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Post by elbrittania39 on Apr 19, 2018 14:19:01 GMT
I'm turning 21 in just a few weeks and I'm planning to get my concealed weapons permit and first firearm not long after. I'm thinking about a small-medium revolver for self defense and range shooting.
Anyone have recommendations? My only criteria are reliable, simple and affordable. I don't want anything with a lot of bells and whistles.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2018 15:48:28 GMT
The Ruger GP100 Standard chambered in 357 magnum would be a good basic setup. That would give you the option of shooting either 357 magnum or 38 special, and if you can opt for a 3 inch barrel length to improve concealability. Rugers are very solid and reliable guns.
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Post by bebut on Apr 19, 2018 15:52:46 GMT
rule 1-it fits your hand.
I'd look at stainless rugers, .38 for small revolver, .357 for medium revolver.
Make your choice based on primary need-a concealed gun and a range gun are different.
If I were buying for SD I would lean to a small hi capacity 9mm.
Don't forget a good holster.
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Post by theophilus736 on Apr 19, 2018 18:00:33 GMT
To be clear, you should take your concealed gun to the range a lot though. Practice is more important than which gun you're going to go with. Also, I would agree with bebut on CCW/Self Defense choice. You generally will get more mileage out of a concealable polymer 9mm than you would a revolver. The only clear advantage a revolver has in a gunfight is if you are pressing the barrel of your gun up against your opponent. In that case, a modern semi-auto could come out of battery and not go bang when you pull the trigger. That wouldn't ever happen with a revolver. Benefits of a (quality) semi-auto: Just as reliable as a revolver with modern production techniques, higher capacity, often as or more concealable, lighter trigger pull and trigger reset (meaning you can shoot faster), and lighter weight. Top recommendations in no specific order would be Glock 19 or smaller, Canik TP9SF Elite, CZ's hammer guns (their new P10C might not be as reliable as everyone hoped), or the S&W M&P2 in 9mm.
If you go forward with the revolver though, Ruger is the first and last place I'd look. Most polymer pistols will also be cheaper than a Ruger revolver though.
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tonystark
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Post by tonystark on Apr 19, 2018 18:38:26 GMT
A Ruger LCR chambered in .38 or .327 isn’t a bad option for Concealment Carry, and not too pricey either!
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Post by howler on Apr 19, 2018 19:00:31 GMT
The Ruger GP100 Standard chambered in 357 magnum would be a good basic setup. That would give you the option of shooting either 357 magnum or 38 special, and if you can opt for a 3 inch barrel length to improve concealability. Rugers are very solid and reliable guns. Great gun (along with S&W) for committed range, home, outside carry. If considering inside waist/pocket/in jacket, the SP101 3" barrel is the "everything gun", and a tank you can shoot all day. |
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Post by howler on Apr 19, 2018 19:05:04 GMT
A Ruger LCR chambered in .38 or .327 isn’t a bad option for Concealment Carry, and not too pricey either! Those are good. Although heavier, the Ruger SP101 can do it all, and you can shoot it all day long without worry and with far less fatigue. I recommend that whatever you get can shoot both .38 and .357, giving versatility of power and ammo selection. |
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Post by howler on Apr 19, 2018 19:21:42 GMT
To be clear, you should take your concealed gun to the range a lot though. Practice is more important than which gun you're going to go with. Also, I would agree with bebut on CCW/Self Defense choice. You generally will get more mileage out of a concealable polymer 9mm than you would a revolver. The only clear advantage a revolver has in a gunfight is if you are pressing the barrel of your gun up against your opponent. In that case, a modern semi-auto could come out of battery and not go bang when you pull the trigger. That wouldn't ever happen with a revolver. Benefits of a (quality) semi-auto: Just as reliable as a revolver with modern production techniques, higher capacity, often as or more concealable, lighter trigger pull and trigger reset (meaning you can shoot faster), and lighter weight. Top recommendations in no specific order would be Glock 19 or smaller, Canik TP9SF Elite, CZ's hammer guns (their new P10C might not be as reliable as everyone hoped), or the S&W M&P2 in 9mm. If you go forward with the revolver though, Ruger is the first and last place I'd look. Most polymer pistols will also be cheaper than a Ruger revolver though. Issues with "sketchy" ammo are far less likely with a revolver because a dud round is dealt with far easier by simply pulling the trigger again. If your semi jams...your probably toast if exchanging gunfire, because you can forget those drills when under stress (not a chance in hell). |
