Newbie, Home Defense purpose Pistol thoughts??

[sunguy]

Hi all,
I am new to DelCo and also a first time gun owner (looking to buy one in the next couple weeks).
My intent is to buy a Pistol and keep it in my house. I do not intend to apply for LTCF at this time.
I was recommended a used Springfield 3.8 9mm. What do you guys think?
Any ideas/opinion will be appreciated.
Thanks

[stainless]

Hi all,
I am new to DelCo and also a first time gun owner (looking to buy one in the next couple weeks).
My intent is to buy a Pistol and keep it in my house. I do not intend to apply for LTCF at this time.
I was recommended a used Springfield 3.8 9mm. What do you guys think?
Any ideas/opinion will be appreciated.
Thanks

That is a really opened ended question. Ford, chevy, dodge, volvo.....

Your best bet is to go to an indoor range that rents handguns and test drive a few. Find out what you are comfortable with. They are all the same, but all different.

Welcome to the world of guns and the site. Good luck and shoot safely.

ETA: There are a million opinions. Keep asking questions.

[sunguy]

Thank you.
I did go to Targetmaster in Chadds Ford by myself last saturday and they refused to rent me a gun.
Guess, I will have to take a friend along and shoot some.

[Hodgie]

What's your budget?
Without establishing this 1st everything else is moot. XD's are okay not my cup of tea high bore access more recoil then other options and too aggressive in the texturing on the grip. I would also go for a full size gun since you are a beginner and its for HD only.

[stainless]

Thank you.
I did go to Targetmaster in Chadds Ford by myself last saturday and they refused to rent me a gun.
.

Why did they refuse a rental? No experience or no LTCF or something else?

PS Stick around. You should get lots of recommendations.

[bigandy1966]

A double action revolver..357 mag with a 6" barrel. you can shoot .38 spl for range use and go full throttle .357 mag jacketed hollow points for Home Defense. More ammo options, and better terminal ballistics, simpler to use,longer sight plane, and more dependable.
A used Ruger GP100 might set you back $300-400 depending on the options

A Used S&W might go an additional $100-200 depending on the model.

Rossi and Taurus apparently make decent revolvers, but I have no first hand experience with those. these will go new for about $300. I am sure someone with first hand knowledge will come along.

And a handgun safety training class first and foremost. Target master offers some classes, theres some instructors on here that give classes from time to time, check the training threads. http://forum.pafoa.org/training-courses-122/

[harold63]

Thank you.
I did go to Targetmaster in Chadds Ford by myself last saturday and they refused to rent me a gun.
Guess, I will have to take a friend along and shoot some.

Try to get a friend with some guns to take you. Offer to buy the ammo and beer (beer for after shooting).

[streaker69]

Why did they refuse a rental? No experience or no LTCF or something else?

Suicide prevention, he was alone and renting a gun.

[TeflonDon]

Why did they refuse a rental? No experience or no LTCF or something else?

PS Stick around. You should get lots of recommendations.

No rental if you are alone and no gun. Something about suicide prevention..

[stainless]

Streaker and Teflon - good point. I didn't really think of that.