Thoughts?

IMHO a small double action only (no exposed hammer) revolver would be the perfect gun for an inexperienced male or female for self-defense (concealed carry or at home). Revolvers are simple, almost foolproof in operation and safe, lightweight (recoil wouldn't be a big factor because it won't be used for plinking only "carrying a lot and shooting a little", .38 cal. is plenty for an "oh s**t" gun that is used at a range of no more than 15 ft. (especially with the new specifically designed ammo for that caliber), you can practice with cheap low recoil ammo, and best of all, you can get a high quality snubby for less than $400. And they are soooo.. easy to carry. Just my $.02.

Sutbby's do a good job up to about 25' if you practice a fair amount and that is about the normal range in most attacks. Just remember you have to stay tuned up with your gun because that is the one big advanage you will have over a perp. Good luck in your choice. :P

I really love the S&W 3913 for carry as well as informal shooting but it is not a hunting gun. I used to have the 669 but it was a bit fat with the stacked mag so I can live with 8 vs 12 rounds in 9mm +p+. :-D

Good god man, keep the votes coming - we can't have the revolver win out. Us young'ins that like them futuristic plastic guns(that's for Bob) have gotta come together!

I personally would go for either the Sig P232 or the Walther PPK, but revolvers are always a good choice, too. I know, I know a lot of people poo poo them because they only hold six shots. But go to the range and make it so you don't need 17 shots to hit the guy and you'll be fine. :) There are some amazingly light weight S&W snubbies out there, and while they may hurt on the range, they are great for carrying. I think my next handgun is actually going to be one of those.

But if money isn't an issue right now, don't bother with the Bersa Thunder 380. Wish I hadn't.

There are so many choices out there that fill that niche. I think you'd best be trying to figure out which caliber you'd like most and what type of action(DA revolver, recoil-operated semi, blowback semi, etc.) you'd like most and go from there. They all have their advantages.

I own the Bersa 380 and the Glock 26. My Bersa hardly ever takes the trip to the range anymore. I just love to shoot my Glocks. Don't get me wrong, the 380 is a great gun for the money and I've never had a bit of trouble with it. My wife and I just love to shoot my Glocks. She loves to shoot my 19. and I love to shoot the 26.

You said she is not into this new thing. With that being said is the gun something she will use or just another for you? Find what she likes and "maybe" you can get her to come along easier than buying what you like and telling her "this is for you".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tony pasley

You said she is not into this new thing. With that being said is the gun something she will use or just another for you? Find what she likes and "maybe" you can get her to come along easier than buying what you like and telling her "this is for you".

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Since the original post is almost two years old, the "new thing" might just be the old thing by now.....

PhilR.

For a new shooter, may I suggest either a Ruger GP 100 in either 9mm or the new .327mag. True the 9mm does require moon clips, but they're no harder to master than a speedloader. And as for the .327mag, according to tests it's almost the power of a .357mag with the recoil less than a .38spl. Taurus also makes a compact 9mm revolver.

I would consider the LCR for your better half. It is a great gun, lightweight, easy to handle. You won't have the "racking the slide" issue to contend with. It is point & shoot - nothing to cause confusion. If she becomes more involved in handguns, you can expand into other guns.

I know that there is another school of thought on this - practice, practice, practice, but I considered that my wife doesn't share my interest in handguns, so she doesn't shoot as often, and she isn't excited about practicing. She can "point & shoot" the revolver easily.

Of your survey choices I carried a Walther PPK/S for years.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/x...s/DSC_0022.jpg

It's heavier than the small mouse guns of today, but I carried it for years.

:smt1099

This thread is from 2006 and the OP hasn't been back since Jul of '09.