Suggestions on a pistol for defensive shooting class

Buy a Glock 19...give it a try @ the shooting class...9mm ammo is the cheapest. If you don't fall in love you can always sell it w/o taking a big hit! I'm not a gambler but I bet you end up keeping the little jewel!
 
I enjoy the heft of my SP101's. They absorb recoil well and that increases accuracy, and I'd rather be accurate than lucky.
I have both hammered and bobed.
I have several other options also, but the Rugers SP101's are always with me. They shoot 38's too which won't hurt the pocket book as much.
 
I love my Berreta 92-f in 9 mm. The recoil is small enough to allow you to get back on target fast enough. In my opinion most self defense situations are going to be at close range, perhaps 0 to 15 yds max. You don't need a massive caliber to get the job done. I have friends who insist on shooting a 44 mag. But they cant accurately make quick follow up shots down range because the muzzle is jumping all over the place. Plus ammo is allot cheaper, and more available than others.


Mark2
 
Quote: In my opinion most self defense situations are going to be at close range, perhaps 0 to 15 yds max.

If you shoot someone at 15 yards, your in deep chit. Thats a little too far away to claim self defense.

Now 0 to 15 feet is a whole different story. Which I believe most gun battles in a self defense situation take place within this range, or close to it from what I can remember. So within 15 feet..... how accurate of a handgun do you really need. I would think if you could consistently hit a paper plate at that range it would be good enough.
 
Originally Posted By: wdchuckhuntrXD or M&P.

I prefer 9mm for shootability and a higher magazine round count in the event of muliple assailants.



I'm gonna go rent each of these and a Glock 19 in 9mm. Also Front Sight recommended the Glock full size.

Like I said I am drawn to a Five-Seven. I think it will be first on the chopping block of pistols because of the mag capacity of 20, and the supposed ability to defeat bullet proof vests. However I do hear mixed results on the performance of the 5.7 round.

Thanks again for the replies.
 
Glock. Completely accurate for self-defense (21 feet or less) and goes bang when you pull the trigger, every time. no external safeties to worry about; very important in a self defense scenario. I have 3 including the 26 and 19 (9mm) and 36 single stack in .45 ACP. I have more expensive handguns but would choose the Glock over all simply because of their reliability.
 
I like my SP 101 and my Kahr E9. Both comfortable to carry in most situations, decently concealable even with a t-shirt, and enuf for most self-defense situations. The Kahr seems to have a great trigger stroke as I'm no kinda great pistol shot, but I can hit with it well. Even fast draw drills. I like the heft of the SP 101 (for a snub 357 revolver anyhow), but mine could use a good trigger job to be at it's best. But I luvs my Ruger sixguns. The ability to shoot target 38's for practice is good too. The new 327 Federal looks like a round worth checking out too in the Rugers - one more round pushing 357 ballistics, and less recoil.

Whatever you do choose, go with what YOU like, and shoot well. Additionally,I'd like something I plan to carry most of the time. JMHO.
 
The Fn 5.7 is a neat gun but ammo is hard to find and was pretty expensive. The gun shot good but I do not like the little bitty bullet.
 
Fireguyty, Most defensive shootings are within a seven yard range and will average about two rounds...

You need to consider a handgun that doesn't require a separate cocking action or safety de-activation in order to fire the weapon...Most of the time, a short barreled revolver or semi-auto with a double action capability is best..Practice with ammo that you will be carrying..

While I'm a fairly experienced handgun competitor, my two favorite personal semi-autos are a Sig Pro in 9mm (15rd) and a Walther P-99 in .40s&w (10rd)...both can be carried with a round in the chamber, fired simply by pulling the trigger and if I'm really scared during a confrontation, contain enough ammo that I can keep pulling the trigger and getting a response...Both have changeable grip to adjust to individual hand size...Both have minimal potential for snagging on clothing..

In a revolver, I prefer something in the .357 magnum realm as I can load it down for plinking, and low velocity self defense without a lot of recoil worries or muzzle flash..Generally you are limited to six rounds with out reloading..

Sig Pro 9mm
Handguns10-09001.jpg


Walther P-99 (also available in 9mm)
WaltherP-99r.jpg


S&W mod 19 .357 mag
SW19357Mag.jpg
 
Get a judge,it's compact and makes a big hole! Just kidding !
If you are going to carry, get a compact. Confrontations usually occur 6' to 8' and over in seconds. I prefer a .40 or .45 caliber hollow point due to the larger wound canal. My weapon of choice is 1911 style, Sig-Sauer, S&W and Glocks. The type of rounds makes the difference in stopping the threat. For home defense, shotgun, any questions!
 
