Advice on buying my first handgun...

[Quantum]

Anybody got any advice on buying your first handgun? I am thinking about getting prepared for a possible "economic crisis". I am considering stockpiling food, water, medical, and any other type of valuable supplies just in case the "crap hits the fan". I have also been thinking about getting a small hand gun. I am looking for something light, under 500 dollars, minimal recoil, concealable, semi-automatic, with an external safety. I am thinking 9mm.
I live in the states, have a clean record, and am old enough to by anything I want. The guns purpose is for home defense and property defense. I am single and will be for the foreseeable future, so I don’t have to worry about my kids getting a hold of it or my wife felling the need to express herself about me having a gun.

So what do you think would be a good choice?

 

[Sephiroth]

you might want to look for a Glock chambered for the .357sig, if you can get the ammunition readily enough

 

[Daedalus12]

Might as well go for the popular choice. The M&P 40 should be good for your first handgun.

 

[Garrovick]

Based on your post. You don't need a handgun right now. What really need is to research local laws. Attend firearms training classes, reputable courses will loan you a firearm to train with.. Then get the required permits from the State.

You will be surprised at the laws that apply to you "defending " your property. As is when and why you can discharge firearm at another person.

Plus for simple home defense, a small short shotgun is the best choice. 12 gauge or even 410.

 

[jamestyler]

Plus for simple home defense, a small short shotgun is the best choice. 12 gauge or even 410.

I'm not much of a gun expert, but I'd say if it was for home defence that sounds more 'badass'.

It may just be my way of thinking, but if I was going to go to that extreme to protect my home I'd want to get something that would give the impression I was batshit crazy over something practical.

 

[T'Baio]

I'm afraid of Americans...

 

[Garrovick]

I'm afraid of Americans...

That's why we have signs at our ports of entry...

"Warning - In this country Citizens are allowed to own firearms - Enter at your own risk"

 

[The Sneeze Police]

Take some firearm safety classes first...become familiar with your state's laws concerning home defense.

Revolvers are more reliable and easier to maintain than semiautomatics (pistols.)

The sound of a pump action shotgun being chambered may be a deterrent all by itself...

 

[Garrovick]

Plus for simple home defense, a small short shotgun is the best choice. 12 gauge or even 410.

I'm not much of a gun expert, but I'd say if it was for home defence that sounds more 'badass'.

It may just be my way of thinking, but if I was going to go to that extreme to protect my home I'd want to get something that would give the impression I was batshit crazy over something practical.

Nothing convinces a Bad Guy from getting out of your house more that the sound of a pump shotgun having a round chambered loudly, then the very loud roar and the smoke and flames coming from the muzzle when it's fired. And the plus side, is that if you simply ruin a spot on your wall, you don't even have to aim at them.

 

[sidious618]

Take some firearm safety classes first...become familiar with your state's laws concerning home defense.

That's some solid advice and you should definately follow it. Don't just buy a handgun and think that's all there is to it.

 

[T'Baio]

I'm afraid of Americans...

That's why we have signs at our ports of entry...

"Warning - In this country Citizens are allowed to own firearms - Enter at your own risk"

Canadians are allowed to own firearms, as well.

The fear is from the crazy, not the gun.

 

[Quantum]

Take some firearm safety classes first...become familiar with your state's laws concerning home defense.

That's some solid advice and you should definately follow it. Don't just buy a handgun and think that's all there is to it.

I was never planning to. There are several places near to where I live that have ranges, and hopefully gun training courses.....

 

[JuanBolio]

I'm afraid of Americans...

That's why we have signs at our ports of entry...

"Warning - In this country Citizens are allowed to own firearms - Enter at your own risk"

Canadians are allowed to own firearms, as well.

The fear is from the crazy, not the gun.

...so you're calling the OP crazy for wanting to buy a gun?

To answer the OP's inquiry, I'd go for something rugged and reliable, and possibly something that backs a bit more punch than a 9mm. Possibly a good old Colt .45.

 

[T'Baio]

That's why we have signs at our ports of entry...

"Warning - In this country Citizens are allowed to own firearms - Enter at your own risk"

Canadians are allowed to own firearms, as well.

The fear is from the crazy, not the gun.

...so you're calling the OP crazy for wanting to buy a gun?

Excellent reasoning.

 

[sidious618]

I was never planning to. There are several places near to where I live that have ranges, and hopefully gun training courses.....

Good to hear.

 

[JuanBolio]

Excellent reasoning.

You're not being terribly clear. Who exactly is crazy, and why?

 

[T'Baio]

Excellent reasoning.

You're not being terribly clear. Who exactly is crazy, and why?

The person I think is crazy is...

Oh, SNAP! I see what you're doing, there.

Clever.

 

[JuanBolio]

...

 

[Ethros]

I find it a little OTT that the reason the OP wants a gun is because he believes Mad Max is going to be happening soon

 

[JuanBolio]

I find it a little OTT that the reason the OP wants a gun is because he believes Mad Max is going to be happening soon

Its always a possibility. Our technological civilization is based on some very slender threads that could easily be broken in a number of ways. Better to have a thing and not need it...