How do I decide on a reliable hand gun?

[jenniferever]

I have never owned a gun or fired a gun. I would like to get a nice compact, reliable hand gun for protection. Who has the best prices locally for used hand guns? Then I noticed that there are to s of "conceal and carry" outfits that offer training. Can I get a recommendation on a good training course and instructor? I may consider private lessons since I am starting with no knowledge of using a gun. Please help!

[TTS]

Jennifer,

I would recommend taking a handgun familiarization course before looking at a permit to carry course. PTC courses tend to focus on the legal aspects of carrying more than the fundamentals of how to use a pistol for self defense. There are a number of great instructors here, Don, Blue Line Defense, Tony at SureShot and many others. Bills Gun shop also offers some great courses as does Burnsville Pistol Range.

Related to choosing a pistol... You will want to shoot a few before making a decision. Most modern firearms from major manufactures are reliable and will work for self defense. One thing many new shooters miss is that smaller guns are typically harder to shoot well. Find something that is a good mix of size and shoot ability.

Some of my favorites are the Glock 19, S&W Sheild, S&W M&P, and Springfield XD/XDs.

Myself and many of the other instructors will offer you a variety of pistols to try out. Email or PM any of us and we will be happy to help!

[gunsmith]

here's the Google for Andrew Rothman.

http://www.google.com/#output=search&sc ... 49&bih=532

http://www.mngun.com/ his training website.

I'd call him 'the Paul Revere' of Gun Rights in MN. He sat in the hot seat and testified at the legislature in the House and Senate to protect your RKBA.

I'll be taking my next renewal from him as a thank you for his efforts. He's a Dad w/ 2 kids and carrys in the grocery store.

I think he recommends a 38 revolver w/ a 'closed hammer' especially for women...maximum reliability, minimum recoil.

I will apologize in advance for the bad breath and body odor and feeble-mindedness of many on this forum which I describe as a 'bunch of bums with guns arguing under a bridge'

If the task of arming yourself seems daunting google Dru Sjodin and Katie Pourier.

Good Luck

Ps a link to one of my personal heroes Oleg Volk. Photographer / Gun Rights Activist....his images will do the talking:

http://www.a-human-right.com/

One example amongst hundreds of his in-your-face imagery

[aht_six]

I would recommend taking some classes and trying some different firearms (rental) before you buy. The web sight for Bill's Gun Shop would be a good place to start for the classes. When choosing a firearm, you want something your comfortable with. While semi-autos are certainly in vogue, nothing is more reliable or simpler to use than a quality revolver.

[jenniferever]

Thanks for all the replies. The problem I think I have with a revolver is the limited round capacity and reloading if necessary......I like the idea of having high capacity magazines loaded and ready to go. Please correct me if I am not using the correct terminology here. What I fear is that "**** is going to hit the fan" in the city and if it does and I have to evacuate to get to my family land way up north (very secluded - you need to take a boat from the landing to get there) I will need some kind of protection/defense. All of my family lives in the outer suburbs - no where near me in Minneapolis. I just want to be somewhat prepared for a "worst case scenario" here if that makes sense ...... I also want to be able to carry legally if I wish to and I would not feel comfortable doing that without some substantial training in how to effectively use the gun to protect myself.

[ttousi]

I will pull several instructors together and offer a free range session to get you hooked started. A variety of firearms would be available starting with low noise and recoil 22's.

You can then make a decision to further your education or not in the shooting sports, personal protection etc.

Contact via PM if interested or if you have questions.

Take up folks on their offers .......this is a very generous community.

[gunsmith]

You may or may not want to go to one of the 'women only' classes...I wouldn't unless you're...'shy'. I've taken 2 classes and numerous women were there..in a class size of about 25 and most seemed to be Girlfriends and one Mom / Daughter.

A small class where you could interrogate the instructor instead of 'sitting in a class' would appeal to me and sounds like what you want...Ask / Email Andrew....He's right at the center of the storm and he used to live in the City... he's been involved in passage of the 2003 law.

Seriously I don't get a comission but this is from Andrew's Website....Hey email him, tell him he's been recommended and then ask him..."If I didn't take your class, could you recommend three other instructors who might be the perfect fit' and I'm sure he'll give you three recommendations. I almost forgot....He runs MADFI Minnesota Association of Defensive Firearms Instructors...an organization that CERTIFIES instructors to the State...certifies that they know their stuff.


http://www.mngun.com/beginners.php

Information for Beginners

Just getting started with shooting? Brand new? Have a little bit of experience but want to get some professional instruction? Not even sure where to begin? Have a family member who needs a gentle introduction to shooting?

"If you're unsure carrying is right for you take the beginners class first... once you do you will be able to make an informed choice. Andrew is a great trainer, and helps women feel comfortable in class and at the range. I highly recommend him!"
- Lisa, St. Paul"

See more comments from students

No problem. I've been there myself.

Unlike a lot of instructors, I enjoy teaching new shooters. And a little secret, just between us, is that new shooters tend to end up being safer shooters than those who have been shooting a long time, if they didn't get started on the right foot.

A three-hour investment will pay for itself for the rest of your life, as you will be starting with good shooting and safety habits!
About the beginner class:

The beginner class is a custom curriculum intended to get new shooters off to a quick, safe and enjoyable start to pistol shooting.

Please don't go out and buy a gun before the class!

