I have no idea, I’ve never been big on handguns because I have small children……..I think going to a range and seeing what fits well for you is a good idea……..
I would probably go with a revolver if you’re looking to carry. Less likely to miss fire or get gummed up if you leave it loaded but don’t clean it often. I have a Taurus titanium snubnose .38 Special, very small, easy to conceal in bag or on my person without having to wear baggy clothes or anything. Doesn’t kick much but it has stopping power and it’s super light (almost feels like a toy gun). Just my two cents. Going to the range and trying out all you can is definitely a good idea. You can also get special purses or bags that have special pockets for your weapon that look like your every day run-of-the-mill purses. Gun shows are also a good place to find a wide variety of holsters, bags, purses for your concealed weapon.
Why does trying to take your guns away amount to taking your rights away? I live in England and we have the right to protect ourselves with deadly force too. We just don’t have household guns. Same rights, no guns.
Although I can handle a gun well hubby is the one that carries and it does make me feel safe when we travel
I have a pink stun gun.
I believe in 2nd amendment rights – but I think there is a lot of paranoia being generated about “the government”. Just like with pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies, the gun manufacturers have a lot to gain by promoting anything that sells their “product”. Fear and paranoia, about your neighbor, the durn “revenooers”, the gov’mint, them “furaners”, whatever, happens to play into the the hands of gun manufacturers to keep you “safe” and sell you another gun.
Sure – if you are afraid – go buy a gun. But maybe you should wonder – why are you afraid today – and you weren’t so afraid yesterday? A lot of people will generate all sorts of theories, but this one is really pretty simple – follow the money!
@AutumnStrength - Maybe. I dunno. But I don’t allow profanity on my blog, sorry.
@NightCometh – I do apologize! One of the most violent countries then.
@Donkey_Guy_10 – The only reason I’d fear my neigbour is if he owned a gun!
I loved the invite to post a liberal rant… nearly took you up on that but my heart just wasn’t in it.
You may consider a 4.10 gauge shotgun pistol. I don’t recall the technical name, but a gun store could likely tell you. I would favor a shotgun for home protection for the reason that you’re less likely to miss in a frantic situation such as a home break-in.
A smaller gauge also means you would be less likely to shoot through a wall, hurting or killing someone you intended to protect. Also, the shorter the better when it comes to manuvering around in close quarters.
I haven’t shot a gun ever, but I’m getting one once I move out. It’ll be great ! Mostly why I don’t have one now is because my mom would die. I don’t really have any advice for you. I was told to get a 410 shotgun, but I’m kind of a big girl so (5’8, tall etc)…I don’t know what’s going to be good for you. I was told the 410 because I didn’t want a big gun w a huge recoil and I don’t have very strong arms. I think you might be able to go to a Bass Pro shop or a gun store and see what they might recommend for you. They let you hold them and stuff there so I think you should probably try to get a gun that will not feel too heavy for you. That’s what I was told. Good luck!! And I vote you get pictures of it and post them when you do get it !
I’ve only ever shot rifles and shotguns (I used to hunt) but I’d like to shoot handguns for practice. I wish I knew which guns to suggest to you, but as you said, going to a gun range and trying out all their guns is an excellent idea.
Good for you for considering a concealed carry! I’m considering it as well. Let us know which gun you end up choosing!
Just go to the gun dealer and tell him you want something cute. He’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.
For home defense, I’m actually a fan of AR-15s. Can’t conceal carry those But they’re lightweight, and the recoil is barely existent. Making it a great weapon for a 5’4″ girl like me. Shotguns are also nice. Your average criminals will run if they see you have one of those.
For concealed carry, I’d just suggest trying a few different styles out at a gun range. Get used to the recoil. Some are better on that than others. A lot of people recommend a .40 Smith and Wesson for your first handgun.
A lot of people here are talking about what type of gun to get, I’d like to offer a different perspective of things to think about when it comes to owning/carrying a gun.
1. Ask yourself if you could actually use lethal force if you knew you had to. If you don’t know that you could absolutely pull the trigger and potentially kill someone if you they were a threat to your life, then you shouldn’t own a gun. If you’re not sure if you can pull the trigger, owning a gun would do more to endanger you than protect you.
2. Know your laws very thoroughly, particularly with regard to when using lethal force is legal, and those surrounding legal carriage of weapons outside the home if you intend to do that. A lot of gun owners think that they can automatically shoot a burglar if they are discovered inside the home and would be immediately charged with a felony if they did (unless that state has a “Castle Doctrine” law like Florida). Before you put yourself in a situation where you could potentially use lethal force, you need to know which applications of it would acquit you in front of a jury of your peers, otherwise you may panic and end up getting charged with manslaughter or felonious assault. Be cognizant of how the laws change when you travel across states with a firearm, too.
