[mitchmiller9]

I want to buy a used handgun, maybe a 35 caliber... something that will stop an intruder. I figure I can save $$$ by buying a used gun.

I haven't handled a gun in over 35 years, so I would need training as well. I prefer something in the Winchester/Paradise area so it's not so inconvenient to visit the firing range.

Does anyone have any recommendations? How much should I expect to spend? What type of handgun would you recommend for home safety (not carrying)?

[USMC1984]

Originally Posted by mitchmiller9

I want to buy a used handgun, maybe a 35 caliper... something that will stop an intruder. I figure I can save $$$ by buying a used gun.

I haven't handled a gun in over 35 years, so I would need training as well. I prefer something in the Winchester/Paradise area so it's not so inconvenient to visit the firing range.

Does anyone have any recommendations? How much should I expect to spend? What type of handgun would you recommend for home safety (not carrying)?

I don't recommend you buy a firearm for QUITE a LOOOOOONG time....35 CALIPER!

[mitchmiller9]

Seems like this one might be a good choice for just home safety that is cheap and reliable.

Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 S&W

[Cold Warrior]

Originally Posted by mitchmiller9

Seems like this one might be a good choice for just home safety that is cheap and reliable.

Smith & Wesson Sigma 40 S&W

40 caliber. The rude comment was because there is no 35 caliber handgun.

[USMC1984]

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

40 caliber. The rude comment was because there is no 35 caliber handgun.

Or CALIPER

[mitchmiller9]

It's been a looooong time since I shot a weapon. I now remember it was a 38, not 35 caliber.

Looks like the SD40VE is the improved model over the original SD40... and about the same price. So now just to find the right price for it and whether I should buy locally or from some online web site.

[VonZimmer]

Do everyone a favor and go take a handgun course FIRST and pass the CCW exam.

Then and only then go buy a nice little 9mm from a LOCAL GUN STORE.

For a newbie, purchasing online is a big hassle for pistols and you have to pay an FFL anyways.

FYI, for TRUE home defense, go buy a nice 12ga shotgun. Just be careful that you don't shoot through your walls and into your neighbors. But nothing has the stopping power of a 12ga.

You still need to practice at an outdoor range. Unlike on TV, shotguns must be aimed - you just have a little more room for error. At 12ft (normal in-home shooting distance) buck shot is going to stay very tightly grouped.

OR, if a shotgun is too difficult to handle inside the house (common complaint), step up your pistol to a 45ACP. More downrange stopping power than a 9mm, but also considerable recoil so more training and practice is required.

I preach practice a lot because owning a gun is easy, even taking a course or hitting a fixed target at the range is simple. But shooting back at someone who is shooting at you, and/or just broke into your house and is doing a home invasion, is a VERY different beast.

Unless you can condition yourself to remain calm and accurately discharge your weapon with your family screaming, bullets flying around, your heartbeat at 200 and you're scared ****less, don't buy a pistol.

-von

[Deuterion]

Originally Posted by VonZimmer

Do everyone a favor and go take a handgun course FIRST and pass the CCW exam.

Then and only then go buy a nice little 9mm from a LOCAL GUN STORE.

For a newbie, purchasing online is a big hassle for pistols and you have to pay an FFL anyways.

FYI, for TRUE home defense, go buy a nice 12ga shotgun. Just be careful that you don't shoot through your walls and into your neighbors. But nothing has the stopping power of a 12ga.

You still need to practice at an outdoor range. Unlike on TV, shotguns must be aimed - you just have a little more room for error. At 12ft (normal in-home shooting distance) buck shot is going to stay very tightly grouped.

OR, if a shotgun is too difficult to handle inside the house (common complaint), step up your pistol to a 45ACP. More downrange stopping power than a 9mm, but also considerable recoil so more training and practice is required.

I preach practice a lot because owning a gun is easy, even taking a course or hitting a fixed target at the range is simple. But shooting back at someone who is shooting at you, and/or just broke into your house and is doing a home invasion, is a VERY different beast.

Unless you can condition yourself to remain calm and accurately discharge your weapon with your family screaming, bullets flying around, your heartbeat at 200 and you're scared ****less, don't buy a pistol.

-von

Good advice. There’s a high chance that double ought buck will not penetrate a wall which is why I prefer it as my first choice. That’s also why I would consider anything that uses a NATO round like AR15 dead last.

[oeccscclhjhn]

Originally Posted by mitchmiller9

Where To Buy Used Handgun?

Gun stores, gun shows, new, used, online. For something that will be potentially life saving, I would spend the extra $$ for new. Research, research, research. Lost of reviews, discussion forums, videos, and articles that can help in your decision. American Shooters over on Arville off Spring Mountain, and The Gun Store on Tropicana have rentals. Allows you to try before you buy.

If you buy online, new or used, then you can choose your FFL (federal firearm license) - a licensed local gun dealer who will take delivery of your firearm and then you visit them when it comes in and fill out the paperwork and make your purchase.

Originally Posted by mitchmiller9

Does anyone have any recommendations? How much should I expect to spend? What type of handgun would you recommend for home safety (not carrying)?

Glock 19
M&P 380 SHIELD EZ

The Glock 19 is 9mm - a great home defense round. The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a .380 smaller caliber, great for beginner shooters but more importantly those with less grip strength - which happens to everyone as they age. It's called the M&P 380 SHIELD EZ for a reason - the slide is easier to chamber a round, which is important.

[Gatopescado]

Originally Posted by VonZimmer

FYI, for TRUE home defense, go buy a nice 12ga shotgun. Just be careful that you don't shoot through your walls and into your neighbors. But nothing has the stopping power of a 12ga.

Yep. And a lot more likely to connect with the intended target in a panic situation.

Also, if you want anything used, you better act damn fast!