So I'm in the process of buying my first handgun

by Slowpo on Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:49 pm

Two weeks ago someone try to car-jack me with a knife.This is how it happen, so I decide to go to the 7eleven at around 2am and this thug try to open the door of my car and I punch him in the face, then He pull a knife and try to stab me!! He did stab me in my upper arm, then I push him and i close the door of my car and got away.

Last week I went to the gun store and now I'm waiting for the background check.
i never shot a gun in my life!!! I'm planing to take some shooting classes and stuff.
This is the gun that I been eyeballing
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764948_-1_757898_757896_757896_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Would you guys recommend this type of gun for a first timer, If not, what would you recommend
Thanks for your help.

by **Ditchdoc** on Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:14 pm

I'm no expert but here my opinion. A revolver is a good choice for loaded carry unless you plan on practicing a lot, and I mean a lot. Hi capacity is not that important for civillian defense.

I think your choice of caliber is a bit much. I would recommend shooting several different calibers before buying. Your choices will be somewhat limited for revolvers. Primarily .38 or .357 but remember there are many different loads for these calibers. Find something controlable for you. Shot placement is everything. You are also responsible for where missed shots go. A lot of liability with a firearm for personal defense. You might also consider hammerless if your going concealed carry. Some prefer it, some don't. You might go with fixed sights as well over adjustable. You can also consider some good night sights (tritium) but not a must. You don't need the magna-porting and all that crap either.

Oh yeah. Practice often. Just by carrying a firearm, you are way more likely to be killed by one.

You might check with AH for his opinion as well.

by **foghorn** on Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:49 pm

God help us all if you are allowed to own a gun.

by **Mark1** on Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:53 pm

Like Ken said, that is way too much gun for a beginner. That thing is for shooting bears not self defense. Whatever you do-get training and practice.

by timc. on Sat Apr 16, 2011 8:17 pm

start off with something smaller, much smaller. If you never fired a hand gun try a .38 or even a .22 revolver. a .357 can be quite powerful for a novice. you also may consider a .380 auto or a .9mm... and you dont need to spend that much money on something for home defense plus you'd spend a fortune just to feed that cannon

by Slowpo on Sat Apr 16, 2011 8:22 pm

Mark1 wrote:Like Ken said, that is way too much gun for a beginner. That thing is for shooting bears not self defense. Whatever you do-get training and practice.

Yeah I'm planing to get alot of practice and training. Right now I'm just looking for the right gun.

Foghorn, living in the USA I learn that anyone can have a gun

by iwasbanned on Sat Apr 16, 2011 8:30 pm

Get a Springfield Armory XD9. I bought one a couple of years ago when my wife and I had a close call with a couple of punks. A big cheater pipe did the trick back then, but I don't want to be in that position ever again.

by **foghorn** on Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:05 pm

Sigh.........................I swear to God that the majority of those who profess all sorts of bravado with firearms would ,most likely, piss themselves before actually firing on a person. No matter what the situation. The supposed bad guy is, more likely than not, going to kill you first, no matter how good a shot you might be.
It really isn't about how accurate you are,it's whether you have the balls to do something you haven't ever done,or been trained to do. All the time in the world at the range won't prepare you to fire at a person. After you buy the gun and the ammo be sure to buy extra Fruit of the Looms.

by iwasbanned on Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:20 pm

foghorn wrote:Sigh.........................I swear to God that the majority of those who profess all sorts of bravado with firearms would ,most likely, piss themselves before actually firing on a person. No matter what the situation. The supposed bad guy is, more likely than not, going to kill you first, no matter how good a shot you might be.
It really isn't about how accurate you are,it's whether you have the balls to do something you haven't ever done,or been trained to do. All the time in the world at the range won't prepare you to fire at a person. After you buy the gun and the ammo be sure to buy extra Fruit of the Looms.

I don't profess to be a bad ass gunslinger nor a gun nut in general. I imagine shooting someone isn't an easy thing. In my situation I see it as a deterrent more than anything else. I was fortunate that the guys that tried robbing my wife and I were a couple of snot nosed teenagers who were probably bored on a Friday night and had nothing better to do. We take better precautions now, preventative measures, and hopefully the gun will never see the light of day. With a little boy in my house, the gun is probably on its way out anyway.

by Laid_Back_Dude on Sun Apr 17, 2011 3:43 am

The gun that your looking at is a bit pricey, S & W do make nice gun's, but if I were you I would look at other brand's also. You should be able to pick up something for a couple hundred buck's. You may even find something in a pawn shop that suit's you.

by bigedsurf on Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:35 am

Here's a piece of harsh reality for you. If you are not 100% certain in your own mind that you can take a human life with that weapon, don't buy it.