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Post by theophilus736 on Apr 19, 2018 19:35:38 GMT
To be clear, you should take your concealed gun to the range a lot though. Practice is more important than which gun you're ... Top recommendations in no specific order would be Glock 19 or smaller, Canik TP9SF Elite, CZ's hammer guns (their new P10C might not be as reliable as everyone hoped), or the S&W M&P2 in 9mm. If you go forward with the revolver though, Ruger is the first and last place I'd look. Most polymer pistols will also be cheaper than a Ruger revolver though. Issues with "sketchy" ammo are far less likely with a revolver because a dud round is dealt with far easier by simply pulling the trigger again. If your semi jams...your probably toast if exchanging gunfire, because you can forget those drills when under stress (not a chance in hell). However, most modern self defense ammo isn't going to be a dud. Again, practice is going to be much more valuable than simply getting a revolver for ease of use. If you take out a semi with a few hundred hours of practice or a revolver with 20, you'd be better off with a semi that you have to rack the slide on anyways. But it would be doubtful you would need to do that. With practice you should also be learning how to use cover and the like, in case you need to manipulate your weapon, which is much more likely if you only have 6 rounds to begin with. You are correct that if your gun doesn't go bang, the revolver is usually easier to keep operating, but I think on the whole it's just not as good of an option. |
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Post by wlewisiii on Apr 19, 2018 19:38:13 GMT
First find a good shooting instructor and then you should get a 4" barreled revolver first. A Smith & Wesson K frame - the Model 10 in .38 special for example - is perfect. Learn to shoot it really well. Then you can get a small revolver and start your training all over because shooting small revolvers is an utter semprini of difficulty.
90% of the people I see with a snubby are more danger to themselves and bystanders than they are to any bad guy they are allegedly defending themselves against because almost no-one understands how much more difficult a snub nosed revolver is to shoot.
I'd also recommend a steel frame revolver when you do get a snub nose. The recoil is always worse than you think.
Always shoot the same load you will carry so that it doesn't surprise you at the worst time.
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Post by howler on Apr 19, 2018 20:05:37 GMT
Issues with "sketchy" ammo are far less likely with a revolver because a dud round is dealt with far easier by simply pulling the trigger again. If your semi jams...your probably toast if exchanging gunfire, because you can forget those drills when under stress (not a chance in hell). However, most modern self defense ammo isn't going to be a dud. Again, practice is going to be much more valuable than simply getting a revolver for ease of use. If you take out a semi with a few hundred hours of practice or a revolver with 20, you'd be better off with a semi that you have to rack the slide on anyways. But it would be doubtful you would need to do that. With practice you should also be learning how to use cover and the like, in case you need to manipulate your weapon, which is much more likely if you only have 6 rounds to begin with. You are correct that if your gun doesn't go bang, the revolver is usually easier to keep operating, but I think on the whole it's just not as good of an option. No doubt high quality ammo, but I did point out "sketchy" because one may not have access for whatever reasons to optimum or desired rounds. Practice/competence is clearly top of importance hierarchy. As a first gun, a revolver is really good. You can pull it out of a sock drawer after twenty years and pull the trigger, and it is way more comfortable to carry with a round in the chamber. No moving slide, springs, and magazine interface make it simpler. That said, your right on the various merits of the semi. If your interested in guns, you will end up with BOTH anyway. If hell bent on only having one, you should decide how much your going to shoot with and maintain your choice. Minimal favors revolver while the semi gains favor with increased use. |
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Post by howler on Apr 19, 2018 20:14:53 GMT
