DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Gun experts...help me select a gun

The end all be all of home defense weapons.


http://www.metacafe.com/watch/78284/automatic_shotgun/

And there's the first item on my Christmas list.

Well for me it is more of preference, and though the Judge has more options then most other hand guns, I personaly don't care for revolvers found it uncomfortable when I shot it, but put a .40 S & W or just about any 9mm I am just more comfortable with thess style. If I was you I would find a range in your area and shoot some of their different models, this will help you determine what you like. Oh and just another thing, any gun can jam, whatever youget keep it clean! get the kit and learn your piece, and make this a regular habit.

I've been through dry and wet fire classs more times then I can remember so if your a novice, I would also get proper training.

Remember it is all about preference, my dislike for the judge is because of my own personal preference, so anyone can tell you what get but that might not be the same for you. I don't hate the judge but fo yself, I jst find it overkill. I really don't care about the use of different ammunition it uses, when I know if I shoot a .40 or a 9mm at someone their dead, cause I don't miss kill points.

Just to chime in, the Glock .40 is sweet, don't know about the Sig. I prefer my Beretta 9mm as a personal weapon because of accuracy, and the 15 round clip, but for pure stopping power, reliability and accuracy, can't beat my S&W .44 magnum, loaded with hollow points. 2 speed loaders add capacity.

Good advice here so far. Shotgun is the way to go for home defense.

As for a handgun, get one that feels good in your hand after you've had some training and range time. Make sure it's something you can carry comfortably, or trust me you won't carry it.

My next carry gun is going to be a Beretta PX4. I'm sticking with 9's because that's what all of my handguns are and the ammo's cheaper than anything else....I can shoot more. A valid consideration given the rising cost of ammo.

As far as cost and reliability, try the Springfield XD, Glock, Beretta PX4, Sig 225 and the SW M&P. All are lightweight, mid priced, available in different sizes and have proven dependable. They all fit differently and you really need to try them out. Glocks are too chubby and blocky for my liking, and I like the extra security of a thumb safety.

Having said all this, my everyday carry piece for the last two years has been a Taurus Milpro (until I spring for the Beretta). I've got 4000+ rounds through her and know it's dependable. It fits comfortably in my pocket holster and I hardly know it's there. There were some quality control issues with this gun's early issues, and that's why it didn't make my reccomendation list. Mine's been just peachy, though.

Well, I went to the gun shop/range today and tried a few guns out. I ended up with an SW M&P 40 calibre. As has been stated on here, it amazed me the difference in feeling between the various guns. I tried a Glock 22 and a Sig 239 but the SW felt the best in my hands - I liked that it was a little lighter than the Sig. Plus there is a mail in special now to get 2 more magazines for free from SW. My least favorite was the Glock - didn't like the grip at all - it seemed very similar, other than the grip, to the SW.

I didn't have time to fill out the paperwork today as I had a meeting to get to and I spent a lot more time at the shop than I had expected, so I'm going back Monday to pick it up.

Something else I found out. Shooting is darn fun! I might have found a new hobby I currently suck, but practice sure is fun. I'm also going to enroll in a CCW class that they have on 3/17 if my ex can watch our son that night - it's an all day one from 8am to 9pm.

Thanks for all of the input! I can see that this is likely not my last gun purchase.

Oh, one other thing. Do yourself, and all other legal, law abiding gun owners, a favor. Think about joining the NRA so that you don't lose the ability/opportunity to be a gun owner.

Congratulations on your new purchase. Always good to see a new firearm owner, especially one that takes safety seriously. If you're at the range a lot someone is probably going to mention reloading. Another very fun hobby, and a matter of pride knowing you can put together high quality ammunition. Be safe and have fun.

The Glock 21, full size .45acp is the BEST handgun ive ever fired, very mild recoil for a big round and accurate too, perfect home defense weapon. I love the glock safety cuz its on the trigger no time wasted trying to make sure safety is off in case of an emergency, just squeeze the trigger. If your looking for home defense .45acp is the round you want because it won't blow through every wall in your house and neighbors house too.

Sig makes a very good weapon and so does H&K if you can afford it, but for the price, reliability and ease of use especially cleaning you can't beat a Glock.

You've been stricken!! Start saving up for ammo, targets and range time. You'll love the course. I'd recommend that everyone should take it, whether they plan on carrying or not.


Memorize the 4 rules of gun safety and you'll have no problems:

1.) Every gun is always loaded.

2.) Never point your gun at anything you're not willing to shoot.

3.) Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire.

4.) Be sure of your target and everything behind it.

Every person on earth should know these rules by heart from the time they're able to walk.

I bought some range ammo for it today at the gun shop; they were out of all other .40 rounds.

After searching on-line, it appears that supply is pretty low (not surprising). Anything I should stay away from for my home defense rounds? The only brand I have found consistently in stock is Wolf and the reviews are very mixed about it. Anyone have any suggestions of where to purchase? I've noticed that it is either 155gr or 180gr typically, what's the difference?

From what I've seen Wolf uses a full metal jacket bullet. Those are fine to have fun at the range with, but are more likely to riccochet, pass through bad guys and hit someone or something you don't want it to hit. You at least want to get something with a bullet that will expand when it hits something. That will reduce the possibility of doing damage you don't want done. The absolute best rounds to buy would be frangible bullets, they will break apart if they hit something harder than flesh, here's a link where you can buy some of them if you want. http://www.frangiblebullets.com/products/accuswagefra/pistol/AS40.html
As far as grains are concerned that is measure of bullet weight, the heavier the bullet the harder the "punch" when it hits someone, I mean something. Anything else you might need just ask here, or PM me. If I don't know I can probably direct you somewhere you can find an answer.

Hornady 180 grain xtp's shoot very well out of my xd40. Wouldn't hurt to give them a try if you find them in stock somewhere.

I recently took my ccw class and learned a lot. I would recommend everyone taking it even if you dont plan on carrying. you may decide to later.