I want to defend myself against future acts of violence

[Space Ghost]

I've always been into firearms ever since I was a little kid, but I grew in a family that enjoyed playing on the computer or messing around with their new Ipad, so going hunting for deer or going to the shooting range was never something my family was involved in. I have been in college now for almost 3 years and have never fired a single gun.

Over those past years I've seen a few news storys about someone getting murdered or shootings in a mall and it's always made me frustrated with myself about not owning a firearm and defending myself from all the freaks out there.

I know most of you have probably heard about the recent attack at a theater in Colorado, well that pushed to the edge and this year if not month I plan On getting my CCW permit and saving up to buy a handgun. My problem is I'm new to guns and have new real clue where to start looking for the right handgun for me. If you have any suggestions as to which Firearms I should look into it would REALLY be appreciated!

If it helps, I'm 5'10 190 lbs.

Thanks for reading guys.

[Seagunner]

I've always been into firearms ever since I was a little kid, but I grew in a family that enjoyed playing on the computer or messing around with their new Ipad, so going hunting for deer or going to the shooting range was never something my family was involved in. I have been in college now for almost 3 years and have never fired a single gun.

Over those past years I've seen a few news storys about someone getting murdered or shootings in a mall and it's always made me frustrated with myself about not owning a firearm and defending myself from all the freaks out there.

I know most of you have probably heard about the recent attack at a theater in Colorado, well that pushed to the edge and this year if not month I plan On getting my CCW permit and saving up to buy a handgun. My problem is I'm new to guns and have new real clue where to start looking for the right handgun for me. If you have any suggestions as to which Firearms I should look into it would REALLY be appreciated!

If it helps, I'm 5'10 190 lbs.

Thanks for reading guys.

Easy Son. Great you are interested in defending yourself...but no need to rush into anything. There is so much to read, and insight to learn from on this forum. Do a little searching and research. There is usually a local range that will let you shoot different firearms and get familiar with handling and safety. Not sure how your height and weight helps. Don't want you to think I'm trying to be condescending, just letting you know that purchasing a firearm shouldn't be an emotional decision

[Packeagle]

I agree with the above. You should try to find a "NRA Basic Pistol" course or similar, it is designed for the beginning shooter with little to no experience. Taking the time now to gain knowledge will save you both money and headache in the long run. Buying a gun is a big purchase ($500+). Would you buy a brand new computer with out knowing its specs and what that means for you, the user?

[vaglocker]

I'll save you some research. Get a Glock 19 and take a class. Seriously.

[Straight Shooter]

I beseech you, please find yourself a gun man, a true shooter, a sage.
A GURU, if you will. Ive had TWO in my life, and learn, have learned so much from them its incredible. Ive got 40+ years of shooting and loving firearms and I listen to these men religiously.
Stay THE HELL AWAY from computer commando's and gamers and
"sideways shooters".
Military service in and of itself is no sure sign a person is gun savy...but it helps, especially a combat vet. Maybe ask your local police firearms instructor for help, or advice on where and who to go see.
BE CAREFUL. I know of NO subject on earth more full of shit and BS than firearms. Get competent training, practice a lot, and be ever vigilant.

[Mr Elbowseed]

I would recommend taking hunter safety even if you don't have intrests in hunting it will teach you basic gun safety. You already made a good choice by coming to this forum.

[Hmac]

For someone with no experience with handguns, I definitely recommend the NRA basic pistol course (or similar) as a starting point. You need to first understand how a pistol works (revolver vs semi-auto), and the various types and sizes of semi-autos (compact vs standard, striker vs hammer, single action vs SA/DA, safety/no safety, sight picture etc. Once you have that info and make connection with a knowledgeable instructor, you are better positioned to pick a handgun that's right for you and your needs. THEN, you can get a simple holster and take a CCW course, which will teach you the very basics of defensive handgun carry and use, which will help you get a handgun permit and allow you to pick a carry holster/method with more accuracy, THEN you can take one or more increasing levels of defensive handgun shooting (draw, accuracy drills, scenario drills, shooting from cover etc).

