Pistol recommendation

[dave29]

Give them cash and let them decide what to do with it. The only person I would ever buy a gun for is my wife and I have done it on a couple of occasions. There is too much liability in the world today. Guns get stolen, used in a crime and the SN comes back to you. They should buy their own guns in their own names after taking a safety course to include live fire.

 

[77charger]

I'm really liking my new 10mm S&W M&P 2.0 It seems to be a good in between the 9mm and 45.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-10mm-fde-with-thumb-safety

Still somewhat cost effective and still has good weight and balance to it. I added a light/laser combo and it feels even more solid now.

I have a 10mm Glock and imo unless you reload or get full power loads it’s pretty much .40 plus p.

I’m pushing 1300 fps for 180s for my reloads. When I first hit it I had a couple boxes of factory it chronoed 1050-1125.

Full power is .40 on nitrous lol.

 

[Desert Whaler]

As already stated , absolutely let them shoot different pistols first
Nothing worse than spending a bunch of dough on a pistol that you hate shooting, or will never practice with.

I've worked with my hands in construction all my life and still hate recoil & loud noises . . . so I'm a total gun-puss.
On the flip side I have belt-neck friends who've never turned a wrench in their life and yet love hand-cannons . . . so go figure.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

As for home defense

I like a good Ol fashioned revolver
It can sit for years loaded and go bang as long as it’s a double action!

I have always thought this too.. My Ruger SP101 .357 is my go to. Simple and straight forward.

 

[jetboatperformance]

My Wife was like a "woman at a Hat sale" when we shopped for her weapon , had 7 out on the counter but settled on the Barretta PX9 Storm , she shoots it very well fits her grip and style mag. loading was a bit difficult till I got her a "device" and extra mags also highly recommend NRAs Women on Target she did well without me teaching her bad habits

 

[Cdog]

Take them to a range and let them try a couple. I’d focus on Glock & Sig 9mm. See what feels good in their hand and what they shoot best.

Reliability, Parts, holster availability & mags are reason alone to focus on Glock & Sig polymer pistols.

 

[4Waters]

I admitted I like it, and I guess that’s bad enough, but I do realize it’s too gay to carry. Can you give me a pass?

Yeah, yeah, no answer needed. I’ll just hand over my Man Card now.

Ok, 1 pass

I was looking at shields while in AZ a couple years ago when the the salesman said check this out. It's standard practice for me to clear a gun when it's handed to me. He handed me an EZ (didn't tell me what it was) and when I cleared it I damn near ripped the slide off the gun. He said in testing women said it was to hard to pull the slide back so they came up with the EZ. I was surprised how EZ it was and asked about stove pipes, he said it operates like a normal shield. If it was available in CA my wife would have one as well.

 

[Justsomeguy]

The Staccato 2011 would make them smile.

Would make me smile.

G19 is probably the most utilized pistol. I carry one every day. Even wearing my suit. But, I miss my M&P. Not the shield. The compact. I had the 1.0. The 2.0 is even better. I will be getting one and adding to my ccw next renewal.

 

[Your ad here]

Find something else to get them.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Well I will throw my 2 cents worth in on this one...
If this is just gonna be a dust collector they never shoot then get them all a .22 long gun, like a 10-22.
If you are hoping to stir interest in your kids in firearms, then here is what I would do.
Hunt around in your area and find a well qualified/rated handgun training facility that rents firearms to their students and buy them all a basic pistol safety/shooting class.
Let them go learn and find a pistol they like, individually, and rent it for the class.
Let them learn.
When it is all said and done, they've taken the class and shot the course of fire, make them the offer to supply the funds so each of them can buy the handgun of their choice.
Point being, their choice. One size does not fit all.
My standard line when I get asked (and I get asked a lot) "what gun should I buy"? is as follows.

