=41). ;) :)

IMO, that would be a POOR choise for a first weapon to learn on.

Mel, PLEASE look over some "other" revolvers BEFORE making a decision.

DM

[flatwater]

As stated above try before you buy. It has to be a gun that you can get accurate with and that only comes with a lot of practice and if the gun is to big , to much power , to heavy , You will not be inclined to practice with it. Stay away from the bigger the better syndrome. The gun has to fit you and no one else. I have several but I like the tried and true wheel gun. In a 38 cal. Remember the object is not to shoot more bullets but to shoot one bullet accuratly , then get away

[Teg]

IMO, that would be a POOR choise for a first weapon to learn on.
Mel, PLEASE look over some "other" revolvers BEFORE making a decision.

DM

Well, it wasn't a totally serious suggestion (though it it is a viable close-in weapon), it was a kidding response to her shotgun comment. I think we have all beaten in that try some different weapons statement pretty solidly at this point.

[docsoos]

Welcome to the fraternity/sorority/club, MelleeRN!

Everyone here has given you really good advice. Best suggestions are to try them in your hand, and if possible, fire them with defense loads, to see how you can handle the recoil of various calibers.

I've been shooting handguns for 30+ years, been a state Concealed Carry Instructor for 12 years, and even though I would prefer to have either a 1911 Colt or Glock 21 .45 Auto at my side 24/7, sometimes a large weapon such as those I mentioned are a tad bulky, and hard to conceal.

Here's what I carry EVERYwhere with me, everyday, even if I'm carrying the aforementioned larger weapons:

http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg467/doczeus40/638-2.jpg

That is a Smith & Wesson Model 638 "Airweight" revolver. It has an aluminum frame, and is therefore VERY light (15 oz.). That can be a blessing, if it's tucked into your waistband, a back pocket, a purse, etc. It's a gun designed to carry a lot, shoot a little. The recoil can be pretty stout with +P .38 Special loads ("+P" means higher pressure than a normal .38 Special round, and it can have ALMOST as much velocity as a .357 Magnum!), but if one ever really needs it, you won't feel the recoil at all, due to your concentration on the threat before you. Also, unlike most snubs, you'll notice it has a "hump" on the back of the frame, that protects the hammer from snagging on your clothes when you draw the weapon, but still allows the revolver's hammer to be cocked for single-action firing, should you decide on that.

I have this revolver in my pocket when I go out to check the mail, when I get in my truck in the dark every morning, when I mow the yard, etc. You never know when the threat will present itself, so it pays to carry one 24/7, and this particular piece fits the bill, at least for me personally.

Others here have mentioned other lightweight Smith & Wesson snubs (Model 317, 36, 642, etc.), so your best bet would be to go to a gunshop and handle a few, to check the weight, balance, generally how it fits your hand. I'm with DM here, most newbies take to revolvers right away, due to the fact there's not as much to remember as with automatics, except point/aim and squeeze the trigger, once it's loaded. Snub .38's and .357's are fairly close-range weapons, at least for most average-ability shooters, and "non-gun-nut" people have less to remember when it comes to revolvers.

Let us all know how your search goes, and best of luck.

DocSoos

[rice paddy daddy]

What doc said. I learned a long time ago it's better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have one.
It's true I live in the country and no one is going to call the SWAT team on me, but I have a handgun whenever I'm outside, even to check the mail. And there's usually a shotgun leaning up somewhere.

[Incoming]

Mel

You've received some excellent advise here and you would be wise to follow it. Shoot many guns before you buy. My personal recommendation for a woman with little experience would be a revolver on the lightweight side because they are less complicated more operator friendly than the semi-auto I have carried 24/7 more than 25 years. As simple as it may sound - a concealed carry will do you no good if it is in the glove box when you're in MacDonalds and some nut walks in. Chances are if it isn't a comfortable carry you won't have it when you need it so please get something you will be comfortable carrying rather it is a .22 or a .45 as both bullets will do the job if you can put it where it counts and have the weapon available to begin with.

:)

[MelleeRN]

I have to say that everyone has given some great advice. I was also just teasing with the judge. I do need to have something that I can and will carry. I work in an ER and also as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). I am unable to carry in the ER, but working as a SANE nurse there are time that I have been in danger due to relation of working with many domestic violence cases. Plus, up where I live, it is the middle of nowhere and there are other dangers besides people. I am in the process of finding where I can try out different guns and sign up for handgun education and instruction. Will definitely keep you all updated.

