First time gun owner.

Finzup wrote:

With all this great help you probably don't need another opinion, but here's my anyway. I have a 9mm Luger and don't like to shoot it. Recoil and stubby barrel makes rapid fire a little difficult to be accurate. I have had a Taurus .45 with the same issue, to the extreme. 38 caliber is considered, by many, to be the smallest effective personal protection bullet.

Though I practice once a month, I'm not going to depend on one shot to stop a threat. So I wanted a pistol that I could make multiple, rapid fire, torso shots. Well I picked the .380. A Bersa is my outdoor gun and a Keltec is my pocket pistol. I load my own ammo so I picked a hot load for a 77 gr. Magtech hollow point. The Keltec is double action and always ready to go in a pocket holster.

Oh, yeah, if you decide on a big-bore make sure your lady won't be too intimidated to shoot it.

its a real bad idea to use your reloads for self defense. if you ever have to shoot someone, "i pray that none of us ever have to" any lawyer will get you fried for useing handloads. there case on you is basicly you loaded the cartrige to kill a human only etc etc.

from the mouth of sevral officer, and lawyer friends of the shop, your 100% better off carrying factory ammo for your selfdefense carry gun.

jbeane wrote:

Finzup wrote:

With all this great help you probably don't need another opinion, but here's my anyway. I have a 9mm Luger and don't like to shoot it. Recoil and stubby barrel makes rapid fire a little difficult to be accurate. I have had a Taurus .45 with the same issue, to the extreme. 38 caliber is considered, by many, to be the smallest effective personal protection bullet.

Though I practice once a month, I'm not going to depend on one shot to stop a threat. So I wanted a pistol that I could make multiple, rapid fire, torso shots. Well I picked the .380. A Bersa is my outdoor gun and a Keltec is my pocket pistol. I load my own ammo so I picked a hot load for a 77 gr. Magtech hollow point. The Keltec is double action and always ready to go in a pocket holster.

Oh, yeah, if you decide on a big-bore make sure your lady won't be too intimidated to shoot it.

its a real bad idea to use your reloads for self defense. if you ever have to shoot someone, "i pray that none of us ever have to" any lawyer will get you fried for useing handloads. there case on you is basicly you loaded the cartrige to kill a human only etc etc.

from the mouth of sevral officer, and lawyer friends of the shop, your 100% better off carrying factory ammo for your selfdefense carry gun.

Thats great advise! I was told the same thing! I was also told to keep the box that the self defense ammo came in and write the date purchased and the guns serial number that it went in!

I have heard and read the same thing. And in that vein, the big boys say that any custom work on your pistol will sure work against you if the other side has a sharp lawer. And they WILL check your gun if you ever have to use it for self defense and some body buys the farm. About 4 this morning I heard a car door, then heard a sound like some body slapped the side of the house or a vechile. I picked up my glock and started for the door. I thought that the car and truck were both insured and there was not a lot of stuff out there worth packing away, so I just got back under the covers!!

Well right now I plan to buy a glock 23. Don't want a small gun but would like a good sized pistol

Hey Guys, I haven't posted any since I joined up, because I learn more by reading and keeping my mouth shut. But this happens to be something I know a little bit about. So I want to put in my 2 cents if thats ok. Being in Law-enforcment for 16 years I can tell you TBone, if you are uncomfortable with guns or the thought of pulling the trigger, then invest a good alarm system or a good dog. However if you are seriously going to purchase one for home defense, make sure you are in the mind set to do what needs to done. What I mean is "take care of business" Don't shoot to scare, don't shoot to warn, shoot to protect yourself and your family.

With that being said, I agree with everyone's choice of a Glock. I have carried a Glock my whole career and I absolutly swear by them. I carried the 22 for 12 years and the 17c for the last 4. I have owned a 27 since the first ones were shipped to North Carolina and having fired 10,000 plus rounds and never had a malfunction (some missfires due to ammo) but they have never let me down.

If I could make a recommendation, would be to get a glock of your choice and make sure you get one with a light rail, and put a tactical light on it. Not to look cool, but God forbid, if you have to use it in the middle of the night, you have everything you need to identify your target and see what you are doing. Then PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! untill you can hit what you aim at 100% of the time, because when you're startled in the middle of the night your accuracy will automaticly be cut in half. And shoot it till you have the confidence you need too! Good Luck with it

Tim

Tim,

That is a great post and I thank you for your thoughts. Please chime in more often! I greatly appreciate your post! Also thank you for your service.

