[SteveMD]

With the economy in the toilet, home invasions are on the rise in my neck of the woods. My wife and I have decided to purchase a handgun to supplement the alarm and the dog!

I have reasonable experience with firearms - started around age 11 in the (UK) Army Cadet Corps. but have not kept up with what's current and have never owned a firearm.

My wife has never held a gun.

She will take a safety course and go to the local range to get a feel for whatever we end up getting.

So...I'm thinking of a .357 magnum revolver since it will fire 38 Special, is relatively simple and easy to use in a hurry. What would you recommend? I do not intend to conceal and carry.

I like the Ruger GP-100 BTW but it's a bit spendy ($600) for something that hopefully will never be used. What about Taurus? Are they reliable?

Any other suggestions. I've never been in a Pawn Shop - should I consider looking at a used gun from one?

Ideas will be appreciated. Please, I care not about your political opinions so don't bother.

[MisterSkiMask]

Home defense, a simple cheap pump shot gun can't be beat. You will have a better chance of hitting your target, less of a chance of shooting yourself, and smaller pellets won’t go through exterior walls like a good hand gun round.

[yomama69]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

With the economy in the toilet, home invasions are on the rise in my neck of the woods. My wife and I have decided to purchase a handgun to supplement the alarm and the dog!

I have reasonable experience with firearms - started around age 11 in the Army Cadets but have not kept up with what's current and have never owned a firearm.

My wife has never held a gun.

She will take a safety course and go to the local range to get a feel for whatever we end up getting.

So...I'm thinking of a .357 magnum revolver since it will fire 38 Special, is relatively simple and easy to use in a hurry. What would you recommend?

I like the Ruger GP-100 BTW but it's a bit spendy ($600) for something that hopefully will never be used. What about Taurus? Are they reliable?

Any other suggestions. I've never been in a Pawn Shop - should I consider looking at a used gun from one?

Ideas will be appreciated. Please, I care not about your political opinions so don't bother.

Your wife might find .357 as too much for her. Glock 17 or 19 might be good for her. They both weigh less than 2lbs and won't produce much recoil for your wife.

Guntrader.com or specialty shop. Don't go to a pawn shop.

[MisterSkiMask]

That and the "clack-clack" that a pump makes will probably be enough to send the intruder running.

[yomama69]

Also, make sure to read up on Maryland Law involving home protection. In some states, you can only shoot if your life is threatened by deadly force.

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by yomama69

Your wife might find .357 as too much for her. Glock 17 or 19 might be good for her. They both weigh less than 2lbs and won't produce much recoil for your wife.

Guntrader.com or specialty shop. Don't go to a pawn shop.

We're going to look at the Ruger tomorrow so she can feel it.

I love the glock 17/19 but wanted a revolver.

Probably will get a pump anyway since they're cheap.

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by yomama69

Also, make sure to read up on Maryland Law involving home protection. In some states, you can only shoot if your life is threatened by deadly force.

Will do. Don't want to get deported now eh?

[deamon32]

I have never owned a handgun and by no means am I an expert on guns. I have been to the shooting range about 10 times and I am looking into a handgun for home defense as well.

I have been looking at the Sig Sauer 226 .40 S&W, my friend owns one and I have used it at the range a few times and like the feel of it much more than a Beretta or the Glock that I normally shoot. I will probably continue to try out a few more makes and models of handguns before I make a decision but right now I am probably going to go with the 226.

[yomama69]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

We're going to look at the Ruger tomorrow so she can feel it.

I love the glock 17/19 but wanted a revolver.

Probably will get a pump anyway since they're cheap.

Look at the Beretta 92. They have a factory in Maryland and they are fantastic pistols. I own one (but not a 92).

[yomama69]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Will do. Don't want to get deported now eh?

Well, I don't want you to have to face criminal liability for shooting when you're not permitted by law. I don't have to worry about that here. In Texas you can pretty much fire at anyone trespassing.

[kmac1980]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

Home defense, a simple cheap pump shot gun can't be beat. You will have a better chance of hitting your target, less of a chance of shooting yourself, and smaller pellets won’t go through exterior walls like a good hand gun round.

+1 much safer option

[MisterSkiMask]

If you are set on a hand gun for the wife (and a first gun) to shoot I would consider a smallish (maybe .38) revolver.