If you already have one, of course, feel free to bring it (unloaded and cased, of course).

That said, you don't need to bring anything but yourself and a can-do attitude (well, and money for lunch, and ammo).

I'll take care of the range fee, the guns, the safety equipment, and I'll make sure that you have a safe, fun learning experience.
All of my classes are low-pressure, positive, and constructed to build your knowledge, skills and confidence through small-group, hands-on, real-world lessons.


The topics covered in the beginner class include:
Gun safety for the home, the range, and in between
An overview of how a handgun works
A demystification of gun vocabulary
How to choose a gun that fits your needs, and where and how to buy it
How to choose safety equipment and accessories to make your practice safe and enjoyable
How to stand, hold the gun, aim it, and make an accurate shot
An extended range trip, with one-on-one coaching, and an opportunity to try a wide variety of guns.


If you're not sure which class you need, or if you just have a question, please feel free to contact me. I enjoy talking to my students!

[gunsmith]

Oh and How could I forget Andrew is VP of GOCRA. Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance http://www.gocra.org/

GOCRA....the folks that brought us the MCPPA 2003 The Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act of 2003

After 15 years of uphill political activity....it's also notable that 2 women were central in passing the act:
Pat Pariseau and Lynda Boudreau

Here's Andrew w/ his 2 kids, photo by Oleg Volk. I guarantee you he's got 1 or 2 extra mags in a pocket.

[Seismic Sam]

I have never owned a gun or fired a gun. I would like to get a nice compact, reliable hand gun for protection. Who has the best prices locally for used hand guns? Then I noticed that there are to s of "conceal and carry" outfits that offer training. Can I get a recommendation on a good training course and instructor? I may consider private lessons since I am starting with no knowledge of using a gun. Please help!

First off buy Michael Martin's book or personal defense and carry, and read it several times. there is a LOT of information and good graphics in it, and you could spend a month in this place asking questions and getting 20 answers each which will add up about 1/10th of everything Michael covers.

http://www.amazon.com/Minnesota-Permit-Firearm-Fundamentals-Edition/dp/1606438093#_

Oh, and BTW, I am not in favor of a bunch of guys offering advice to their wife or girlfriend, or in this case, a total stranger on what to get in the way of a gun. Yes, some of us have been shooting for 4 - 6 decades, and know tons about guns, but it all about what WE like, which can have very little to do with what you may or may not like. The challenge I always offer to any guy who thinks he can pick out the perfect gun for some woman is to challenge him to go into a women's shoe store and pick out THE pair of shoes that she most would want to buy. So far no one has said they could do THAT.

Talk to sawgrass or wrench, but look out, they have Prada tastes in handguns!! $$$$$$

[sawgrass]

If you want to go shooting with a female pm me.

We will begin with basic safety and look at the difference between actions/ types of guns.

I can bring a variety of handguns that you can try. Sam is right that women have to do things a bit differently sometimes.
We don't always have the hand strength of the boys. Most issues can be overcome by proper technique.

You can shoot for free as my guest at Oakdale Gun Club during the week when the club is closed to the public.

We can start with multiple 22's and work our way up to more fun calibers.
My personal favorite is 45acp out of pretty 1911's.

I have a variety of carry holsters that you can see as well.

[Evad]

If you want to go shooting with a female pm me.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS WOMAN!!!!!! One innocent range day and you will cash in investments trying to have the high end pieces of art she has

[sawgrass]

If you want to go shooting with a female pm me.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS WOMAN!!!!!! One innocent range day and you will cash in investments trying to have the high end pieces of art she has

I do like a nice 1911 but I mostly carry a G19, G26 or a Beretta Custom Carry II. If no room at all, a Ruger LCP.
FWIW, I NEVER carry a revolver. The 686 and the Python are just too big to lug around!

[Seismic Sam]

If you want to go shooting with a female pm me.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS WOMAN!!!!!! One innocent range day and you will cash in investments trying to have the high end pieces of art she has

STILL don't get it, do ya dude?? Women spend money on shoes and purses that cost the same as a high end 1911 all the time. It's just that a Prada purse won't save your life if you get attacked, while Guncrafters 45 SS commander will... Plus it's downright pretty, which is a very big necessity if you're not a testosterone based lifeform that thinks owning 5 pairs of shoes is MORE than enough...

[s4oak]

If you want to go shooting with a female pm me.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS WOMAN!!!!!! One innocent range day and you will cash in investments trying to have the high end pieces of art she has

STILL don't get it, do ya dude?? Women spend money on shoes and purses that cost the same as a high end 1911 all the time. It's just that a Prada purse won't save your life if you get attacked, while Guncrafters 45 SS commander will... Plus it's downright pretty, which is a very big necessity if you're not a testosterone based lifeform that thinks owning 5 pairs of shoes is MORE than enough...

huh???

[Evad]

If you want to go shooting with a female pm me.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS WOMAN!!!!!! One innocent range day and you will cash in investments trying to have the high end pieces of art she has

STILL don't get it, do ya dude?? Women spend money on shoes and purses that cost the same as a high end 1911 all the time. It's just that a Prada purse won't save your life if you get attacked, while Guncrafters 45 SS commander will... Plus it's downright pretty, which is a very big necessity if you're not a testosterone based lifeform that thinks owning 5 pairs of shoes is MORE than enough...

I was complimenting her collection