Hello, I am seriously considering buying a firearm for self defense.

I have looked into my state laws (Pennsylvania) and just have a question for the experienced members of the forum.

What kind of handgun would be recommended for a consumer that has no prior gun experience of any kind? I have not even fired a gun in my lifetime. I am about 5'10", 170lbs, if my dimensions have anything to do with the caliber of gun I should be owning as a novice.

Also, are there any brand that I should avoid? I really like the looks of Taurus pistols. What are the benefits of revolver vs a glock?

Thanks. Plz don't flame my lack of knowledge.

 

Every person on here is going to say that you should go to a firing range and rent/try a bunch of different guns to see which ones you are most comfortable with. Do you have any friends that are owners?

 

No, none of my friends carry. I was just hoping for some general feedback.

 

It's not your size that mostly the concern in choosing your caliber. It's what you plan on shooting, at what distance, and for what reason. with your size you shouldn't have any trouble shooting just about everything.

I say go for a 9mm pistol. as a good starter handgun. If you buy one, chances are it won't be your last gun.

PS: I highly doubt that none of your acquaintances are gun owners. You'd be surprised.

good luck!

 

The only pistol I own is a Glock G19. Its a compact 9mm that fits my hand really well. It was $525 and has a 15 round capacity compared to others like a Sig-Sauer which has 8.

 

^ i think i have a glock 19 also...i don't even know for sure though... mine was cheaper but I bought it 8 years ago... i think i have gone shooting 3 times with it in 8 years.... good shit.

i was thinking that mine did not hold that many... maybe 10 for mine? how does your hold so many?

 

Thats the mag that came with it as pictured below:

 

i'll have to get mine out tonight and look.... i may call 9-1-1 before i get it out just to have them on standby...

 

From my personal experience.

Revolver:
Pro- It is simple. It is reliable. It is easier to clean and is much less likely to misfire. There is not a lot that can go wrong with a revolver.
Con- It is bulky to carry. It only holds a limited number of rounds. It takes longer to reload unless you carry speed loaders. Speed loaders take up a LOT more space than an extra clip. If you miss-load it, you can think the gun is empty when it is not!!

Semi Automatic:
Pro- It is easier to reload. It is inherently safer. It is easier to carry. More rounds available without reloading. Greater variety of calibers available.
Con- It is harder to pre-load the clip. It is more complicated to clean. It has more failure modes. If one round fails to fire the gun MUST be cleared before shooting resumes.

I like the square guns slightly more than a revolver for personal protection. If you have never owned a gun before I would recomend a round that has a smaller energy. This would be a .22, .38, .40, or 9mm. The calibers to avoid for a first gun would be .22LR, .357, 10mm, .45, .457, .50.

JMHO

 

Do shooting ranges offer 'test pistols' to determine which gun would suit me best? If not, I guess I would just have to buy before firing and find out for myself, huh?