Best Self-Defense Firearm

[lazs2]

.357 revolver.   If you feel the need to carry a lot then something that you will carry is the best thing to have.   Several of the tiny plastic semi autos in 32 or 380 are good for this being very small and flat and weighing 9 or so oz.

the .357 revolver in a samll frame made of lightweight materials is the best overall I would say...  not fun to shoot but reliable and good for stopping the problem... they run from 12 oz for the 340 pd on up to about 32 oz for a 4" er.

He may never "need" it... truth is... 99% of cops neve "need" a gun..  I think we are all glad that the cops carry em tho.   I for one appreciate it when a law abiding citizen takes the care and hassle to carry a firearm that may someday save me or someone I love from haveing very bad things happen to them.

Thank you all you concealled carry holders.

lazs

[StarOfAfrica2]

Originally posted by AdmRose
Best self-defense firearm?

The one you are comfortable with.  For now, ignore the tests on "one shot stops" and technical data on fps of the bullet as it leaves the barrel and all that.  

Go to a shooting range (hopefully one that sells guns as well).  Tell them what you intend to use it for.  The clerks will help you find a gun that is comfortable for you to shoot, comfortable for you to carry (reasonably, no gun is really "comfortable" at first), and will do the job you ask it to do.  Ask for their recommendations on ammo, and why.  After trying the options on for size, you'll have a good idea of what you want.

Once you gain some experience, keep trying others.  Keep researching why one round works in a situation and another doesnt.  Keep in mind the biggest two factors affecting your being able to get a gun into play and use it properly is being comfortable using it, and lots of practice.  After awhile, if you feel like it, move on to something else.  Just make sure it suits you, dont buy it because its popular with someone else.

[Terror]

Glock 26.  Small, light, easy to carry.

'Nuff said.

Terror

[Jackal1]

Originally posted by StarOfAfrica2
The one you are comfortable with.  

  Agreed. That`s is the most important factor above all else.
  Different people have different views and favorites.
  Try a little bit of everything that you think might suit you before you decide.
  Once you decide and purchase the next thing is to practice with this weapon till it becomes as second nature for you and you become comfortable and confident with it and your abilities. A good combat shooting course with a well known and respected instructor is great for this.
  After a while you can become "less intense" with the training. You still need to practice on a regualr bais to keep your "feel" for the weapon and to keep your reaction times down and to maintain a good skill level.
  The time may not, and probably will never come ,when you have to use this weapon . If the time does come, second nature reactions and skill will make the difference.

[storch]

best self defense weapon is your mind.  that is the ultimate weapon, after that your body.  I believe that every free person on earth should study some form of martial arts.  the only thing you are sure to have with you until your last breath has been drawn is you.  after that you really can't go wrong with a 3" .357 mag. revolver as a side arm.

[rpm]

For a 1st timer I'd humbly suggest a .38 Special. Small, light, accurate and it has stopping power. Ammo is relatively inexpensive and readily available. Good, reliable weapon.

[g00b]

Try 'em out! The gun that feels good and allows you to put your rounds on target is what will be best.

I have a Ruger MKII with the long bull barrel. I can put 15 shots into a 1 inch group at 7 meters. I got it for fun, I'd rather let someone rob me than kill them.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=186&return=Y



I also really like the Colt 1911. My friend has the "gold cup" edition and it is the most accurate large caliber pistol I have tried. Still not quite as accurate as my Ruger, but close.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/098289041067.html

Of course everyone recommends a revolver for pure self defence. Personally I like the long barrel .44 Magnums. For maximum "shock" effect. Scary looking, LOUD, BIG ball of flame, rediculous stopping power. Plus you get to say "do you feel lucky, punk?"

Personally I don't understand why everyone likes Glocks so much. Every one I have tried has been in-accurate as heck. Rule #1 you got to be able to hit what you're aiming for.

g00b

[spitfiremkv]

Originally posted by g00b
I got it for fun, I'd rather let someone rob me than kill them.

 

That sounds rather stupid.

[g00b]

One can always aquire more material possessions. One can not re-animate the dead.

I could say it's stupid to kill someone for material possessions (even if they are your own) but I won't, it's your decision, and I respect that.

I just pray you never kill some 15 year old punk because he tried to steal your TV.

g00b

[Angry Samoan]

Something 45 caliber ,

Has the best stopping power AND YOU WONT GO DEAF SHOOTING IT WITH NO EAR PROTECTION!

[Chairboy]

My problem with your philosophy, g00b, is that you're putting your life in the hands of that punk.  What's to stop them from killing you afterwards?  Many people are killed in robberies, I often read in the paper that plenty of people who didn't resist their robbery got shot anyhow.

If I'm out with my family and someone who might kill or kidnap my children mugs me while my wife or I are carrying, that person won't mug again.  We love our children far too much to put their future in the hands of a stranger, much less one who who is in the process of assaulting us.

[Angry Samoan]

this another thread about to get hijacked?

[Martlet]

Originally posted by g00b


I just pray you never kill some 15 year old punk because he tried to steal your TV.

g00b

I just pray you never let a 15 year old punk walk because you thought he was just going to steal your tv then watch while he kills your family.

[g00b]

Hijacked, yes

I said "I'd rather let someone rob me than kill them".

I did not say I would let someone harm me or anyone else. If I felt that any innocent person, including myself, was in immenent physical danger I would do everything in my power to protect them. Indeed I have been in several such situations and have managed not to have to resort to violence yet. If I had a gun in those situations I might have used it. Then I would have the blood of about 8 people on my hands by now. Even if I was "right" and the law upheld my actions, I would have a hard time dealing with that.

Maybe we simply had a simple mis-understanding. I only meant exactly what I said.

The bottom line; is anything material you own (not including yours or anyone else's well-being) worth someones life?

I fully agree that any innocent should be protected at all cost.

These are not the same things. I hope everyone here realizes that.

g00b

P.S. Martlet, shoot 1st, eh? If you read what I just wrote you'll understand that if I percieve any danger to an innocent I will do everything in my power to prevent it.

[Martlet]

Originally posted by g00b
Hijacked, yes

I said "I'd rather let someone rob me than kill them".

I did not say I would let someone harm me or anyone else. If I felt that any innocent person, including myself, was in immenent physical danger I would do everything in my power to protect them. Indeed I have been in several such situations and have managed not to have to resort to violence yet. If I had a gun in those situations I might have used it. Then I would have the blood of about 8 people on my hands by now. Even if I was "right" and the law upheld my actions, I would have a hard time dealing with that.

Maybe we simply had a simple mis-understanding. I only meant exactly what I said.

The bottom line; is anything material you own (not including yours or anyone else's well-being) worth someones life?

I fully agree that any innocent should be protected at all cost.

These are not the same things. I hope everyone here realizes that.

g00b

P.S. Martlet, shoot 1st, eh?

If you have a gun, you have a choice.  If you don't have a gun, you're at the mercy of the criminal's choice.

Like I said......I hope someday you don't have to look back and realize if you'd taken the steps to protect your family, they may be alive.