Go to the rent a gun range. handle some firearms under supervision, learn how the gun functions, make sure it fits well, make sure you can do all the functions, (racking the slide, manipulate the mag release, etc).
Rent a couple. Try a couple.
Choose the one you are most comfortable with, that you can hit the target in the 8 ring or better with regularly, and then buy an advanced course and go through it. Learn how to field strip your firearm and keep it clean.

My wife just re-qualed for her CCW last week.. She has several lady friends who also went through the class and I am the guy who does the cleaning for them.
In this group there are 3 Sig P238's, one .38 wheel gun, and a Ruger LCP. my spouse carries a Sig P229 Enhanced Elite in 9mm. She also has a P238 but she likes her 229 much better.
For some reason the husbands won't help...or they won't ask, or whatever, but the guns come to me. I have them stand and watch and slowly they are getting comfortable with the process. I am happy to clean a few extra pistols 4-5 times a year for friends and be damn sure they will function if they should need them in a real world deal.

 

[Cooter01]

Are the recipients welcoming of said purchase for them? Are they comfortable with using guns? Have the means to understand the fundamental and training, willing to learn? Start there first, you have a thousand of flavors under the sun, yet if the recipients are not open arms or welcoming to understand the fundamentals and training it is a waste in my book.

 

[paradise]

A lot of great comments in here. Definitely make sure they want to shoot and are interested. I sorta assumed it was people who wanted to get into shooting more but were already on board.

 

[Paradox]

I’m with the revolver recommendation for home defense. I like the Taurus Judge with a 3 inch cylinder loaded with 3” 410 #3 or 4 shells. Formidable defense yet, if you have to use it, the shot won’t go through the walls and kill your neighbors by mistake. Added plus:. It shoots 45s as well for fun at the range.

This is assuming you’re not in Cali.

 

[Rajobigguy]

My advice, for whatever it’s worth, is give them all a paid basic handgun course, with the handgun gifts following that.
Not just for safety, but for a better feel for what fits them.
Because all you’re going to get here is a big giant list of everyone else’s favorites, and maybe not what’s best for those kids and spouses?

This.

 

[Crazyhippy]

There are more expensive, fancier, more accurate guns out there, but if you are trusting your life on it going bang when you tell it to... you can not beat a glock.
G19 is the standard for defense pistols, for damn good reason!

That said, for a first time shooter, i would recommend a TX22 instead. Not as useful for home defense, but cheaper, and gentler to shoot. Makes it easier to get everyone to the range, where they can figure out what works best for them.

 

[Boat 405]

I’m with the revolver recommendation for home defense. I like the Taurus Judge with a 3 inch cylinder loaded with 3” 410 #3 or 4 shells. Formidable defense yet, if you have to use it, the shot won’t go through the walls and kill your neighbors by mistake. Added plus:. It shoots 45s as well for fun at the range.

This is assuming you’re not in Cali.

Definitely one of my favorites. its more tame than you would think shooting 410’s through it

 

[hallett21]

 

[OC Daytona]

I’m with the revolver recommendation for home defense. I like the Taurus Judge with a 3 inch cylinder loaded with 3” 410 #3 or 4 shells. Formidable defense yet, if you have to use it, the shot won’t go through the walls and kill your neighbors by mistake. Added plus:. It shoots 45s as well for fun at the range.

This is assuming you’re not in Cali.

The Judge is a great option..... small and easy to operate.

I also like the size and feel of the Sig Sauer P365's. This one holds 17 and is easy to carry as well. There's another one that hold's 13 that might be better for
ppl with small hands.

 

[TonyFanelli]

View attachment 1451500

fer gawds sakes man...

 

[angiebaby]

I was gifted a Lady Smith .38 Special decades ago. I hated it. Rarely shot it, couldn't hit anything with it, yet I kept it for years. I knew it was useless to have this weapon if I was afraid of the recoil and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it. My hands would shake on the rare occasions we went shooting. So I took an introductory handgun class and was introduced to the wonderful world of semi-autos. We started out with .22 and moved up to 9 mm. The trainers showed us how to break down the firearm, which was a Glock and I was amazed at how easy it came apart. Later, I went to the indoor range and rented several guns in different calibers. I settled on the Glock 19, but it IS a double stack, so a lot of women may not like it. I have small hands, but have a good, solid grip habit. I prefer it over the 43, but use the 43 for CC. I'm surprised no one has suggested a .380 for the ladies. I know that many women prefer that caliber due to the size of the firearm.