[oldtexan]

I've always been into firearms ever since I was a little kid, but I grew in a family that enjoyed playing on the computer or messing around with their new Ipad, so going hunting for deer or going to the shooting range was never something my family was involved in. I have been in college now for almost 3 years and have never fired a single gun.

Over those past years I've seen a few news storys about someone getting murdered or shootings in a mall and it's always made me frustrated with myself about not owning a firearm and defending myself from all the freaks out there.

I know most of you have probably heard about the recent attack at a theater in Colorado, well that pushed to the edge and this year if not month I plan On getting my CCW permit and saving up to buy a handgun. My problem is I'm new to guns and have new real clue where to start looking for the right handgun for me. If you have any suggestions as to which Firearms I should look into it would REALLY be appreciated!

If it helps, I'm 5'10 190 lbs.

Thanks for reading guys.

Your interest in taking responsibility for your security and that of your loved ones is admirable.

I have a recommendation for you and it's not about which pistol to buy.

My recommendation to you is approach this subject by first finding out how criminals operate, how they pick out victims, what deters them, and how to avoid them, deter and fight them, and worry about hardware choices in good time.

I own and carry firearms, but they are the last resort for me. If I can avoid a criminal assault, or deter a criminal, that's much better IMO than having to fight him.

As far as I know, the best guy to seek out for understanding how criminals operate and how to deal with them across the whole spectrum of avoid/deter/defeat is Craig Douglas. You'll also see him referred to as Southnarc. His company name is Shivworks. Google those names and you should find him. Particularly of use to you at this point would be the first four hours of his two-day Practical Unarmed Combat (PUC) course. This four hour bloc deals with something called Managing Unknown Contacts (MUC), which is all about understanding criminals and enabling you to deal safely verbally and non-verbally with the strangers you encounter in your daily life.

Starting with the software, so to speak, of security training will help you make better, less wasteful hardware choices further down the road. I just wish I had done it that way myself years ago.

Just to let you know, I'm not affiliated with Craig or his company. I've taken his MUC bloc and can say that it was clearly the best and most useful defensive training I've ever taken from anyone. I've taken a half dozen classes (handgun, Force on Force) from several nationally known instructors and I rate Craig's class the best.

[tb-av]

If there is anything else you guys think I should know, please do tell.

Yep, ... don't believe everything you hear. Just listen to lots of people. Eventually you should see a pattern forming. Don't say.."well so and so said..."

If someone tells you something and you want the whole story on it,,, just run it by these guys.

and finally buy a good gun. Buy a known good, will serve you reliably for ages gun. It might cost a bit more but worth it.

Don't buy those cheap ass soft holsters.
-People end up shooting themselves with those.

Don't carry a handgun on you without a holster.
-People end up shooting themselves without one.

If your life is worth $300 buy good stuff because at the end of the day, that's about all it takes to go from ok funky stuff to good stuff.

Oh and almost all guns feel strange at first but you will get over that. What you probably won't get over is if operating the trigger is too long or mis-fitting to your hand.

Watch these videos......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTc5OG0AI64&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRcxgAEn7zU&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdDFA9EtFc4&feature=plcp

[Space Ghost]

Yep, ... don't believe everything you hear. Just listen to lots of people. Eventually you should see a pattern forming. Don't say.."well so and so said..."

If someone tells you something and you want the whole story on it,,, just run it by these guys.

and finally buy a good gun. Buy a known good, will serve you reliably for ages gun. It might cost a bit more but worth it.

Don't buy those cheap ass soft holsters.
-People end up shooting themselves with those.

Don't carry a handgun on you without a holster.
-People end up shooting themselves without one.

If your life is worth $300 buy good stuff because at the end of the day, that's about all it takes to go from ok funky stuff to good stuff.

Oh and almost all guns feel strange at first but you will get over that. What you probably won't get over is if operating the trigger is too long or mis-fitting to your hand.

Watch these videos......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTc5OG0AI64&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRcxgAEn7zU&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdDFA9EtFc4&feature=plcp

Thanks man. I appreciate the help!