My wife and I recently started discussing purchasing a couple of handguns. One for each of us because it is highly unlikely that we will both like or be comfortable with the same one. I'm 33 and I haven't fired a pistol since I was about 12. The purpose of the weapons would be for home defense and for recreational shooting. I'm not interested in concealed carry for the time being. I understand that to really decide if a weapon is right for you, you need to see how it feels to you, fire it if possible, etc. What I am looking for though are some guidelines to start with. I'm not sure what caliber to go with. I'm not too worried about recoil for myself as I'm a pretty good sized guy, but then again, I haven't fired a weapon in 21 years so I really don't have much frame of reference. Also, I'd like some brand recommendations. what do you guys like or dislike about certain brands? some are obviously more expensive, but where is the level of diminishing returns? Are some brands simpler to take apart and clean? I don't want to be over my head the first time out. Oh, one last thing...I want my pistol to be a semi-automatic rather than a revolver (had a bad experience with a revolver). Any and all suggestions for either pistol are welcomed, please.

Thanks!

I was gonna say get a revolver, just because of its simplicity and reliability. Point, pull trigger, bang. My preference would be a full size revolver in .357 mag because you can switch from mild .38 spl to hot .357 mag loads. I say full size revolver because you don't have to worry about concealing it and it would be easier to control than something small.

Automatic I say go with a full size Glock, again, for the simplicity and reliability. 9mm or .40 Cal would probably be best.

Well like Spidy said Glocks are the number one police gun for at least one reason, simplicity. Cops are notorious for not cleaning their weapons. Glocks are simple to operate as well.

Spidy said 9mm and or 40S&w. Both good choices, but If your wife is very recoil sensitive, a Glock might recoil to much for her (although HIGHLY doubtful).

Personally I like 45acp. BIG hole, recoil is not "Snappy" like the 9 or 40.

Any name brand auto will do you good. Glock, Sig (my fav) and I personally like Springfield armory over Colt in a 45acp.

Main thing, IF you can, handle AND shoot the weapon or weapons you are wanting to buy. Also break each one in for about 200 rounds, clean or get it cleaned back to as unfired shape, oiled up and then run another at least 200 rounds through it without a failure to funciton! Then you are ready to trust your life to it.

Spare Mags. I prefer six for each weapon. DO NOT BUY CHEAP MAGAZINES!!!! Most failure to feed are from faulty magazines. TEST EVERY MAG YOU BUY FOR RELIABILITY.

And remember, being MACHO and carrying a 45acp, 44mag or what have you will do you NO GOOD if you flinch every time you fire it. Also consider how fast follow up shots can be made.

Good luck

Randy

I will give you three standard recommendations.

Glock
S&W M&P
Springfield XD

I would recommend going some place where you can shoot them and then get what feels best to you.

Although I don't use a 9mm personally I recommend them. With modern ammo they are more than adequate for self defense and of the ammunition available in the self defense realm, they are the cheapest to shoot. Bulk ammo is way cheaper to buy by about 50-75 bucks cheaper per 1/2 case (500 rounds) than 40 and 45.

A good quality firearm and quality instruction will make you a happy man. I say quality instruction because there is a ton of people starting up firearms instruction and conducting (tactical) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> courses that have no business trying to teach anyone a thing about firearms.

YUP, I agree with MB on this. Also something you MIGHT want to consider, you can't shoot lead bullets through the Glock. That IS still true isn't it MB?

Are you speaking of cast bullets, Randy?

I shoot jacketed bullets all the time, but I believe you can't shoot cast bullets from a Glock.

Right, Cast lead bullets without a jacket. Any jacketed bullet is OK.

I am far from an expert but I do have a fair amount of time on several platforms. For me I always go back to the Glock because I shoot it so well--that means any of their models and anyone's pistol. I prefer a 1911 though as I love the feel of the pistol and I am proficient with it but it is not a beginners pistol or round. Like mentioned above, the 9mm will do the job for several reasons but the major one is follow up shots and placement. it doesn't matter if you have a .45 ACP if you can't hit the target. Remember, keep shooting until the threat is over---9mm allows a lot of rounds on target.

I agree with this. This is the advice I give to people.


love sig saucer as well. A double action only is great for someone new, no decocking involved

I would get a .22 because it is cheap to shoot. Buck Mark Browning or a Ruger. Both will last forever and the nod goes to the Browning for ease of cleaning.

Then I would get a 9mm because it is plenty of gun with good loads and you can get practice loads for cheap. For the pistol itself I would go Glock or M&P but there are alot of solid choices. You can not talk me out of a Ruger or Browning .22 though.

I will repeat the names you will hear anywhere you ask a similar question as you have here; Glock, XD, S&W, SIG and Ruger. There are other great brands out there, but I believe these have the highest level of reliability.

For simplicity of tear down and cleaning, nothing beats a revolver. But, you are looking for an automatic. The closest thing to the simplicity of a revolver is a Glock. They are the AK 47s of the handguns yet have the accuracy of their competitors. Taking them apart and reassembling them blindfolded is something anyone can do after playing with one for 30 minutes.

Caliber ... I love 45 ACP. But that is just me and millions of other people who want their target to stop in their tracks. You being a large man, I wouldn't expect you to carry anything less. I am 5'10" and weigh 148lbs and have no issue firing heavy 230 grain bullets (a grain is a measurement of weight. There is four hundred and something in an ounce). Your wife may prefer a 9mm though.

I believe a person should use the most powerful weapon they can handle for not just the first shot, but the following shots. She may be able to handle a 45 shot, but how long will it take her to reacquire the target should she miss?

As you mentioned, go test some guns. Find a local gun dealer who rents guns and sling some lead down range. Just don't let the dealer talk you into buying their latest and greatest pistol that happens to be $800.

You can get two great weapons for less than $1000.

Embrace wisdom of the Yard, Jarheadjournalist has spoken wisely.