TexasCHLforum.com

Hello all,

Just registered, and wanted to say hello. I've been looking at this site for the past week, and I've been impressed at how civil the posts have been. Although the crime rates are very low where we are fortunate enough to live, I've finally decided to go ahead with the CHL process and reading this site has helped me to pick a weapon for personal carry. I am a very experienced shooter with lots of competition under my belt, but most of my experience is with specialized target weapons and a few different types of sidearms.

I would like to ask for suggestions of different pistols to consider for a specific need. I already have a Walther P99 that is my main defensive weapon for home and truck. It sits in the nightstand when we aren't traveling. What I am now in the market for is a secondary home defense weapon that I can stash on the side of the house opposite the bedroom. This weapon will be used very little, as I only intend to use it in times of crisis, and not as an occasional fun gun (yes, I will shoot it occasionally to maintain proficiency). I don't want a "cheap" weapon, but on the other hand I don't need a USP or Kimber either. What auto's from a major manufacturer would you suggest that are at the lower end of the price range, and yet still be worth buying? I'm currently looking at the Taurus Millenium in .40 that is $305 at the local gunshop, but any other suggestions for something reliable, low in cost, and in the 9mm or .40 range would be greatly appreciated. DA or DAO is fine, but I would prefer a pistol that can be fired with a second pull of the trigger in case of light primer hit (I know, unlikely to happen), without having to recock a hammer or reset a striker.

I'm also considering a 4" .357, but I don't know if you can get a decent one for ~$300. I look forward to your hearing your experience....

PhilR.

Welcome to the forum. You're right--this is an excellent forum.

My dad has always said that a shotgun is an excellent home defense weapon. It's your house, so you don't have to conceal/lock it up, unless you just want to. (Although if you have kids, I would suggest you figure out something that works for you.)

My husband usually keeps my 1911 in the truck with him. I carry a Bersa .380 most of the time, but I'll carry my 1911 when we go out if my clothes will hide it.

Everyone is different. What one person thinks is a perfect gun is a bad purchase for another. The gun show is an excellent place to go for the feel of the gun in your hands. Handguns are laying out all over the tables; you just pick one up and handle it. If you want to stick it in your waistband for an idea of bulk-factor, they normally don't mind.

Meet up with friends and relatives. Shoot their guns. You may shoot something that you liked at the gun show and decide you don't like it. You may also shoot something that you didn't think you'd care for, then decide you like it.

Also, attend the forum day this fall. You'll meet a lot of people there, most of whom are regulars on this forum. It's fun & you'll learn a lot.

PhilR. wrote: What I am now in the market for is a secondary home defense weapon that I can stash on the side of the house opposite the bedroom. This weapon will be used very little, as I only intend to use it in times of crisis, and not as an occasional fun gun (yes, I will shoot it occasionally to maintain proficiency).

Hi Phil, and welcome.

I would go with Venus' father, my suggestion for a "secondary" defensive gun would be a shotgun, that's what I use.

Thanks guys. I already have shotguns -- two of them. I don't like leaving them out in the open, and they are too large to put in a drawer or cabinet. They are in the safe, where they cannot be gotten to quickly. I am in the market for an inexpensive secondary handgun, hence the post above.

PhilR.

PhilR. wrote:Thanks guys. I already have shotguns -- two of them. I don't like leaving them out in the open, and they are too large to put in a drawer or cabinet. They are in the safe, where they cannot be gotten to quickly. I am in the market for an inexpensive secondary handgun, hence the post above.

PhilR.

Depending on your personal situation, in the way you have secured your firearms...

There is a convention of thought here that your nightstand gun is there to allow you time to get to your shotgun, or other form of heavier weaponry if you deem it necessary...

The NRA's "Refuse to be a Victim" course/class is a fantastic course to take that gives you the ability to see what a few folks have done in thier personal situations to allow you to see who certain factors in what they have done to address their personal safety issues and solutions for them that "may" or "may not" exactly work for you...But at least it gets you to thinking about it...And that to me is more than half the battle...

You are definitely on the right track here in discussing this with the folks here...There are a few people here how are NRA rated instructors that can conduct that course when needed...

"Charles Cotton"

"Tracoun"

And a few others I know down this way in the Houston area that do it...

FILLR

Take a look at S & W 642

38 spcl + p

Lots o' POP

Looks Great

Easy to Carry if needed

One of My Favorites.

