Single gal w/ no experience needs to know where to start

[CAM]

I am a single middle class woman who lives in a high crime neighborhood in urban Florida. I was against guns but as crime rates soar and I see neighboors getting robbed at gunpoint or even shot for no reason other than drug money I am considering a gun more. Because I am afraid of guns and what they can do I decided I probably would be a good gun owner and promised myself to get fully educated in a class with do's and don'ts.

I know guns are ranging in velocity and power, etc . I want a gun strong enough to save my life rather than just piss someone off, but I don't need something that would kill an elephant. When I get the gun I want to take a class and go to the firing range with my co-worker who is an advocate, just to keep my skills of what I learn in class up to par...... so if I should ever need to use one I will be able. However, I hope I never need to use it for self protection. I have thought about going to a gun show and looking at different models but lately a male and female couple have been robbing homes in my neighborhood and last night held my neighboors at gunpoint in front of their kids so am hesitant to wait a few months for a show. I am also leery of asking a sales associate who may just push a gun on me to get rid of inventory.

What I am asking is are there any suggestions on a lightweight, good for beginners gun that is not so expensive used just for self protection?

[itschuck2c]

Yea Charter Arms makes a 327 magnum revolver. It fits what you are asking for, small and powerful enough to stop a criminal. The price is good. It gives you the advantage of several different types of ammo to use. The most powerful the 327 magnum round has less recoil then a 357 magnum is plenty powerful.

Ruger also makes a 327 magnum revolver but it will be more expensive then the charter arms.

[gunguy]

kel-tec arms makes a really good reasonable priced 9mm semi autio. They can be purchased for less than 300.00. A nice 38 special would be another nice gun. It is a revolver. Different manufactors will have differ. prices. The main thing you need to do is go to a gun club or a gun shop or a range and do a little shooting. Get comfortable with a gun before you buy one. You could be more dangerous with a gun than being around the bad guy. Ha Ha. If you dont practice with your gun it will be useless to you/ At a minimum practice once monthly till you get comfortable. Then every chance you get. I teach concealed carry classed and tell my students to practice different scenerios, dont just shoot two handed in a perfect environment. Make it fun and exciting. I asure you if you have to use your weapon it wont be in a perfect sitting. Think about that a little

[jwr381]

Welcome CAM!

Before anything else, go to your local gun range or club and schedule classes on on safe handling of firearms. Hopefully, the range will have guns to rent or use with the class. If you can, shoot several different pistols and revolvers. You must find a gun that fits your hand and feels good in your hand to shoot. Practice as much as you can. Shooting has to be second nature to you. After purchasing a gun I would schedule a concealed carry class.

For a beginner I would recommend a revolver. They are a little easier to maintain for a novice than an auto-loading pistol.
As for caliber, I personally would go with a .357 magnum. The debate on defensive loads is ongoing in the pistol discussion forum so we will not revisit it here. I won't recommend a brand because feel of a firearm in your hand is important to good shooting.

Good luck and stay safe!

[loadmaster]

I second the class, and as long as you are taking a class you may as well get the carry permit. Sounds like your talking about Jacksonville, FL, thats where I live. Try out a number of handguns at an indoor range before making a decision on what type to get, not everyone is the same. Don't let some grouchy old man tell you that you should get a revolver because your a woman and semi autos are too complicated for you.

[Mogley98]

A revolver for sure .357/.38 is fine, don't go ultra light more expensive and harder to handle recoil. A good used revolver can be had for a couple hundred tops

[RICH 45]

Hey loadmaster, every have a FTF or FTE with a revolver? Yea me neither. I might be old but I'm nit to grouchy
Welcome to the forum cam

[lockedn'Cocked]

Taurus Judge ,it a revolver specifically for home defense up close and personnal

[pastorccl]

Welcome CAM,
One thing to consider. Are you planning to carry the weapon concealed? If so, you might want to consider something slim and trim. Someone mentioned the Kel-Tec. It is VERY concealable. I have a 9mm which makes my trigger finger sore after 30 rounds or so. I love my Kahr Arms CW-9. A little pricey. Very slim and a little heavier than the Kel-Tec.

I underscore the good advice above. Go try them out. Shoot them. Carry them. Get a feel for what different guns feel like in the hand, on the body, and especially when they kick. Not all guns kick the same, even of the same caliber. Try 9mm, 357 mag, .40, .45 and others. You might be surprised just how managable a very powerful gun can be.

Revolvers have less that can go wrong. I don't own one yet. However, my semi-automatic pistols (.45 and 4 different 9mms) have entirely won my confidence. I consider both to be dependable.

Enjoy the experience. It sounds like you are taking it all very seriously. That is good. Don't get too addicted.

[Targetsig]

Sure your are...