Don't rush yourself into a decision on what gun to buy. You don't need to take that gun to the class. Renting one of their guns might not be a bad idea for you.

The course will teach you tactics and techniques that can be used with just about ANY pistol. You don't need to re-take your drivers liscense test just because you buy a different car, your skill set remains the same. And it doesn't really matter much what kind of gun you take to the class, provided it functions properly and you like it.

Having said that, if Front Sight kept stats (they probably do) on which guns people use in that class, you'd see that VERY few people have ever brought a 5.7 to use. There's a reason most people shoot Glock, XD, 1911, Sig, S&W, etc in basic calibers. Call them and ask what they recommend, you'll see.
 
I have 4 pistols that I trust to use to protect my family. I trust them because I have used them and tested them thoroughly.

- XDsc (mine is in 9mm)

- Glock 19

- FNP-40

- Kimber Custom II (45acp)

One that is on the way to making the list

- CZ 75 in 9mm

In my opinion there are many good pistols available today.

I run mine hard and expect them to work when I need them.

One good way to see what holds up to use is to talk to different police armorers if you can. Another way is to look at what the folks use who shoot pistol matches, 3 gun, and multi-gun - they have groups that use stock pistols and you can see what holds up to that heavy/rough use.

You asked about the FN Five Seven (I don't have one) - I have no report to give other than to say I have 4 FN products and I trust all 4 for use as a tool that I would use to protect my family.

Good luck
 
Originally Posted By: fireguytyI appreciate all the responses. I like the idea of the XD, and I think I need to give a Glock another try. I just need to get it in my head that this will be close range shooting at big targets. Also I tend to not go for the compacts for the same reason, and that idea needs to be shrugged off too.

I carry one for a living and own a Kimber 1911, an HK USP, a Sig P220, and a XD all in 45. I carry the XD everyday.
 
I have attended both front sight and other defensive classes. At frontsight I shot my wifes XD40 Tactical. Since then I bought myself a Glock 35. Its big and easy to shoot. All my guns are 40 cals, but really a nine is plenty. I like glock for a few reasons. First they are easy to work on, second they work, are plenty accurate out to 25 yards or more with practice, have no external safeties etc so the manual of arms is super easy, and last they have quick trigger reset for fast and accurate follow up shots. Glocks are not for everyone, but I would suggest going to get a 17 or a 19. As said earlier the ammo is fairly cheap, and at the end of two days you will love it. If not its an easy gun to sell off again. I have also never met a person who couldnt conceal a 19 or even a 17 with a little practice... I carry my 23 or 22 or even my 35 regularly.
DaFunk
 
Well here is my .02 cents. You never said that you had any plan to carry concealed, at least not that I read. That being said if you are just getting a handgun for this class and that is it, then I suggest you get a Glock or Sig 9mm. If you do intend on concealed carry maybe a Glock 23 or Sig P229 would be great. As a firearms instructor I have had at least a brief opportunity to shoot sig's, Glocks, Rugers, M&P's, Taurus, and many others in 9mm, .40 cal and 45. I personally just bought a Glock 23 and after about 300 rounds down the tube I love it. For a gun under $600 out the door it works great for me. I have shot and owned a full size Glock 21 in 45cal. It shot well and I liked it. I really like the Sig P229 but it is more money. I suggest maybe renting or borrowing one till you see what fits you. It really comes down to YOU. No matter what we say, what fits me, may not work for you. Good luck and enjoy whatever you get.
 
Before I got hired on with the police department here, I never caried a pistol much.(Had to get a real job, and why carry a pistol when you can carry a rifle.) But on the job, we carry a Glock 22C. If we want a back-up it has to be a Glock 27, so I got one. I decided I didn't like it on my ankle when I'm working, so I just carry it off-duty. Before this I hated Glocks. (Mostly cause I was raised on 1911s)But since I got this one and shot it a bunch, I am sold. I'm not sure I don't like shooting it better than my duty weapon. It's not the easiest to carry concealed, but it's not bad, and easy to shoot. I don't have a lot of experience with pistols, but it says something to me that I have taken to this one so fast.
 
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