Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests buying my first handgun...suggestions?

Originally posted by TC'd Swazo:

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If you're looking for something for protection, maybe a revolver like a Ruger SP101. They look sweet, VERY reliable, it's compact and EASILY concealed and it's a .357. Not expensive at all and perfect for self protection.

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Good choice!

A revolver is always a better recommendation for personal defense as they are much simpler to operate. Unless you need to reload, then you're screwed.
A lot of pistols take a lot of effort to manipulate, deal with magazines, and there is more of a chance of a jam on extraction or feed.

To the original poster:
Personally, if you want protection and you aren't familiar with guns yet, DON'T start packing one concealed.
If you do have to draw it the chances of being effective, being able to assess if you need to kill someone (because you should never draw one unless that is the probably outcome), the act of actually killing someone,and the penalties that can be assessed if you make a wrong choice are just too great!

Think what happens if you miss and hit an innocent bystander...kiss your life goodbye.
Also what if you shoot and you just miss, or the other person has a gun and you don't make a critical hit?

I always recommend getting MACE on your keychain and then a TASER or Stun Gun and packing that FIRST! If you make a mistake you are in less trouble at that point.

At the same time you should get a gun and start practicing with it for quite a while before you take to carrying it on the streets.
Remember, if you have a gun you will think it is the solution for any problem instead of thinking of other methods first. It's human nature and not helped by all the Hollywood films that show people able to intimidate others with a gun in order to control a situation. It's also depicted as being easy to pick and choose targets and kill them with precision. Well it is NOT easy as many people think that if they don't have a gun you won't shoot them and will challenge you.
Good luck.