Looking for new pistol - your input needed!

[ssilverado60]

Not to take this thread off topic, but instead to help spread some knowledge...what is the pros to having a full size weapon as HD over a compact (i.e. 226 vs. 229, G17 vs G19, USPf vs. USPc ??)

I have heard this argument more than once, and it seems like the main advantages if full size is longer barrel, longer sight radius....advantages that come into play with longer distance accuracy, not 5-7 yards which is typical home room distances.

Larger grip which will give you a better grasp on the gun, not to mention all the things you said

[Federalist]

Not to take this thread off topic, but instead to help spread some knowledge...what is the pros to having a full size weapon as HD over a compact (i.e. 226 vs. 229, G17 vs G19, USPf vs. USPc ??)

I have heard this argument more than once, and it seems like the main advantages if full size is longer barrel, longer sight radius....advantages that come into play with longer distance accuracy, not 5-7 yards which is typical home room distances.

IMHO, compacts are better for (1) concealed carry, and (2) shooters with smaller hands. For HD, my wife has a small frame pistol since she has smaller hands, but I prefer a full size frame.

Also, HD could also include down the hallway, which could be more than 5-7 yards.

It all depends on which gun you are better with. If I were better with a compact than a full-size, my HD gun would be a compact. But I'm not.

[robcoe]

I'm looking for a new pistol to supplement my Remington 870 as a home defense weapon. I prefer something that is known for its tactical abilities as well as accuracy. What would you recommend? My budget is up to 1k.

At HD ranges(unless you live in a castle) the accuracy of the gun is almost a non-issue. At a range of 15-30 feet the accuracy difference between a modern target pistol and a cheap defense gun is almost unnoticeable, the ability of the shooter will determine where the shot goes, not the inherant accuracy of the weapon.

As for which gun to get, a lot of people have said it but its worth saying again. Go to a range, rent every gun they have in stock and try them all, thats the only way you will find what works for you.

As an example I recently got a handgun to back up my Mossberg shotgun. When I started my search I was almost sure I would get some version of a Glock. However, after trying a bunch of guns, and thinking over what I really needed in a defense gun, I went a completly different direction and bought a Ruger GP100 .357.

In short, spend a lot of time at your local shooting range while decideing on a gun. Then spend a lot of time at the range getting good with it.

[DArBad]

I'm looking for a new pistol to supplement my Remington 870 as a home defense weapon. I prefer something that is known for its tactical abilities as well as accuracy. What would you recommend? My budget is up to 1k.

Base only on my personal bias:

A) If you want a semi-auto: 1) 1911 from any reputable maker. 2) Beretta 92fs. 3) Glock 17,19,21.

B) If you fancy a revolver: 1) .357 magnum revolver - either a S&W 686 or Ruger GP 100. 2) 44 manum revolver - either S&W 629 or Ruger Redhawk.

[jyo]

I would not recommend any single-action pistol unless you are a very experienced shooter (also consider your mate may have to access the gun when needed)---that lets out the 1911/P35 crowd. In your budget range I would look at something along the lines of an HK P2000 in 9mm---cheaper to shoot and less kick then larger cals. and in "LEM" trigger version very usable by you or your companion if needed. Very high quality and will hold its value well---good luck!

[Wherryj]

Glock 17 or 22 in thr rtf. The 17rtf is on sale at turners.

Glock 20 in 10mm might be a nice backup.

[FUBAR]

A Bren Ten.

[1911_Mitch]

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[nrvnqsrxk]

Everyone is going to tell you some form of Glock or another. From what I can gather from the internets, the Glock 19 is the most popular choice, followed by the M&P9, which oddly gained popularity after it's cameo in Magpul's Dynamic Handgun DVD's.

For HD, I would recommend a striker fired weapon for the reasons tacticalcity pointed out. I really really hate dealing with DA/SA, and have a feeling that you will too. While yes, getting proficient with a DA/SA is possible, most of us don't have the budget to shoot over a thousand rounds a month to git gud.

