Don't know where this needs to go...but.....

[pappy]

Guys and gals, this is pappy.....I am looking for a pistol. We have had many break ins and shops ram-sacked, and I think it is about time to do the true American thing and purchase a pistol for the house. Something like a 357 or 9mm...anyone got any advice? PM mew...

[bird]

Here you go Pappy.....

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_871/products_id/95549

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_871/products_id/46368

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_871/products_id/42605

[pappy]

Thanks AL, think I found what I was looking for....
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_71/products_id/13283
Nothing fancy but looks like a great house gun.

[gob09]

i really like the ruger security six or GP series

[bird]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/62695

[savduck]

Hey Pap,

A 9mm is a nice round, but  I think you should look into a 357 revovler too before buying. I own both.

In a self defense situation you need to be able to react quickly and have equipment that operates flawlessly without much thought or effort. Here is why I prefer the 357 over my 9mm.

1. A 165 grain hollow point 357 round is a wrecking ball. It will STOP anything you hit. The 9mm is very fast and sleek. It is known for passing through and leaving clean wounds. I want something that is gonna split you in half.

2. The design of a revolver....simple designs that has low failure rate. When its loaded you cock the hammer on a single action or pull the trigger on a double action. When the rubber hits the road you are shooting instead of trying to slide the hammer back or figure out which safety latch to unlock on a semi auto 9. You can shoot without having to think.

3. Bullets, you can shoot 38s through a 357. 38s shells are cheap so you can practice and not spend a ton of money, save your 357 mag bullets for business.

[lightsoutcalls]

Although I don't own a semi-auto (other than a .22 caliber), I lean towards savduck's mindset.  I do have a .357 and know that it has what it takes to get the job done. 
I know there are arguments for the increased number of rounds in a semi-auto, but the increased energy of the .357 has its own validity in a discussion about stopping power.  I won't aim at something I don't intend to kill.  That said, if I aim at something, I want it to go down as quickly as possible and with as little resistance as possible.  God forbid that I ever have to aim at a 2 legged predator, but if I do, I feel good about my chances with the .357. 

[Peck1524]

I prefer my Glock 17 for home defense for a couple of reasons. 1. I like the simplicity and reliability of a Glock pistol. Other than operating the slide, all you have to do is point and shoot. I don't keep a load in the chamber, but do keep a full magazine loaded in the gun. There is also no safeties to have to worry with if I ever need to use it in a hurry. 2. Perfect size for my wife to handle safely and effectively. She can probably out shoot me with it. 3. 17 round magazine. Can get them in 20 I believe, but my state only allows a max of 17. If I or my wife cannot stop a threat with 17 rounds, we are probably screwed anyway. 4. Glock night sights. I have the Gen 4 which comes with night sights. The sights have some sort of radioactive material in them which allows them to glow in the dark. I know there is alot of arguments over which round is better for stopping power. But a 9mm will do a fine job with 1 well placed shot.

[hobbes]

Since we're talking handguns.  I've never owned one.  However, I may reconsider since I'll be in grizzly country.  My experience with one is on the low side, so I'd probably be better off with the giant can of bear spray that I have.  It throws a mean fog of deterant that would be hard to miss with.  I'd need the bear to be chewing on me with my arm and gun down his throat to hit one under those circumstances. 
But..............I'd feel safer with additional reassurance.

I'm not certain I'll even purchase one, but what does a relatively inexpensive, light weight, large caliber, handgun cost?  Recommendations?

[Basser69]

I own and have owned a bunch of handguns over the years and savduck hit the nail on the head. If you look in my nightstand there is a 9MM loaded with defense loads but look in mommas nightstand on the other side of the bed and there is a .357 Plan and simple for her to use. She has shot it with .38 rounds in it and can handle it with no problems. It actually has .357 rounds in it now but we wont tell her that because if it is ever nedded, she will not know the difference.

[CSAW]

Pappy,

The Taurus Judge is very handy as a home defense weapon.  You can shoot either 45 long colt or 410.  A mess of shot sure fills up a hallway in a hurry, and would certainly hurt if not kill.  If their still coming after that, they are there for more than your T.V. in my opinion.  Shot will not pass through walls easily, so someone sleeping in another room might not get hit by a stray.  My 2 cents.