Handgun Helper

[gandalf]

I’d suggest a Glock if you’re new to handguns. It’s a simple weapon. Easy to maintain. Easy to fire, no safety. Learn how to handle it. Get a safe if you have kids.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Gandalf/TG: As much as I hate to disagree with either of you fine gents, you are wrong concerning the Glock not having a safety. It does. It’s in the trigger of the weapon (I own a pair of Glocks).

TG is right on the money regarding shotguns. If you’re looking for something for home defense, there is simply nothing better. I carried a shotgun (Remington 870P in 12ga) while in the Army and used it in some pretty extreme circumstances and it never let me down. Not once. Something I couldn’t say for the M-16 (“If it’s Mattel, it’s swell!”). The 12ga is a hugely intimidating weapon and just racking the slide will cause most evil doers (little nod to Dubya for you, there, gandalf) to wet themselves. If the 12ga is too much, you can also get pump shotguns in 16ga (smaller round). Remington (Model 870 Police) and Mossberg (Models 500 and 590) both make excellent pump shotguns.

The main question you need to ask is what are you purchasing the weapon for? Second question would concern you personally and include gender, age, size and how much time you’re going to put into becoming proficient with the weapon. The “best” handgun or long arm in the world is absolutely useless if you lack confidence and experience with it. You also run the danger of having it taken away and used against you in that instance (research the statistics on gun violence in the home and for both intentional and accidental situations).

I own several guns but don’t keep or use any for home defense. This is largely because I have two young kids, but also because, statistically speaking, the odds/percentages are actually against you in something like a burglary scenario. If you’re worried about civil unrest or mass social chaos that’s a different story. Then your best bet is the fine Maremont Industries M-60 machine gun in 7.62mm NATO. Belt fed and highly reliable (as long as you keep the gas tube clean).

Kidding aside, revolvers are a better bet if you’re new to guns, as they’re more reliable and won’t jam/stovepipe like a semi-automatic pistol will. If you do purchase a semi-auto, don’t be dissuaded by the anti-.45ACP crowd here. Excellent round. Accurate, controllable and capable of a high percentage of “one shot stops” using good, old, off-the-shelf 230gr full metal jackets (available at any Wal-Mart. The only way to match this type of stopping power in a 9mm or .40S&W is to use hollow point rounds and these can be very problematical in certain types of weapons.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Gandalf/TG: As much as I hate to disagree with either of you fine gents, you are wrong concerning the Glock not having a safety. It does. It’s in the trigger of the weapon (I own a pair of Glocks).

TG is right on the money regarding shotguns. If you’re looking for something for home defense, there is simply nothing better. I carried a shotgun (Remington 870P in 12ga) while in the Army and used it in some pretty extreme circumstances and it never let me down. Not once. Something I couldn’t say for the M-16 (“If it’s Mattel, it’s swell!”). The 12ga is a hugely intimidating weapon and just racking the slide will cause most evil doers (little nod to Dubya for you, there, gandalf) to wet themselves. If the 12ga is too much, you can also get pump shotguns in 16ga (smaller round). Remington (Model 870 Police) and Mossberg (Models 500 and 590) both make excellent pump shotguns.

The main question you need to ask is what are you purchasing the weapon for? Second question would concern you personally and include gender, age, size and how much time you’re going to put into becoming proficient with the weapon. The “best” handgun or long arm in the world is absolutely useless if you lack confidence and experience with it. You also run the danger of having it taken away and used against you in that instance (research the statistics on gun violence in the home and for both intentional and accidental situations).

I own several guns but don’t keep or use any for home defense. This is largely because I have two young kids, but also because, statistically speaking, the odds/percentages are actually against you in something like a burglary scenario. If you’re worried about civil unrest or mass social chaos that’s a different story. Then your best bet is the fine Maremont Industries M-60 machine gun in 7.62mm NATO. Belt fed and highly reliable (as long as you keep the gas tube clean).

Kidding aside, revolvers are a better bet if you’re new to guns, as they’re more reliable and won’t jam/stovepipe like a semi-automatic pistol will. If you do purchase a semi-auto, don’t be dissuaded by the anti-.45ACP crowd here. Excellent round. Accurate, controllable and capable of a high percentage of “one shot stops” using good, old, off-the-shelf 230gr full metal jackets (available at any Wal-Mart. The only way to match this type of stopping power in a 9mm or .40S&W is to use hollow point rounds and these can be very problematical in certain types of weapons.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Gandalf/TG: As much as I hate to disagree with either of you fine gents, you are wrong concerning the Glock not having a safety. It does. It’s in the trigger of the weapon (I own a pair of Glocks).