3. Be proficient with whatever firearm you choose. This is more than being able to hit your target at a reasonable range, it means also being able to get to your weapon and be in a position to shoot it in an amount of time that would allow you to reasonably stop a threat. Think through situations where the decision to shoot someone, or even draw your weapon, may not be as black or white as you’d think. (Example: It’s dark outside, you’re alone, and a black guy like me is inexplicably walking your way with his hands in his pockets. You can’t reasonably tell if he has hostile intent or not. Pull your gun now and you just committed an assault even if you don’t shoot, but by the time you figure out his intentions, it will be too late to get to your weapon.) Also, be able to quickly clear a jam if it happens.
4. Think practically if you intend to carry a gun… where are you going to carry it? How big of a gun… do you want stopping power or penetration? I used to carry a Gloc 19 (15+1 9mm rounds) but it proved too bulky for concealed carry. If I’m carrying a concealed weapon, I don’t want other people seeing it who may want to try to steal it from me. I switched to a Diamondback DB-9, it is a 6+1 9mm weapon that fits on my hip, and it is so small that my cell phone sticks out more than it does. And since my weapon only has a six round magazine, I carry a spare (though if I’m in a situation where I have to reload, I really messed up somewhere).
A lot of guys will tell you that you need a .45 to really make sure you’re safe, but I think that you get a lot of the same power that a .45 would have against an opponent if you’re carrying 9mm hollow point ammunition. Hollow point rounds level the playing field among handgun ammunition as far as I’m concerned.
Just some thoughts from a random stranger whose opinions don’t matter.
I think there are some good thoughts here! I’m planning on buying a gun when I move out, but i don’t think I want a conceal carry. I would be worried about someone somehow taking it off my persons and then using it to harm me. That is probably far fetched, but I liked sistermae’s suggestion of using a stun gun. Personally, I think I’d prefer that.
I rec’d it so hopefully you’ll get some advice. I’ve shot rifles (MG garand, AK47s, and other rifles my fiance owns) but I’ve never shot a hand-held. I’m assuming AK47s wouldn’t count as concealed carry, but it’s my fav xp Lol
Take the course for a concealed carry permit;then decide. If,you just want a gun at home get a pump action shotgun with a short barrel ( e.g.. 18.5 inches). First decide if you can take a life;if not don’t get a gun. You will know when and if deadly force is acceptable.
Advice for concealed carry, eh? I only have three pieces. Learn to shoot with open sights. Red dot sights are useless if the batteries go down, though they make things easier.
Condition yourself to be able to kill if necessary. People go in with the idea that they can shoot an assailant, avoid the vital organs and major blood vessels, and just incapacitate them and let the police take care of it. It doesn’t work that way. If someone’s strung out on meth you can shoot him through both lungs and it will just make him mad.
Condition yourself to be willing to end a life if you have to draw your gun on someone, and also discipline yourself not to draw a gun unless you absolutely intend to kill that person, because if you hesitate they can turn it around on you.
If you can’t prepare yourself for the possibility of taking a life then don’t get a carry permit. Just hide wherever you can if someone breaks in, scream as loud as you can if someone attacks you on the street. You’ll actually be in more danger having a gun and not being mentally and emotionally prepared to use it than you would be unarmed.
Just remember, the right to bear arms isn’t a mandate. I’m a firm supporter of the second amendment but that doesn’t mean gun ownership is right for everyone. It really depends on how far you’re willing to go whether or not you should even get one.
The only real gun I’ve shot is my Beretta 92FS so I can’t make any comparisons, but I do know that I had no trouble with the recoil, even though I’m physically weak (even for a girl). It’s not the smallest gun available. The weird thing is that even though I have small hands and the grip is kinda big, it still somehow “fits” for me. I’m not sure how well it would ‘conceal’ though. Probably not very. Sorry I couldn’t be a better help; I carry pepper spray and a knife when I’m out – no $60 permit/license needed. :/ Expect to pay out the ass for it right now, though. Guns and ammo prices have shot through the roof recently, and I don’t think they’ve come back down yet.
