Where are my Gun Owners? (CCW related)

[IronDukes37]

.......

[Shyster]

I've actually got a shotgun and am convinced that in the dark, when you're still half asleep, it's the best home defense weapon. However, I still have to have the title transferred from my dad's name to my own; I'm technically not the owner of the gun so it's use for anything other than hunting would raise some sticky legal issues.

Are you both in the same state (presumably Pennsylvania)? Sales or transfers of long guns in PA do not require any sort of check or other official action. You don't need to do anything. In fact, even if it were a handgun, sales or transfers of handguns between people who are in a lineal line of descent (i.e. parent ↔ child, grandparent ↔ grandchild) do not have to go through a PICS check so long as both reside in Pennsylvania.

[Shyster]

For a good, basic, inexpensive carry gun, I'd look at a small-frame revolver like the S&W 442/642 Centennial, 438/638 Bodyguard, Ruger LCR or SP101, or the Taurus 85 or 850 CIA. The Taurus guns should be in your price range new, and it’s not hard to find Smith and Ruger revolvers used. I’d prefer the models with bobbed, shrouded, or concealed hammers. Simple, reliable, durable, small enough for front-pocket carry—they make great carry guns. You may replace it with something bigger or with higher capacity down the road, but a small wheelgun is always handy to have around if you just want to drop something into a pocket for a quick run to the gas station or grocery store.

[Ben Klingston]

I don't have much advice other than don't go to Anthony Arms in West Mifflin. They're a bunch of non-helpful, gun snob ******, quite frankly.

It's been my experience that it's tough to find firearms dealers that are actually helpful to the novice customer.

[Bob McKenzie]

If you are looking for something that is home defense and CCW, I wouldn't get a .380. A .380 isn't all that powerful a round and wouldn't be something most knowledgeable people would use for home defense. .380's are nice as CCWs because they are small but I wouldn't go that route if you want it for both.

My recommendation would be to get a to get a Glock 36. This is my CCW and one I wouldn't hesitate to grab in a second for home defense. It's a .45 (home defense stopping power) and a small version of a Glock and is the only Glock to feature an ultra-slim rail, which makes CC much easier since the rail is almost half as wide as a normal Glock since it is the only Glock that uses a single column for the magazine. It holds 6+1.

As for CC, anyone will tell you that besides size, the weight of the gun comes into play also. The smallest Glock (and not by much compared to the G36) in terms of size is a mini-Glock 30 (but it is wider since it uses a double column magazine). The Glock 36 is the lightest Glock and is 4.5 ounces lighter than the Glock 30.

G36 would be my recommendation. It's also very universal in terms of hand size because the grip is much thinner due to not being a double mag. Plus, with it being a Glock you don't have to worry about quality and you can do all kinds of modifications to it if you want. I added an internal laser sight on mine.

I'd recommend you check out purchasing a new one from a quality dealer on gunbroker.com and have it shipped to an FFL dealer. If you look around and have some patience you can save $100-$150 retail on a new G36 like I did. I paid $400 for mine new minus the FFL fees. Sometimes you can get them used around the $300 range on there. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Browse.aspx?SearchType=0&Timeframe=0&Keywords=glock+36&Cat=3026&Items=50

[Psychlone]

Resurrecting an old thread, I just purchased a Ruger GP-100 4 inch Stainless 357 Magnum this weekend for home defense. I don't intend to load it with .357 ammo for the house though I bought some 110 grain Hornady Critical Defense .38 rounds.

[Shyster]

Resurrecting an old thread, I just purchased a Ruger GP-100 4 inch Stainless 357 Magnum this weekend for home defense. I don't intend to load it with .357 ammo for the house though I bought some 110 grain Hornady Critical Defense .38 rounds.

Good purchase. My view is that revolvers make great “home” guns. Less prone to jam or malfunction. A revolver can live in a drawer untouched for 10 years, get covered with dust, and still go bang every time you need it to.

[mac5155]

.357

Yummy..load that thing up with some hollow tips. :pop:

[Godric]

Resurrecting an old thread, I just purchased a Ruger GP-100 4 inch Stainless 357 Magnum this weekend for home defense. I don't intend to load it with .357 ammo for the house though I bought some 110 grain Hornady Critical Defense .38 rounds.

Good purchase. My view is that revolvers make great “home” guns. Less prone to jam or malfunction. A revolver can live in a drawer untouched for 10 years, get covered with dust, and still go bang every time you need it to.

Or you could get....


+

A Fingerprint activation fast deployment case.

[mac5155]

I'll take a .357 revolver over a .38 pistol anyday

[Shyster]

Or you could get....

*snip*

A Fingerprint activation fast deployment case.

I agree there are plenty of semiautos that would be reliable enough to be “drawer guns,” but I still think I’d go with the revolver. For example, what if a spouse or child (old enough to be responsible to have access to the gun, of course) is the one who needs it? What if they aren’t really shooters and aren’t too familiar with the gun? They could limp-wrist the semiauto and end up with a stoppage. They could have a dud and not realize that the slide on the XD needs to be racked in order to recock the striker. They could have a lousy grip and not properly depress the grip safety. You can’t limp-wrist a revolver.