Double Action Revolvers are simple. Very easy to clean.

They are either loaded or not, they can’t hide one in the chamber, it will be safer as a first hand gun.

They don’t eject spent shells, it can be intimidating to a new shooter when hot shells a bouncing around and even hitting his/her head.

The nice solid frame of a stainless steel revolver (especially with light loads) is easy on the hands at the range.

Semi-Auto pistols get all the glory (don’t get me wrong I love them, and own a couple), but as a tool the revolver just simple and rugged.

For your wife I would discourage a Glock or any other polymer framed gun (again, I love them, but not for a first time shooter/owner) particularly one with heavy loads (like .357 Sig). The light weight of the gun is nice, but that is more recoil energy for the shooter to deal with, also light/short hand guns tend to have muzzle flip which is scary for new shooters. The main reason I would avoid the polymer however is the vibration in the hand grip. After shooting for a while (especially with powerful cartridges) it can get very uncomfortable.

My wife likes shooting my .22 hand guns; they are just fun, but no so great for defense.

[yomama69]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

If you are set on a hand gun for the wife (and a first gun) to shoot I would consider a smallish (maybe .38) revolver.

Double Action Revolvers are simple. Very easy to clean.

They are either loaded or not, they can’t hide one in the chamber, it will be safer as a first hand gun.

They don’t eject spent shells, it can be intimidating to a new shooter when hot shells a bouncing around and even hitting his/her head.

The nice solid frame of a stainless steel revolver (especially with light loads) is easy on the hands at the range.

Semi-Auto pistols get all the glory (don’t get me wrong I love them, and own a couple), but as a tool the revolver just simple and rugged.

For your wife I would discourage a Glock or any other polymer framed gun (again, I love them, but not for a first time shooter/owner) particularly one with heavy loads (like .357 Sig). The light weight of the gun is nice, but that is more recoil energy for the shooter to deal with, also light/short hand guns tend to have muzzle flip which is scary for new shooters. The main reason I would avoid the polymer however is the vibration in the hand grip. After shooting for a while (especially with powerful cartridges) it can get very uncomfortable.

My wife likes shooting my .22 hand guns; they are just fun, but no so great for defense.

I didn't recommend a revolver because if something happened and his wife gets spooked and discharges a few rounds, that doesn't leave much to actually kill if necessary. If you're getting something for home protection, you better be sure it's going to protect you more than another option.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by yomama69

I didn't recommend a revolver because if something happened and his wife gets spooked and discharges a few rounds, that doesn't leave much to actually kill if necessary. If you're getting something for home protection, you better be sure it's going to protect you more than another option.

The fact of the matter is you are more likely to have an “accident” then shoot an intruder. I would try to buy the most accident resistant gun I could if it was for my wife (if you knew her, you would know why).

That, and once the lead starts flying the intruder will leave, weather he is bleeding or not.

[cougfan335]

If you go with the revolver you should definitely get a fuller weight one with greater than a 2 inch barrel. I have a really small lightweight titanium .38 and with +P home defense rounds that thing would not be very fun for a woman to shoot, and its important your wife is comfortable with it and hopefull even enjoys shooting. Take a look at the Springfield XD line. They have a variety of sizes and calibers and a lot of built in safety features so you won't worry as much about leaving it loaded and ready. I keep the .40 subcompact in my car, I think it is the best gun you can fit in an e92 map pocket.

[BillLee]

you could always give your wife a taser?

[yomama69]

Originally Posted by BillLee

you could always give your wife a taser?

What's that going to do if the intruder is armed with a gun?

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by BillLee

you could always give your wife a taser?

or a shocker

[SteveMD]

I definitely want her to use a revolver. She's 5'-0" 120lbs (I hope you're reading this dear ) goes to the gym and should definitely be able to handle a medium frame revolver.

Are Taurus any good?

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

I definitely want her to use a revolver. She's 5'-0" 120lbs (I hope you're reading this dear ) goes to the gym and should definitely be able to handle a medium frame revolver.

Are Taurus any good?

They are, I have always liked S&W revolvers best...for no real reason.

[Heinzftw]

I have a .357 Ruger. Great gun, too much recoil for your wife though. I would just purchase a .22 nice, cheap, and barely any recoil.

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by BillLee

you could always give your wife a taser?

Or she could just yell at the intruder.