get a 22.

Wow Jack,  thats a tuff one so here it goes.

Carry often/shoot little-  I would take a hammerless snubnose 357.  I would say 38 but a 357 will shoot 38's so its like getting 2 for the price of 1.  you can get a new Taurus for less than $500, used as little as $350.

Carry some/shoot some-  I would go with a baby glock or a sub-compact springfield xd.  I have 1 of each if you want to try them out.  Some people don't want a revolver, so if you want an auto thats how I would roll.  You can shop the market and get either one of those for less than $500. 

Carry little/Shoot lot-  a full size auto or midsize auto.  I like glocks/HK's/FN's/Beretta's/Springfields.  Just don't get a 1911... they suck more ass than a donkey. 

You really need to come out to the range with Luke/Collin and I and just try out a little of everything.  Concealability is most people's problem.  Luke can conceal a fullsize no problem but I have a hard time.  It all depends on how your gonna carry your gun.  The other thing is what caliber you want to shoot.  I get the impression Collin is a 45 guy.  I love 45's but I tend to lean towards 40 just cause you get a few more rounds.  9mm is ok and I wouldn't hesitate to shoot someone with a 9,  I would just shoot them a few more times, haha.  As far as the firestorm, never seen one in 45,  shot a couple 380's and 1 9mm?  never had an issue with one, I want to shoot collins now. 

Sounds good to me, I have heard good things about those guns, just never had the opportunity to shoot one.  We will let you know when we schedule a "real steel" day. haha

Jack -

Big subject, just jump right out there with; "first pistol, what do I get?"

 

First thing you have to do is decide what you want this for.  Is it really for concealed carry? Or is it more a home defense and hiking sidearm?  Then you need to find a gun that fits your hand, is small enough for the roll you have in mind, and then it has to be in a caliber you can enjoy shooting.   A three fifty seven J frame revolver with a trigger pull heavier than the gun will NOT be fun to shoot, so you won’t shoot it… and then you won’t be accurate and knowledgeable with your weapon.

To look back at some of the previous posts -

The 1911 is in fact a good weapon (F+*@% off Nate) but they are all steel guns, heavy with a relatively small magazine.

The .40 S&W is a great caliber, but in smaller weapons it kicks more.

Do not buy a .22 for self defense, unless you want your gun taken from you and shoved up your A$$ by a meth head who can take the shots now, and die later.

.50 desert eagle ?

I like the idea of a range day.  

I agree with Yankee lets do a range day, remember four things that are the laws of the universe:

1. If you pull it, use it.

2. If someone enters you house and you are home they are there to hurt you.

3. Two shots center mass and wait and listen for at least 10 min before calling 911.

4. Always use enough firepower to kill the person and not just wound them. This does two things:

    A. It keeps you from getting sued.

    B. It keeps you from getting hurt. I.E. he or who ever takes the hits and keeps coming.

Now karl I think the world of you and you family. But know this you dont buy a gun to feel safe, you buy a gun to protect your self. A false since of security can come from just owning a gun and not being mentaly prepared to use it. Which will get you hurt and you family hurt or worse. So really think about your choice and buy what will do the job. So when you buy a gun and you want to know how much to spend, ask youself how much is you family worth.

I agree with Goose on that. Stay away from 22. If you are worried about the price of ammo enough of us reload that you could probly set up some press time and cut the cost of ammo down by a third then again walmart sells remington ammo for the 45 acp 3 cents a round cheeper than I can press it for. If your worried about hitting a intuder in your home look at the facts. Most people are shot from less than 6 feet in home invasions. I think you will do just fine. Somthing to put in you head is that you dont want a gun that over penatrates. In other words you dont want to shoot thru your walls thats why I think that a 40 or 45 and 10mm if you want to get fancy with the right rounds. They are all great for home defence. I still think you need to consider the .45 acp Minifirestorm by BERSA you can get them for 250-325 small 7rd mag and really good shooting gun.

Even though I have talked them down forever...Glock 40 is on my buy list. Its a firearm that I can shoot with some comfort and accuracy, and I can comfortably carry. And it won't really break my bank like a sexy 1911 would (I WILL HAVE YOU SOMEDAY!!!) Home defense 12 gauge, because well even my wife could hit something with it. My "buy a real gun fund" turned into the "pay the bills while looking for work" fund so it will have to wait yet again.

You know Alpine started this and we all have been giving advise to karl, sorry Alpine but for all the things we have said to karl apply to all.