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I will soon be in the process serving business. What would the best handgun be for personal defense?

By Yahoo Answers
2007-10-09 08:59:54
I will soon be in the process serving business. What would the best handgun be for personal defense? I've done some research and I think I've narrowed it down to either a Glock 21, Glock 23, or Glock 32. I'm kind of new to handguns so I would like some feedback. Thanks.
Answered By: Bio-Nok
Glock 21 - full size .45ACP Glock 23 - med size .40 S&W Glock 32 - med size .357 SIG Of the three you mentioned, I would recommend the Glock 23. First, .357 SIG ammo is expensive. While a good round, the .357 SIG will overpenetrate the most of the 3 due to its high velocity. Of course, of the three, .357 SIG will penetrate metal, doors, etc. the easiest. Second, a Glock 21 is a full size handgun, you will not be able to conceal this handgun without a jacket. Not sure about your line of work, but unless you always want to wear a coat or jacket, I would stay away from the full size pistols. Third, .40 S&W is a proven manstopper on the street. It has performed well since its inception, but some do not like its recoil. I know plenty of people that would rather fire a .45 ACP or a 9mm than a .40 S&W. Now, another advantage with the Glock 23 or 32 is that all you have to do is change out the barrels to switch from one caliber to the other. In other words, if you buy the Glock 23 (.40 S&W)...and want to try .357 SIG ammo then all you have to do is purchase the Glock 32 barrel (approx $100 to $120) and change it out. And finally, how often are you going to practice and clean your handgun? If your answer is less than once a month, I would strongly consider getting a revolver with a 2, 3, or 4 inch barrel instead. You could get a .357 magnum, which also fires .38 Specials (it does not work the other way. You cannot buy a .38 Special revolver and fire .357 magnums). So you will essentially have 2 guns in 1. You can use .38 Specials for the most part, but if you feel you need some serious power, then you will be able to fire .357 magnums. And the most important point of all is that revolvers are easier to maintain and can stand up to neglect better than a semi-auto (and yes Glocks, Sig Sauers, etc. can withstand a lot of neglect too, but a revolver has less parts, uses a cylinder rather than a magazine, and therefore less chance of failure.) But if you want a semi-auto, Glock is a good choice (mine has never failed or misfired---have fired a couple thousand rounds thru it), and I wouldn't rule out the Glcok 19 (9mm). The 9mm Jacketed Hollowpoints are good rounds for self defense...it's the full metal jacket rounds (ball ammo) that gives the 9mm a poor name. Either way...take a firearm safety class, ask a lot of questions at your local gun shop, practice/hold/rent as many different models as possible, and good luck with your decision.
User: .. .this can't be good
If you have to ask, you aren't ready for this assignment.
User: Chad
.32 caliber is considered the minimum firepower for self defense. A .38 or 9mm will probably suit your needs. The ammo is cheap and so are the guns because they're so popular. Anything larger may be too powerful for most people to accurately shoot. The most important thing to remember is to visit a firing range and shoot your gun regularly. It does no good for self defense if you don't know how to use it, how to load it, and you're not comfortable with it. Also, take a self defense course where you're taught when you can legally use your gun and when you cannot. There's a lot of hearsay out there on the topic, so get the facts first hand. .
User: Dog Lover
I carry a Glock 17 on duty and a Glock 19 off duty. Both are great firearms. Plenty of fire power, very easy to use and maintain. Any Glock you have you will be happy with. Just be sure it is minumum .9 mm cal... All the other pistols have too many working parts, double cocking, manual safety and on and on. If you are new to the handgun world, don't bog yourself down with all of that. Go with what is a proved work horse and easy to use and take care of..... Glock. Good luck.
User: Wounded Duck
Carry a .50 Desert Eagle. All you need to do is pull it!
User: ImpStout
I agree with the first answer!!!!!
User: J Kirsch
Personally I'd choose a double action revolver in .357 magnum since it can't jam, is extremely simple to use, and packs plenty of stopping power. That said, because its a revolver, you're limited to 6 shots.