by **boscoe** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:56 am

Glock.
However, Mrs. Boscoe who is a serious gun nut with a carry permit and a couple of safes full of weapons (don't ask) recommends a "small revolver" .38 or under since "you can't fuck it up and semi-automatics jam."

by Seattle on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:24 am

Perfect advice....Glock, S&W revolver (both extremely reliable) and some training.
My wife is trained with a S&W Airweight, I carry a Glock.

boscoe wrote:Glock.
However, Mrs. Boscoe who is a serious gun nut with a carry permit and a couple of safes full of weapons (don't ask) recommends a "small revolver" .38 or under since "you can't fuck it up and semi-automatics jam."

by Watch Guido on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:31 am

I think you should just be careful where you drive, chances are you are better off giving up the car because the bad guy has a gun and is better prepared then you are at that moment. Also depending on the state and local laws if you use deadly force and kill someone even with a registered gun don’t’ think the police are just going to hand the gun back to you and say “have a nice evening”.

by Seattle on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:44 am

"Watch Guido"Also depending on the state and local laws if you use deadly force and kill someone even with a registered gun don’t’ think the police are just going to hand the gun back to you and say “have a nice evening”.

Worrying about the outcome of a "gun" in a circumstance like this is simply ridiculous.

by **Watch Noob** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:52 am

I won't get into a Pro and Con debate on this subject becasue no one ever wins. I have my own beliefs on this. The bottom line is this. If you feel you need to carry a gun, you better be ready to use it if the situation requires. If the situation requires and you use it in self defense, this does not mean you will be found not guilty in a court of law should it go there.

by Watch Guido on Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:33 am

Seattle wrote:"Watch Guido"Also depending on the state and local laws if you use deadly force and kill someone even with a registered gun don’t’ think the police are just going to hand the gun back to you and say “have a nice evening”.

Worrying about the outcome of a "gun" in a circumstance like this is simply ridiculous.

No not the outcome of the gun..... your future, possible arrest, trial, conviction on felony charges for killing someone using deadly force

by Seattle on Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:01 am

Gotchya, clearly misunderstood your original post.
Your follow up explanation is something that I have seen first hand. Definitely worth heeding for those considering arming themselves.
If taking a life is the only option to insure your and your family's safety, then everyone should do whatever they need to.

Watch Guido wrote:
Seattle wrote:"Watch Guido"Also depending on the state and local laws if you use deadly force and kill someone even with a registered gun don’t’ think the police are just going to hand the gun back to you and say “have a nice evening”.

Worrying about the outcome of a "gun" in a circumstance like this is simply ridiculous.

No not the outcome of the gun..... your future, possible arrest, trial, conviction on felony charges for killing someone using deadly force

by Watch Guido on Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:12 am

"If taking a life is the only option to insure your and your family's safety, then everyone should do whatever they need to".
Wow, cannot disagree with that!

by fatman on Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:42 am

expanding on what foghorn said....if you buy a gun and get the training and ability to carry concealed. the ex marshal who did my cc training told us " IF YOU HAVE THE BALLS TO POINT THE GUN AT SOMEONE YOU BETTER HAVE THE BALLS TO PULL THE TRIGGER"

by Falstaff on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:11 am

As the psycho killer in the original "Dirty Harry" movie said when confronted with Harry's revolver, "My, that's a big one!"

by koimaster on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:22 am

bigedsurf wrote:Here's a piece of harsh reality for you. If you are not 100% certain in your own mind that you can take a human life with that weapon, don't buy it.

It is not the killing that can be hard, it is what happens to you afterwards. PTSD is a reality when you kill unless you can compartmentalize. I can and have, not many others can, even those who claim to be hard core have issues.

You may want to also think about this, not having a gun saved your life. Given the circumstances, if you had tried to clear your holster, you would be dead from a knife or gun wound. Bad guys seldom shoot with that gun to carry, only in reaction to a threat most of the time.

by DonBattles on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:30 am

Buying a firearm for personal defense, especially when in public, it just a bad idea. I think the real solution is being aware of where you are and your surroundings. How about a self defense or hand to hand combat course, pepper spray, or stun gun?

by DonBattles on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:33 am

Slowpo wrote:
Mark1 wrote:Like Ken said, that is way too much gun for a beginner. That thing is for shooting bears not self defense. Whatever you do-get training and practice.

Yeah I'm planing to get alot of practice and training. Right now I'm just looking for the right gun.

Foghorn, living in the USA I learn that anyone can have a gun

Then you have learned nothing! It's gun toting morons that give responsible gun owners a bad name as we all get lumped into the same category, just as you have done.

by OTMF on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:33 am

This was posted on BDWF, and I thought that it was appropriate to cross post here, I hope you don't mind. This is not an attempt to hijack your thread.
Link to OP on BDWF.net here

Credit for this post goes to a post by an Admin Team Member on BDWF.net wrote:
Found this ad On Craig's List:

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason .. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan.. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky . Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours, Semper Fi ,

Alex

by OTMF on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:36 am

Since Alex, the author of the above post, was a highly trained Combat Marine, I would not confuse his actions with the abilities of an untrained civilian.

by DonBattles on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:38 am

OTMF wrote:This was posted on BDWF, and I thought that it was appropriate to cross post here, I hope you don't mind. This is not an attempt to hijack your thread.
Link to OP on BDWF.net here
Credit for this post goes to a post by an Admin Team Member on BDWF.net wrote:
Found this ad On Craig's List:

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason .. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan.. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky . Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours, Semper Fi ,

Alex

First off if the story is true you must consider the carrier of the firearm was trained in combat and to kill. It's this sort of story that over simplifies things and gives the average citizen the idea that they could have the same sort of outcome. Not likely.

by Falstaff on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:45 am

And as far as you as a civilian shooting a criminal in self defense - the paperwork is endless and in some states, you run the risk of the criminal (or his family if you killed him) bringing a civil lawsuit against you for damages or wrongful death regardless of a finding of self defense or justifiable homicide.

by WatchDorks.Net on Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:04 pm

The notion of a trigger-happy gun-toting newb who's just been traumatized by a carjacking scares the bejesus out of me.

Do everyone else in society a favor and simply buy a can of mace.

by **eddiea** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:00 pm

Credit for this post goes to a post by an Admin Team Member on BDWF.net wrote:
Found this ad On Craig's List:
To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

This is an old tale OTMF, been around the web for years ...most likely not true, ice cold guys like the one in that feel good story, are few and far in between , typically not talkative, shy about what they are capable to do or not and never put themselves in no way out type of situations, like the one described.

by **Ditchdoc** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:28 pm

eddiea wrote:
Credit for this post goes to a post by an Admin Team Member on BDWF.net wrote:
Found this ad On Craig's List:
To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

This is an old tale OTMF, been around the web for years ...most likely not true, ice cold guys like the one in that feel good story, are few and far in between , typically not talkative, shy about what they are capable to do or not and never put themselves in no way out type of situations, like the one described.

+1

by **boscoe** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 2:45 pm

+5
HT approved bullshit

by Slowpo on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:09 pm

Thanks for the responses, Right now I'm looking at the Glock .38 revolver.
By the way I'm not goin to be a gun toting asshole. I just want something to protect my home.

by DonBattles on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:43 pm

Slowpo wrote:Thanks for the responses, Right now I'm looking at the Glock .38 revolver.
By the way I'm not goin to be a gun toting asshole. I just want something to protect my home.

Then buy a shotgun. You point it instead of aiming, easier under pressure. The projectile wont to through your walls and into your neighbors house or the street. The sound of the pump if choosing a pump version will send intruders the other way fast. And since it cannot be easily concealed you won't be temped to become a gun toting asshole. On second thought just dig a moat.

by **Ditchdoc** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:59 pm

Get a trained attack Yorkie like mine.

by vineman on Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:17 pm

I love the way those mother-of-pearl Yorkie eyes reflect the light ...

by **foghorn** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:50 pm

Slowpo wrote:
I just want something to protect my home.

From what?? Where the hell do you live that is so fraught with danger??

People like you scare me.

by TickTocker on Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:59 pm

I don't go anywhere without this little puppy in my pocket

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757893_-1_757767_757751_image

It's tiny, weighs less then a pound and deadly accurate from even 30 yards away.

by **Aqua Homer** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:55 pm

TickTocker wrote:I don't go anywhere without this little puppy in my pocket

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757893_-1_757767_757751_image

It's tiny, weighs less then a pound and deadly accurate from even 30 yards away.

