Help me pick a gun to buy!

[bwlibertyman]

This is my first gun purchase. I've decided that I want to get a small hand gun. I'm going to get a revolver. I want it for protection/defense for those just in case situations. Is there a big difference in brands besides price? I went to the local gun shop. I'm leaning towards getting a 38 spl. Is that a good decision? I asked if there was a big difference in the 38 and the 357 and the guy said yes. I think he was talking about recoil. I imagine using this gun when I'm getting mugged. So is there a big difference when a guy is less than 5-10 feet away from you. I also plan on shooting either knee caps or shoulders. I saw an episode of NCIS where a guy was shot in the shoulder. He said he did it because there are some arteries/veins there that are unrepairable. I think that'd be pretty nice for someone that tries to mug someone else.

So what are your suggestions? He had some rugers and some tauruses. I guess first off 38 or 357? I'm set on a revolver. I'm looking for something small. Then I guess brand. Does it matter? I assume the more expensive the gun the better quality. I'm want something dependable. This is my first gun so I don't plan on breaking the bank. I'd go up to 750 at the max. What do you guys think?

 

[oyarde]

You can pick up a two barrel derringer in .410 for about $400 . They make 000 buck , the barells are rifled and you can shoot a deer slug out of it . Very small , can be carried in a pocket.

 

[AFPVet]

Can't go wrong with a good 'ole Glock .45. Also with regard to shot placement... shoot center mass or the hip. You want to shoot the biggest target because when your adrenaline is pumping, your only going to be able to hit the biggest parts—even at close range. Disregard what they say on television... it's television.

I would highly encourage you to sign up for a firearms course which does stress fire training, safety/laws and self defense/retention techniques.

 

[oyarde]

Check with AF , he is familiar with the Taurus . Not sure what the price range is on those , but I suspect it should be way under your $750 ...

 

[oyarde]

Check with Pericles , there is a .45 manufactuer in Illinois ? I think these are cheaper than most , but it is an auto , not a revolver . If it is your first weapon , a revolver is not a bad choice .

 

[pmbug]

My $.02:

Avoid .410. If you are serious about protecting yourself, you should get a more serious payload.

If you are brand new to shooting guns, get yourself a .22LR pistol and a membership at your local gun range. .22LR is cheap so you won't feel guilty about practicing. It also has very little recoil, so you (hopefully) aren't going to learn bad habits out of the gate. Practice shooting. Get proficient with your .22LR.

Then you will be in a much better position to try out more powerful calibers and find something that you can be comfortable and proficient with.

That said, .357 revolvers can shoot .38spl ammo. They are heavier guns, so less recoil. Suggest you go to a range where you can rent some guns and try them out.

 

[oyarde]

I agree that anything in .22 would be good for someone to become accustomed to shooting . Low cost .

 

[Pericles]

If you are set on a revolver - .357 is a good choice. Can't tell you much more, because I'm not a revolver guy, but you need the right choice for you. I would suggest to try before you buy if you can, so you get some feel for the weapon. At less than 10 feet (a typical self defense anti mugger situation), it is really hard not to get a hit somewhere. Trying to shoot to wound is not realistic - shoot to negate the attack. If the attacker survives, he just had a lucky day.

 

[Acala]

.38 special is okay. .357 is better. But remember, the lighter the revolver, the heavier the felt recoil. .357 in a small, light revolver is not pleasant to shoot. And if you want to hit anything, you are going to need to shoot your gun at the range a lot. If your gun hurts to shoot, you will not want to practice with it and that is bad. You will be surprised how hard it is to hit anything with a handgun at first. You will be much better off with a .38 special you have mastered than a .357 you have not.

Pericles is right about not trying to shoot to wound. Handguns are inherently difficult to shoot accurately - short sight radius, unstable platform, subject to flinching and other shooter error. Add the stress of a violent encounter and a target that is probably not going to just stand there while you take aim and you will be lucky to place a bullet ANYWHERE on your attacker. Forget trying to hit him in the shoulder or knee. Shoot center of mass. And keep shooting center of mass until the threat stops.

With your price range you can get an excellent revolver. I don't have a strong opinion one brand or model over another because I also am not really a revolver man.

 

[Verrater]

The first thing you should do is take a class in self defense with a firearm and/or a concealed carry weapons course. Do a little research to find the best most qualified individual in your area. When you are taking the class listen and don't be afraid to ask questions. Here is some ccw information for Indiana. http://www.usacarry.com/indiana_concealed_carry_permit_information.html

As others have said most .357 revolvers can shoot .38 spl. I am more inclined recommend something like a Glock 19 or a Sig for a first gun, but it is your choice in the end. As far as a carry gun I'd be more likely to recommend a Sig 239, a Kahr PM9, or a Glock 26. Try them all, or whatever you like, if at all possible. Most ranges allow you to rent firearms.

Double Action Only (DAO) revolvers are inherently hard to shoot accurately, so please remember to practice, practice with all firearms for that matter. I carry a Sig p238 as I can carry it comfortably every single day. Having a gun at home when you are being mugged on the street won't do you any good. Get something you know you won't mind having on your person all day long and get a good IWB or pocket holster.

I also plan on shooting either knee caps or shoulders. I saw an episode of NCIS where a guy was shot in the shoulder. He said he did it because there are some arteries/veins there that are unrepairable. I think that'd be pretty nice for someone that tries to mug someone else.

I say this for your benefit, you should only pull your gun when you are in fear for your life and only fire it if you plan to kill your attacker. Don't carry a gun if you are not at least somewhat prepared to take someone else's life. I don't say this to sound like a jerk. Just to let you know, you can endanger others if you do not plan to act to the fullest extent and in turn can cause yourself a lot of grief.

If you find yourself in a situation where you think you can deter someone without lethal force (firearm), buy a can of pepper spray. Vexor is about the best i know of, though you'll probably need an LE friend to help you acquire it as us "mundanes" aren't special enough to purchase it. Fox Labs is also good stuff. Don't knock pepper spray either, it is great stuff. Having been hit with it myself, i doubt anything i was doing that was threatening I'd be able to continue with any effectiveness.


Never, "shoot to wound", that is a sure fire ticket to going to prison, and a costly civil suit.
For reference most agree that the thoracic triangle or the triangle with the "8s" is the best place to try to put your shots.

 

[bwlibertyman]

A lot of good information. Thank you.

 

[AFPVet]

For reference most agree that the thoracic triangle or the triangle with the "8s" is the best place to try to put your shots.

This is center mass on the target. Ideally, center mass is the best to hit; however, when deadly force is exercised, anything is game—sometimes, the hip region is the best—since it is the body's transmission—this could be a better area to hit if someone was closing the distance with a knife. The bottom line is that we do not shoot to wound... we shoot to stop! The goal is stopping the threat from causing grave injury to yourself or others.

 

[Napoleon's Shadow]

When in doubt, go with all American hero Burt Gummer!

 

[Mahkato]

Taser?

 

[pcosmar]

LOL

Seriously, some good advice given already.
Any name brand revolver will be as dependable as another. Try several and find one that fits your hand. Then get a LOT of practice until you are proficient with it.

 

[cjm]

Don't carry a gun if you are not at least somewhat prepared to take someone else's life. I don't say this to sound like a jerk. Just to let you know, you can endanger others if you do not plan to act to the fullest extent and in turn can cause yourself a lot of grief.

+rep. I applaud anyone who explores the idea of arming himself and potentially carrying on a daily basis, but this is serious business, please treat is as such.

 

[AFPVet]

This is why I suggested a good training program. No one just jumps into a car when they turn 16... why should they buy and carry a firearm if they haven't received training?

 

[XTreat]

Center mass is where you aim. Wounding shots are more likely to miss and less likely to produce the preferred result which is neutralizing the threat.

 

[Tarzan]

I cannot second this enough! Verrater is dead on (pun intended).

The first thing you should do is take a class in self defense with a firearm and/or a concealed carry weapons course. Do a little research to find the best most qualified individual in your area. When you are taking the class listen and don't be afraid to ask questions.

I say this for your benefit, you should only pull your gun when you are in fear for your life and only fire it if you plan to kill your attacker. Don't carry a gun if you are not at least somewhat prepared to take someone else's life. I don't say this to sound like a jerk. Just to let you know, you can endanger others if you do not plan to act to the fullest extent and in turn can cause yourself a lot of grief.

Don't even bother to own a gun for personal defense unless you are willing to use deadly force. Your firing pattern should be "bang, bang... pause, bang". Beyond that, several folks have made some very good suggestions. You really should try out a number of weapons to see what works for you. It needs to be of the proper size to suit your 'transportation' needs. You also need to consider the size of the weapon regarding your personal ergonomics... don't get one with grips that are too short... and for heavens sake, don't hold it sideways when shooting.

My personal favorite for a revolver is the Smith & Wesson 357 Mag model 686 (I like the combat grips). It is a little pricey at the upper range. I would recommend considering an automatic as well. For power I would suggest an auto using 357 Sig ammunition. Glock has a model 32 and is nicely priced and is well sized. Glock also has a model 33 but I find it too small... though this fit your needs.

Personally, I am not much of a Glock fan and, like Verrater, use the Sig 229 (mine is the 357 Sig) though it is outside the price range you mentioned.

 

[XTreat]

Nobody has really discussed double vs. single action. I am a 1911 guy and I prefer a compact .45. The main thing I like is you can carry it with the hammer cocked but it has a mechanical safety as opposed to the long trigger travel and tigger safety on glocks and other weapons like them. However once that safety is clicked off it only takes a slight breeze to drop the hammer.

The truth is you should fire a variety of handguns before choosing what you want to go with.