Need Advice for first weapon.

[TheReckoning]

First, hello to all. I apologize in advance for what is most likely the 1000th posting of this question, but i'm going to do it anyway. Here's my background.

I live in Montgomery County PA, and have never owned my own gun. I was brought up with guns in the house and to me it is very unnerving to NOT have one available to me if I need it. My father is a retired police officer, and I grew up with a healthy appreciation for firearm safety and responsibility. I have fired various guns many times, but have not picked one up in roughly 10 years. So here's the question...what are some solid options for a defensive weapon that would be suitable for both concealed carry and home defense? Price of the gun would be important (as it is for many new owners) but my primary concern is reliability. I am leaning toward a weapon with greater capacity as well. I have shot .45s but truthfully I believe something a bit less is more than sufficient for what I'm looking to start with.

One last question, how woudl I go about "testing" possible weapons (comfort of grip, sighting, etc) prior to purchase? Thanks in advance for your help.

[JustinM]

You can't go wrong with a glock 19 (9mm, 16 rounds)

You can go to some ranges and rent different guns.

[Agent Ronin]

Good ones to look at:
- Smith & Wesson M&P Series
- Springfield XD
- Glock 19
- Heckler & Koch USP/P2000 Series
- Bersa Thunder 380 (Heard good things but it might not be quite what you want)

[bigjlen]

Im gonna go out and say something different:
** Ruger P95 **
I think its a great solid all-around gun and can be had for around $300 new.
Its not pretty or anything special but is solid, reliable, and will shoot for a loooong time!
Ive had one for a few months with a few hundred through it.
Not one FTF or FTE w/ standard wally-world cheapie 9mm.
For someone on a budget, its a fantastic value.
Tip: get the one w/ the rail so you can mount your choice of light/laser if you choose.

[TheReckoning]

Thank you for the quick feedback. I believe my father has an "extra" Glock 19 that I may be able to borrow to test, but I'll have to check on the laws for loaning or transferring between NJ and PA before doing that. Hopefully I can find a range that is local for me (Schwenksville PA) that has a Ruger to test out too. That $300 price range is certainly appealing. The less money it costs for the weapon the more rounds I can put through it getting comfortable and confident.

[nra-life-member]

For a first weapon - you may want to look at a Revolver. .357 which shoots 38 and 357. with a 4" barrel. These are easy to shoot and there are plenty of nice deals in the market.

[T Durdin]

I'm quoting myself from another simialr post-

I'm sorry such tragic events led you here, but it most certainly the right place.<they asked after VT shootings> I would ask you that if you come to enjoy exercising your 2nd Amendment rights that you consider also voting Pro-2nd, groups like the PAFOA, NRA or GOA at http://gunowners.org can be highly informative and some rate the candidates running for office.

I would suggest finding a gun shop local to you that rents guns. Go in, rent the different kinds and different calibers until you find one that feels right for you.

If you join a group like NRA safe gun handling courses are available for a little less than if you'd go it alone. For concealed carry overview you should check out http://Packing.org.

Personally I shoot 45 auto. I have had good results with weapons in this caliber. Some people find smaller caliber more accurate and small cal pistols are usually more concealable. Against an unarmored opponent, at close range, this difference is negligible, but larger calibers may have more stopping power. The ability for a good hit to incapacitate the aggressor.

Good luck and good and safe shootin'.

As for smaller than .45, you may want to look at 9mm or .380. You can get em smaller, more easy to conceal than a 45 and shoot em much cheaper. But do yourself a favor buy a quality name brand gun, spend the money. Ruger makes a fine gun, and at $300 don't sound like it'll break the bank.

I know guys who tried cheap-o guns like llama and jennings and regretted it. Save the bargain shopping for soap and t p.

[Skuggi]

I got myself a sigma, it's damn near identical to the S&W MP's. and since they're not the new great thing, they're cheaper

I personally went with a .40S&W easier on the recoil but still gives the thump on impact. My next hand gun purchase will probably be a Bersa .380 then and XD-45 Compact.

If you give us a price range it would be easier. Oh, and if you can find a range that has rental guns, but, I'm starting to recommend that less as you could get what would be a great weapon BUT since every tom dick and harry has used it and it's been dropped 80 gazillion times, it may seem to suck.

[TonyF]

A Glock 19.

[dmg1969]

Like others have said...try to find a range where you can rent a few different guns and see which one feels the best. One I would highly recommend is the FNP-9 or FNP-9M. The M is the compact model, but it is only slightly smaller. I bought the M model a few months ago and it is a very nice 9mm and the price was right at $439.