What is a good weapon for self-defence?

Question

i just got my license but i don't know what kind of a gun to get. i want something that is not to big but not necessarily tiny and can fit in a purse. i also want it to be under $2,000. any other information would be usefull because i don't really know much about fire-arms.

Answer 1

I recommend that you use pepper spray instead.

Answer 2

wtf? O.o

um girl you cant just all ways keep a gun in your purse!

you should try learning marshal arts. Or get pepper spray,

small key chain knifes are good keep( only if you know how to use it).

all I am saying is that carrying a gun in your purse at all times is not unnecessary!!! :)  only leave one in the house!

Also you know what els is a good weapon your strong boyfriend! ^_^ keep him with you at all times! lol no jk~!

Answer 3

I liked a S&W 40 Cal..

but if that is too big get a saturday night specal (38)

I'd seriously contact your local policwe dept and ask about classes. they have instructors well qualified and knowegable...

Answer 4

fire arms r the way to go, but i have small kids. i keep a baseball BAT in each room. i believe in swinging. wooden,aluminum both will work until u decide on a handgun.

Answer 5

there are any number of good ones... if you are serious and have proper training then you can handle a 38spcl... any good shop and or instructor can recommend... 6 rnd hammerless revolver would be best for a purse... do not go for the semi-auto unless you are very dedicated to maintaining it... a 6 or 5 round revolver will function well even if you forget to take care of it for a while... but... in a purse you could get something in it to jam it up... but, a semi-auto is even more likely to fail if you do not take care of it... you should go to a shop that has a range you can try out first... fire several before you make a decision

do not go for any less than 38 spcl   357 would be even better but in a small revolver you need to be very well trained to handel it in a tight situation.... ammunition is even more important inself defence than the brand of weapon... it is the ammo that will stop the attack... not the gun...

Answer 6

Actually a shotgun is best (especially for home-defense), but you can get a great hand-gun for $400 to $600.  It sounds like you have a concealed carry permit, I would go to a place that sells guns and has a range if I were you, you want to try a few out out and get lessons if you are new to shooting.  Different handguns feel different in people's hands so you should give a few a try.  (The joke with Derset Eagle is they are enourmous, a .40 cal would be good, but as the guy said, it might be a little too much for you, that's why you need to try a few, nothing wrong with a 9mm if the .40 is too much for you).

Answer 7

this website tells you about small handguns

http://www.kc3.com/self_defense/selectio...

i recommend the Beretta M9A1

Answer 8

Learn a martial art if time isn't a factor.

Answer 9

I hear that in America most people are shot with their own firearms other than by the attacker’s weapon! I don’t know if this is true but I can well imagine it happening as m1a1mikegolf's mentions above! Other posters mention martial arts which I would agree with` so I would suggest you find an Aikido class which suits the ladies due to the nature of the physical characteristics IE. Balance / centre of gravity against power and brute force.

Answer 10

The best method of self defense is foresight and avoiding places and situations where self defense may be necessary.

The next thing to consider is the question of whether or not you really are willing and able to pull the trigger.  If you have a firearm but are not willing to actually shoot an aggressor - all you are going to do is supply your attacker with a firearm.  If this is the case you are better off with a Taser or pepper spray.

If you really do feel that you can pull the trigger if necessary - you should go to a local shooting range that rents guns.  Fire a variety of types of these and determine the largest caliber you can shoot accurately and the largest frame that is practical for your purse.

Answer 11

Go to your local gun range and find out. You have a lot to learn about a handgun. Just because you have a permit it doesn't mean you're an expert. See what fits you best, feels good around your hands, etc. See if they also offer a self-defense course for a handgun. Better have it and not need it but if that day comes, you better be prepared to use it, both mentally and physically.  

Answer 12

I've had my CCW for around a year and a half now, so let me tell you the general guidelines for carrying a pistol.  First and formost, get one that is comfortable for you to carry.  Don't worry about concealability...I don't recommend carrying in a purse...it is better to actually carry on your person.  In the event of a purse snatch you don't have some a*****e run off with your firearm.  That is bad news.  But if you are going that way, then that is your right.  Anyway, like I said, concealability isn't as big of an issue as you would think...it just takes some common sense.  My CCW firearm is a fullsize 1911...5 inch barrel and all....and I have no problems with concealment...but I'm a big guy..a smaller individual might need something slightly more discrete, but I can guarantee it wouldn't need as much of a severly drastic reduction as one would think.  So don't be looking that smaller is definately better like these little snubnosed compacts and c**p.  Concealability about having a good holster, a good gun belt, and proper clothing...or if you really really want to and I can't convince you otherwise...putting it in a purse.  Get one that is ergonomic for you...it fits comfortably in your hand and has a weight that you can comfortably be able to actually carry.  I like having a longer barrel length myself...hence the 5 inch....as a combat veteran I can vouch...in a shooting match accurate shot placement is key.  It's not just about shooting first...survival is about hitting the target first.  I can still engage a target a 5 feet just as well as a snubnosed....but I'd like to see the shooter that can get good hits with short barrel at 30, 40, or 50 feet while under stress.  I guarantee I can with my 1911.  Ultimately though, it's about researching and trying out guns and finding the balance of weight, style, barrel length, and draw distance that you find works for you.  As far as caliber it's pretty simple....carry the biggest round that you can control.  I like a .45 myself, but, again, I'm a big guy...some people think it kicks to hard...again...personal preferance.  You might find you are better with a smaller round like a .40 or 9mm.  Shoot a variety of calibers and take the biggest one that is still comfortable for you to shoot and put rounds on target.

If you have a $2000 spending limit, you have more than ample funds to get a really really good piece.  Mine is a custom job from Kimber, which is considered the Rolls Royce of handguns, and it was only $1700...and that is really really expensive for a handgun.  Most mass produces service pistols...you know, a no frills, get-the-job-done kinda piece from S&W, Springfield, Glock, etc. is gonna be in the several hundred dollar range depending on new/used, quality, reliability, brand, etc.  I'd be looking somewhere in the $300 to $900 range bracket I think.

Answer 13

Desert Eagle........................

Ok that was a joke. Seriously? I don't know

Answer 14

Get something small enough that you'll actually carry it. A smaller barrel is less accurate, but you shouldn't be shooting anyone unless they are close to you and a real threat.

Personally, I like the Springfield Arms 9mm sub compact with a 3" barrel. It's light, easy to conceal, and cheap (around $500 I believe).

www.springfieldarmory.com

Check out the NRA website. They have lots of articles on hand guns.

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Answer 15

Depending on state your concealed carry may specify which weapon you're qual'd on.  If not, it needs to be something you are confident in drawing and shooting.  In other words, if you flinch when you shoot it on the range-in a high stress situation you won't hit anything.  9mm is more and more too small of a caliber to reliably put someone down-especially if they are on speed, crack, Meth or E.  10mm is probably best, though if you can handle a .45 Springfield Arms makes an excellent concealable .45 in 4" and 6" barrels.  

For your home, exactly as mentioned above, a shotgun is the best weapon:  close-range firepower superior to a submachinegun, low muzzle velocity so no risk of overfire.  12 or 10 gauge with buckshot is ideal.  

Finally, you should be very aware of the laws in your state regarding use of lethal force-your CCP class should've gone over that: keep in mind that lethal force in defense of one's home is a very different legal situation from an encounter on the street (where one has the potential opportunity to disengage).