PhilR. wrote:What auto's from a major manufacturer would you suggest that are at the lower end of the price range, and yet still be worth buying? I'm currently looking at the Taurus Millenium in .40 that is $305 at the local gunshop...

Welcome aboard, Phil!

In that sort of price range, about the only other thing I can think of that I might personally consider would be an S&W Sigma, or maybe a Bersa Thunder. To me, most of the selection starts in the high $400s or low $500s with Springfield XDs and Glocks leading the way (IMHO). There are other, very inexpensive autoloaders like Accu-tek, Kel-Tek, and Astra, I just can't say I'd personally buy one for in-home protection.

'Course, I'm one of those who's partial to a heavier, slower round for defensive purposes. And, too, someone has recently noted here that price is fleeting, value is lasting. If it were me--and it's not --I'd throw $200 more on my budget and get a Springfield XD-45 (or a Glock 21, if you shoot Glocks well, which I don't really) and a box of 230gr Federal Hydra-Shoks. My nightstand pistol used to be a 1911, but I've developed complete confidence in the XD, and nearly twice the firepower in a single mag doesn't hurt if something goes bump loudly in the night.

TIN BENDER wrote:FILLR

Take a look at S & W 642

Hi TB,

Funny you should mention that -- I've already decided that my winter jacket carry will be the Scandium version, which will pack a bit more punch since it's a .357. I just don't need to get it right now, as I won't be able to take the CHL class until mid-May. Thanks for the reply!

PhilR.

Skiprr wrote: Welcome aboard, Phil!

'Course, I'm one of those who's partial to a heavier, slower round for defensive purposes. And, too, someone has recently noted here that price is fleeting, value is lasting. If it were me--and it's not --I'd throw $200 more on my budget and get a Springfield XD-45 (or a Glock 21, if you shoot Glocks well, which I don't really) and a box of 230gr Federal Hydra-Shoks. My nightstand pistol used to be a 1911, but I've developed complete confidence in the XD, and nearly twice the firepower in a single mag doesn't hurt if something goes bump loudly in the night.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I feel the same way, and have therefore already gone the route you suggest, having purchased a Walther that is pretty much on the same level as a Glock or XD. It's not a .45, but I'm pretty sure that if I can't accomplish what needs to be done with 16 rounds of 9mm, I won't be able to do it with a .45 either...

I've used a buddies XD-45, and it's a fine weapon. Too nice to be rarely used, which would be my case....

PhilR.

PhilR.

Check your PM's. I just bought a S&W model 681 .357 to help a firend out who needed the money. I was gonna keep it, but I really don't need it so I am in the process of cleaning it up and posting it here.

PhilR. wrote:Thanks guys. I already have shotguns -- two of them. I don't like leaving them out in the open, and they are too large to put in a drawer or cabinet. They are in the safe, where they cannot be gotten to quickly. I am in the market for an inexpensive secondary handgun, hence the post above.

PhilR.

OK, sorry.

I actually have a couple of "over door" mounts set in strategic locations for when I put my shotgun there to be close at hand, but most of the time it just sits in the safe with the door open, when I'm nearby that is, I lock tha safe when I'm not near or at night.

You should be able to pick up a used 357 revolver in good condition for your price range. You might also want to consider what I recently bought for a low cost handgun for the car, a new Taurus 2" 44mag and load it with 44 spl ammo. This is a low cost option for a big and heavy caliber.

Houston1944 wrote:You should be able to pick up a used 357 revolver in good condition for your price range. You might also want to consider what I recently bought for a low cost handgun for the car, a new Taurus 2" 44mag and load it with 44 spl ammo. This is a low cost option for a big and heavy caliber.

Thanks Houston,

I've already checked the local gunshops for decent used revolvers, but none are to be had. There is only two places around here, and both are pretty meager when it comes to used weapons. Therefore, I'm having to concentrate on new weapons.

I didn't know you could get a new .44 for around $300. I will definitely check this out! I think I even have some .44 spl around here somewhere, as I will often use them when I borrow my brother's 629.

PhilR.

Welcome sir. I am on vacation & way behind on the greetings. Glad to have you.

Phil,
Welcome! Along that price range would be a 9mm Kel-Tec P11. I know you're wanting for a .40 or larger ... if that's a hard-and-fast desire, then the Taurus would be your best bet.