Carry Recommendations
Welcome, Bravo3! Since this is a new forum with members just now coming on board, I will try to answer your questions from my point of view. Others will reply over time. And this is one issue where you proibably need input from several different people.
First, your being from California, I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you visit the Packing.org website and research requirements for concealed carry in the state of California. They are VERY strict if you should get caught with a loaded weapon within your control in a vehicle. Don\'t gamble on this. California does issue concealed carry licenses and, in my opinion, you should get one. At home, in California, I believe you are free to carry in any manner you desire.
In response to your questions regarding makes, models, calibers I will tell you that it is very hard for any one person to tell you, specifically, what you should carry. You will need to make a decision about whether you prefer a revolver or a semi automatic. If you haven\'t had the opportunity to shoot each of them, you may want to visit your local range and see if they have loaners for you to try out. I know many of the ranges here in Arizona do. Some of the more popular revolver calibers are .38, .357 mag, .40, .41 mag and .45. My recommendation for a revolver would be the .357 mag. This gives you the option of shooting either .38 or .357 out of the same weapon. For a semi automatic 9mm, .40, 10mm, .45 are the most common self defense calibers. My preference would be the .40 or the .45. Many people will recommend the 9mm, which I have as well, but I prefer a bit more punch you get with the .40/.45 calibers. Again, you may want to shoot each of these before you actually spend your money.
Regardless of which you decide on, stick with the major manufacturers like Sig, H&K, Ruger, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Glock, Springfield Arms, Kimber, Para Ordnance, etc. I would not recommend that you consider military surplus pistols or the lower quality offerings out there as your first handgun.
Some will, of course, disagree but my recommendations would be:
Semi Automatic: .40 caliber from any of the above manufacturers (my preference is the Sig) 3.5-4\" barrel, stainless or blued. The Sig is a little more expensive than some of the others.
Revolver: Smith & Wesson .357mag with a barrel length between 2-4\", stainless or blued.
There are compact models that are in the lower end of barrel length range above, but I would opt for the 4\" barrel in either type.
You should also strongly consider taking an entry level shooting course to insure that you learn the necessary safety rules.
Welcome, Bravo3! Since this is a new forum with members just now coming on board, I will try to answer your questions from my point of view. Others will reply over time. And this is one issue where you proibably need input from several different people.
First, your being from California, I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you visit the Packing.org website and research requirements for concealed carry in the state of California. They are VERY strict if you should get caught with a loaded weapon within your control in a vehicle. Don\'t gamble on this. California does issue concealed carry licenses and, in my opinion, you should get one. At home, in California, I believe you are free to carry in any manner you desire.
In response to your questions regarding makes, models, calibers I will tell you that it is very hard for any one person to tell you, specifically, what you should carry. You will need to make a decision about whether you prefer a revolver or a semi automatic. If you haven\'t had the opportunity to shoot each of them, you may want to visit your local range and see if they have loaners for you to try out. I know many of the ranges here in Arizona do. Some of the more popular revolver calibers are .38, .357 mag, .40, .41 mag and .45. My recommendation for a revolver would be the .357 mag. This gives you the option of shooting either .38 or .357 out of the same weapon. For a semi automatic 9mm, .40, 10mm, .45 are the most common self defense calibers. My preference would be the .40 or the .45. Many people will recommend the 9mm, which I have as well, but I prefer a bit more punch you get with the .40/.45 calibers. Again, you may want to shoot each of these before you actually spend your money.
Regardless of which you decide on, stick with the major manufacturers like Sig, H&K, Ruger, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Glock, Springfield Arms, Kimber, Para Ordnance, etc. I would not recommend that you consider military surplus pistols or the lower quality offerings out there as your first handgun.
Some will, of course, disagree but my recommendations would be:
Semi Automatic: .40 caliber from any of the above manufacturers (my preference is the Sig) 3.5-4\" barrel, stainless or blued. The Sig is a little more expensive than some of the others.
Revolver: Smith & Wesson .357mag with a barrel length between 2-4\", stainless or blued.
There are compact models that are in the lower end of barrel length range above, but I would opt for the 4\" barrel in either type.
You should also strongly consider taking an entry level shooting course to insure that you learn the necessary safety rules.
