Good quality, relatively cheap handgun : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Munky · 07-12-2008, 04:27 PM

Hey everyone! With recent activity in the Indianapolis area (12 murders in 11 days, 1 officer in critical condition after getting shot in chest and head), I've decided I'm going to go get a handgun for personal protection. I'm planning on going downtown here soon and getting my license application submitted, but I'm completely oblivious to which guns are better than others and what would be a good gun to have.

I don't need the absolute best gun out there, but I also don't want to get one that's just not that great either. I want one that'll be reliable and affordable. Any advice on what I should be looking at?

DBotkin · 07-12-2008, 04:56 PM

I'd look very closely at the Smith & Wesson M&P and the Springfield XD. Tough to beat either one of them. For something with a little more heft, not quite as maintenance-free but definitely a stopper, a Mil-Spec Springfield 1911 is a good utility gun.

I have an M&P .40 Compact. Love the XD, but couldn't get past its trigger. I'll probably look at the XDm, it's supposed to be better.

claydbal · 07-12-2008, 05:18 PM

if you gotta ask-------------- may i suggest a 12 guage pump with 16 inch barrel and pistol grip?

Munky · 07-12-2008, 05:25 PM

Thanks DBot! I was checking out the M&P .40 S&W and it looks really nice. I checked for a retailer here that sells it and I'm going to go take a look at it in person and see how comfortable it is and see if it's something I'd want. The M&P Compact 9mm doesn't look too bad, either. I think I'll look at that one as well.

They're kinda pricey though, $650+. Hopefully I can get a discount since I work for the Sheriff's department (in the garage, not a deputy).

claydbal, that'd I'm sure be nice to have but how easily could that be concealed? LOL

claydbal · 07-12-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munky

Thanks DBot! I was checking out the M&P .40 S&W and it looks really nice. I checked for a retailer here that sells it and I'm going to go take a look at it in person and see how comfortable it is and see if it's something I'd want. The M&P Compact 9mm doesn't look too bad, either. I think I'll look at that one as well.

They're kinda pricey though, $650+. Hopefully I can get a discount since I work for the Sheriff's department (in the garage, not a deputy).

claydbal, that'd I'm sure be nice to have but how easily could that be concealed? LOL

concealed?? why? point it at the thug.

arealinvestor · 07-12-2008, 05:54 PM

My .02 is glock 40 cal..it will fire wet & with sand in it.It is very reliable!!!!!!!!!

Black Magic · 07-12-2008, 06:42 PM

I'll second the Glock especially if it's your first hand gun. Easy to maintain, pretty accurate, almost impossible to break it.
And the best... in a true emergency you won't get shot by the bad guy while you fumble for the safety!

http://www.theprepared.com/index.php...iew&id=90&Item

Check out the endurance test!

Cheers!

BMoscato · 07-12-2008, 06:43 PM

I second claydbal suggestion of a 12 guage for home protection. I'm partial to M1911's when it comes to pistols, but if the .45 is too much you might want to look at the Beretta M9. It's very accurate, low recoil and somewhat inexpensive.

claydbal · 07-12-2008, 06:51 PM

to share a little rednectum with you all. if you worry about concealed weapons laws, and apply for permits, dont the cops then know you carry?

the way we do it is to keep our mouth shut, carry a big gun, and if we ever need to use it--it is handy.

question: would you rather pay a concealed carry fine, or be dead? me, i will write a check and tell em to return my weapon. whats the dead guy gonna say?

Munky · 07-12-2008, 07:11 PM

Home protection I am looking at a 12 gauge. clay, if you get your permit it doesn't show in the system that you have your permit or that you carry. It's your responsibility to inform an officer if you have a run in with them that you carry.

nvsteve · 07-12-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claydbal

to share a little rednectum with you all. if you worry about concealed weapons laws, and apply for permits, dont the cops then know you carry?

the way we do it is to keep our mouth shut, carry a big gun, and if we ever need to use it--it is handy.

question: would you rather pay a concealed carry fine, or be dead? me, i will write a check and tell em to return my weapon. whats the dead guy gonna say?

Doesn't bother me at all that the LEOs know I'm packing.
Glock 30

DBotkin · 07-13-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munky

They're kinda pricey though, $650+.

Wow! You must be looking in the wrong place. I paid far less than that for mine. It was either $449 or $529, I'd have to look at the receipt to be sure. That was brand new from Cabela's; Scheels had them for about the same price. There was a $50 rebate AND two extra mags for that price, too. I suspect I could have paid far more at a locally owned gun shop, but quite frankly I have found the ones here provide zero added value for the substantial extra money you spend.

Plus, Cabela's pretty much IS local for us Nebraskans.

Munky · 07-13-2008, 09:49 AM

Those prices were on the S&W website. We're supposed to get a Cabela's sometime just south of Indianapolis in Greenwood, but that projects on hold right now

I'm going to check Gander Mountain and Dick's Sporting Goods and see what their prices are.

Bradyjo · 07-13-2008, 11:06 AM

I'll add my two cents to the Glock suggestion. Easy to field strip and clean when you're new to handguns. Easy to operate in a stress/defense situation. Virtually indestructable.

Revolvers are also very reliable, but I like knowing I've got a full magazine already loaded if I should ever have to use it. Just personal preference.

It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway: make sure to get proper training for use of a handgun both inside and outside the home, and become familiar with whatever weapon you get before you start carrying it.

Good luck!

Munky · 07-13-2008, 12:00 PM

Brady, good point! Since I work for the Sheriff's department, we have a shooting range we can use anytime we want, so I'm going to take advantage of it and get as much training as I can. I don't want something bad to happen because I didn't take the time to get the proper training or didn't become familiar with the weapon.