T-bone i would take Tim,s advice that was a great post just make sure u really want to own one then get the one u want and get trained on it

I haven't bought factory ammo in many years. All my ammo is reloaded. For the 45 ACP I carry a wad cutter bullet or some refer to it as a target/practice load. A reduced velocity load that no one can complain about. It cuts a nice round hole in the target or anything else it hits.

Another note, and this applies to police officers as well, although they may not think so because of their training. Just because you are carrying a gun it doesn't mean you can't retreat. If you have the time, leave the area. The bottom line is that distance equals safety. Run away. Go hide some where. If they have a hand gun it doesn't have to be to far. If they have a long gun, even a 22 rifle, your shit is weak and you are out gunned. Keep on trucking. You have family to think about, not your ego.. That's my thoughts.

groundhog wrote:

I haven't bought factory ammo in many years. All my ammo is reloaded. For the 45 ACP I carry a wad cutter bullet or some refer to it as a target/practice load. A reduced velocity load that no one can complain about. It cuts a nice round hole in the target or anything else it hits.

Another note, and this applies to police officers as well, although they may not think so because of their training. Just because you are carrying a gun it doesn't mean you can't retreat. If you have the time, leave the area. The bottom line is that distance equals safety. Run away. Go hide some where. If they have a hand gun it doesn't have to be to far. If they have a long gun, even a 22 rifle, your shit is weak and you are out gunned. Keep on trucking. You have family to think about, not your ego.. That's my thoughts.

While you can buy any type of "factory" ammo, I've never heard of a self defense claim being denied because of the origin of the bullet. As well, what's the defense of neutralizing a well identified threat using a modified firearm? Could be so, but I need to check farther. I have my CC instructor, nephew State Policeman, and friend Public Defender to consult. I think I'll stand with Presidential hopeful, groundhog, for the time being.

ill vote for you groundhog

I have investigated and assisted with several more where civilians used deadly force against an intruder and whether the ammo was factory or handloads never came into play and was not a factor. I've not heard of this being used in a lawsuit or criminal trial...at lleast not in the south.

But as Groundhog predicted, I have to disagree with the whole retreat idea. But that's probably why I do what I do.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to stand by and do nothing." -- Edmund Burke

Ya t-bone you dont't want to get shot in the a$$.

pit dog wrote:

Ya t-bone you dont't want to get shot in the a$$.

pit dog wrote:

Ya t-bone you dont't want to get shot in the a$$.

Believe me I don't either.

Tbone, if you are really wanting a G23 and you are heading to WV this weekend you can take mine up with you. I am sure James can take you somewhere you can shoot it and try it out. Just let me know.

I'm not going this weekend but I appreciate the offer

Hello,
Although I am new to this post, it's encouraging to see there is a Firearms discussion area.

TBone,
to your initial question, I'd like to offer my opinions (I know... opinions are like [certain anterior body parts]).
And, it may be worth what you're paying for these opinions.....nothing?
But, here goes:

Most of the postings seem pretty much consistent with common opinions within the firearms community (including the advice to only use FACTORY defensive ammo in your carry gun--but, that topic may be more involved than you're looking for at this time?).
Although my prime carry gun is a GLOCK (19) with an LCP backup, if may offer another option, please consider the Smith & Wesson, Military & Police line - an S&W M&P 9c (similar in size to the Glock19), plus a spare magazine from a full-size M&P makes a excellent, reliable, self-defense equipment package as well.

In addition, please budget for a purpose-built belt and a quality holster. Remember, in this quest, your life may one day depend on this equipment--how much is your life worth? Life is precious; please don't "go on the cheap."

For starters--before you get too much into your first machine--I encourage you to PLEASE find a reputable training school (both hardware & software are important to protecting yourself). And, as you know,when learning something new, it is best to initially learn correct procedures; easier to learn good techniques first rather than correct bad habits later....
In addition to the vast knowledge most instructors willing offer, most schools have options to try any number of firearms during class. Two of the best known schools are Thunder Ranch and Gunsite. I see you are from NC, but guess you end up in the WV area frequently?!?
So, a drive up to WV Ohio might be worth considering. I've personally attended (back in June '09) the Handgun 1-3 course at TDI (Tactical Defense Institute - tdiohio.com ) - excellent! My wife (not a "gun person") even enjoyed the course! The instructors were knowledgeable and very patient. They explained WHY they taught particular techniques; it was not "boot camp" nor a "my way or the highway" attitude I've experienced from a few other instructors along the way. They will provide guns for class, too.

