I am looking for a first handgun. The primary use will be a carry firearm, maybe do a little plinking with it, but not to much. I am a firm believer that with pistols, or any gun for that matter, you pick one and learn how to shoot it. I have it narrowed down to three brands, Ruger, Taurus, and S&W. The ruger would either be the sp101 or the super redhawk - alaskan. As far as the taurus, it would probably be the 617SH2C. and for the S&W, there are many posabilities. The main goal is a double action revolver, with a hammer, preferably in 357. I really do like how the super redhawk looks though. I am biased toward the Rugers because I have quite a few rifles, and have never had any problems with any of them. They are dependable, durable, and reliable. The only downside to the Rugers is the weight. It will be either carried in an ankle holster or belt holster, depending on clothing.

You might have a look at Kahr 9mmX19 and .40 while you are at it if you are talking about CCW...

Cody,
I am a Ruger guy myself, but of the SA variety. I have owned several DA Rugers and was not impressed. The Taurus, every time I take one of their DA revolver guns apart I want to shake the buyer awake and ask, "what were you thinking." I am not impressed.

I do not think you can beat a 66 Smith, if you can find one, for a DA 357. If you can not get a 66, pick up a good Model 19. The Combat Magnum is just a class act (66=stainless, 19=blued) I would go with a 4 inch gun for carry, shooting and backup for hunting. Get a set of Packmeyer grips and you are good to go.
Ed

Go to taurususa.com and look at all the models they offer in .357. Don't forget, most armed confrontations are 3 yards or less so you don't really need a gun with a longer barrel than 2-3 inches and Taurus has quite a few snub-nosed that would fit the bill. Also, rossiusa.com has what appears to be a pretty good .357 snub. I've held one in my hands and it even feels good. Taurus and Rossi are inexpensive but reliable.

Hi codybrown

Fortunately, you live in America and you can own more than one gun. I believe you will need more than one to accomplish the total package of what you wish. This usually results in buying the one first gun that will accomplish the majority of your goals, personal defense, plinking and learning the proper shooting protocols/methodology.

Regarding 357 revolvers, the Ruger GP100 and the S&W 686 come to mind as both are available in the handy 4" versions and both have an outstanding reputation for accuracy and reliability. Carrying one is not a problem as long as you have a quality leather holster and stiff leather gunbelt. Once you obtain a basic handgun, it is easier to specialize either in concealed carry or other areas.

Handguns have as different a personality as the women you have dated and the selection is, likewise, subjective. There are more models than ever before that are cheaper than every before; it is truly a buyer's market. Chosen properly, you will probably have the handgun for life, so, if possible, buy new and spend what it takes to get the one you really want.

Despite its age, the 357 Magnum has been unequaled as a defensive round, although the new 357 SIG is getting some attention in the pistol catagory. Ammo for 357/38Spl is readily available anywhere and often at lower prices than for other chamberings.

Check with some indoor shooting ranges in your area. Several in my area allow renting of various handguns so that you can determine which one you prefer. If that option isn't available, check with friends, relatives, coworkers, etc and see if they would take you shooting to try some of theirs. If that option isn't available, fly to Phoenix and we can spend an entire day and shoot up lots of ammo trying various handguns, revolvers and pistols (seriously). But, if at all possible, try before you buy. If you come to Phoenix, get here before the heat of summer is upon us (you have about 45 days left).

It depends on what you prefer,can handle well and afford. Most of my handguns came from the used gun section of various gun shops. There are a lot of quality used handguns on the market and I would look at the older Smith & Wessons, Rugers and Colts for starters. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

Howdy. The ruger sp101 is a nice small framed revolver my father owns one I have shot quite often. The ruger gp100 is another nice revolver. My favorite wheel gun for carry would be the Smith and Wesson 686 4 inch it has a larger frame then the sp101 but (imo) it's a much more accurate handgun.
Joe

+1 for a 4"686. Very easy to shoot well, a little harder to conceal but it can be done.

Cody

I just bought my first handgun its a .40 cal Walther P99, first generation. Ive been out shooting it every Sunday for the past 3 sundays and totally love the performance of it.
Its an ambidexterious gun which I need and it came with 3 magazines and 3 grips for more custom fit.
Colt will send you a free catalgue and if price is not an issue look at the Nighthawks.

regards
keetoowah

I always recommend a revolver as a first handgun but I know some folks who think that an auto-loader is just as good.
It used to be that if you wanted accuracy from a hand gun it was a revolver or single shot. Times have changed and there are autos out there today that will put many revolvers to shame. I still like to see a person learn on a wheel gun - they can be as accurate and they typically have fewer "wear-in" problems associated with them. You can fire them single action to learn how to use the sights and squeeze the trigger without "milking" the grip. Once you learn how to shoot with a revolver it is a lot less likely to be difficult to learn how to shoot a semi-auto. It was for me. I started my kids out with a wheel gun - a 357 shooting wad-cutters. They got to say they shot a 357 and they actually got pretty good with it.
They are out and on their own now and have their own guns to shoot.

SwampFox...The mod 19 comes from the factory dressed in Nickel plating too. Want to see a real pretty Mod 19 with a 2 1/2" barrel? My winter carry gun.

Codybrown
I carry a S&W model 25 chiefs special 357 w/ a 3" barrel. Only 5 shots but light and compact. Accurate too.

Any comments for left handers? How about favorite claibers for self defense??

My two cents as they are. I carry a Trooper MKIII 357 its not bad and . If your going to conceal carry, why not get an old knock about, like i did mine is an old state trooper pistol. If you leave it under your car seat or in the glovebox or anywhere else it doesn't matter if its not perfectly blued. Just make sure it shoots well before you buy it. Anyway its going to be concealed so why go out and pay more than $300 when you can go to a gun show or a local firearm dealer that you know and get a 'well used', but well maintained revolver.

PS. If i had the cash i would own a taurus tracker 627. Cudos on the choice of a revolver as a carry weapon. Usually a shiny revolver will make anyone run away and crap themselves.

Just my two cents

What? My nickel plated Mod 19 Combat Magnum? Naw...It's such a peaceful lookin' snubby...