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For home defense a full size pistol makes good sense. I would want tritium sights, and also a good mounted light (Surefire).

I like the Glock 17 myself, but not everybody does. See what you like.

Look for something with a built in light mounting rail. Consider aftermarket support for accessories, repair parts, etc.

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Originally Posted by 4th_point
Originally Posted by jwp475
Originally Posted by hasbeen1945
Originally Posted by 4th_point
I'd rather have a rifle, like an AR15, over any pistol.

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


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


I don't lock my home defense gun in a safe but. If I did it would be in a small pistol safe on my knight stand, not a big rifle safe some where else



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Originally Posted by SDblackhills

[*]Glock 17 or 19[*]Springfield XD[*]Smith Wesson M&P full size or compact[*]Ruger Security 9[*][/list]

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.
I personally don't like Glocks, but many do. I don't have experience with the XD, but own an M&P and a Security 9. Both are fine weapons and will serve you well. The new Shield Plus is essentially an M&P and could be an option.

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Originally Posted by jwp475
I don't lock my home defense gun in a safe but. If I did it would be in a small pistol safe on my knight stand, not a big rifle safe some where else


Understood, jwp475.

I think we're on the same page. I carry a handgun all day, everyday, but I know that isn't possible for everyone for various reasons. Different solutions for different needs.

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JWP, your KNIGHT stand??? Be Well, RZ.


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Originally Posted by SDblackhills

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.


Good call on the .22. You should continue shooting it, too. I use a Ruger Mk IV at the beginning of most range sessions as a warmer upper, focusing on fundamentals. Depending on my goals that day, I may shoot 3 or 4 magazines worth of ammo, or I may only shoot one. The 22 is a great way to get your head into the game.

I also agree with your feelings about a DA revolver. Personally, I think this is the best choice for a first centerfire handgun, but I realize I'm in the minority here and definitely a dinosaur. I have a couple S&W Model 66's on hand, and I truly enjoy them. Carrying one while hiking or fishing is pretty much second nature to me. Here's the important point to remember: if you can learn to shoot smoothly and accurately with a DA trigger, it will help you enormously in your handling of any centerfire handgun. Others here will argue contrary, YMMV.

Originally Posted by SDblackhills

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




I don't think you need to look further than a Glock 17 or 19, especially if you buy one of the Gen 5 pistols. They have really improved the trigger on the Gen 5's. An earlier gen is fine, too, but they are much improved if you have a smith install a NY-1 trigger with a 3.5 trigger connect (this is essentially what Glock did with the Gen 5 pistols).

As a final note, I'd suggest you look for some decent defensive handgun training as soon as you can. There is a lot of information on other threads here to direct you to quality schools. You don't need advanced tactical training, you just need quality instruction in the defensive use of the pistol. Training is far more important than most folks will admit.


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a taurus 856 38sp, six shot, revolver can still be had for $300+. get it in steel, not alloy, for recoil control. i have its five shot kid brother, taurus 85. revolvers are decent, simple and reliable handguns, very little to fumble with or go wrong, especially in a high adrenaline situation. if worried about reloads get a couple of speedloaders. if you can find a decent instructor who is well versed on revolvers you will be surprised at how fast you can put into action.

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Originally Posted by jstert
a taurus 856 38sp, six shot, revolver can still be had for $300+. get it in steel, not alloy, for recoil control. i have its five shot kid brother, taurus 85. revolvers are decent, simple and reliable handguns, very little to fumble with or go wrong, especially in a high adrenaline situation. if worried about reloads get a couple of speedloaders.


Never seen a Taurus Revolver that I’d consider “reliable”.
They’re semi-auto pistols, however, seem to be very reliable.


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I have to say “aye” to chlonstructor’s post. Ve had several Taurus revolvers, and none of them were reliable. Although I will say the Model 85 snub my ex—late-wife had never actually broke, it didn’t get shot much. The others were prone to locking up under stiff recoil, and one (a Taurus Titanium Tracker) literally fell apart at the range while I was shooting it on my first session with it. I would not buy another Taurus revolver.

OTOH, I have a couple Taurus PT 92’s, and I have shot them a lot and consider them excellent pistols. I prefer the Taurus 92 to its parent, the Beretta 92, because of the frame mounted safety-decock lever. This is a much superior design feature than the slide mounted safety lever on the Beretta in my view.