First find a good shooting instructor and then you should get a 4" barreled revolver first. A Smith & Wesson K frame - the Model 10 in .38 special for example - is perfect. Learn to shoot it really well. Then you can get a small revolver and start your training all over because shooting small revolvers is an utter semprini of difficulty. 90% of the people I see with a snubby are more danger to themselves and bystanders than they are to any bad guy they are allegedly defending themselves against because almost no-one understands how much more difficult a snub nosed revolver is to shoot. I'd also recommend a steel frame revolver when you do get a snub nose. The recoil is always worse than you think. Always shoot the same load you will carry so that it doesn't surprise you at the worst time. Yup. I was really interested in a super light snub nose, but read the recoil issues and difficulty shooting a belly gun accurately. Also, a 2" (or sub 2") barrel absolutely murders the ballistic performance of a .357. For these reasons I purchased a Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel, which kind of gives you many of those "snubby" virtues, while reducing the weaknesses. |
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tonystark
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Post by tonystark on Apr 19, 2018 20:59:03 GMT
A Ruger LCR chambered in .38 or .327 isn’t a bad option for Concealment Carry, and not too pricey either! Those are good. Although heavier, the Ruger SP101 can do it all, and you can shoot it all day long without worry and with far less fatigue. I recommend that whatever you get can shoot both .38 and .357, giving versatility of power and ammo selection. Oh I definitely agree on an SP101! He said reliable and “inexpensive” though, and as much as SP101’s and GP100’s are like tanks, they’re still a little pricey for an entry level revolver. I LOVE my GP100, but to compare prices the LCR can be found for almost $200 less. Its up to the O.P which he wants more, easily concealable or “tank-like” for .357 Magnum power. Being 6’1 I can carry my GP100 perfecly under any seasonal clothing, but carry comfort depends on body size! |
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tonystark
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Post by tonystark on Apr 19, 2018 21:04:53 GMT
To be clear, you should take your concealed gun to the range a lot though. Practice is more important than which gun you're going to go with. Also, I would agree with bebut on CCW/Self Defense choice. You generally will get more mileage out of a concealable polymer 9mm than you would a revolver. The only clear advantage a revolver has in a gunfight is if you are pressing the barrel of your gun up against your opponent. In that case, a modern semi-auto could come out of battery and not go bang when you pull the trigger. That wouldn't ever happen with a revolver. Benefits of a (quality) semi-auto: Just as reliable as a revolver with modern production techniques, higher capacity, often as or more concealable, lighter trigger pull and trigger reset (meaning you can shoot faster), and lighter weight. Top recommendations in no specific order would be Glock 19 or smaller, Canik TP9SF Elite, CZ's hammer guns (their new P10C might not be as reliable as everyone hoped), or the S&W M&P2 in 9mm. If you go forward with the revolver though, Ruger is the first and last place I'd look. Most polymer pistols will also be cheaper than a Ruger revolver though. Waiting on my CZ P10c as we speak! I know 2 friends that have them, and after 1,000 rnds without any hiccups I decided on one. I’ll let you know how reliable it is in a week or so 😁 |
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Post by howler on Apr 19, 2018 21:22:43 GMT
Those are good. Although heavier, the Ruger SP101 can do it all, and you can shoot it all day long without worry and with far less fatigue. I recommend that whatever you get can shoot both .38 and .357, giving versatility of power and ammo selection. Oh I definitely agree on an SP101! He said reliable and “inexpensive” though, and as much as SP101’s and GP100’s are like tanks, they’re still a little pricey for an entry level revolver. I LOVE my GP100, but to compare prices the LCR can be found for almost $200 less. Its up to the O.P which he wants more, easily concealable or “tank-like” for .357 Magnum power. Being 6’1 I can carry my GP100 perfecly under any seasonal clothing, but carry comfort depends on body size! Yeah, those Ruger went to near S&W pricing over the years, so your right on the price thing. I'm 6'1" as well and got a S&W 627pro N frame 8-shot 4" that is about the same size as the GP110...both great wheel guns. |
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tonystark
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Post by tonystark on Apr 19, 2018 21:43:48 GMT
Uggghhhh the .627pro is saweeet! It’s one of the few Preformance Center revolvers I’d be able to afford 😅I absolutely love the 8-shot capacity!
