best bang for the buck

[flan7211]

I have a couple of great .22 rifles, but I'm looking for a .22 handgun for the girlfriend. We both live in a bad neighborhood. What is my best bang for my buck? I'm thinking of getting an auto maybe Walther or Sig. What do you all think?

[2008f450]

I would suggest something bigger than .22 for self defence if you can both shoot them well. i would suggest a good .38 or .357 revolver. deadly reliable and easy to learn with.

[Graves]

Kel-Tec, LCP, or a J-Frame. Sure a 22 can do a BG in but I'd never suggest anything smaller than a .38 for self defense.

[cstone]

Neither revolver is cheap, but depending on which way you like the wheel to turn, you can't go wrong with either a Ruger SP101 or a S&W Model 19 with a 2.5" barrel. Both are strong shooting .357 revolvers with lots of grip choices. With a little practice, and some time on slow fire SQC, novice shooters can consistently hit any reasonable torso sized target at 25 yards.

[Asmodiar]

Well, I got crippled from the waist down... but I saved 200 bucks by getting a cheaper handgun that didn't stop that rapist

Above story is not based on a real person... but don't let it be you...

Get a gun that has stopping power.

Find a range and rent the handguns that have the guns you think you might like - then buy the caliber one you felt most comfortable with.

Most law enforcement roll with 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP... And they are in the business of stopping badguys.

[Not_A_Llama]

Just in-house?

A 9mm carbine would be a really solid choice for the recoil sensitive. A Hi-point carbine is ugly, but holds 10 rounds, and costs <$250. Controllable, good pointing characteristics, powerful, and light.

[opie011]

Neither revolver is cheap, but depending on which way you like the wheel to turn, you can't go wrong with either a Ruger SP101 or a S&W Model 19 with a 2.5" barrel. Both are strong shooting .357 revolvers with lots of grip choices. With a little practice, and some time on slow fire SQC, novice shooters can consistently hit any reasonable torso sized target at 25 yards.

^^^This is what I'd suggest^^^. Revolvers are great for novice shooters. If your girlfriend doesn't shoot much I think the revolver would be great for her, point and shoot.

[Irving]

I think the issue with .22 isn't really the power, but the less reliability of the rimfire round.

[relichunter]

Revolvers are a lot simpler to use but have more felt recoil. Not a problem with .22 really but if you go bigger as suggested don't give a .357 revolver to a novice it will likely scare them. If .22 is what you want stay away from the walther p22 several people on the boards including myself have had reliability issues with them. I have heard good things about the sig mosquito.

[cstone]

Start a new shooter with wad cutters, get them on the paper and work them up to full load jhp. Try a few different grips to find the right fit and what gives the best control. Making some big changes in grips for revolvers is much less expensive than for semi-autos.

IMO the biggest advantage semi-autos have over revolvers is capacity and speed in reloading. I got pretty fast with a speed loader, but had to reload twice to match the capacity on my first issued Sig.

I've carried +P+ .38 and .357 mag. Neither felt overwhelming and I've watched a lot of very new shooters master basic marksmanship in a week on revolvers in these calibers. There is a good reason why so many cops still carry a wheel gun as a backup. When all else fails and you are shooting for your life at seven yards or less, these guns in these calibers fill the bill.