User: Super G
i'm going to try and change your mind here. .44 magnum is the best choice for your line of work -- it's the #1 home defense and backup choice for police forces in the U.S. the .44 mag can stop a charging bull with one shot. it's a revolver, so it won't jam and the grip is tapered for quick and accurate handling. these are two advantages that a good revolver has over a grip-load automatic (ie, glock or SS). the .44 mag requires practice to get used to the powerful kick. but it's relatively easy to master.
User: Charlie Fingers
For ease of use, reliability, and concealability the Glock 23 would be your best bet. The reason I say concealability is that you don't want it overly obvious that you are armed while serving papers because it tends to antagonize an already delicate situation.
User: ~Jen~
I hope you've taken a firearms class to learn how to use it! Sounds like you might need to do some research before you buy.
User: biwagirl20a
I have two personal favorites. the Smith & Wasson Sigma 40cal and the 9mm Baretta FS92. I love them both.
User: Mask
Glock 21 - full size .45ACP Glock 23 - med size .40 S&W Glock 32 - med size .357 SIG Of the three you mentioned, I would recommend the Glock 23. First, .357 SIG ammo is expensive. While a good round, the .357 SIG will overpenetrate the most of the 3 due to its high velocity. Of course, of the three, .357 SIG will penetrate metal, doors, etc. the easiest. Second, a Glock 21 is a full size handgun, you will not be able to conceal this handgun without a jacket. Not sure about your line of work, but unless you always want to wear a coat or jacket, I would stay away from the full size pistols. Third, .40 S&W is a proven manstopper on the street. It has performed well since its inception, but some do not like its recoil. I know plenty of people that would rather fire a .45 ACP or a 9mm than a .40 S&W. Now, another advantage with the Glock 23 or 32 is that all you have to do is change out the barrels to switch from one caliber to the other. In other words, if you buy the Glock 23 (.40 S&W)...and want to try .357 SIG ammo then all you have to do is purchase the Glock 32 barrel (approx $100 to $120) and change it out. And finally, how often are you going to practice and clean your handgun? If your answer is less than once a month, I would strongly consider getting a revolver with a 2, 3, or 4 inch barrel instead. You could get a .357 magnum, which also fires .38 Specials (it does not work the other way. You cannot buy a .38 Special revolver and fire .357 magnums). So you will essentially have 2 guns in 1. You can use .38 Specials for the most part, but if you feel you need some serious power, then you will be able to fire .357 magnums. And the most important point of all is that revolvers are easier to maintain and can stand up to neglect better than a semi-auto (and yes Glocks, Sig Sauers, etc. can withstand a lot of neglect too, but a revolver has less parts, uses a cylinder rather than a magazine, and therefore less chance of failure.) But if you want a semi-auto, Glock is a good choice (mine has never failed or misfired---have fired a couple thousand rounds thru it), and I wouldn't rule out the Glcok 19 (9mm). The 9mm Jacketed Hollowpoints are good rounds for self defense...it's the full metal jacket rounds (ball ammo) that gives the 9mm a poor name. Either way...take a firearm safety class, ask a lot of questions at your local gun shop, practice/hold/rent as many different models as possible, and good luck with your decision.
User: .. .this can't be good
If you have to ask, you aren't ready for this assignment.
User: Chad
.32 caliber is considered the minimum firepower for self defense. A .38 or 9mm will probably suit your needs. The ammo is cheap and so are the guns because they're so popular. Anything larger may be too powerful for most people to accurately shoot. The most important thing to remember is to visit a firing range and shoot your gun regularly. It does no good for self defense if you don't know how to use it, how to load it, and you're not comfortable with it. Also, take a self defense course where you're taught when you can legally use your gun and when you cannot. There's a lot of hearsay out there on the topic, so get the facts first hand. .
User: Dog Lover
I carry a Glock 17 on duty and a Glock 19 off duty. Both are great firearms. Plenty of fire power, very easy to use and maintain. Any Glock you have you will be happy with. Just be sure it is minumum .9 mm cal... All the other pistols have too many working parts, double cocking, manual safety and on and on. If you are new to the handgun world, don't bog yourself down with all of that. Go with what is a proved work horse and easy to use and take care of..... Glock. Good luck.
