[Gojubrian]

Cops are not gun experts. The fact that a cop suggests a certain firearm means very little to me. I know many cops that never had a gun until thy got the job and the only thing they know is glocks, which is unfortunate.

The safety on the trigger is the stupidest design ever, really. Many here agree on this major flaw.

[Rick1967]

Originally Posted by Gojubrian

Cops are not gun experts. The fact that a cop suggests a certain firearm means very little to me. I know many cops that never had a gun until thy got the job and the only thing they know is glocks, which is unfortunate.

The safety on the trigger is the stupidest design ever, really. Many here agree on this major flaw.

Point well made about the cops. I like the trigger safety. It's a lot better than a safety on the wrong side of the gun that I can't reach. With a safety on a trigger there is no question if it is on in a panic. Just pull. We all like to think we would be able to disengage a safety. I practice a lot with a full sized 1911. But until I am forced to shoot someone with it...who knows. I was forced to draw a 38 snubby. When all was said and done I didn't have to fire. But I was ready. That is what matters.

[Tackleberry1]

Nothing better for home defense that a short barreled shot gun. I use a Remington 870 Express w/extend magazine, cost me less than $300.00 new, holds 6 2-3/4" shells and $5 nylon shell holder will give you 5 more for reloads. 00 buckshot give you 9 .38 caliber pellets every time you pull the trigger.

Take some classes. The only dumb "new" gun owner is the guy who thinks he already knows what he's doing and DON'T believe that crap about not needing to aim a shotgun. It's BS. Take one to the range and fire it at 5 and 10 yards so you know what kind of pattern to expect at "in the house" distances.

[Gojubrian]

Originally Posted by Rick1967

Point well made about the cops. I like the trigger safety. It's a lot better than a safety on the wrong side of the gun that I can't reach. With a safety on a trigger there is no question if it is on in a panic. Just pull. We all like to think we would be able to disengage a safety. I practice a lot with a full sized 1911. But until I am forced to shoot someone with it...who knows. I was forced to draw a 38 snubby. When all was said and done I didn't have to fire. But I was ready. That is what matters.

The trigger safety is just not a good decision imo. Put the safety on the side where it goes. For polymers Springfield XD has it right. Worthless trigger safety, grip safety, and loaded chamber indicator. Heads and shoulders above the glocks.......imo.

[Tackleberry1]

All too true about Cops and Glocks. With the Glock's grip angle at 21 degrees, given a natural "point of aim" hold, your looking at the top of slide rather than down the sights. This is easy enough to correct while putting holes in paper but in the real world, with bullets coming back at you, you will likely be too focused on the threat to even think about your sights and with a 21 degree grip angle, you will miss high.
I believe this to be the reason Law Enforcement hit ratios dropped from 1 in 6 to 1 in 16 in the 80's as the Glock craze was sweeping the Nations police departments.

[trex1310]

Latest in CCW hardware!

[fixdeluxe1]

Basically the first thing you should ever get is a .22 or other smallbore rifle.Then progress onto a Shotgun and Handgun.It's the golden rule.

[ScottA]

The first firearm I purchased was a S&W Model 411 in .40. I bought it because it was affordable, comfortable to shoot, and the .40 could handle anything I might encounter in the Arizona wilderness. It was also a good choice for home defense/CCW... which didn't happen due to moving to IL (ugh).

The next purchase was a S&W .22 revolver... then at Stoeger 12ga side by side... then a Savage .17HMR.... Eventually I replaced the 411 with a Springfield XDm .40 because the old 411, although it met my budget at the time, just wasn't very accurate.

My point is your collection is going to grow, change, and be replaced over time. Don't be afraid to "settle" now for a gun that will fit your budget, but maybe not your expectations. You'll likely be changing many guns in your future.

[Phelenwolf]

What ever you decide on make sure you and your wife can handle it. shotgun, pistol, etc make sure you practice with it. practice clearing a jam, reloading, etc. Learn you house, especially in the dark. Can you move around your house with the lights off. Purchase a dog something that will give you those first few seconds that are critical.