I own a PX4 Storm though I do not conceal carry due to living overseas at the moment and on Air Force bases back home. I LOVE my gun. I completely support shooting everything you can get your hands on. My husband has a 9mm that is the same he deploys with. I discovered while shooting his that I am right handed but left eye dominant. It shifts your grip ever so slightly and I ended up with tiny burns between my eyes from hot shells bouncing off of my forehead. With that in mind I was able to talk to the range experts and my local gun shop owners and pick the right gun for me. Good luck in your search and good for you!
As a Christian, I am not pro-gun, because I think Christ promoted peace not war, love not violence. However, I understand that right now I am single and if someone came into my apartment, I would be the only one to suffer. I think this is different if a person has a family. This issue also came up in a conversation where Christian families were moving into unsafe urban neighborhoods (to live/minister). My friend said that him and his wife had no problem living in such a place.. but if they had a child they would want to move, because then their decision could put the child in an unsafe environment. I agreed. I think if I was married and/or had a child, I would be more apt to own a gun and learn how to shoot it. Something I am still wrestling with. But I think wrestling with it is good, even Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian who died in Germany after trying to assassinate Hitler, was a pacifist but said in the face of such evil, he thought riding that world of Hitler was the lesser of two evil.But then, I wonder if Jesus would own a gun. My mind and heart tells me no, but my fear and worry tells me I should buy one to be safe.
@AmyDoo - A stun gun, thats not a bad idea. Of course, you would have to let them get close enough to you to use it (and make sure you dont miss!).
just do what you gotta do.
What saturnnights said about the .410 is a good idea. I own a Smith and Wesson Governor. It will shoot .45, .45ACP or .410 shotgun shells. There’s is based off of the popularity of the Judge line from Taurus that can shoot .45 and .410 shells. Revolvers are also a good choice as they tend to be more reliable (simpler design fewer moving parts). The other option I’d throw out there is a derringer. If you are looking for something that is super compact, these are a good choice. Bond Arms has a good selection.
There is nothing wrong with owning a gun for fun, sport, hunting or self defense. There is something wrong with not knowing how to use it properly and safely. Safety in use and storage are the highest priority when it comes to guns. The best basic rule is never point at something you don’t intend to shoot. I disagree with a lot of these people saying not to get one unless you intend to use it. It’s true you need to be prepared just in case, but just it being there is a big deterrent. There are a lot of stories even in the NRA’s magazine about just the sight of the gun or a warning shot stopping bad things from happening.
Comments (26)
I have no idea, I’ve never been big on handguns because I have small children……..I think going to a range and seeing what fits well for you is a good idea……..
I would probably go with a revolver if you’re looking to carry. Less likely to miss fire or get gummed up if you leave it loaded but don’t clean it often. I have a Taurus titanium snubnose .38 Special, very small, easy to conceal in bag or on my person without having to wear baggy clothes or anything. Doesn’t kick much but it has stopping power and it’s super light (almost feels like a toy gun). Just my two cents. Going to the range and trying out all you can is definitely a good idea. You can also get special purses or bags that have special pockets for your weapon that look like your every day run-of-the-mill purses. Gun shows are also a good place to find a wide variety of holsters, bags, purses for your concealed weapon.
Why does trying to take your guns away amount to taking your rights away? I live in England and we have the right to protect ourselves with deadly force too. We just don’t have household guns. Same rights, no guns.
@AutumnStrength - Because the criminals have guns.
Although I can handle a gun well hubby is the one that carries and it does make me feel safe when we travel
I have a pink stun gun.
I believe in 2nd amendment rights – but I think there is a lot of paranoia being generated about “the government”. Just like with pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies, the gun manufacturers have a lot to gain by promoting anything that sells their “product”. Fear and paranoia, about your neighbor, the durn “revenooers”, the gov’mint, them “furaners”, whatever, happens to play into the the hands of gun manufacturers to keep you “safe” and sell you another gun.
Sure – if you are afraid – go buy a gun. But maybe you should wonder – why are you afraid today – and you weren’t so afraid yesterday? A lot of people will generate all sorts of theories, but this one is really pretty simple – follow the money!
Also – Gun Safety and Children
@AutumnStrength - Maybe. I dunno. But I don’t allow profanity on my blog, sorry.
@NightCometh – I do apologize! One of the most violent countries then.
@Donkey_Guy_10 – The only reason I’d fear my neigbour is if he owned a gun!
I loved the invite to post a liberal rant… nearly took you up on that but my heart just wasn’t in it.
You may consider a 4.10 gauge shotgun pistol. I don’t recall the technical name, but a gun store could likely tell you. I would favor a shotgun for home protection for the reason that you’re less likely to miss in a frantic situation such as a home break-in.