I will add that Glocks are easy to clean, which is why I like them, but there is no safety. A lot of people dislike them for that reason.

I also recommend either a class, or a day at the range to rent a variety of weapons. A gun that someone is not comfortable with is one that won't get praticed with. If that's not possible, then at least get husband/wives the same brand for consistency and ease of cleaning. 9mm is a good starting round for anyone, IMO. Ammo is relatively inexpensive.

 

[DLC]

I have always thought this too.. My Ruger SP101 .357 is my go to. Simple and straight forward.

I have a Ruger gp100 .357

Every now and then I take it to the range and fire it after it’s been sitting since the last time….

Always goes bang on the 1st pull.

 

[Badchoices03]

If going to a range and actually shooting a few different guns isn't an option....at the very minimum take them all to a gun store that has a big selection of guns and let them all hold and feel everything they are interested in to see what fits their hand better...

 

[angiebaby]

If going to a range and actually shooting a few different guns isn't an option....at the very minimum take them all to a gun store that has a big selection of guns and let them all hold and feel everything they are interested in to see what fits their hand better...

and give them a budget.

 

[maliaspop]

Barretta PX4 Storm is my fav 9mm. I like the thumb safety and the way it shoots. Better than my Glock or M&P Shield.

 

[77charger]

I have a Ruger gp100 .357

Every now and then I take it to the range and fire it after it’s been sitting since the last time….

Always goes bang on the 1st pull.

Good thing about revolver is that right there if it doesn’t pull trigger again.

.357 good choice can practice with 38 special load 357 for defense. When I’m asked from family or friends who never shot and don’t plan to but want something for home use I say 4 inch revolver.

 

[Your ad here]

Going back to my earlier post. We really dont know if the people you plan on buying guns for are already gun owners. No way should anyone gift a gun to someone that wont go buy one themself. You dont know what stupid shit non gun owners may do with it. Leave it unattended, loose it, commit suicide...

I shake my head at people suggesting a small purse gun for home defense. FFS always get the biggest gun you feel comfortable with. Not some little gimmick J frame 5 shot .38 Special that you wouldn't hit the side of a barn with if you were 2 feet away from it. Shotguns are terrible for home defense as well. Big, bulky, and the pump noise gives your location away. The bad guy will just shoot through the drywall to kill you once they know where you are because of the pump noise.

 

[jetboatperformance]

Good thing about revolver is that right there if it doesn’t pull trigger again.

.357 good choice can practice with 38 special load 357 for defense. When I’m asked from family or friends who never shot and don’t plan to but want something for home use I say 4 inch revolver.

One can really never go wrong with a wheel gun simple and novice proof !

 

[kurtis500]

Thank you everyone!! I think taking them shooting first is key. We are all together for thanksgiving and we were already going to the shooting range (Ben Avery). Since these are Christmas gifts a few shots first is ideal. I have a 22, 25 cal Colt, 9mm and 2 357’s. I’ll see what they like then probably buy something to their liking. I have both revolvers and semi’s.

Thanks for the help, I probably should have waited to shoot but I’m trying to line up gifts. Especially when they are $$$$

 

[RiverDave]

Easy .380’s (it’s an easier slide) for all of them..

 

[Cobalt232]

Sig p365

My wife has one. I have a hard time with accuracy with it though.
I picked up a Kimber Mako a few months back. I've only shot it once, but I like it a lot better, but I still need to work on it.

 

[Nordie]

My wife has one. I have a hard time with accuracy with it though.
I picked up a Kimber Mako a few months back. I've only shot it once, but I like it a lot better, but I still need to work on it.