User: Wounded Duck
Carry a .50 Desert Eagle. All you need to do is pull it!
User: ImpStout
I agree with the first answer!!!!!
User: J Kirsch
Personally I'd choose a double action revolver in .357 magnum since it can't jam, is extremely simple to use, and packs plenty of stopping power. That said, because its a revolver, you're limited to 6 shots.
User: Super G
i'm going to try and change your mind here. .44 magnum is the best choice for your line of work -- it's the #1 home defense and backup choice for police forces in the U.S. the .44 mag can stop a charging bull with one shot. it's a revolver, so it won't jam and the grip is tapered for quick and accurate handling. these are two advantages that a good revolver has over a grip-load automatic (ie, glock or SS). the .44 mag requires practice to get used to the powerful kick. but it's relatively easy to master.
User: Charlie Fingers
For ease of use, reliability, and concealability the Glock 23 would be your best bet. The reason I say concealability is that you don't want it overly obvious that you are armed while serving papers because it tends to antagonize an already delicate situation.
User: ~Jen~
I hope you've taken a firearms class to learn how to use it! Sounds like you might need to do some research before you buy.
User: biwagirl20a
I have two personal favorites. the Smith & Wasson Sigma 40cal and the 9mm Baretta FS92. I love them both.
User: Mask
Glock 21 - full size .45ACP Glock 23 - med size .40 S&W Glock 32 - med size .357 SIG Of the three you mentioned, I would recommend the Glock 23. First, .357 SIG ammo is expensive. While a good round, the .357 SIG will overpenetrate the most of the 3 due to its high velocity. Of course, of the three, .357 SIG will penetrate metal, doors, etc. the easiest. Second, a Glock 21 is a full size handgun, you will not be able to conceal this handgun without a jacket. Not sure about your line of work, but unless you always want to wear a coat or jacket, I would stay away from the full size pistols. Third, .40 S&W is a proven manstopper on the street. It has performed well since its inception, but some do not like its recoil. I know plenty of people that would rather fire a .45 ACP or a 9mm than a .40 S&W. Now, another advantage with the Glock 23 or 32 is that all you have to do is change out the barrels to switch from one caliber to the other. In other words, if you buy the Glock 23 (.40 S&W)...and want to try .357 SIG ammo then all you have to do is purchase the Glock 32 barrel (approx $100 to $120) and change it out. And finally, how often are you going to practice and clean your handgun? If your answer is less than once a month, I would strongly consider getting a revolver with a 2, 3, or 4 inch barrel instead. You could get a .357 magnum, which also fires .38 Specials (it does not work the other way. You cannot buy a .38 Special revolver and fire .357 magnums). So you will essentially have 2 guns in 1. You can use .38 Specials for the most part, but if you feel you need some serious power, then you will be able to fire .357 magnums. And the most important point of all is that revolvers are easier to maintain and can stand up to neglect better than a semi-auto (and yes Glocks, Sig Sauers, etc. can withstand a lot of neglect too, but a revolver has less parts, uses a cylinder rather than a magazine, and therefore less chance of failure.) But if you want a semi-auto, Glock is a good choice (mine has never failed or misfired---have fired a couple thousand rounds thru it), and I wouldn't rule out the Glcok 19 (9mm). The 9mm Jacketed Hollowpoints are good rounds for self defense...it's the full metal jacket rounds (ball ammo) that gives the 9mm a poor name. Either way...take a firearm safety class, ask a lot of questions at your local gun shop, practice/hold/rent as many different models as possible, and good luck with your decision.
User: .. .this can't be good
If you have to ask, you aren't ready for this assignment.
User: Chad
.32 caliber is considered the minimum firepower for self defense. A .38 or 9mm will probably suit your needs. The ammo is cheap and so are the guns because they're so popular. Anything larger may be too powerful for most people to accurately shoot. The most important thing to remember is to visit a firing range and shoot your gun regularly. It does no good for self defense if you don't know how to use it, how to load it, and you're not comfortable with it. Also, take a self defense course where you're taught when you can legally use your gun and when you cannot. There's a lot of hearsay out there on the topic, so get the facts first hand. .
