I am wanting handgun

[fastfalcon94]

I really like my Smith and Wesson M&P9c. It has 3 different grip pads you can interchange until it fits your hand right, and the mags have a little extension on them. It's nice to have a compact gun that your pinky has a spot for. Ammo really isn't that hard to find, you just have to check online or your local dealers often to find good prices. Try Slickguns | Best deals on guns and ammo posted by users or GunBot find 223 5.56 AR-15 ammo in stock. I had been stocking up on .223 and 9mm ammo every time I saw a good deal.

[wingnut]

Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, and if you want more oomph it comes in a 40, but I dont mean to start a caliber war either



Long story short, its a single stack 9mm which makes for GREAT concealed carry if you ever decide to go down that road. In fact, theres a fairly infamous picture of a girl with one in an IWB holster, lemme see if i can find it...



We have had one for almost a year now, with dam near 1,000 rounds thru it and zero complaints. Keep in mind, you can get recommendations all day long, but until you actually pick up the gun in question you wont know if it will work for you.

Something about this one just works for both of us, and its kinda cool that S&W still makes their guns in the US

[guido1205us]

I'm jumping in this thread, as I'd like to get one too. I've got zero experience, so my best bet probably is to take a class and join a club.

I always liked the Desert Eagle .50 - probably way too much gun for a noob, but I'll probably get one regardless just to have it and look at it.

Regarding ammo, I'm sure that's how goverment will regulate arms - tax the shit out of it.

[Valhallaz]

Look at the Beretta PX4 storm when you shop, in either .40 or .45. The .40 comes in a smaller frame if you plan to carry concealed. I carry a full size Glock in 10mm, but was impressed enough with the px4 that I bought one in .40 for a smaller frame carry piece. If you're comfortable with a little recoil, go with the .45. I like anything Glock as well, in the same calibers. What feels right in your hand and sufficient caliber is more important than brand.

Not a fan of 9mm a bit. Just not enough anything... If, god forbid, you should ever have to shoot an intruder in your home, the next thing you want to worry about is if he brought any friends. Should you have to shoot someone, don't let him get back up...

Don't see a rifle as being a defensive necessity, but I'm a big fan of tactical shotguns. Were I shopping for one, I'd start (and probably finish) with a Benelli.

Good luck shopping.

[guido1205us]

Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, and if you want more oomph it comes in a 40, but I dont mean to start a caliber war either



Long story short, its a single stack 9mm which makes for GREAT concealed carry if you ever decide to go down that road. In fact, theres a fairly infamous picture of a girl with one in an IWB holster, lemme see if i can find it...



We have had one for almost a year now, with dam near 1,000 rounds thru it and zero complaints. Keep in mind, you can get recommendations all day long, but until you actually pick up the gun in question you wont know if it will work for you.

Something about this one just works for both of us, and its kinda cool that S&W still makes their guns in the US

Nice, this is the variant of the Walther right, like the one James Bond uses. Deadly with style...

[beepbeep]

Very good info here. I will take all of the types recommended and see about handling each one. I prefer a bit more firepower than a .22. I am an excellent shot with a rifle, so it will be interesting to see what I can do with a handgun. We have a .44, but I want something that fits me a little better.

Any suggestions for rifles, btw?
Thanks for the help.

[Vantage]

A 9mm reliable semi-auto that feels best in your hand.

See: M&P, Glock 19, XD, SRC9, and various Sig models that are more introductury models unless you want to pay out the wazoo. Caliber whores are adorable and often (not always) people that don't have very good shot placement.

Agreed, I love my Glock 19 although I'd love to squeeze a nice 1911 out of my wallet one day.

I'm jumping in this thread, as I'd like to get one too. I've got zero experience, so my best bet probably is to take a class and join a club.

I always liked the Desert Eagle .50 - probably way too much gun for a noob, but I'll probably get one regardless just to have it and look at it.

Regarding ammo, I'm sure that's how goverment will regulate arms - tax the shit out of it.

lol...

Very good info here. I will take all of the types recommended and see about handling each one. I prefer a bit more firepower than a .22. I am an excellent shot with a rifle, so it will be interesting to see what I can do with a handgun. We have a .44, but I want something that fits me a little better.

Any suggestions for rifles, btw?
Thanks for the help.

What kind of distances are you looking to shoot at? I'm also assuming this will be a "target shooting" rifle as well?

[EvanH]

I would go with a glock or Springfield xd. I prefer 40 S&W. Both sub compact for easy carry inside the waist band. The only thing about a 40 compared to a 9mm is the snap of the recoil. To get the heavier 40 out the barrel faster typically it is loaded with hotter faster powder and snaps more than a slower burning 9mm. A 380 is the smallest I would recommend for personal carry and I would limit it to only summer. The tiny pocket pistols being offered are also exceptionally harder to aim accurately due to the sights being so close to each other. Hope this isn't to confusing. I can clarify if need be. If you are looking to start shooting and targets only, a 22 is a great start.

[EvanH]

I would also recommend an AR-15. They have so many parts and easily managed for shooting.

[IPD]

i still say a shotgun = best for home defense.