TG is right on the money regarding shotguns. If you’re looking for something for home defense, there is simply nothing better. I carried a shotgun (Remington 870P in 12ga) while in the Army and used it in some pretty extreme circumstances and it never let me down. Not once. Something I couldn’t say for the M-16 (“If it’s Mattel, it’s swell!”). The 12ga is a hugely intimidating weapon and just racking the slide will cause most evil doers (little nod to Dubya for you, there, gandalf) to wet themselves. If the 12ga is too much, you can also get pump shotguns in 16ga (smaller round). Remington (Model 870 Police) and Mossberg (Models 500 and 590) both make excellent pump shotguns.

The main question you need to ask is what are you purchasing the weapon for? Second question would concern you personally and include gender, age, size and how much time you’re going to put into becoming proficient with the weapon. The “best” handgun or long arm in the world is absolutely useless if you lack confidence and experience with it. You also run the danger of having it taken away and used against you in that instance (research the statistics on gun violence in the home and for both intentional and accidental situations).

I own several guns but don’t keep or use any for home defense. This is largely because I have two young kids, but also because, statistically speaking, the odds/percentages are actually against you in something like a burglary scenario. If you’re worried about civil unrest or mass social chaos that’s a different story. Then your best bet is the fine Maremont Industries M-60 machine gun in 7.62mm NATO. Belt fed and highly reliable (as long as you keep the gas tube clean).

Kidding aside, revolvers are a better bet if you’re new to guns, as they’re more reliable and won’t jam/stovepipe like a semi-automatic pistol will. If you do purchase a semi-auto, don’t be dissuaded by the anti-.45ACP crowd here. Excellent round. Accurate, controllable and capable of a high percentage of “one shot stops” using good, old, off-the-shelf 230gr full metal jackets (available at any Wal-Mart. The only way to match this type of stopping power in a 9mm or .40S&W is to use hollow point rounds and these can be very problematical in certain types of weapons.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Gandalf/TG: As much as I hate to disagree with either of you fine gents, you are wrong concerning the Glock not having a safety. It does. It’s in the trigger of the weapon (I own a pair of Glocks).

TG is right on the money regarding shotguns. If you’re looking for something for home defense, there is simply nothing better. I carried a shotgun (Remington 870P in 12ga) while in the Army and used it in some pretty extreme circumstances and it never let me down. Not once. Something I couldn’t say for the M-16 (“If it’s Mattel, it’s swell!”). The 12ga is a hugely intimidating weapon and just racking the slide will cause most evil doers (little nod to Dubya for you, there, gandalf) to wet themselves. If the 12ga is too much, you can also get pump shotguns in 16ga (smaller round). Remington (Model 870 Police) and Mossberg (Models 500 and 590) both make excellent pump shotguns.

The main question you need to ask is what are you purchasing the weapon for? Second question would concern you personally and include gender, age, size and how much time you’re going to put into becoming proficient with the weapon. The “best” handgun or long arm in the world is absolutely useless if you lack confidence and experience with it. You also run the danger of having it taken away and used against you in that instance (research the statistics on gun violence in the home and for both intentional and accidental situations).

I own several guns but don’t keep or use any for home defense. This is largely because I have two young kids, but also because, statistically speaking, the odds/percentages are actually against you in something like a burglary scenario. If you’re worried about civil unrest or mass social chaos that’s a different story. Then your best bet is the fine Maremont Industries M-60 machine gun in 7.62mm NATO. Belt fed and highly reliable (as long as you keep the gas tube clean).

Kidding aside, revolvers are a better bet if you’re new to guns, as they’re more reliable and won’t jam/stovepipe like a semi-automatic pistol will. If you do purchase a semi-auto, don’t be dissuaded by the anti-.45ACP crowd here. Excellent round. Accurate, controllable and capable of a high percentage of “one shot stops” using good, old, off-the-shelf 230gr full metal jackets (available at any Wal-Mart. The only way to match this type of stopping power in a 9mm or .40S&W is to use hollow point rounds and these can be very problematical in certain types of weapons.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Gandalf/TG: As much as I hate to disagree with either of you fine gents, you are wrong concerning the Glock not having a safety. It does. It’s in the trigger of the weapon (I own a pair of Glocks).