[Godric]

I agree there are plenty of semiautos that would be reliable enough to be “drawer guns,” but I still think I’d go with the revolver. For example, what if a spouse or child (old enough to be responsible to have access to the gun, of course) is the one who needs it? What if they aren’t really shooters and aren’t too familiar with the gun? They could limp-wrist the semiauto and end up with a stoppage. They could have a dud and not realize that the slide on the XD needs to be racked in order to recock the striker. They could have a lousy grip and not properly depress the grip safety. You can’t limp-wrist a revolver.

I totally understand. I just never think of anyone else needing to use personal protection other than myself because I don't have a family.

[Corvidae]

I'm looking into buying a new handgun for home defense/ concealed carry. I don't have a ton of money to spend, so I've been looking at a Taurus TCP .380. Gets consistently good reviews and looks pretty compact, but I'd like to do some research before I get into anything. Any ideas on what I should be looking at?

Not that you can't kill someone with a .380, but it's definitely not one of the better defense rounds. I'm not big on Taurus either.

I think that the best caliber for home defense is the .45 ACP. It's on par with the .357 and has less chance of over penetration (giggity), less muzzle flash and less likely to burst your ear drums. A lot of the guns chambered for it are a bit large for CCW though, but I know Glock makes some more compact ones. For CCW I see no reason to go below 9mm in an auto.

If you're looking for a dual purpose home and carry piece, I'd say the 9mm Glock 19 (or smaller 26) are ideal size and weight. You can also have that almost exact frame in .40 S&W (23 and 27, I have the latter) or .357 SIG (don't remember the #s). S&W M&P and XD make similar style guns with great reliability as well.

If you want a revolver, try the S&W 640 or Ruger SP101. Both 5 shot .357 that you can load with .38 special. Personally a little heavy for me but most people can carry them. I have the lighter 642 Airweight with .38 +P Golden Sabers when I'm not carrying my 27. Not too much fun to shoot though.

I also have a 870 with #4 and 00 buck at home, but I'd go with the .40 Glock first because I haven't fired the damn thing in like a decade. Plus it would spare me from having to rebuild a wall.

[Corvidae]

I should have clarified...I'm poor. I'm not going to get something unreliable for the sake of price, but I'd like to go as inexpensive as possible while still getting something useable. I'd love a glock but they're likely outside my price range.

I missed this part the first time through. I believe M&Ps or XDs are cheaper than Glock. A Ruger SP101 might still be in your range, but probably not the S&W unless you don't think you need a magnum.

[mac5155]

I bow to your handgun knowledge.

[Corvidae]

I bow to your handgun knowledge.

For some reason not long I ago I went on a kick where I simply had to research handguns. It's weird because I like guns but am not what most would consider an "enthusiast."

[mac5155]

I bow to your handgun knowledge.

For some reason not long I ago I went on a kick where I simply had to research handguns. It's weird because I like guns but am not what most would consider an "enthusiast."

That was intense. I am more of a rifle/military weaponry guy.

[tifosi77]

Necro-posting here....

Does anyone have any knowledge of Taurus handguns, beyond Corvidae's statement about not liking them? We're about to make a purchase (finally....) and I'm liking both the model 800 and the 24/7, each in .45ACP.

[mac5155]

That is what most of my friends own. They seem to be a well built gun for a good price

[columbia]

That is what most of my friends own. They seem to be a well built gun for a good price

Self defense?

I don't feel the need for one at this point in my life, but I would surely have a shotgun for that.

[Godric]

That is what most of my friends own. They seem to be a well built gun for a good price

Self defense?

I don't feel the need for one at this point in my life, but I would surely have a shotgun for that.

My XD 40 is easy to store and doesn't take up anymore space in my apartment than a drawer in my night stand and my roommate is uneasy when it comes to firearms and I could imagine how awkward she would be if i told her that we are keeping a shotgun in the closet

[Kaizer]

I have a gun question too.

a FRIEND of mine was given a .380 by his father, that has no paperwork and no idea where it originated. if my FRIEND were to have this weapon discovered, how much trouble would he be in for not having it registered? Or, if he were to try to get it registered, would he be in trouble just for getting it in such a way?

also tifosi, my FRIEND'S dad seems to think quite highly of the Taurus 45s

[mac5155]

I have a gun question too.

a FRIEND of mine was given a .380 by his father, that has no paperwork and no idea where it originated. if my FRIEND were to have this weapon discovered, how much trouble would he be in for not having it registered? Or, if he were to try to get it registered, would he be in trouble just for getting it in such a way?

also tifosi, my FRIEND'S dad seems to think quite highly of the Taurus 45s

I'd have your friend check his local regulations on this one. Your friends dad (original legal owner?) would probably have to get a permit for it

[columbia]

and I could imagine how awkward she would be if i told her that we are keeping a shotgun in the closet

"Yeah, but we have a dishwasher too."

[mac5155]

That is what most of my friends own. They seem to be a well built gun for a good price

Self defense?

I don't feel the need for one at this point in my life, but I would surely have a shotgun for that.

I do. My 870 pump matches my camo bed sheets nicely.

Yes, I have camo bedding :pop: