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need help with gun buying 101

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Since i am now an official Texas resident, i'd like to make 3 purchases. I plan to enroll my wife and I in a CHL class so we can get our licenses.

1) shotgun for the home
2) handgun for me to carry
3) handgun for the wife to carry

I realize this is probably akin to "how do I buy cigars", but I have never owned a gun and maybe only fired one a dozen times.

Do you guys have any recommendations for both home and personal firearms?

MUCH appreciated in advance :)
 
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Remington 870
Glock 19
Glock 26

Shoot the handguns before buying. Pick what you both like.
 
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Big fundamental difference between a Remington 870 and Mossberg 500? Those seem to be the two most recommended?
 
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zirotti,

I recommend going out to a firing range, and telling them what your looking at doing. The main reason I suggest this, is that you really want to select a pistol that is right for your wife. You can dig up stuff ALL DAY LONG on the internet about what pistols are made best for women in self defense, but you honestly really cant rely on something until you have shot it a few times yourself. SO I really recommend going to a range and trying out a few things from them.

Aside from that, I agree with costanza. An 870's sound is enough to deter ANY burglar from your vicinity. And then I also recommend a Glock for yourself. I really enjoy the caliber to weight ratio with them. Ive been really impressed with how light they are. I have great friends who swear against Glock, and then I have some that will carry only them.

My family has a Taurus Judge for their women in the house. They're quick, easy, and will stop a bus. My Boss recommends any double action revolver for a woman. Primary reason why, is no fuss, just point and shoot. She wont need to worry about cocking it or anything.

And then of course I always recommend having a finger safety box. Whether you have kids, or no kids. I had a friend many years ago who hosted a party, and one of the neighbors came in (Drunker than a sailor) and shot himself. Sooo anything can happen, and thats why I recommend having a finger safe in house.

I dont claim to be a professional in the matter, I just have done a lot of research and soul searching as well.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
-Chrisso
 

owensaz

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My handgun buying 101..

1. What's comfortable?
2. What's compatible?
3. What's affordable?
4. What's practical?
5. What's concealable?

To play off Chrisso.. Range time is everything. Pick it up and shoot it before you decide.

To differentiate, I feel the Judge is a great sidearm for hunting. Where you'll take your time fully extend your arms and acquire a target. But since were on the topic of carrying I assume outside of the house I'd go with Glock(no safety), PX4 Storm(external hammer, ambi safety), Springfield XDM(grip safety)
 
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owensaz

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870 vs 500

870: Steel receiver, wood stock and forend (Heavier)

500: Plastic and Aluminum (Lighter) < can't reblue if its scratched if i remember correctly the 500 is $100 cheaper. Safety is on top of the receiver so you can see the "state" of the weapon

My Summary: 500 has better "family" use being lighter more maneuverable. Also the 500 reminds me of a glock with regards to the crazy amount of accessories available. I think the 500 is easier to break down and clean but that's likely just me having a bias having owned a 500 and only using 870s on a range.
 
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Find yourself a range near you that rents all different types of handguns, and go to town. Before I bought mine, I spent hours and hours in my local rental range just trying all the different handguns, all different calibers, etc. See how they feel to hold, how they shoot, how your natural point of aim is, how your hand feels after shooting it, how easy it is to load/reload/rack-tap, etc, etc, etc. The ONLY way to make a decision on a first gun is to go try them.

A mistake many guys make, me being one of them, is to purchase a handgun for their wives without their wife making the choice. She should be right there with you, making the same decision you're making - Which one is right for me? Have her shoot all the guns, load and reload everything, etc. Have her do EVERYTHING you're doing. Don't make the mistake of just handing her a loaded gun to shoot, when you don't know if she even has the strength to rack the slide, or if her fingers reach the mag release. Make sure she does it all, then she can make a decision from there. One that works for you, she may shoot down immediately because she can even load it.

Also, don't let the salesmen sell you something, make your own decisions. Salesman are especially bad with women, most of them have set in their minds what a woman should shoot, and try to push you towards that. No need to be rude with them, but do what I listed above and pay more attention to what your wife wants, not what some gun guy wants. If she doesn't get one she is super comfortable with, she won't carry it, and a gun in the safe at home won't save your life on the street.
 
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870 vs 500

870: Steel receiver, wood stock and forend (Heavier)

500: Plastic and Aluminum (Lighter) < can't reblue if its scratched if i remember correctly the 500 is $100 cheaper. Safety is on top of the receiver so you can see the "state" of the weapon

My Summary: 500 has better "family" use being lighter more maneuverable. Also the 500 reminds me of a glock with regards to the crazy amount of accessories available. I think the 500 is easier to break down and clean but that's likely just me having a bias having owned a 500 and only using 870s on a range.
Used to be good enough for the Marines to use on the field as well. :)
 
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A lot of good stuff here already. A couple of things before buying a concealed firearm you have to factor is the body type of you and your wife. Also what is most comfortable to carry (waistband, bellyband, purse, ankle, etc). As silly as it sounds the most important thing about carrying a firearm on you is to carry it! It's not going to do any good because you leave it at home because "it's too big/heavy, , it's too hot out, I can't fit it into my skinny jeans, etc." Find something that you can shoot good, under pressure, and is comfortable for you is your best firearm for conceal carry. It can be a full size 1911 for some big guys or a small pistol in .308 caliber for a very petite women.

