Originally posted by Hydramatic: You know, for self defense, I wouldn't be lugging around a 357 mag or .45. Why not go with one of those small .22 magnum revolvers? They are light, very easy to handle, and very easy to conceal. Also, the ammo is pretty cheap, and I don't really care who you are, getting hit with a bullet is getting hit with a bullet, you are gonna run away. Now these .22 revolvers aren't too impressive looking, and don't make a huge BLAM when they are fired, but I'd recommend one over a .45 to a beginner any day. My two cents.
Sorry....a 22cal handgun is just a "get off me " close encounter backup gun. .45ACP ammo is not cheap...but how much is your life worth? Its not like he has to shoot hydrashocks or CorBon all the time...but for a carry load...yep....and once in a while shoot a mag through it to make sure you still have the feel for a hot round. I recommend either the Sig lineup....or Springfield XD Subcompact series in .40Cal. Carry load...Corbon or Hydra is amust...this is not to scare them off...it is to eliminate the threat. But your best defense is take a self defense class and a CCW class....you woul dbe amazed at what you will learn. After you go ot a range and test out many handguns and find the one you are most comfortable with and can shoot it consistantly...get it and keep going to the range. Practice all the time. Try handguns out of you rprice range too...maybe something a bit more expensive will fit you better....never limit a spend like that...it is your life and when you draw down...be prepared to kill someone...if not...just get a new job or leave earlier.
p.s. these are all things that I have heard....I know nothing of handguns nor their usage