I've been curious about the Kimber Mako. You don't see a lot in the wild.

 

[Cobalt232]

It was hard to find. I picked it up at the gun and fishing store in Havasu new. It came with 4 or 5 magazines, a holster and a nice bag. I got the one with the red dot, but I need to adjust it a bit, but I like it better than the P365 so far, but honestly I haven't shot much with both.

R7 MAKO (OI) Bundle 15-Round

The R7 MAKO is Kimber's first polymer framed, striker fired, high-capacity, subcompact handgun. Designed to compete with the best, the R7 MAKO is outfitted with todays most desired features providing superior out-of-the-box performance. The R7 MAKO family comes standard with high contrast TruGlo...

www.kimberamerica.com

If I recall I got the bundle in the +-$650ish range.

It seems very well made.

 

[Badchoices03]

Good thing about revolver is that right there if it doesn’t pull trigger again.

.357 good choice can practice with 38 special load 357 for defense. When I’m asked from family or friends who never shot and don’t plan to but want something for home use I say 4 inch revolver.

4" .357 for a new shooter? Thats bold...lol

 

[77charger]

4" .357 for a new shooter? Thats bold...lol

You can use 38 specials to learn and practice. Won’t be as snappy on specials.

Now a snub nose 357 won’t be fun for a new shooter.

 

[angiebaby]

Good thing about revolver is that right there if it doesn’t pull trigger again.

.357 good choice can practice with 38 special load 357 for defense. When I’m asked from family or friends who never shot and don’t plan to but want something for home use I say 4 inch revolver.

Someone who has never shot and doesn't plan to ever shoot is a dangerous gun owner, IMO. They don't know the four rules. They don't think about what is behind the wall they are shooting at. High negligent discharge danger. If the first time they are going to fire it is when they have a threat inside their home, they're asking for trouble. Smashed fatty area between their thumb/forefinger, dropping the gun because they have no idea how loud it's going to be (with no ear protection especially) or what the recoil feels like, likely keeping it unloaded and they have to load it without being comfortable and while shaking . . . I could go on. I would advise anyone planning to buy a gun for the first time and putting it in a drawer until needed without firing it to not do that. I'd say don't waste your money on this false sense of security. But that's just me. I see firearm ownership as a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly.

 

[Rajobigguy]

Well, as long as we're talking about guns used largely for home defense I'll throw my two cents in.
1. You don't need a cannon for close quarters work. Remember an AR-15 is just a high powered 22 caliper round and up close and personal you can do almost as much damage with a 22 LR without the fear that you are going end killing someone on the other side of the wall that didn't need a killing.
2. Firing a large bore pistol (or rifle or shotgun for that mater) in the confines of your bedroom is likely going to do significant damage to your hearing.

With these thoughts in mind a good home defense weapon would be something like a semi auto 22 or maybe a Taurus Judge that is loaded with with the nice mild 410 shells. Both of these are very effective for stopping an intruder, easily handled by even a novice gun owner and minimize the prospect of through wall collateral damage.

 

[kurtis500]

Easy .380’s (it’s an easier slide) for all of them..

thats what first came to mind..

 

[kurtis500]

Going back to my earlier post. We really dont know if the people you plan on buying guns for are already gun owners. No way should anyone gift a gun to someone that wont go buy one themself. You dont know what stupid shit non gun owners may do with it. Leave it unattended, loose it, commit suicide...

I shake my head at people suggesting a small purse gun for home defense. FFS always get the biggest gun you feel comfortable with. Not some little gimmick J frame 5 shot .38 Special that you wouldn't hit the side of a barn with if you were 2 feet away from it. Shotguns are terrible for home defense as well. Big, bulky, and the pump noise gives your location away. The bad guy will just shoot through the drywall to kill you once they know where you are because of the pump noise.

they all do want a gun. and have been shooting before, they are just young enough that they cant spend the $$ on it and need to throw money towards rent and etc.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Im looking to buy some gifts for my kids and their spouses. 5 total. All semi-auto pistols. They dont shoot much at all and these would be for fun and home defense so the top of the line isnt needed. Just something that doesnt jam like my old garbage 22 jennings. 2 boys, 3 girls all in thier 20’s. I think theres still a guns forum here but ive tried twice for access and no dice.

