Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Gonna finally buy a centerfire handgun

I have a kiddo now and the feeling of fatherly responsibility is weighing heavy on me.... I'm feeling the need to start taking home defense a little more seriously than I used to. I'm thinking of getting a handgun to train with and keep in a small locked safe by the bed. Probably a full size handgun for better shooting and more comfortable training.

I currently own a little Ruger single action .22 revolver. Working on becoming a dead eye shot with it. I have never owned a centerfire handgun. I have been considering buying a revolver such as a GP-100 or S&W 66 (or something similar that is used). I think I would like owning one and enjoy shooting it. I also like the simplicity of them (I know they are mechanically complex under the hood but you know what I mean). I like that I could press it up against a mountain lion's chest as it gnaws at me and just keep pulling the trigger until I run out of ammo.

But since this is supposed to be more than a range toy or hunting weapon, I am thinking I might want to avail myself of 100+ years of shooting technology and get a semi-auto. I am specifically thinking a polymer framed pistol, which will also save me some money compared to a quality revolver.

Glocks seem cool and I have no desire to be different or special, but I have heard from many that there are plenty of good options now in terms of polymer framed pistols. Since availability is spotty these days, I'm trying to come up with several potential choices.

I am considering:

• Glock 17 or 19
• Springfield XD
• Smith Wesson M&P full size or compact
• Ruger Security 9

Just wondering if there's anything else I should add to that list (or anything that I should remove from it). Hopefully I can get a chance to handle or even shoot some of these in person before too long.

Glock, HK, and Sig are my preferred brands. A 9mm would be ideal for a step up from your 22. Im partial to Glocks....Point and shoot simplicity. A Glock 17 is a great firearm that is versatile. Good in the woods or bed side gun. I shot 3 gun matches using a 17. Larger to conceal carry but it can be done. Beretta is another consideration? Good luck.

Go to the gun store and handle both the Glocks and the M&Ps.
Which fits your hand and feels the most natural when you bring it up to acquire the sights?
Both are quality pistols and you can't go wrong with either one.
Personally I went with the M&P9 and have been very happy.
But I still have the itch for a Glock 19 I haven't scratched yet.
I have a few Sigs but the P320 just didn't impress me.

Glock‘s never a bad choice. Neither is the Ruger. You might want to also check out the Sig P365 series. Especially if you might decide later on to carry a concealed handgun .Figure out which one fits your hand the best and points the best for you. And I’ll add that there’s nothing wrong with a good Smith and Wesson model 66.

Get something that has been adopted and retained by a major LE or .mil org. That will cut this list in half.


Okie John

I'd rather have a rifle, like an AR15, over any pistol.

Strictly home defense... AR15, Remington 870 in 12 or 20 gauge, M&P 2.0 9/40/45.

Get one of each, a pre-lock S&W in anything from .38 Special up to .45 Colt, in anything from K to N frame. Then get yourself a Glock 19.

The order you listed them in is the same as I would do.

Most of my pistols are Glock. But I really like the XD’s

Also look at the H&K VP9, SIG P320 and the CZ P10 series.

Hellcat is a nice pistol as well.

You draw to much attention when you go out to a restaurant. Handgun is a little less obvious.
Hasbeen

Plus a handgun is faster and easier to get into action

get an AR pistol, wear a duster, hang it under your armpit as Doc Holiday did with his twin 10 ga Colts.

Suggest 300 BO with 110 gr hollow points to avoid over penetration.

I have two Kimber's, an Ultra Carry 45 ACP and a Micro 9MM. The Micro 9 is a very nice gun, feels good in the hand and easy to carry/conceal.

Or if you're really flush - Wilson EDC X9

First sentence from the OP stated 'home defense'.

And he stated, "I'm thinking of getting a handgun to train with and keep in a small locked safe by the bed." No mention of CCW or taking it into public.

How so, if it's locked in a safe next to the bed as the OP stated?

I use a full size Beretta APX. Of the list that you have I would pick the Glock 17 or the Smith&Wesson M&P 2.0 full size is what I would choose.

I'm not a self defense expert, but see value in having a pistol and a rifle. But given that the OP's stated purpose is 'home defense' and not concealed carry, then I'd go with the rifle first. But he'll need a bigger gun safe/locker

I don't know of any definitive studies on cartridge effectiveness, but much of the data allows one to infer that a rifle is more effective than any common handgun cartridge. And isn't that what we're interested in, effectiveness especially with no limitation on concealment?

That said, I do think the OP should consider CCW but with the knowledge that handguns do not appear to be as effective as people think at stopping a threat, if we believe the data from actual shootings.