Like many on here said go to the range and try them out. But I'll make some recommendations anyway to get you thinking :assaultri

Shotguns: 500 or 870 (can't go wrong)
Pistols: snub nose double action revolvers, Glock 19, 23, 26 or 27, Kahr PM9, Springfield XD compact (9mm, 40 or 45 ACP)
 

mwlabel

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Big fundamental difference between a Remington 870 and Mossberg 500? Those seem to be the two most recommended?
Not really. For the end user, they're about the same.
My family has a Taurus Judge for their women in the house. They're quick, easy, and will stop a bus. My Boss recommends any double action revolver for a woman. Primary reason why, is no fuss, just point and shoot. She wont need to worry about cocking it or anything.


I dont claim to be a professional in the matter, I just have done a lot of research and soul searching as well.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
-Chrisso
I don't know what research you came across that said the Taurus Judge will stop anything bigger than a rattlesnake but you're completely wrong. The Judge is 100% a gimmick firearm, that makes its sales by advertising that is a "shotgun in a handgun package". The ballistics out of that gun are horrible, and not suited for home defense (unless you're shooting the .45 Colt out of it).


Zirroti, there are so many good options out there for carry guns. Check out the offerings from Glock (3rd generation though!), Smith & Wesson M&P, H&K, CZ USA, Beretta, Caracal, et cetera. I would advise against the Springfield XD and XDM guns for a number for a reasons, but I won't get into that now.
For caliber, go 9mm.
For size, go compact (Glock 19, M&Pc, etc) or full size (Glock 17, etc). Anybody can carry these size guns. ANYBODY. But they opt for sub compact autos and revolvers because they are light and convenient to carry... they are extremely difficult to deploy effectively. Remember, the gun is supposed to be COMFORTING, NOT comfortable. If you can't make your hits, what does it matter that you're carrying a gun? Sure, rule #1 of a gunfight is "have a gun"... but choose one that you can use well.
 
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I love my 500 for home defense. There is such a range of accessories for them, it's unreal. Check out the "Just-In-Case" package they have put together, pretty cool!

Here it is with the cool case:
http://www.impactguns.com/mossberg-just-in-case-shotgun-package-blue-green-tube-mustbe21yrsold51340-015813513401.aspx

And here it is with the soft case and sans-accessories:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/69524

Of course, that is the definition of a "scatter gun"

Concealed carry? You definitely need a S&W 500 Mag...no ifs ands or buts
 
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I have a Mossberg 500 and love it. The 870 is a great shotgun too, you really can't go wrong with either of them. The Mossberg does have a crazy about of accessories and changing barrels is pretty easy. And like many have already stated, go shoot a bunch of different handguns and see what you like. If you have a Gander Mountain near you see if they have a range. The one near me has an very nice indoor range with quality instructors. A lot of women prefer a revolver as opposed to a pistol, the revolver is a lot easier to deploy in a high stress situation.
 
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I tend to be an 870 guy for pump shotguns and a S&W M&P guy for pistols these days. I like the M&P line mostly because they share lots of common accessories and have similar operations across the various calibers and models. I shoot a full size 9mm for IDPA and night stand use and have a compact as well... Same holster, same feel, same round. In MA we can't buy brand new Glocks from dealers due to the crappy laws here so the M&P line is a great modern pistol. I agree with previous reples that 9mm is a good round to start with. It is cheap enough to shoot a lot, effective if needed, and controllable for shooters of all types.

One major difference between the 500 and 870 is the location of the safety as mentioned. I am right handed but I've had lefties tell me the 500 safety is easier for them to operate...

Try them out... It is the only way to know... Buy what feels right, points naturally, and does what you want it to do.

Paul
 
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Like others mentioned. Go to a store/range that rents guns and try a few different models to get a feel for what is available....try a couple semi automatics and compare them against revolvers. You'll end up spending a couple bucks doing this but ultimately should end up with a gun that feels right for you and your intended use. For me, I vote Glock....I have a gen 2 19 and a gen 3 26....and they both have performed perfectly.
 
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I know 9mm is cost effective but it's not a very effective round. Go with a .40, at least for yourself. If the weapon will be just for home defense you might as well get something full size w/ night sights.

As for a shotgun a Remington 870 with an 18" barrel.

If you want a handgun for all around carry its not all about compact but SLIM. The flatter it lays against your body the easier it will be to conceal. I carry a Walther PPS off duty in .40 cal and I love it. Glocks are great weapons but the compacts are bulky. Khar also makes great compact weapons. Great quality and slim.

Like other guys said tho it's all what feels comfortable in your hand. We are just giving you suggestions and you might find something that none of us suggest. Just make sure you don't skimp on the price. Cheap guns have crappy trigger pulls and aren't as reliable.

Be safe and hopefully you will never have to use what you buy to protect yourself of lived ones.
 
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Thanks fellas! Sounds like either the 500 or 870 is a solid choice. I will go check those out.

Was also thinking that I'd like to get a couple handguns. One for carry, and one to keep in the car/house. Is this going overboard?
 
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