A smaller gauge also means you would be less likely to shoot through a wall, hurting or killing someone you intended to protect. Also, the shorter the better when it comes to manuvering around in close quarters.
I haven’t shot a gun ever, but I’m getting one once I move out. It’ll be great
! Mostly why I don’t have one now is because my mom would die. I don’t really have any advice for you. I was told to get a 410 shotgun, but I’m kind of a big girl so (5’8, tall etc)…I don’t know what’s going to be good for you. I was told the 410 because I didn’t want a big gun w a huge recoil and I don’t have very strong arms. I think you might be able to go to a Bass Pro shop or a gun store and see what they might recommend for you. They let you hold them and stuff there so I think you should probably try to get a gun that will not feel too heavy for you. That’s what I was told. Good luck!! And I vote you get pictures of it and post them when you do get it 
!
I’ve only ever shot rifles and shotguns (I used to hunt) but I’d like to shoot handguns for practice. I wish I knew which guns to suggest to you, but as you said, going to a gun range and trying out all their guns is an excellent idea.
Good for you for considering a concealed carry! I’m considering it as well. Let us know which gun you end up choosing!
Just go to the gun dealer and tell him you want something cute. He’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.
For home defense, I’m actually a fan of AR-15s. Can’t conceal carry those
But they’re lightweight, and the recoil is barely existent. Making it a great weapon for a 5’4″ girl like me. Shotguns are also nice. Your average criminals will run if they see you have one of those.
For concealed carry, I’d just suggest trying a few different styles out at a gun range. Get used to the recoil. Some are better on that than others. A lot of people recommend a .40 Smith and Wesson for your first handgun.
A lot of people here are talking about what type of gun to get, I’d like to offer a different perspective of things to think about when it comes to owning/carrying a gun.
1. Ask yourself if you could actually use lethal force if you knew you had to. If you don’t know that you could absolutely pull the trigger and potentially kill someone if you they were a threat to your life, then you shouldn’t own a gun. If you’re not sure if you can pull the trigger, owning a gun would do more to endanger you than protect you.
2. Know your laws very thoroughly, particularly with regard to when using lethal force is legal, and those surrounding legal carriage of weapons outside the home if you intend to do that. A lot of gun owners think that they can automatically shoot a burglar if they are discovered inside the home and would be immediately charged with a felony if they did (unless that state has a “Castle Doctrine” law like Florida). Before you put yourself in a situation where you could potentially use lethal force, you need to know which applications of it would acquit you in front of a jury of your peers, otherwise you may panic and end up getting charged with manslaughter or felonious assault. Be cognizant of how the laws change when you travel across states with a firearm, too.
3. Be proficient with whatever firearm you choose. This is more than being able to hit your target at a reasonable range, it means also being able to get to your weapon and be in a position to shoot it in an amount of time that would allow you to reasonably stop a threat. Think through situations where the decision to shoot someone, or even draw your weapon, may not be as black or white as you’d think. (Example: It’s dark outside, you’re alone, and a black guy like me is inexplicably walking your way with his hands in his pockets. You can’t reasonably tell if he has hostile intent or not. Pull your gun now and you just committed an assault even if you don’t shoot, but by the time you figure out his intentions, it will be too late to get to your weapon.) Also, be able to quickly clear a jam if it happens.
4. Think practically if you intend to carry a gun… where are you going to carry it? How big of a gun… do you want stopping power or penetration? I used to carry a Gloc 19 (15+1 9mm rounds) but it proved too bulky for concealed carry. If I’m carrying a concealed weapon, I don’t want other people seeing it who may want to try to steal it from me. I switched to a Diamondback DB-9, it is a 6+1 9mm weapon that fits on my hip, and it is so small that my cell phone sticks out more than it does. And since my weapon only has a six round magazine, I carry a spare (though if I’m in a situation where I have to reload, I really messed up somewhere).
A lot of guys will tell you that you need a .45 to really make sure you’re safe, but I think that you get a lot of the same power that a .45 would have against an opponent if you’re carrying 9mm hollow point ammunition. Hollow point rounds level the playing field among handgun ammunition as far as I’m concerned.
Just some thoughts from a random stranger whose opinions don’t matter.
I think there are some good thoughts here! I’m planning on buying a gun when I move out, but i don’t think I want a conceal carry. I would be worried about someone somehow taking it off my persons and then using it to harm me. That is probably far fetched, but I liked sistermae’s suggestion of using a stun gun. Personally, I think I’d prefer that.
I rec’d it so hopefully you’ll get some advice. I’ve shot rifles (MG garand, AK47s, and other rifles my fiance owns) but I’ve never shot a hand-held. I’m assuming AK47s wouldn’t count as concealed carry, but it’s my fav xp Lol
Take the course for a concealed carry permit;then decide. If,you just want a gun at home get a pump action shotgun with a short barrel ( e.g.. 18.5 inches). First decide if you can take a life;if not don’t get a gun. You will know when and if deadly force is acceptable.
Advice for concealed carry, eh? I only have three pieces. Learn to shoot with open sights. Red dot sights are useless if the batteries go down, though they make things easier.
Condition yourself to be able to kill if necessary. People go in with the idea that they can shoot an assailant, avoid the vital organs and major blood vessels, and just incapacitate them and let the police take care of it. It doesn’t work that way. If someone’s strung out on meth you can shoot him through both lungs and it will just make him mad.
Condition yourself to be willing to end a life if you have to draw your gun on someone, and also discipline yourself not to draw a gun unless you absolutely intend to kill that person, because if you hesitate they can turn it around on you.
If you can’t prepare yourself for the possibility of taking a life then don’t get a carry permit. Just hide wherever you can if someone breaks in, scream as loud as you can if someone attacks you on the street. You’ll actually be in more danger having a gun and not being mentally and emotionally prepared to use it than you would be unarmed.
Just remember, the right to bear arms isn’t a mandate. I’m a firm supporter of the second amendment but that doesn’t mean gun ownership is right for everyone. It really depends on how far you’re willing to go whether or not you should even get one.
The only real gun I’ve shot is my Beretta 92FS so I can’t make any comparisons, but I do know that I had no trouble with the recoil, even though I’m physically weak (even for a girl). It’s not the smallest gun available. The weird thing is that even though I have small hands and the grip is kinda big, it still somehow “fits” for me. I’m not sure how well it would ‘conceal’ though. Probably not very. Sorry I couldn’t be a better help; I carry pepper spray and a knife when I’m out – no $60 permit/license needed. :/
Expect to pay out the ass for it right now, though. Guns and ammo prices have shot through the roof recently, and I don’t think they’ve come back down yet.
I own a PX4 Storm though I do not conceal carry due to living overseas at the moment and on Air Force bases back home. I LOVE my gun. I completely support shooting everything you can get your hands on. My husband has a 9mm that is the same he deploys with. I discovered while shooting his that I am right handed but left eye dominant. It shifts your grip ever so slightly and I ended up with tiny burns between my eyes from hot shells bouncing off of my forehead. With that in mind I was able to talk to the range experts and my local gun shop owners and pick the right gun for me. Good luck in your search and good for you!
As a Christian, I am not pro-gun, because I think Christ promoted peace not war, love not violence. However, I understand that right now I am single and if someone came into my apartment, I would be the only one to suffer. I think this is different if a person has a family. This issue also came up in a conversation where Christian families were moving into unsafe urban neighborhoods (to live/minister). My friend said that him and his wife had no problem living in such a place.. but if they had a child they would want to move, because then their decision could put the child in an unsafe environment. I agreed. I think if I was married and/or had a child, I would be more apt to own a gun and learn how to shoot it. Something I am still wrestling with. But I think wrestling with it is good, even Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian who died in Germany after trying to assassinate Hitler, was a pacifist but said in the face of such evil, he thought riding that world of Hitler was the lesser of two evil.But then, I wonder if Jesus would own a gun. My mind and heart tells me no, but my fear and worry tells me I should buy one to be safe.
@AmyDoo - A stun gun, thats not a bad idea. Of course, you would have to let them get close enough to you to use it (and make sure you dont miss!).
just do what you gotta do.
What saturnnights said about the .410 is a good idea. I own a Smith and Wesson Governor. It will shoot .45, .45ACP or .410 shotgun shells. There’s is based off of the popularity of the Judge line from Taurus that can shoot .45 and .410 shells. Revolvers are also a good choice as they tend to be more reliable (simpler design fewer moving parts). The other option I’d throw out there is a derringer. If you are looking for something that is super compact, these are a good choice. Bond Arms has a good selection.
There is nothing wrong with owning a gun for fun, sport, hunting or self defense. There is something wrong with not knowing how to use it properly and safely. Safety in use and storage are the highest priority when it comes to guns. The best basic rule is never point at something you don’t intend to shoot.
I disagree with a lot of these people saying not to get one unless you intend to use it. It’s true you need to be prepared just in case, but just it being there is a big deterrent. There are a lot of stories even in the NRA’s magazine about just the sight of the gun or a warning shot stopping bad things from happening.