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The Water Cooler
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Advice on wpn for me/ me wife.
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<blockquote data-quote="Glocktogo" data-source="post: 1628791" data-attributes="member: 1132"><p>Evan,</p><p></p><p>Welcome to OSA! Unfortunately your information request is very vague and difficult to answer. First off, we usually refer to them as handguns rather than weapons. You're not buying a handgun to assault someone with, it's for defense. That's no different than buying an insurance policy. It's merely a tool, nothing more. How effective a tool it is depends on your mindset and how much you're willing to train with it. We always recommend advanced training beyond the minimum Oklahoma SDA class. It really doesn't do anything for you in terms of how to effectively use one. Using it for enjoyment as well as training is another way to maximize the return on your investment. </p><p></p><p>Now, on to selection. We usually don't recommend a specific brand or caliber. Lots of OSA'ers will tell you what their favorite is, but that's just about the same as user reviews on any consumer website. They're rarely objective and each one is arrived at using different criteria. Based on handgun effectiveness, I tend to recommend something in the 9mm/.38 special caliber for a starter gun. Going for a big bore right off is usually a mistake, due to the higher ammo costs and additional recoil. The same goes for tiny .380 caliber pistols. The ammo is expensive and they usually have a lot of recoil. You usually get what you pay for with handguns and I recommend spending as much as you can comfortably afford, while leaving enough left over for ammo, cleaning supplies and training. If a Hi-Point is all you can afford, well, it's better than nothing. Something in the Glock, S&W, Kahr Arms, etc. category is definitely preferred. On the less expensive side, a Kel-Tec, Taurus, Rossi, etc. will serve you much better. </p><p></p><p>The most important criteria is how well you can manipulate and shoot the handgun. Buying an $800 H&K or 1911 will do you no good if it doesn't fit you well. The best way to see and try lots of different handguns is to go somewhere like the 2A Shooting Center or Medlock's. They have an indoor ranges where you can shoot several different types. The key is to ask lots of questions and handle as many as you can get your hands on. It would be nice to have handguns of the same brand and type for you and your wife, but that may not be practical. What fits her may not coincide with what fits you. </p><p></p><p>Considerations for concealed carry are different than home defense. A Hi-Point will be extremely heavy and bulky, making it a poor choice for concealment. On the flip side of the coin, a Scandium framed S&W .38 will conceal and carry beautifully, but be a handful to shoot. On body carry is always preferred, but many women will opt for purse carry due to clothing considerations. They make concealed carry purses and holsters specifically designed for womens carry. </p><p></p><p>One additional consideration is getting a .22lr pistol or .22lr conversion kit if you choose a handgun(s) that have them available. These can really stretch your training dollar with inexpensive ammo, plus theyre great fun. I always try to start newer shooters off on a .22 to get them up to speed on gun handling without the recoil factor. I find it really pays off when they move to the defense size calibers.</p><p></p><p>Last, check out the stickies and popular threads in the Self Defense and Concealed Carry (CCW) and Handgun General Discussion sections. They have a wealth of information that will help you make decisions. Congratulations on making the leap to covering your own defensive needs and good luck!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Glocktogo, post: 1628791, member: 1132"] Evan, Welcome to OSA! Unfortunately your information request is very vague and difficult to answer. First off, we usually refer to them as handguns rather than weapons. You're not buying a handgun to assault someone with, it's for defense. That's no different than buying an insurance policy. It's merely a tool, nothing more. How effective a tool it is depends on your mindset and how much you're willing to train with it. We always recommend advanced training beyond the minimum Oklahoma SDA class. It really doesn't do anything for you in terms of how to effectively use one. Using it for enjoyment as well as training is another way to maximize the return on your investment. Now, on to selection. We usually don't recommend a specific brand or caliber. Lots of OSA'ers will tell you what their favorite is, but that's just about the same as user reviews on any consumer website. They're rarely objective and each one is arrived at using different criteria. Based on handgun effectiveness, I tend to recommend something in the 9mm/.38 special caliber for a starter gun. Going for a big bore right off is usually a mistake, due to the higher ammo costs and additional recoil. The same goes for tiny .380 caliber pistols. The ammo is expensive and they usually have a lot of recoil. You usually get what you pay for with handguns and I recommend spending as much as you can comfortably afford, while leaving enough left over for ammo, cleaning supplies and training. If a Hi-Point is all you can afford, well, it's better than nothing. Something in the Glock, S&W, Kahr Arms, etc. category is definitely preferred. On the less expensive side, a Kel-Tec, Taurus, Rossi, etc. will serve you much better. The most important criteria is how well you can manipulate and shoot the handgun. Buying an $800 H&K or 1911 will do you no good if it doesn't fit you well. The best way to see and try lots of different handguns is to go somewhere like the 2A Shooting Center or Medlock's. They have an indoor ranges where you can shoot several different types. The key is to ask lots of questions and handle as many as you can get your hands on. It would be nice to have handguns of the same brand and type for you and your wife, but that may not be practical. What fits her may not coincide with what fits you. Considerations for concealed carry are different than home defense. A Hi-Point will be extremely heavy and bulky, making it a poor choice for concealment. On the flip side of the coin, a Scandium framed S&W .38 will conceal and carry beautifully, but be a handful to shoot. On body carry is always preferred, but many women will opt for purse carry due to clothing considerations. They make concealed carry purses and holsters specifically designed for womens carry. One additional consideration is getting a .22lr pistol or .22lr conversion kit if you choose a handgun(s) that have them available. These can really stretch your training dollar with inexpensive ammo, plus theyre great fun. I always try to start newer shooters off on a .22 to get them up to speed on gun handling without the recoil factor. I find it really pays off when they move to the defense size calibers. Last, check out the stickies and popular threads in the Self Defense and Concealed Carry (CCW) and Handgun General Discussion sections. They have a wealth of information that will help you make decisions. Congratulations on making the leap to covering your own defensive needs and good luck! [/QUOTE]
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