TG is right on the money regarding shotguns. If you’re looking for something for home defense, there is simply nothing better. I carried a shotgun (Remington 870P in 12ga) while in the Army and used it in some pretty extreme circumstances and it never let me down. Not once. Something I couldn’t say for the M-16 (“If it’s Mattel, it’s swell!”). The 12ga is a hugely intimidating weapon and just racking the slide will cause most evil doers (little nod to Dubya for you, there, gandalf) to wet themselves. If the 12ga is too much, you can also get pump shotguns in 16ga (smaller round). Remington (Model 870 Police) and Mossberg (Models 500 and 590) both make excellent pump shotguns.

The main question you need to ask is what are you purchasing the weapon for? Second question would concern you personally and include gender, age, size and how much time you’re going to put into becoming proficient with the weapon. The “best” handgun or long arm in the world is absolutely useless if you lack confidence and experience with it. You also run the danger of having it taken away and used against you in that instance (research the statistics on gun violence in the home and for both intentional and accidental situations).

I own several guns but don’t keep or use any for home defense. This is largely because I have two young kids, but also because, statistically speaking, the odds/percentages are actually against you in something like a burglary scenario. If you’re worried about civil unrest or mass social chaos that’s a different story. Then your best bet is the fine Maremont Industries M-60 machine gun in 7.62mm NATO. Belt fed and highly reliable (as long as you keep the gas tube clean).

Kidding aside, revolvers are a better bet if you’re new to guns, as they’re more reliable and won’t jam/stovepipe like a semi-automatic pistol will. If you do purchase a semi-auto, don’t be dissuaded by the anti-.45ACP crowd here. Excellent round. Accurate, controllable and capable of a high percentage of “one shot stops” using good, old, off-the-shelf 230gr full metal jackets (available at any Wal-Mart. The only way to match this type of stopping power in a 9mm or .40S&W is to use hollow point rounds and these can be very problematical in certain types of weapons.

[macromaniac]

Allan,

I appreciate your feedback here on the gun issue as well as everyone else’s thoughts…

I think a 12 gauge shotgun is what I need to be looking for here for personal protection. I suppose I would have to join the cartel to get an M60.

[macromaniac]

Allan,

I appreciate your feedback here on the gun issue as well as everyone else’s thoughts…

I think a 12 gauge shotgun is what I need to be looking for here for personal protection. I suppose I would have to join the cartel to get an M60.

[macromaniac]

Allan,

I appreciate your feedback here on the gun issue as well as everyone else’s thoughts…

I think a 12 gauge shotgun is what I need to be looking for here for personal protection. I suppose I would have to join the cartel to get an M60.

[macromaniac]

Allan,

I appreciate your feedback here on the gun issue as well as everyone else’s thoughts…

I think a 12 gauge shotgun is what I need to be looking for here for personal protection. I suppose I would have to join the cartel to get an M60.

[macromaniac]

Allan,

I appreciate your feedback here on the gun issue as well as everyone else’s thoughts…

I think a 12 gauge shotgun is what I need to be looking for here for personal protection. I suppose I would have to join the cartel to get an M60.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Macro: If you’re going to Discount Gun, ask the salesperson about either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 590. You want to buy a 3″ receiver (called the Police model by Remington), so you can shoot both 2.75″ and 3″ shot and slug. Under no circumstances buy anything with an aluminum receiver. I prefer Remington to Mossberg, but largely because I think the Mossberg’s action is rough and harder to cycle than the Remington.

Explain that you’re looking for a shotgun for personal protection and, if you’re thinking home defense, you want to be shooting buckshot and not slug (you run the risk of over penetration with slug loads, which are essentially very big bullets). Federal makes an excellent off-the-shelf buckshot load in both double-ought (00) and triple-ought (000). Have the salesperson explain the differences between 00 and 000, and the differences between standard loads and magnum loads. They’re very knowledgeable at Discount and they’ll cheerfully give you a 15 minute primer on shotguns and ammunition.

Once you buy the shotgun, make sure you spend sufficient time on the range to get used to it. a 12ga is a formidable weapon and you don’t want to start out shooting 3″ 00 buckshot for instance. Buy some cheapo Peters birdshot in 2.75″ and run a couple boxes through. Work your way up through 2.75″ standard loads until you’re comfortable with 3″ magnum 00 buck. Trust me on this, that load will stop anything dead in its tracks and do it with authority.

