packin45

LOL....the local 'reputable' gun shop sold me a Mossberg 500 12 gauge, and told me to load it with low brass birdshot for HD, since it won't penetrate drywall. This was my first gun purchase, back in 1999, and I took that advice for a long time. This is the same place that is now charging $550 for a used Glock, and once tried to sell me a compensated G21 for a carry gun. Point: you always have to take the gun store guy's advice with a grain of salt.

I sold that Mossberg a long time ago, and really regret it now. We live in an apartment now, but we're moving to a much bigger place at the end of the summer, at which time I will be picking up another Mossberg 500 12 gauge with pistol grip stock and tactical light. The shotgun is the only way to go for home defense.

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Glock 21 .45 ACP

Glock 17 9mm

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

bisquit

I'm sorry I looked at the photo of that M637 ( Smith and Wesson Revolvers. Find Smith and Wesson Dealers. ). I fell in love with it immediately not only because it was beautiful and made my 2x4 look like a termite infested piece of old outhouse, but I realized that If I had that .38 last year when that guy waved his pistol at me, he would have lost more than a finger. I realize there's no perfect gun, but that snubbie looks mean enough to be my cup of tea.

Please forgive me for sounding like I know what I'm talking about, but I think the M638 "humpback" is ugly as sin, I love the lines with the hammer, but I guess the hammer could snag. At the web site cited above, there are photos and specs of all S&W hand guns and all seem to be distinguished by specific attributes, there's a hand gun for every need. I noticed there's an M37 that is identical to the M637 except for the carbon steel barrel. Here in Florida, I'd opt for the stainless version unless the carbon barrel were significantly cheaper. At 14.5 ounces, I'm sure I can lift it, but I'd have to fire it to see if the recoil would dislocate my shoulder (I'm not a big guy). I think the M637 will help me defend my home, and is small and light enough for mobile duty.

In any event, I was so juiced up, I immediately starting checking prices. I was staggered when I saw numbers like $447 to $630 — what kind of lunacy is that? Would someone really spend $630 for a pistol? Numbers like that make my 2x4 look like the world's greatest bargain. Would a gun show be my best bet to meet up with a private seller? — I'd be saving all kinds of fees, mailing costs, and taxes. I talked to a local police officer who stated there are no laws against private sales in FL so what I have in mind is perfectly legal. After a minute or two of conversation, the officer tactfully suggested that I'd be out of my league dickering with savvy gun guys. He said a friend familiar with firearms could help me avoid serious mistakes.

Well, there you are — I need a gun nut to go with me to a gun show, but I don't know anyone who knows up from down about guns. Maybe in the end my best bet will be to pay a cabinet maker $25 to make a custom grip on one end of my 2x4, and paint it a nice shade of lavender for me.

Kerbouchard

A quality pistol is going to be expensive. Sometimes you can find a used S&W that is about 70% in the 200 dollar range. It won't be a snubby and it won't be able to handle .357. You'll be limited to .38, possibly +P, maybe not. If you are looking for a slightly rusted pistol with a 4" barrel that cannot shoot +P loads, you might be able to get to the $150-175 range.

The reason a shotgun was recommended so many times is that a quality shotgun can be had under $200. Developing the proficiency to hit what you aim at is also much, much cheaper with a shotgun than a pistol. A shotgun provides some degree of stopping power, where as a pistol does not.

Most of the people on this forum carry a concealed handgun everywhere they go, and I would bet a majority of this forum depends on a Shotgun as their primary Home Defense Method.

Believe me, if I had my way, I wouldn't carry a concealed handgun. I would feel much more comfortable carrying a rifle or a shotgun.

If concealed carry was against the law and I could only have one firearm, it would be a 12 ga.

Edited to add...as far as your question if somebody would really spend $630 for a pistol...well, there are many people on this forum that have spent several thousand on a pistol.

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Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever.

http://miscmusings.townhall.com/

Who is John Galt?

BikerRN

You may be the world's cheapest man, but you had better pay for some training first.

After that I'd be happy to recommend something.

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"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

obxned

Get a Hi Point!

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"I'm mad as hell, and I won't take it anymore!"

There is only one gun law in this country, the 2nd Amendment. All else is bureaucratic nonsense that I choose to comply with or not at my discretion.

When governments make laws, they must consider the unintended consequences.

JeffLrrp

+1,000,000,000. Haha.

Seriously though. Pump action 12 gauge or 20 gauge with 22", 20, or 18" barrel. That or a used Smith and Wesson or Ruger revolver. I have an old(young??) Smith Model 10 (early 80s vintage). While a bit heavy for carry, it shoots like a dream. Plus the fireball coming out of that cut down barrel with just .38+p's would set the bad guy on fire if he's just 3-4 feet away. The Smith sometimes is carried, but often its my 'under the pillow' gun. It's six shots gets me to the shotgun, if needed.

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“Laws that forbid the carrying of arms . . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes . . .
----- Thomas Jefferson

NRA member

Tally XD

This is one of the best thoughts I have read tonight.

I agree that guns are something that are over priced, especially since millions of each type are sold, but the price is relative when looking at the cost of the "higher" end pistols. Think of it as a car. . . . a BMW isnt worth what they cost but they are infinitely better cars than a GEO Metro and are made with more quality in both engineering and quality of parts. Sure, a Metro will get you from point A to point B, maybe, but the Bimmer can get you there quicker, safer and with a lot more comfort and style.

Put your money on whatever you feel is quality enough to save your life. But, remember, a weapon has to work EVERY time to save your life but only has to fail ONCE to cost your life.

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You have a right to self defense . . . vote AGAINST Barack Obama!

Rmac58

I have a S&W j frame, with hammer spur. I prefer to be able to pull it back. I got the three inch barrel, wish I'd a bought something shorter. It's a .357, I keep HP's in it at home, practice with .38's. And yes, around $600.

cdwolf

Listen to this Man, He speaks the truth.
In one afternoon and $15 worth of shotgun shells you can learn enough to hit what your aiming at at 20yds and under with #1 buckshot!
I just think you will need A LOT more practice to shoot a revolver and would love to see how long it takes to master the 2" snub.
ETA:There are carry guns on here over $2000.00, with over $400 in a leather Rig!

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GUN CONTROL= I WANT TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF THE GUN

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Sarge45

Mossberg 500 Cruiser with pistol grip. Cheap and effective.