Pistol and such for Self Defense

[bigdave]

I just got done reading this book called "The Road"....it scared the hell out of me.
It got me thinking, because I never want to be at the mercy of the mob and unable to protect my family.

Crime is rising here in Spokane. Criminals are getting more and more desperate. You used to be able to avoid it by carefully choosing when/where you go, but know I read of people getting mugged in places that I go regularly. It will only get worse as the economy gets worse.
 
So, I come hat in hand looking for direction. I am very comfortable around rifles for hunting, but I have never owned a pistol or a shotgun. I need to get started with the purchasing and also get some training as well. I'm on the eastside. I would rather start with simple and effective and as I become more proficient upgrade if possible.

Talk to me about makes, models, calibers of pistols or shotguns. Talk to me about what to look for in a good gun shop/school. Talk to me about what it takes to get a carry permit. Should I throw some self defense classes in the mix? Any books or other resources you would recommend? Anything you share to help move me toward this goal I value.  I will not be a helpless victim.

I value your opinion,
Dave

[Gutpile]

Call sharp shooter indoor range. I know they have some classes. Since your a beginner (with pistols) I'd recommend starting off with a revolver. My buddy poo poo'd me when I told him that and he ended up capping himself in the leg.



I prefer a small revolver for a carry pistol. It's a S&W 642 in 38 special + P. Quite often I'll have a 40 or 45 in the truck. 

Here's mine

[CP]

I love revolvers but I have a hard time sticking a loaded gun with no safety in my pants.  I prefer an auto with a safety for IWB carry. 

You will hear that you need .40 or .45 for protection but a .38 or 9mm or even .380 are probably better bets for someone new to handguns.

I suggest that go rent a few different styles and calibers at a gun range to get the feel of what you prefer.

For a CPL, go to your local Law Enforcement office and ask for the form.  Fill it out and wait 30 days.  That's all it takes.

[jeepasaurusrex]

I just picked up a Beretta 92F from Kesselrings on Saturday.

I carried one for 8 years in the Army. Good guns.

I also purchased a Blackhawk Serpa holster for it.

Going in today to file my CPL paperwork. 

[Gutpile]

I agree CP, but you can carry on an empty chamber with a revolver, a pull of the trigger revolves the chamber to a live round. I'm the same way about cocked and locked auto's.

Sharp shooters does have guns to rent.

As far as conceiled carry permits. You go down to the courthouse fill out the paperwork, get your prints taken, pay the $70.00 or so, and wait. I think the time to get a conceiled permit is right now.

[bigdave]

Definately want to avoid the leg situation. 

I was thinking sharp shooting maybe as they were the only one I was aware of that gives classes.

Rental to try them out sounds like a good idea.

What is your opinion about self-defense classes? Anybody taken them? I know it sounds kinda wussy but I'm a big guy and growing up I got in some fights but was always encouraged to avoid if possible. Most guys didn't want to mess with me cause I was bigger than them. As a guy ages he losses some of that confidence I guess.


Thanks for the input guys.

Dave 

[CP]

There are some NRA sanctioned classes that might be helpful, basic pistol, personal protection in the home, and personal protection outside the home.   They are usually taught by gun clubs and/or shooting ranges. 

[JoshT]

I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago... my brothers, my sister, and my brother in law all carry concealed pistols. They've been telling me for years that I needed to at least own a pistol for home protection... even if I didn't want to pack it. I finally relented and went on a massive search for the best pistol FOR ME. I ended up with a Springfield XD Service (4") in 9mm. For carry defense, and home defense... I figured the 9 would be just as effective as the .40 or the .45, because I could practice with it twice as much... and the capacity is much better. Now, I pack it pretty much everywhere... I almost feel naked without it.

Get out and shoot a couple of IDPA matches... that's the best concealed pistol personal defense type training I can think of. The guys are always very helpful, and the fact is... it's just plain fun. A word of advice though... go get your CPL RIGHT NOW!!! even if you don't have a pistol yet, if you're looking to get one... better get the lisence now.

[addicted]

the taurus judge. Shoots 45 colt and .410 shot gun shells  Built with self defence in mind it would also be a great scouting/hunting sidearm for when anything comes out from a grouse to a bear.

 Makes the bad guys dissapear fast.

[jeepasaurusrex]

CPL license costs vary from county to county.

Whatcom County-$55.25

Skagit County-$55.25

Snohomish County- $55.25

King county is $60

Pierce County- $55.25

Thurston County- 55.25

[GoldTip]

the taurus judge. Shoots 45 colt and .410 shot gun shells  Built with self defence in mind it would also be a great scouting/hunting sidearm for when anything comes out from a grouse to a bear.

 Makes the bad guys dissapear fast.

Thats a gnarly little pistola right there, especially when it comes to self defense.  I have shot one however, and would not recommend it for someone new to handguns.  A 45 long colt is a pretty stiff round and the 410 shell going off gets your attention if your not used to shooting hi-power pistola's.  For someone new to handguns I would recommend a 9mm in semi-auto or a 38/357 in revolver.  Both are inexpensive to shoot and easy to get comfy with.  Another option would be a short barrelled 22magnum revolver.  Almost no recoil, fairly inexpensive to shoot, and definitely will get someone's attention when hit with it, and little risk of pass through's and the innocent bystander getting hit.  My personal home and pack weapon for the "hood" is a Glock 9mm with Hi-cap mags and tritium sights.  In the woods I pack my Ruger alaskan in 454 casull.

[HawkenBob]

I carry a modded SP101 in 357. Its small and has serious power. Not only is it a good home/self defense pistol as it shoots 38's, 38+P and the 357 magnum. But its good in the woods too for critters up to about 400 pounds.

Imo, 38's and 9's are for tin cans. 357 is for that dead MoFo that picked the wrong house!

[rasbo]

I carry a modded SP101 in 357. Its small and has serious power. Not only is it a good home/self defense pistol as it shoots 38's, 38+P and the 357 magnum. But its good in the woods too for critters up to about 400 pounds.

Imo, 38's and 9's are for tin cans. 357 is for that dead MoFo that picked the wrong house!

I carry the ruger sp 101 great hand gun

[Intruder]

  In the woods I pack my Ruger alaskan in 454 casull.

Cripes Goldtip... ya gatta be your size to pack and shoot that bugger

Glock in a 40 S/W would be my choice if it were purely as a self defense gun.  A 357 in a wheel gun is tough to beat based on the points others have made.

[CP]

For home defense you can’t beat a short barreled 12 gauge, open cylinder pump action.  #4 Buck shot if you have neighbors, #00 if you don’t.