Why would you "not go anywhere" without that little puppy in your pocket? Are you a cop or something? Hard charging vigilante? Black OP's dude?

by **Aqua Homer** on Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:03 pm

Also, I hate weapon threads and all of the nuts they invariably bring out....however, in this instance I will offer advice. It takes much more than "lots of practice" to be proficient in anyway with a handgun in a stressful situation. It takes muscle memory and an insane commitment to training. The situations you guys are describing would most likely involve a very close conflict, which would require a proficient fast leather clear, and hip-shooting. If not trained at length in these maneuvers, the most likely outcome would be watching your new gun skid across the pavement as your trembling and sweaty hand dropped it during the draw.

by dude on Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:03 pm

I have always been told if you are going to carry a gun, be well trained and prepared to use it if you pull it out at all. If you are'nt . . . you'll wish it was a ham sandwich instead, since you're most likely going to end up eating it.

by TickTocker on Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:14 pm

I live in a shit hole, drive a nice car and value my life. I'll rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Aqua Homer wrote:
TickTocker wrote:I don't go anywhere without this little puppy in my pocket

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757893_-1_757767_757751_image

It's tiny, weighs less then a pound and deadly accurate from even 30 yards away.

Why would you "not go anywhere" without that little puppy in your pocket? Are you a cop or something? Hard charging vigilante? Black OP's dude?

by koimaster on Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:35 pm

I just have one question. Who here has used a weapon with deadly force and who is prepared to live with the consequences?

Serious question about a serious topic. I know we have some law enforcement past or present here and some vets so we don't count.

by Bigjimzlll on Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:55 pm

I have been shot and I returned fire...that's all I say.

by TickTocker on Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:25 pm

koimaster wrote:I just have one question. Who here has used a weapon with deadly force and who is prepared to live with the consequences?

I'd rather live with the consequences, then die with the regrets. Florida 'stand your ground law', anyone threatens my life and I will take theirs with no qualms about it and sleep like a baby at nite to boot. I don't look for trouble, nor consider my gun an extension of my ding a ling, but don't push me, because I will push back.

by **Ditchdoc** on Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:45 am

I never go anywhere without this puppy in my pocket. The top one is for concealed carry. I carry the bottom one when I don't care who sees I'm a bad ass. Even added a custom grip to it. When confronted, I also get completely naked because nobody wants to fight a naked guy

Sure it's hollow plastic but don't let that fool you. I'll beat the living fuck out of ya with it. It will take ~~days~~ ~~hours~~ minutes for the red marks to go away.

And for anybody wondering if I "got what it takes" or can "live" with the consequences...no problem. I'll sleep like a baby.

Booyah!

by TRU-LYE on Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:04 am

most cats are truly not built to bust guns if needed.. every person I know personally that has hasn't been right since. being that you have never been trained or even used a fire arm before. that thing will more than likely get you killed faster than you will ever be able to protect yourself with it. plain and simple if a "bad guy" is gonna kill you. then your ass is dead before you know it because 9 time outta 10 if your being approached then that means they had the drop on you which puts you at an automatic disadvantage. you trying to play hero will only make a situation worse. at the end of the day it's a car and that why you pay an insurance premium, but hey if your replaceable material possessions are more important than your life.. then by all mean enjoy your fire arms that you have no idea how to use.. just remember if you ever have to pull it you better use, and be prepared to handle the consequences of your actions afterwards.. at worst you kill someone and still end up in jail for murder or you yourself end up dead. or you end up spending the rest of your days shitting in a bag from a gunshot wound. etc.....

by bigedsurf on Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:10 am

TRU-LYE wrote:most cats are truly not built to bust guns if needed.. every person I know personally that has hasn't been right since. being that you have never been trained or even used a fire arm before. that thing will more than likely get you killed faster than you will ever be able to protect yourself with it. plain and simple if a "bad guy" is gonna kill you. then your ass is dead before you know it because 9 time outta 10 if your being approached then that means they had the drop on you which puts you at an automatic disadvantage. you trying to play hero will only make a situation worse. at the end of the day it's a car and that why you pay an insurance premium, but hey if your replaceable material possessions are more important than your life.. then by all mean enjoy your fire arms that you have no idea how to use.. just remember if you ever have to pull it you better use, and be prepared to handle the consequences of your actions afterwards.. at worst you kill someone and still end up in jail for murder or you yourself end up dead. or you end up spending the rest of your days shitting in a bag from a gunshot wound. etc.....

+1

by **Ditchdoc** on Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:49 am

Tru-Lye knows I can bust a bat in somebody's ass.

by timc. on Mon Apr 18, 2011 3:27 pm

Slowpo wrote:Thanks for the responses, Right now I'm looking at the Glock .38 revolver.
By the way I'm not goin to be a gun toting asshole. I just want something to protect my home.

I'd like to see a photo of that "glock .38 revolver " .....(no such animal) glock dont make revolvers and they dont make anything in .38 cal. I thought something may have have been amiss about a novice wanting one of the most powerful handguns ever made for home defense,but hey I thought" well maybe he dont know". now I'm guessing it's just bullshit. starting a pissing contest.. about the pros and cons about private handgun ownership.....