Self defense and target shooting are usually two different objectives for a handgun.CoaLen wrote:I think I want to get a good, untility type pistol. Mostly self defense, some target shooting.
I thought I would put the question to you guys:
If you had to pick one reasonably priced ($300-400) pistol to own, what would it be?
Thanks,
-Len
For beginners, a .22 caliber revolver would be the place to start. It could be a home self defense gun and certainly a target gun for a beginner.
A .22 target pistol would be next choice. You'll be using a handgun more for target than self defense. Get a semi-auto with a bull barrel. You'll have lots of fun with it. Ruger makes one in your price range. It's cheap to buy ammo too. It could be a home defense gun.
Lastly for concealed carry self-defense, a .357 snubby DAO would be optimal for size and firepower but it won't be much fun to shoot at the range even with .38's. Otherwise, if you like autos, a compact 9mm would carry well and be shootable at the range.