If you do wind up with an M-60, make sure you use either the bipod or tripod and don’t fire it from the hip. It looks cool, but you won’t hit shit.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Macro: If you’re going to Discount Gun, ask the salesperson about either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 590. You want to buy a 3″ receiver (called the Police model by Remington), so you can shoot both 2.75″ and 3″ shot and slug. Under no circumstances buy anything with an aluminum receiver. I prefer Remington to Mossberg, but largely because I think the Mossberg’s action is rough and harder to cycle than the Remington.

Explain that you’re looking for a shotgun for personal protection and, if you’re thinking home defense, you want to be shooting buckshot and not slug (you run the risk of over penetration with slug loads, which are essentially very big bullets). Federal makes an excellent off-the-shelf buckshot load in both double-ought (00) and triple-ought (000). Have the salesperson explain the differences between 00 and 000, and the differences between standard loads and magnum loads. They’re very knowledgeable at Discount and they’ll cheerfully give you a 15 minute primer on shotguns and ammunition.

Once you buy the shotgun, make sure you spend sufficient time on the range to get used to it. a 12ga is a formidable weapon and you don’t want to start out shooting 3″ 00 buckshot for instance. Buy some cheapo Peters birdshot in 2.75″ and run a couple boxes through. Work your way up through 2.75″ standard loads until you’re comfortable with 3″ magnum 00 buck. Trust me on this, that load will stop anything dead in its tracks and do it with authority.

If you do wind up with an M-60, make sure you use either the bipod or tripod and don’t fire it from the hip. It looks cool, but you won’t hit shit.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Macro: If you’re going to Discount Gun, ask the salesperson about either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 590. You want to buy a 3″ receiver (called the Police model by Remington), so you can shoot both 2.75″ and 3″ shot and slug. Under no circumstances buy anything with an aluminum receiver. I prefer Remington to Mossberg, but largely because I think the Mossberg’s action is rough and harder to cycle than the Remington.

Explain that you’re looking for a shotgun for personal protection and, if you’re thinking home defense, you want to be shooting buckshot and not slug (you run the risk of over penetration with slug loads, which are essentially very big bullets). Federal makes an excellent off-the-shelf buckshot load in both double-ought (00) and triple-ought (000). Have the salesperson explain the differences between 00 and 000, and the differences between standard loads and magnum loads. They’re very knowledgeable at Discount and they’ll cheerfully give you a 15 minute primer on shotguns and ammunition.

Once you buy the shotgun, make sure you spend sufficient time on the range to get used to it. a 12ga is a formidable weapon and you don’t want to start out shooting 3″ 00 buckshot for instance. Buy some cheapo Peters birdshot in 2.75″ and run a couple boxes through. Work your way up through 2.75″ standard loads until you’re comfortable with 3″ magnum 00 buck. Trust me on this, that load will stop anything dead in its tracks and do it with authority.

If you do wind up with an M-60, make sure you use either the bipod or tripod and don’t fire it from the hip. It looks cool, but you won’t hit shit.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

Macro: If you’re going to Discount Gun, ask the salesperson about either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 590. You want to buy a 3″ receiver (called the Police model by Remington), so you can shoot both 2.75″ and 3″ shot and slug. Under no circumstances buy anything with an aluminum receiver. I prefer Remington to Mossberg, but largely because I think the Mossberg’s action is rough and harder to cycle than the Remington.

Explain that you’re looking for a shotgun for personal protection and, if you’re thinking home defense, you want to be shooting buckshot and not slug (you run the risk of over penetration with slug loads, which are essentially very big bullets). Federal makes an excellent off-the-shelf buckshot load in both double-ought (00) and triple-ought (000). Have the salesperson explain the differences between 00 and 000, and the differences between standard loads and magnum loads. They’re very knowledgeable at Discount and they’ll cheerfully give you a 15 minute primer on shotguns and ammunition.

Once you buy the shotgun, make sure you spend sufficient time on the range to get used to it. a 12ga is a formidable weapon and you don’t want to start out shooting 3″ 00 buckshot for instance. Buy some cheapo Peters birdshot in 2.75″ and run a couple boxes through. Work your way up through 2.75″ standard loads until you’re comfortable with 3″ magnum 00 buck. Trust me on this, that load will stop anything dead in its tracks and do it with authority.

If you do wind up with an M-60, make sure you use either the bipod or tripod and don’t fire it from the hip. It looks cool, but you won’t hit shit.

[Author]

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