[MelleeRN]

[QUOTE=docsoos;158209]Welcome to the fraternity/sorority/club, MelleeRN!

Everyone here has given you really good advice. Best suggestions are to try them in your hand, and if possible, fire them with defense loads, to see how you can handle the recoil of various calibers.

I've been shooting handguns for 30+ years, been a state Concealed Carry Instructor for 12 years, and even though I would prefer to have either a 1911 Colt or Glock 21 .45 Auto at my side 24/7, sometimes a large weapon such as those I mentioned are a tad bulky, and hard to conceal.

Here's what I carry EVERYwhere with me, everyday, even if I'm carrying the aforementioned larger weapons:

http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg467/doczeus40/638-2.jpg

okay, had to tell ya, mu hubby is just shaking his head at me because I told him that it wa a cute gun. He i afraid that a a woman i will want something "pretty" instead of practical lol

[rAcErRicK]

[QUOTE=docsoos;158209]Welcome to the fraternity/sorority/club, MelleeRN!

Everyone here has given you really good advice. Best suggestions are to try them in your hand, and if possible, fire them with defense loads, to see how you can handle the recoil of various calibers.

I've been shooting handguns for 30+ years, been a state Concealed Carry Instructor for 12 years, and even though I would prefer to have either a 1911 Colt or Glock 21 .45 Auto at my side 24/7, sometimes a large weapon such as those I mentioned are a tad bulky, and hard to conceal.

Here's what I carry EVERYwhere with me, everyday, even if I'm carrying the aforementioned larger weapons:

http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg467/doczeus40/638-2.jpg

okay, had to tell ya, mu hubby is just shaking his head at me because I told him that it wa a cute gun. He i afraid that a a woman i will want something "pretty" instead of practical lol

It also comes in pink too Mell :sarcastic:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=82453&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

[docsoos]

okay, had to tell ya, mu hubby is just shaking his head at me because I told him that it wa a cute gun. He i afraid that a a woman i will want something "pretty" instead of practical lol

I gotta tell ya, Mell, it may be cute on your end, but it sure ain't cute on the DANGEROUS end. :)

DocSoos

[backlash]

I had to look just to see a pink S&W.
Thankfully it is only the grips that are pink. :D
I doubt anyone that was looking at the business end of any firearm will stop to think ain't that cute.
It can be cute and it is still deadly.
I would like to have a Ladysmith but my wife would probably just claim it.
backlash

[gwhilikerz]

If you don't have the time or inclination to really learn how to operate an auto I would suggest a snubby in 38 special. I shoot a lot and carry a snubby. If you break into my house you might find me with a 1911 or 12 ga. pump waiting for you. There is often a hi-point in the glove box. But there is ALWAYS that snubby w/ hip-grips tucked somewhere along my waist.

[MelleeRN]

Don't have much time, but do have the inclination, so will make the time to learn. With children in the house, I am a firm believer to make the time to learn and take the time to teach them.

People that know me are always surprised when they learn what I have to greet anyone who has the thought of breaking in. For some reason, people just don't see me as the gun type. whatever type that is

[Stinger]

My wife's carry gun -

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9549/josnewrugerrc1.jpg

It's a Ruger SP-101 with a 3" barrel and Hogue Monogrip. I got her a shoulder bag in a, 'wine skin configuration' that tucks in under her arm for everyday carry. (AAA, the auto travel company, sells them!)

In my experience women love to carry small pistols; in fact the more attractive the woman the more certain she is to gravitate towards, 'small and light'. The problems are that (1) it's exceedingly difficult, AND uncomfortable to have to practice with one of these small lightweight pistols, and (2) it's really not all that easy to put down a knife wielding and rapidly moving target from 10 or 12 yards away before he's able to close with you!

When I was training my own wife (Something you normally DON'T want to do!) I insisted that she work with full house 357 magnum 110 grain JHP's. She had to smoothly double action fire all 5 of them into a 6" circle at 10 yards. Know what? She became highly motivated after two teenagers tried to carjack her brand new Sonata; and (Glory be!) she listened very carefully to everything I had to say and followed instructions to the letter!

