Picking out the rigt pistol.

[Asron87]

I don't know much about pistols and I'd love it if you guys could help point me in the right direction. I need a pistol for home/self defense but also uses affordable ammo so I won't go broke target shooting. I will mainly use it for target shooting but its main purpose is for self protection, so it would need some stopping power. I'm looking to spend around $5OO.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Concho Mike]

 I recently swapped from a .38 snubby to a semi-auto and bought a Smith 'n' Wesson Sigma in 9mm for my carry piece. Its a Glock copy with a stiffer trigger and two 17 round mags. SW has the fifty dollar rebate on them again and the Academy stores sell them for $319 last I saw.

9mm is probably the most affordable centerfire pistol ammo out there.

Mike

[NickSS]

It depends upon what you like and if you reload your own ammo.  If you are buying ammo a 9mm pistol is hard to beat for economy and stopping power. 9mm luger is the cheapest ammo to buy that can be classed as a defensive round. Mostly they come in semi auto pistols of various sizes and capacities.  I can only recommend a semi auto if you plan to shoot it enough to know how to work it instictively.  Modern ones are very reliable but they can have a stoppage at the very worst time in a defence situation so you need to know how to react to a problem.  A good choice is a 357 mag revolver.  You can also shoot 38 spl target loads for practice in the gun and reserve the magnum loads for defence or you could just get a 38 spl revolver and shoot good +P HP for defense.  Not knowing you or your personal preferences I can not recommend a specific gun but personally I like an old Ruger Security Six for home defense but I do not use it for CCW as it is too large and heavy to carry all day long.  My current CCW weapon is a Taurus PT 145 in 45 acp The magazine holds 10 rounds and it carries real easy in an Ed Hume in the pants holster.

[Brett]

A 9mm is probably your best bet for cheapest ammo, though check to see what wally-World is getting for .40S&W in your area.  Where I live .40 is often as cheap or cheaper than 9mm, go figger.   There are a plethora of good full sized pistols out there by every major manufacturer.  If you want to stretch your dollars even further check the local gun dealers and pawn shops for used guns.  You should be able to find a very good lightly used Glock, S&W, or Ruger for around $400 or less.  That would leave you with $100 in your budget for ammo and or any accessories you may want to ad to your gun.  Go handle as many prospects as you can, find a range that rents guns and try as many as you can.  What feels good to me may not feel good in your hands so it pays to handle as many guns as you can before you lay your hard earned money down.       

[SHOOTALL]

Look at a good used Glock in 40 . A G-23 is good for all around use. Then add a 9 mm bbl with conventional rifling . You will have a great SD gun in the 40 and be able to shoot the cheapest lead bullet 9's for pratice . should get both for under 500 if you shop around.

[GRIMJIM]

It depends upon what you like and if you reload your own ammo.  If you are buying ammo a 9mm pistol is hard to beat for economy and stopping power. 9mm luger is the cheapest ammo to buy that can be classed as a defensive round. Mostly they come in semi auto pistols of various sizes and capacities.  I can only recommend a semi auto if you plan to shoot it enough to know how to work it instictively.  Modern ones are very reliable but they can have a stoppage at the very worst time in a defence situation so you need to know how to react to a problem.  A good choice is a 357 mag revolver.  You can also shoot 38 spl target loads for practice in the gun and reserve the magnum loads for defence or you could just get a 38 spl revolver and shoot good +P HP for defense.  Not knowing you or your personal preferences I can not recommend a specific gun but personally I like an old Ruger Security Six for home defense but I do not use it for CCW as it is too large and heavy to carry all day long.  My current CCW weapon is a Taurus PT 145 in 45 acp The magazine holds 10 rounds and it carries real easy in an Ed Hume in the pants holster.

+1 on the revolver idea.

S&W also has a $50 rebate on j-frame revolvers. You can find a 642 online for around $400 in 38 special. I believe they are available in .357 also but it may be a different model number or something. I'm looking to pick one of these up myself for a ccw.