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Originally Posted by SDblackhills
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.


As I recall, SD is not a Constitutional Carry State, if not, it's $10 for a CCW and the reciprocity is nice when you visit non-free states. Sounds like you love your kids. Would you like to be better prepared to defend them when you are not at home as well? If so it's hard to go wrong with a good modern striker fired poly framed gun of the same size as a Glock 19. To you list above I'd add the CZ P10C and the new Walther PDP as well.


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I'd say Ruger or Kahr. The Hellcat's OK. The newer Kimber Micro-9 is very good. I've never liked Glock, but that's just me.. My favorite 'carry' pistols are the Ruger SR9-C and any of the Kahrs (from .380 to .45 ACP).. They're simple to operate, very reliable and very concealable..


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If the ammunition was available and affordable I sure would like to get a Ruger 5.7.

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G17 or 34 Gen 5.



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I'm a Gen 5 fan, myself.

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Redneck, I have liked the Kant pistols for some time as well. My “deep backup” pistol has been a Kahr PM9 for a long time, either in a front pocket holster or an ankle holster. Very reliable, very small, very accurate pistols.


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First off, congrats on the child and wanting to keep the family safe.
Now for a question that I always ask anyone who ask me about this is, "are you going to practice with it and shoot it a lot"? If yes, then a semi auto is fine, if no, "it is just for home defense", then I recommend a revolver.
If you are not going to shoot a pistol enough to know how to fix any malfunctions (stove pipe, double feed, jam, etc.) in a hurry, then that is not what I would want in a defensive situation.
For myself, I keep a 1911 in the nightstand and that is just to get me over to the closet where I keep a shotgun.


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I have a shotgun so I have no need for a 30-06.....
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Originally Posted by SDblackhills
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 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).


If you are set on getting a (1) full size (2) automatic (3) pistol for (4) home defense only, I think your list is headed in the right direction. As others have said, I'd suggest handling them and see what resonates with you when you're pointing them at the gun counter. If you find that Glocks and M&P's are to your liking, I'd quickly narrow your list to just those two. I bought a Glock years ago just to be "in the club" so to speak. I was pretty non-plussed by it at first, but I found I shot it well, it ran flawlessly, and it was not picky about ammo in any way. Soon I bought another. Then another.

Last year I bought a Gen 5 (a G19 MOS). It's now my EDC. The triggers are better. I think the accuracy of my Gen 5 is a tad better than its Gen 4 predecessor. I still have a Gen 4 G19 and a Gen 3 G19. The Gen 5 is easily my favorite.

As for you, based on your stated criteria, if you go with a Glock, I agree with the suggestion of a G17 or even the suggestion of the G34. But, you might want to go with a G19 just in case you decide to start packing it around. (If you have already decided that you will also carry it, then the G19 is my first choice). Also consider adding a red dot--aiming/hitting becomes ridiculously easy.

You did ask if you should consider anything else to add to your list: I suggest that your first consideration for a strictly home defense gun be an AR pistol chambered for a rifle cartridge, no PCC's.

Good luck in your decision! Be sure to report back as to what you got!


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I dunno... you’re already comfortable with the little revolver. Is it your only firearm? You hunt or anything and have familiarity with other stuff long or short? If it’s a second gun to date I’d stick with revolver for now. Depending on where you live and what crime is like, I suppose. Move up the ladder into a bigger frame size and chambering. Something like a Ruger GP100 or a S&W L frame. .357 mag & .38 special. Prob 4”. Start with the .38 specials and go up the ladder with loading from there and see if you hit any ‘walls’ in what you’re comfortable and decent at shooting accurately with. Tons of versatility in loading in a gun like those. Not that you shouldn’t get a semi in whatever. I just bought a full sized high cap 9 myself, for some variation and option expansion. I’d just wait and get the semi later, if you like shooting the bigger revo and still feel like you want or need another platform with the benefit of higher capacity.

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I keep my GP 100 ready next to the bed for home defense. It's hard to beat the versatility of the .357 mag/.38 combo for training and use and if you run out of ammo, the GP 100 makes a damn good blunt force weapon.


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If you're used to DA revolvers you might take a look at the S&W SD series, which has a relatively long DA pull in a hi-cap auto. I've got one in 40 and the more I shoot it, the better I like it. M&P sights fit, if you want night sights.

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/sm...round-pistol?sku=black-right-9mm-luger-4


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