PM me advice on where to start looking, i literally have no idea. Im in Arizona and Utah

Thanks

I know this is going to ruffle the Best-or-nothing group here on RDP but..... the Taurus GC3's have had some GREAT reviews and are super cheap. I have one, havent used it enough to be able to chime in on the quality of performance really, but for just a tick over $200, 12 round 9mm mags, and comes with 3 mags...... pretty damn hard to beat for a novice shooter.

 

[kurtis500]

View attachment 1451500

shot one... many years ago

 

[Badchoices03]

I know this is going to ruffle the Best-or-nothing group here on RDP but..... the Taurus GC3's have had some GREAT reviews and are super cheap. I have one, havent used it enough to be able to chime in on the quality of performance really, but for just a tick over $200, 12 round 9mm mags, and comes with 3 mags...... pretty damn hard to beat for a novice shooter.

How dare you be cheap!!

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

Sig P365
Glock 43x

Both affordable and great platforms. We have a couple Tuaraus in our collection .380 and 9mm. Not a gun I would trust to save a/my life. Jmo

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Got this one for my wife and it is awesome. So much lighter and compact versus my CZ 9mm

https://www.mossberg.com/mc2c-ten-plus-one-89030.html

 

[HBCraig]

Glad this thread started. I've been looking at a Stacatto recently. Any opinions on that brand?

 

[Paradox]

I have a Ruger gp100 .357

Had one for years. Really liked that gun.

 

[Paradox]

Good thing about revolver is that right there if it doesn’t pull trigger again.

.357 good choice can practice with 38 special load 357 for defense. When I’m asked from family or friends who never shot and don’t plan to but want something for home use I say 4 inch revolver.

I’m semi with you on this. 380 or less just doesn’t seem sufficient.

In Cali, it is a big frame 357 Smith for me (holds eight rounds) loaded with mild 38s for home defense. Can still hold a reasonable bead but, unfortunately still a bit loud and likely pretty bright if at night..

 

[was thatguy]

This is my 40 and my 9 (well…)

Which one do you think I’d hand my 42 year old 4’11” 105 pound daughter who rarely if ever shoots a gun?

Note: I love the hammer 40 because I can chamber hammer down without risking a ND.

 

[Rbcconst]

Im looking to buy some gifts for my kids and their spouses. 5 total. All semi-auto pistols. They dont shoot much at all and these would be for fun and home defense so the top of the line isnt needed. Just something that doesnt jam like my old garbage 22 jennings. 2 boys, 3 girls all in thier 20’s. I think theres still a guns forum here but ive tried twice for access and no dice.

PM me advice on where to start looking, i literally have no idea. Im in Arizona and Utah

Thanks

If your looking for the best home defense for someone who doesnt shoot a lot buy them a home defense shotgun, point close to the target, spray, pray and repeat. If they dont shoot a lot with the pistol of there choice you might as well give them a baseball bat.

Pistols for new shooters, I would recommend glocks that fit there hands. Not saying glock is the best but they are certainly a safe buy and easy to shoot. A lot of other options will have some learning curves.

 

[Badchoices03]

Glad this thread started. I've been looking at a Stacatto recently. Any opinions on that brand?

They are the perfect RDP gun....shoot about the same as every decent manufacturer....but costs 2x as much....lol

 

[Justsomeguy]

They are the perfect RDP gun....shoot about the same as every decent manufacturer....but costs 2x as much....lol

It's a status symbol. Like a dcb. Says, I'm here and I made it.

Just kidding. They are really nice.