Hand Gun Recommendation

[Deleted]

I've never owned a hand gun, although I've used several that my Dad owned, mainly 22's and 32's. However, I've been thinking about getting one to carry around the place when doing chores. We now have coyotes in the area and not a few stray, wild dogs. My niece also lost a dog to a rabid raccoon, and she lives just down the hill.

A friend recommended a Ruger 357 (but I cannot remember the model number) as being reasonably priced and fairly accurate. Accuracy, dependability, ruggedness, and a good value (both in the gun and bullet pricing) would probably be my main concerns.

You guys got any recommendations?

[bbird]

We just bought three new handguns a few months ago. I first bought a 44 hotpoint for dh, and he liked it so much I went and bought me a 38 hotpoint. Then dh shot mine and liked it better then his, lol, so bought him a 38 too. The 38 feels good in my hands, where the 44 is too big for me to feel confident. Plus the 38 I can acurately keep shooting without loosing control.

First time buying hotpoint, and we are really happy with them. They are usually cheaper then other brands, and we were told that homeland security uses this brand for their issued guns. The 38's ran a little over $100 and I believe the 44 was around $160.

I was always a rifle toting gal around the farm, but have really learned to like the convenience of packing a handgun. Not only for safety sakes, but being able to be hands free while carrying is nice.

Dh went and got his concealed weapons permit, and I still need to do that though.

[kyosa]

Hi RW! Was the Ruger your friend recommended perhaps the Blackhawk? It's a single-action revolver that kinda-sorta resembles the Colt SAA of cowboys 'n Indians fame. It's a very well-made piece and is about as absolutely reliable as they come. If you're looking for a 'working' type gun it would be hard to do better. .357 ammunition is available just about everywhere in an extremely wide variety of configurations for just about any purpose. AND you can shoot .38 Specials in a .357. But NOT vice-versa! For personal defense a double-action revolver or semi-auto would be the preferred handgun choice. For in-home defensive use I think a (legally) short 12-gauge shotgun is about tops. Here's a link for some Blackhawk information:

world.guns.ru/handguns/hg100-e.htm

Google-search "Ruger Blackhawk" and you'll find a ton of information.

[kyosa]

<< First time buying hotpoint, and we are really happy with them. They are usually cheaper then other brands, and we were told that homeland security uses this brand for their issued guns. The 38's ran a little over $100 and I believe the 44 was around $160. >>

Deb, can you post a link or other information on 'Hotpoint'? I've never heard of that brand and I'd like to see what they're like.

[bbird]

kyosanim said:

<< First time buying hotpoint, and we are really happy with them. They are usually cheaper then other brands, and we were told that homeland security uses this brand for their issued guns. The 38's ran a little over $100 and I believe the 44 was around $160. >>

Deb, can you post a link or other information on 'Hotpoint'? I've never heard of that brand and I'd like to see what they're like.

I'm such a dork, there is a reason you have not heard of that brand.

The brand is Hi-Point, lol, plus its not a 44 I bought dh, it was a 40 but I did get my 38 right.

Here is the link where you can check them out.
www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns.asp

bbird-claiming lack of sleep as a symptom of confusion.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys. Richard sent me a note and the Ruger he recommended was a GP-100. It's a double action revolver, and just as you pointed out kyosa, it can shoot either 357 or 38 shells.

Thanks for the link bbird. Those guns have a great price! Have you used them enough yet to judge their reliability?

[bbird]

We've used them everyday for a few months. I'm accurate at about 80 yards right now...past that I sure would scare something as I pepper the ground, lol. Which is a lot better then the 50 ft I started out with. Its sure different then a rifle, lol.

With the 40 I wouldn't be accurate at all, not the guns fault, but it is just too bulky for me, and the kickback makes me take aim each time. The 38 I can keep shooting on the target for the whole round.

Yep, the price was the incentive for me, plus the gun shop locally also sells used guns and I was able to go behind the store and shoot one of their used guns before purchasing a new one.

[kyosa]

<< Thanks guys. Richard sent me a note and the Ruger he recommended was a GP-100. >>

That's also a very good, well-made, and reasonably-priced one. Back when police departments used mostly revolvers that was a fairly common issue sidearm. Not as common as Colt or S&W, but it was in fairly widespread use. If you can get one for a fair price, jump on it!

world.guns.ru/handguns/hg39-e.htm

[Deleted]

I went to a local gun store and looked at a Hi-Point 40 caliber (only one they had unfortunately) and the Ruger GP-100 (357 that also shoots 38's) in stainless steel. Right next to the GP-100 was a Ruger GP89 in stainless at a great price (since they said it was used but if it was I couldn't tell it). Anyway, I ended up buying it for about $200 less than the revolver. It works great, but I need lots of practice. I've not shot hand guns that often in my life.

Thanks for all your help.

[bbird]

RW- Congrats on the new handgun. I was like you and not use to shooting one. You'll have fun practicing I'm sure, its got a whole different feel to it.

I think that is great that you got a used one for less money. Sometimes there are great deals with used handguns out there, and unlike a rifle with a wood stock, you usually can't tell that it is used.

Happy shooting! (target shooting that is, lol)

[Deleted]

I went to the firing range my brother uses this weekend to try out the GP-89 in earnest. This range starts you out at 10 yards and moves up to 100 yards (for the rifle users). At ten yards, I was doing very poorly at first, but when I switched to my left eye for aiming, there was marked improvement. It upset my brother, but he couldn't argue with the results. He aims with both eyes, something I just cannot do.

As for distance, I don't know that I could ever get any kind of accuracy beyond 50 feet, but I'm going to keep working on it.

As for reliability, I shot a lot of ammo in a hurry and the gun worked fine throughout, at least in terms of loading and ejecting. I'm pretty sure any problems with hitting the target can be attributed to "pilot error".

[kyosa]

I'm glad you're enjoying your new acquisition and are getting good use out of it. The only cure for 'pilot error' is lotsa practice. I don't shoot a handgun enough to be any good with one, but constant practice is the key. I need to get mine out and make some noise!