User: Dog Lover
I carry a Glock 17 on duty and a Glock 19 off duty. Both are great firearms. Plenty of fire power, very easy to use and maintain. Any Glock you have you will be happy with. Just be sure it is minumum .9 mm cal... All the other pistols have too many working parts, double cocking, manual safety and on and on. If you are new to the handgun world, don't bog yourself down with all of that. Go with what is a proved work horse and easy to use and take care of..... Glock. Good luck.
User: Wounded Duck
Carry a .50 Desert Eagle. All you need to do is pull it!
User: ImpStout
I agree with the first answer!!!!!
User: J Kirsch
Personally I'd choose a double action revolver in .357 magnum since it can't jam, is extremely simple to use, and packs plenty of stopping power. That said, because its a revolver, you're limited to 6 shots.
User: Super G
i'm going to try and change your mind here. .44 magnum is the best choice for your line of work -- it's the #1 home defense and backup choice for police forces in the U.S. the .44 mag can stop a charging bull with one shot. it's a revolver, so it won't jam and the grip is tapered for quick and accurate handling. these are two advantages that a good revolver has over a grip-load automatic (ie, glock or SS). the .44 mag requires practice to get used to the powerful kick. but it's relatively easy to master.
User: Charlie Fingers
For ease of use, reliability, and concealability the Glock 23 would be your best bet. The reason I say concealability is that you don't want it overly obvious that you are armed while serving papers because it tends to antagonize an already delicate situation.
User: ~Jen~
I hope you've taken a firearms class to learn how to use it! Sounds like you might need to do some research before you buy.
User: biwagirl20a
I have two personal favorites. the Smith & Wasson Sigma 40cal and the 9mm Baretta FS92. I love them both.
User: Mask
Glock 21 - full size .45ACP Glock 23 - med size .40 S&W Glock 32 - med size .357 SIG Of the three you mentioned, I would recommend the Glock 23. First, .357 SIG ammo is expensive. While a good round, the .357 SIG will overpenetrate the most of the 3 due to its high velocity. Of course, of the three, .357 SIG will penetrate metal, doors, etc. the easiest. Second, a Glock 21 is a full size handgun, you will not be able to conceal this handgun without a jacket. Not sure about your line of work, but unless you always want to wear a coat or jacket, I would stay away from the full size pistols. Third, .40 S&W is a proven manstopper on the street. It has performed well since its inception, but some do not like its recoil. I know plenty of people that would rather fire a .45 ACP or a 9mm than a .40 S&W. Now, another advantage with the Glock 23 or 32 is that all you have to do is change out the barrels to switch from one caliber to the other. In other words, if you buy the Glock 23 (.40 S&W)...and want to try .357 SIG ammo then all you have to do is purchase the Glock 32 barrel (approx $100 to $120) and change it out. And finally, how often are you going to practice and clean your handgun? If your answer is less than once a month, I would strongly consider getting a revolver with a 2, 3, or 4 inch barrel instead. You could get a .357 magnum, which also fires .38 Specials (it does not work the other way. You cannot buy a .38 Special revolver and fire .357 magnums). So you will essentially have 2 guns in 1. You can use .38 Specials for the most part, but if you feel you need some serious power, then you will be able to fire .357 magnums. And the most important point of all is that revolvers are easier to maintain and can stand up to neglect better than a semi-auto (and yes Glocks, Sig Sauers, etc. can withstand a lot of neglect too, but a revolver has less parts, uses a cylinder rather than a magazine, and therefore less chance of failure.) But if you want a semi-auto, Glock is a good choice (mine has never failed or misfired---have fired a couple thousand rounds thru it), and I wouldn't rule out the Glcok 19 (9mm). The 9mm Jacketed Hollowpoints are good rounds for self defense...it's the full metal jacket rounds (ball ammo) that gives the 9mm a poor name. Either way...take a firearm safety class, ask a lot of questions at your local gun shop, practice/hold/rent as many different models as possible, and good luck with your decision.

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