Perhaps because I forgot to tell her that the 357 magnum is a, 'healthy' round to control she forged ahead, practiced a lot, and became a decent combat pistolero. (Or is it, 'pistolera'?) Anyway, don't just focus on ease-of-carry; pay attention to ease-of-use, too. In my opinion it's more important to first hit and, then, put down a target than it is to carry a handgun that, most of the time, you don't even know is there.

I do NOT recommend semi-automatic pistols for lightly experienced users.

[ZOOBEAR]

I agree 100% with Stinger on this one.
The 3 inch 357 mag. is a great carry gun! Sweet, simple and completely reliable.

[gunsmoke]

I am long time sompetative shooust and a 25 year professsional shootist.

I am sorry but there are no easy answers and there are no shortcuts. It is a learning process. You have to get professional instruction so that you can learn the skillset that is necessary for you to use a firearm EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY.

tHAT HACING BEEN DONE YOU HAVE TO SHOOT A LOT FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME TRYING DIFFERENT TYPES OF GUNS AND CALIBERS.

The single most important factor that you hace to do us to find the gun that you are most comfortable with. The gun that you are most comfortable with will allow you to develop the level of confidence that is required for you to carry and use a firearm safely and effectively.

Choosing a handgun to carry for personal security is VERY SERI1OUS BUSINESS and is a VERY PERSONAL thing. It takes time and trial to decide what is right for you. One size does NOT fit all, and there are NO shortcuts ever.

Take your time, do not try to rush the process. GOOD LUCK! I hope that you enjoy shooting and that it comes to be a regular activity for you.

[Stinger]

:) No offense, gunsmoke; but I always have to laugh whenever I read on of these, 'try it and buy one you like' recommendations. It never seems to occur to anyone that none of us started out that way. Most often you go out, buy the hottest, 'wonder gun' that everyone else is raving about and then (hopefully) learn how to use it.

When I started with a Colt Python I did it because everyone said it was a great revolver. (Didn't matter that I hadn't a clue about how to shoot a revolver!) When I bought my first 1911 government model all I knew was how to take it apart. Later on I figured out that semi-autos are, both, more dangerous to start out with, as well as easier for a novice to shoot straight than a revolver.

There was none of this; 'You've got to feel comfortable with it' nonsense. We learned as we went and were fortunate to have those above us to listen to and learn from. I bought my first revolver at the age of 18 when, as I said, I didn't have a clue. I learned how to correctly shoot a revolver when I was, somewhere, around 30 years of age. I wasn't a, 'wizard' with one until I was pushing 50!

I bought my first semiautomatic when I was 18. I didn't learn how to be, 'really good' with that either until I was, almost, 45 years old. (What can I say? I'm a slow learner!) It was the older guys who took me, 'under their wings' who taught me how to master handguns. Without them and their knowledge I'd probably still be a semi-skilled shooter - Out there looking for a more, 'comfortable' pistol with some neater, 'bells and whistles'.

My considered opinion is to think twice before you buy any handgun that you think you like. In my experience it's better to buy what has been proven to work and work well. Then get yourself some professional instruction and learn how to fit yourself to that gun instead of the other way around. ;)

[CountryGuy]

My wife and I are in this discussion right now. She has finally decided she wants to have a gun to carry. She has little to no experience so in order to keep things simple we're looking at either an enclosed hammer S&W Airweight or the new Ruger LCR.

I prefer the idea of her carrying something in .357mag and the flexability of practicing with .38 for practice but I'm also Ok with her carrying the LCR since it'll handle .38 Special +P. I think the point and click is the best idea for her just starting into this. Maybe if she shows interest and enjoys shooting, then at some point we'll look at moving her up to a semiauto. Something like a LCP, Glock, or SIG. But IMHO, I think a fully enclosed hammer revolver is as simple and effective as it gets.

[Old_John]

My DSW Sharon has always tried out & bought here own hand guns & long guns.
She likes autos.......in 9mm. Her Old Dad, was a career Marine & taught all his girls to shoot.
She learned from her Dad, on a S&W Model 10, .38 special, and a .45acp Colt Government.

I tried to get her interested in D/A revolvers. Nope. We went out & she got a FN Hi-Power,
9mm. When she wanted something smaller she got a S&W 9mm. She won't go lighter than 9mm. Right now her CCW is a Kel-tec PF9, 9mm. She handles it well.
Some ladies make their own choices.