For home defense: please do ALL that the others have recommended--have a home alarm system, a good dog, AND a shotgun (get training on the DEFENSIVE use of this type of firearm too!). And, carry your pistol with you at home; that way, it is nearby if you should need it - and it is NEVER left unattended where someone else could find it.
Well, I've probably posted too much for my first time. But, as you may notice, I'm particularly passionate about the importance of firearms in our society. And encourage all the "good guys" to be safe and knowledgeable.
Good luck! Stay safe. Hope to see you on the trails this spring!

Good post shredder! I really appreciate and I'm glad your here! Your input is def valuable.

Tbone, keep in mind that while Glock is an excellent and reliable handgun, it is not the ideal fit in everyone's hand. I like them, however I don't own a single one. There are other offerings that for me better personally. I like the S&W M&P as my go to handguns. H&K's are my favorite but I don't usually carry them since I can't get a crimson trace laser group for them. Its gun show season, look around and see what you like. Gun forums are a good place to buy used firearms. "NC gun owners" has a good culture on that site.

One last point is that I agree with others that have mentioned a shotgun for home defense. That is my preference as well.

Oh, and Glock is not the only drop dead reliable semi auto on the market. They were the first, but many others have matched or closed on their record.

Shredder wrote:

Hello,
Although I am new to this post, it's encouraging to see there is a Firearms discussion area.

TBone,
to your initial question, I'd like to offer my opinions (I know... opinions are like [certain anterior body parts]).
And, it may be worth what you're paying for these opinions.....nothing?
But, here goes:

Most of the postings seem pretty much consistent with common opinions within the firearms community (including the advice to only use FACTORY defensive ammo in your carry gun--but, that topic may be more involved than you're looking for at this time?).
Although my prime carry gun is a GLOCK (19) with an LCP backup, if may offer another option, please consider the Smith & Wesson, Military & Police line - an S&W M&P 9c (similar in size to the Glock19), plus a spare magazine from a full-size M&P makes a excellent, reliable, self-defense equipment package as well.

In addition, please budget for a purpose-built belt and a quality holster. Remember, in this quest, your life may one day depend on this equipment--how much is your life worth? Life is precious; please don't "go on the cheap."

For starters--before you get too much into your first machine--I encourage you to PLEASE find a reputable training school (both hardware & software are important to protecting yourself). And, as you know,when learning something new, it is best to initially learn correct procedures; easier to learn good techniques first rather than correct bad habits later....
In addition to the vast knowledge most instructors willing offer, most schools have options to try any number of firearms during class. Two of the best known schools are Thunder Ranch and Gunsite. I see you are from NC, but guess you end up in the WV area frequently?!?
So, a drive up to WV Ohio might be worth considering. I've personally attended (back in June '09) the Handgun 1-3 course at TDI (Tactical Defense Institute - tdiohio.com ) - excellent! My wife (not a "gun person") even enjoyed the course! The instructors were knowledgeable and very patient. They explained WHY they taught particular techniques; it was not "boot camp" nor a "my way or the highway" attitude I've experienced from a few other instructors along the way. They will provide guns for class, too.

For home defense: please do ALL that the others have recommended--have a home alarm system, a good dog, AND a shotgun (get training on the DEFENSIVE use of this type of firearm too!). And, carry your pistol with you at home; that way, it is nearby if you should need it - and it is NEVER left unattended where someone else could find it.
Well, I've probably posted too much for my first time. But, as you may notice, I'm particularly passionate about the importance of firearms in our society. And encourage all the "good guys" to be safe and knowledgeable.
Good luck! Stay safe. Hope to see you on the trails this spring!

That was a great post....thanks for the info...

Tbone something else to consider is if your sweety is gonna be handling it
you might want to consider a semi with a decocking mechanism on it for safety reason also. Just another feature to consider which is vital for someone that doesn't have the strength and savy to remember to uncock a loaded gun after the scare is over!

keeter wrote:

Tbone something else to consider is if your sweety is gonna be handling it
you might want to consider a semi with a decocking mechanism on it for safety reason also. Just another feature to consider which is vital for someone that doesn't have the strength and savy to remember to uncock a loaded gun after the scare is over!

One thing I love about my H&K's decock and safety...ok, sorry, 2 things.