[BillCA]

I would not recommend any single-action pistol unless you are a very experienced shooter (also consider your mate may have to access the gun when needed)---that lets out the 1911/P35 crowd. In your budget range I would look at something along the lines of an HK P2000 in 9mm---cheaper to shoot and less kick then larger cals. and in "LEM" trigger version very usable by you or your companion if needed. Very high quality and will hold its value well---good luck!

It is interesting to note that many folks recommend pistols, like the Glock, that have no manual safety as a "benefit". That benefit will disappear if, under stress, you have an accidental discharge. That benefit disappears if your spouse, roomie or other person who isn't well trained picks up the gun and blows a hole through three rooms.

A full-size 4-inch "service weapon" provides a bit better ballistics for whichever round it fires. In .38 and 9mm, the calibers need all the energy the longer barrels provide (for reliable JHP expansion).

My first suggestion for a good home defense companion to a shotgun is a revolver. If you have fairly large hands, the S&W 625JM in .45 ACP is a good bet. That big, slow slug tends to being good on people while not being so fast or powerful that it will hit the house next door. One of mine is a snubby as shown below. It's currently loaded with 255gr LSWC that should run 700 fps from the short tube.

S&W Model 25 custom snubby in .45 ACP

With hands closer to average size. it's hard to beat the .38/.357 revolver. A simple 4-inch revolver offers a consistent trigger pull, the lack of safeties the Glock fan-boys praise and a very accurate launch platform. A 4-inch .357 like the 686 will work fine, though at close ranges found in the house (7-10 yards) even a .38 Special with +P ammo is sufficient. The polished stainless Model 67 .38 shown below is my primary "go to" gun for night noises. Why? Because I can shoot it well enough to put 6/6 inside the 10 ring and keep 6/6 inside the 9-ring rapid fire.

S&W Model 67, .38 Combat Masterpiece Stainless

The .357 Magnum, while powerful, can often be problematic indoors. Without sound protection, you'll be temporarily deafened by the muzzle blast. The flash will also diminish night vision considerably for a few seconds. Recoil is harsh and recovery times are slower than for .38 +P. But the .357 can be loaded with .38 +P and magnums used as a back-up load.

If semi-autos are your preference, I'd suggest either the Beretta 92FS or the 90-Two (beefier slide) in 9mm or the Model 96 in .40 S&W. Both are very nicely made guns, reliable and all the Beretta 92's I've fired have had excellent accuracy.

Beretta 92FS top, S&W Model 39-2 bottom

The S&W metal frame 9mm & .45 pistols can be found lightly used for very good prices. The above 39-2 is a single-stack 9mm that's reliable as sin and just a personal favorite of mine. The 3 and 4-digit model numbered pistols are even better. The S&W 457 is a compact .45 ACP that shoots well.

Unless you think a home defense situation will involve more than 2 people, I think you'd be well covered with the 870 and a six-shooter revolver. And while I don't expect more than 2 people to ever attempt to break in, I do keep a back-up revovler handy in case the toilet needs to be flushed. And that back-up revolver is this one.



Find out which guns fit your hand and shoot the best for you. Then make your decision.

[KI6RYC]

See if you can find an older S&W model 66 revolver. I have a 66-2 and it's like a natural extension of my hand...

[oldcodger44]

Did anybody mention a handgunwith a rail. try clearing a house with the flashlight in one hand and the gun in the other. Now try to open a door or work a phone.
putting the light on the rail suddenly makes a lot of sense.
Now add stress of situation.......FUBAR

[Ultimate]

Did anybody mention a handgunwith a rail. try clearing a house with the flashlight in one hand and the gun in the other. Now try to open a door or work a phone.
putting the light on the rail suddenly makes a lot of sense.
Now add stress of situation.......FUBAR

Almost everyone did.

[Ed_in_Sac]

How about the Taurus Judge, or the Glock Gen 4's, just move out of State so you can buy one!!! Sorry, my little dig about the stupid laws in CA.

Seriously, sounds more like you want another home defense weapon rather than need one. A 870 is very formidable. You should just go to the candy store and see what catches your eye. There are a lot of nice 1911's under 1k, that would be my first choice.

[Greg-Dawg]

For $1K, get a Glock 17 with plenty of ammo.