A First-Time Handgun Owner

[Pikachu711]

I need you help and suggestions on what type handgun I should recommend for my younger brother. Here's some background.

My younger brother has finally decided he needs a handgun for his home defense. This will not be a CCW permit gun. It will be used for home defense only. He's already told me that he is more comfortable with a revolver. He doesn't seem to be interested in semi-automatics like glock, etc. I've taken him to the gun range a few times over the last few years. He's seem my fire my handguns and isn't intimidated by them either. I've had him fire my handguns as well so he has a "novice" experience with guns.

I then asked him how much he was willing to spend on his first handgun. He's willing to spend from $300.00-400.00 price range. Now I'm looking for a revolver that is well made AND cost effective. I'm not going to allow him to buy some "junk" gun.

I would rather my brother buy a new handgun rather than a used handgun. Do you have any suggestion that would help me?

Thanks again for your help!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[sublime]

My suggestion is a shotgun. My favorite right now is the Remington 870 tactical

[EdC]

Price range is a little low for a new gun. I recommend a medium 7 shot revolver with a 4" bbl. in .357 magnum, and shoot .38 special +P. I'd recommend a S&W 686 Plus (love mine), but it's not in the stated price range. However,
Taurus is supposed to make a decent revolver, and you might want to check out the Taurus Tracker, Model 627, but I think they run about $460 new.

[Pikachu711]

Price range is a little low for a new gun. I recommend a medium 7 shot revolver with a 4" bbl. in .357 magnum, and shoot .38 special +P. I'd recommend a S&W 686 Plus (love mine), but it's not in the stated price range. However,
Taurus is supposed to make a decent revolver, and you might want to check out the Taurus Tracker, Model 627, but I think they run about $460 new.

I told him that his price range was somewhat restricting his options. I'm still trying to have him consider a semi-auto as well. I have a few that are available in his price range. I've found Rossi handguns which are within his price range. Any thoughts on Rossi handguns?

[Klaatu]

It is difficult for me to recommend something because it sounds like he is not going to make the effort in training necessary to be a responsible gun owner.

Having said that, my second thought is for a shotgun. But I am still uncomfortable about saying that. If he hesitates, a shotgun is going to be easier to take away from him.

[Pikachu711]

It is difficult for me to recommend something because it sounds like he is not going to make the effort in training necessary to be a responsible gun owner.

I plan on going to the range with him on a regular basis when/if he does buy his handgun. Once he gets into the habit of getting regular practice I'm hoping he keeps up with it. I go to the range on a regular basis so I'll be asking him if he wants to go with me occasionally.

[orangevol]

Taurus makes an excellent revolver called the Judge. It shoots .45 Long Colt and .410 shot shells. It runs a little higher $450-$500, but you can't beat it for a home defense gun.

Loaded up with 2 1/2" 000 buck shot shells @ 1300 fps it will definately make a great home defense weapon.

[Pikachu711]

Taurus makes an excellent revolver called the Judge. It shoots .45 Long Colt and .410 shot shells. It runs a little higher $450-$500, but you can't beat it for a home defense gun.

Loaded up with 2 1/2" 000 buck shot shells @ 1300 fps it will definately make a great home defense weapon.

My brother has fired my Taurus 85 & my .45 I had a few years ago. I know that a Taurus would be a good defense gun. I never had a misfire with my Taurus.

[archer51]

My first choice would be the Ruger GP100, however it is above the price range he is looking to spend. Second choice would be a Taurus, something along the lines of the model 65. Both are .357 caliber.

As far as Rossi, I haven't handled one in several years. While they did feel OK in the hand, I felt the cylinder had excessive slop in them when the gun was cocked. They may have resolved that, not sure.

[pgrass101]

I second the revolver and would suggest a taurus 65 of ruger GP-100

If you can find a S&W in you rpice range I'd get it.

[Pikachu711]

My first choice would be the Ruger GP100, however it is above the price range he is looking to spend. Second choice would be a Taurus, something along the lines of the model 65. Both are .357 caliber.

As far as Rossi, I haven't handled one in several years. While they did feel OK in the hand, I felt the cylinder had excessive slop in them when the gun was cocked. They may have resolved that, not sure.

I'm trying to get him to raise his price range. I would like to see him buy at least a Taurus. I'll be checking out the Rossi's at the local gun shops. I haven't had much experience with Rossi so I'll be checking them out for myself for piece of mind. As I said in a prior message, I will not let him buy less than a quality made gun.

Thanks for the info on the cylinder slop on Rossi. I'll look for that in the guns I check out later this week.

[JAT40]

Can't go wrong with the GP-100, spend the little extra or look for one used.

[Beergut]

It's my understanding that Taurus has been making the Rossi's for several years now. A friend of mine has a Rossi .38 and he likes it. The Taurus Judge 4510 is on my wish list. I saw the SS version for $550.00 at my local dealer.

[Pikachu711]

It's my understanding that Taurus has been making the Rossi's for several years now. A friend of mine has a Rossi .38 and he likes it. The Taurus Judge 4510 is on my wish list. I saw the SS version for $550.00 at my local dealer.

That's what I thought when I was doing research. Both websites look very similar. I kinda suspected that the they are manufactured by the same company. I'm still going to check out the Rossi handguns myself later this week.

Thanks for your input!

[sigmanluke]

+1 on the Taurus Judge. it gives you two good options for HD.