[SHOOTALL]

340 PD is the j frame 357mag. around $900

[GRIMJIM]

I didn't realize there was such a jump in price when going to a .357. Here's a link to the various j-frame models.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757768_-1_757767_757751_image#http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smith-wesson.com%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2FCategoryOnlyResultsDisplayView%3FuseFilter%3D%26top_category%3D757751%26parent_category_rn%3D757767%26beginIndex%3D0%26langId%3D-1%26storeId%3D750001%26filterResults%3D%26pageView%3Dimage%26catalogId%3D750051%26pageSize%3D16%26categoryId%3D757768%26categoryId%3D757768%26identifier%3D1282749805230

It includes msrp but you can find them a lot cheaper than that, especially online.

[SHOOTALL]

That's the light weight one . If you go SS the gun is larger than the 642 ,

[huntswithdogs]

Do ya have an range in your area that has rental guns? This is one of the best ways to find something that suits ya, if ya don't have a couple of buddies that will let ya shoot theirs.

Explain to the folks behind that counter what you're doing and they may be a little more helpful.


HWD

[tacklebury]

If you are wanting to do target shooting, there's lots of varieties on that theme, is there a specific type you plan to compete in?  I'd make sure that you get at least a 4 & preferrably 5 or 6" barrel length and adjustable sights.  Unless you are willing to put out some money for after market sights, I'd review the favored type of sights used by other competitors.  In some cases a holographic style sight is best, ie. action shooting, but they do make it a little difficult to wield quickly in the dark.  A set of tritium 3-dot with rear adjustment is a good investment for a defensive gun and can be gotten for many types of guns from places like Novak's sights.  Different rounds can be considered "better" at a particular competition also, however, and I'd research what you plan to do and see what the winners are using.   For most defensive/target applications I would recommend a .45 ACP government style handgun.  There are several sub $800 dollar guns which can be had, ie. springfield armory.  I was just offered one with a Wilson match barrel and link for 825 and it has adjustable 3-dot sights (non-tritium) and adjustable trigger and beveled magazine port included already.  Getting to shoot other peoples or a ranges guns is a wise move too though.  I was looking at XD's and after trying 3, I don't think I'll ever purchase one.  Good luck finding the right gun for you! 

p.s. Don't discount revolvers either though.  I love my New Model Blackhawk Convertible in .45 Colt/.45 ACP and it's very accurate now after some tweaking.  Some consider it big for defensive though.  Two of my range buddies have Super Black hawks though and although big too, they are very accurate.  A std. Redhawk in .357 would probably be another good revolver.

[Mikey]

Ummmm. let's see now....I believe that 38 Spl is the least expensive ammo out there, especially when purchased in bulk.  There is lots of 9mm bulk ammo out there but there is a greater variety in quality 9mm ammo than in 38 ammo, especially when the 9mm comes from foreign arsenals and older military surplus supplies.  

I never really considered the 9mm as a target round, the 38 is much better, although there are many very accurate 9mms out there - you just have to find one that shoots surplus ammo accurately enough for target work.  

For home defense the 38 Special is more than adequate and used police revolvers (which were carried much, shot little and well maintained) are very affordable and available - check out the Shotgun News for some real bargains.

You could probably pick up a nice used S&W 38 Spl and 500 rounds of reloaded wadcutters or semiwadcutters all for around $500 and then get yourself a box of defensive stuff if you think standard 38 Spl police loads aren't adequate for personal defense.  imo.

[SHOOTALL]

Why do we offer a revolver when we are ask to point the right pistol ?

[gypsyman]

I'm with huntswithdogs. Find a local gunshop/range that will let you try out different guns. Just picking one up and holding it, just doesn't cut it. I really like the feel of a single action revolver, but have always shot better with a double action.?? You might try several of each action, if you can. I like my S&W MP in .40, but the Glock in the same caliber, just doesn't "fit'' right in my hand. (small hands I guess) And, don't forget, if a shop works with you and gets a pistol you like, and their $10-$20 higher than the other guy, how much was their advice and help worth. gypsyman

[amdak]

My ccw and home defense is a glock 23c,and 40s dont cost that much to shoot.

[kynardsj]

Just my two cents. With you not being used to pistols I too would recommend a double action revolver in 38 special or 357 mag. Less variables in loading and knowing if it's on or off safety. Lots of good used ones in the price range you're wanting to be in. I also recommend a 4 inch barrel as a good all around length. I've been shooting pistols most of my life and still prefer a wheelgun but that's just me.

[1sourdough]

 I'll go with a 4" D/A revolver in 357 on this one. Of course next week we'll hear how his buddy gave him a great deal on a High Point 45 semi-auto.