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Post by theophilus736 on Apr 19, 2018 21:50:24 GMT
To be clear, you should take your concealed gun to the range a lot though. Practice is more important than which gun you're going to go with. Also, I would agree with bebut on CCW/Self Defense choice. You generally will get more mileage out of a concealable polymer 9mm than you would a revolver. The only clear advantage a revolver has in a gunfight is if you are pressing the barrel of your gun up against your opponent. In that case, a modern semi-auto could come out of battery and not go bang when you pull the trigger. That wouldn't ever happen with a revolver. Benefits of a (quality) semi-auto: Just as reliable as a revolver with modern production techniques, higher capacity, often as or more concealable, lighter trigger pull and trigger reset (meaning you can shoot faster), and lighter weight. Top recommendations in no specific order would be Glock 19 or smaller, Canik TP9SF Elite, CZ's hammer guns (their new P10C might not be as reliable as everyone hoped), or the S&W M&P2 in 9mm. If you go forward with the revolver though, Ruger is the first and last place I'd look. Most polymer pistols will also be cheaper than a Ruger revolver though. Waiting on my CZ P10c as we speak! I know 2 friends that have them, and after 1,000 rnds without any hiccups I decided on one. I’ll let you know how reliable it is in a week or so 😁 Please do! I was going to switch completely over to it, but knew better than to get it in the first year. I'm still very dubious about the striker getting caught on the frame as some people have shown (most famously, Omaha Outdoors). Otherwise, I'd get a Roland special with that CZ P10C and never look back. Gorgeous pistol. http://instagr.am/p/BdBWHEulFf3 Something like this, but with a longer light and comp on it  Edit: Didn't realize the url would post like that. Someone let me know if that's an issue. |
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tonystark
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Post by tonystark on Apr 19, 2018 22:10:50 GMT
Waiting on my CZ P10c as we speak! I know 2 friends that have them, and after 1,000 rnds without any hiccups I decided on one. I’ll let you know how reliable it is in a week or so 😁 Please do! I was going to switch completely over to it, but knew better than to get it in the first year. I'm still very dubious about the striker getting caught on the frame as some people have shown (most famously, Omaha Outdoors). Otherwise, I'd get a Roland special with that CZ P10C and never look back. Gorgeous pistol. http://instagr.am/p/BdBWHEulFf3 Something like this, but with a longer light and comp on it Edit: Didn't realize the url would post like that. Someone let me know if that's an issue. If you watch Honest Outlaw Reviews and Tim from Military Arms Channel’s reviews and torture tests on it, they were pretty dang durable. My decision to buy wasn’t because of what they said though, I actually know two people I trust that used the crap out of them. I’ll gladly pass on all info I have on it to anyone who’s interested! |
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Post by elbrittania39 on Apr 20, 2018 0:34:56 GMT
As a quick clarification, when I say range shooting, that's more of a secondary consideration. I'd want the rovolver to be intended for self defense and carry, and going to range would just be to practice with it. I don't need to squeeze out extra high performance for target practice, and I agree it makes the most sense to get really comfortable with the gun you intend to defend yourself with.
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Post by howler on Apr 20, 2018 1:46:15 GMT
As a quick clarification, when I say range shooting, that's more of a secondary consideration. I'd want the rovolver to be intended for self defense and carry, and going to range would just be to practice with it. I don't need to squeeze out extra high performance for target practice, and I agree it makes the most sense to get really comfortable with the gun you intend to defend yourself with. That Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel checks ALOT of boxes off. I have stuck it in my jacket pocket when going into a gas station at night. It is an EVERYTHING gun like no other. Compact, built like a tank, can shoot magnums forever and not damage it. Inside or outside waistband. Only weakness is...5 shots. Statistically, VERY few defensive encounters used more than 5 shots. But more is always better, so there's that, as on can always envision some kind of standoff with a barbarian biker horde. |
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