Now I already own an S&W Sigma 380 but I worry in the event of a breakin this might not have enough stopping power.I'm thinking of buying something else.Now I don't want something as heavy as a 44 magnum,I'm a rather small framed person and I just don't like the recoil.Any suggestions?Does a 38 sound like a good idea?

If this is your first handgun and your not into much training, yes, get the revolver.

No thinking, just pull triger.

May I recommend putting a laser on it. When it's set up, where ever the red dot is, is where the bullet will go.

Of course, you should practice in a shooting range to get good and stay good.

May I also recommend hollow point ammo-it will fragment and tend to NOT pass through walls like "normal" ammo does.

Just love the flame thrower idea... that'll do nicely sir! i'll have two please...rofl

Originally posted by OrchidLunar
Now I already own an S&W Sigma 380 but I worry in the event of a breakin this might not have enough stopping power. I donw want a heavy 44 magnum, I'm a rather small framed person and I just don't like the recoil. Any suggestions? Does a 38 sound like a good idea?

A .38 Special with +P loads is good. I have a Star PD in .45 cal. That gun is no longer mfg but a good used one should be available at $250-$300. Currently, Star makes a Firestar M40 or M45, in .40 and .45 caliber. MSRP is about $425 or $450. Either gun has better man stopping ballistics than a .380 or a 9 mm. Remember that guy in NY who was shot 41 times by 4 9 mm’s?

Colt .45, thats a pretty nice handgun, personally I would use a 12 gauge.

I recommend the Smith and Wesson 38 hammerless model 32.
It is very easy to maintain and fits into an average handbag for you ladies.

Take a look at the Kimber TLE/RL .45ACP with tactical rail for Laser sight and/or tactical weaponlight, it also has a very nice set of fixed Tritium Night sights(Glow in the dark fixed sight). I have a matching pair and they never leave my side. Shoots straight as an arrow. I use Winchester SuperX 185 grain/SilverTip/JHP for home protection. I target shoot with the Winchester "White box" 230grain/FMJ. Very reliable no misfires, no Hang-fires, no Failures to feed, no failures to eject. I own quite a few guns and this is by far my favorite.

[edit on 2-3-2006 by digitalassassin]

On the matter of a hand gun for home defense the following:
The average law enforcement officer should not be within 10 feet of a loaded weapon. The average American (US Citizen) should not be within 100 feet of a loaded hand gun.
For the expert the shotgun is the weapon of choice for close encounter. You do not need an excuse to buy another piston and your question indicated that you are not ready to defend anything with a hand gun.
Go to KMart, buy a cheap shotgun, hide the few rounds of ammo you also buy and keep the ammo in a place where kids can't find and access it. Kids are like other curious animals, they will get into things especially if we forbid the act.
Let the shotgun rest where you put it and collect dust. In many states, if you shoot an invader you will be charges with something.
I could dazzle you with stories of such applications of "justice" but I won't.
skep

Hi guys,


I'm a Jock and as such have never owned or needed a hand-gun, but I'd take one right now given all the doo doo that's going on in the world.

In my country? Just give up your home and you won't require a hand-gun!!

Regards

J

Being a gun owner myself (was shopping for another today) I of course gravitated to this thread.
There will be some very worthwhile suggestions offered. I would suggest as well you check the NRA website where are very good articles about guns and their proper use. Another good site is PACKING.ORG which covers much the same, and also has great info on the legalities of gun possession in your state.
Without attempting to endorse any particular brand I would however suggest you stay away from anything CHEAP. Inexpensive is not bad, but CHEAP could in the long run be dangerous.
I would also not be too swayed by large calibre weapons. It is far more imortant that you become proficient, confident and comfortable with whatever weapon you acquire.
Best of luck in your search.

Originally posted by periwinkle blue[/I]
Being a gun owner myself (was shopping for another today) I of course gravitated to this thread.
There will be some very worthwhile suggestions offered. I would suggest as well you check the NRA website where are very good articles about guns and their proper use. Another good site is PACKING.ORG which covers much the same, and also has great info on the legalities of gun possession in your state.
Without attempting to endorse any particular brand I would however suggest you stay away from anything CHEAP. Inexpensive is not bad, but CHEAP could in the long run be dangerous.
I would also not be too swayed by large caliber weapons. It is far more important that you become proficient, confident and comfortable with whatever weapon you acquire.
Best of luck in your search.

Despite the unfavorable ballistics, I have heard - well a long time ago - that more people are killed in the US by .22 cal guns. I also have a Beretta Mod 70S in .22 cal I pink with. You are right to have a gun you feel comfortable holding and shooting. I've never been "there" but I'd imagine you would already have the adrenaline pumping full bore if you faced an intruder in your home. If you are uncomfortable with your gun, that ADDS to you problem, and is not relieving you.

Originally posted by skep In many states, if you shoot an invader you will be charges with something.
I could dazzle you with stories of such applications of "justice" but I won't.
skep

No, go ahead and dazzle us, I can't wait. I want links and case summaries.

You guys are so lucky that you can get handguns. Everybody in the US should own at least one. When the NWO storms in you won't be sorry.

I am with most people on having a shotgun for home defense while having a pistol on your person to defend your self.

If it was up to me, I'd use an AK for both situations but ofcourse that would be too dangerous for people around me (no don't freak out, I am only kidding)

"No, go ahead and dazzle us, I can't wait. I want links and case summaries. " == Winchester Ranger T

But before he starts, here is a bit of Wild West philosophy I always liked.

Tis better to be judged by 12 of your peers than to be carried away by six of your friends

Im also with the shotgun folks for home defense. .38 special in the car.

Actually I wish all I needed was a stout stick for home defense but alas we live in a violent and insane world. Peace!