Anything better than S&W M&P for first handgun?

[Hazcat]

Used Ruger Speed Six revolvers 

Caliber - .357

Barrel - 2 3/4

Wood grips

Good condition

$289.95 (Hand pick add $10.00)

S.O.G.

[Ping]

Saw a used Ruger Security Six for $400 at the LGS.

The Smith and Wesson M&P is a good starter pistol. Should last the rest of your life if you give it TLC. Same with the Glock 17. BAC did give some other recommendations.

As for the revolver, Ruger GP100. I am looking forward to Charter Arms .40 revolver coming out.

[tstand]

I usually carry a 1911, but I have, and sometimes carry, a 4" S&W model 13 in .357.
If I had to reduce it to only one pistol, that is the one I would keep.

If you are looking for less recoil and lower price another option is a .380, home defense will be fairly close range, and with the modern hollow points .380 is more effective than it used to be.
Or 9mmX18 Makarov, the CZ 82/83 comes in either

http://www.jgsales.com/cz-82-czech-9x18-new-barrel-makarov-military-pistol,-vg-condition,-california-package-w-9rd-mag.-p-1604.html

http://www.jgsales.com/cz-83-czech-surplus-380acp-pistol,-overall-good-to-very-good-condition.-p-5703.html

The single stack version was the Soviet / Russian military issue side arm for the last 60 years or so.

I'll have to see what models are available in my area to rent. Today I learned a local dealer has a bunch of the CZ 82 or 83 available that are reconditioned and $300. The 9x19 ammo is priced about the same as 9mm too. For whatever reason the recoil on the markarov is comparatively less.

I will also pick up a couple of revolvers, whatever is available, for comparison.

Terry

[tombogan03884]

Smart move on the rent before you buy, that way you don't end up with a perfectly fine pistol that just isn't right for you.

Regardless of what you end up with, enjoy the testing 

[jaybet]

You mentioned that revolver grips were too small for your hand. There is the Sig Pro 2022 which has been selling in the low $400 range. It's a polymer frame pistol that is really reliable, comes in 9mm and 40 calibers, and the grip is larger than some, plus it comes with a second grip that is even larger.
It's a good gun at a cheap price.

If you are not going to shoot it much and others may use it, I'd go .357 revolver and buy a bigger grip.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Replacement grips are fairly inexpensive depending on what you like and can also really dress up and personalize a mass production revolver or pistol.
They are also as simple to replace as a light bulb.
Here's a little of what's available for both types of handgun.

http://www.pachmayr.com/home/

http://www.getgrip.com/main/overview/overview.html

http://www.eaglegrips.com/

http://www.exoticpistolgrips.com/

[Conagher 45]

I know some of the regulars here may poo poo on this suggestion for several reasons, but a .327 Federal magnum in a Ruger SP101 might make a good carry / home defense revolver. The specs on this round bring to about.357 magnum.
 Two drawbacks that I see are,  New Round and New Gun = Higher cost in ammo and firearm purchase at this current time.

But recoil will be some what less than the .357.

[Timothy]

I know some of the regulars here may poo poo on this suggestion for several reasons, but a .327 Federal magnum in a Ruger SP101 might make a good carry / home defense revolver. The specs on this round bring to about.357 magnum.
 Two drawbacks that I see are,  New Round and New Gun = Higher cost in ammo and firearm purchase at this current time.

But recoil will be some what less than the .357.

No argument here!  I think you get an extra chamber as well?

[twyacht]

To the OP and original title?

The answer is no...whether in full size or compact.





It simply is the S&W got right....

OBTW, yes there are others....but test drive what you can. My two M&P's are tested, had a 500 rd abuse test, others have abused more, but there is no point.....They work.

[tombogan03884]

I know some of the regulars here may poo poo on this suggestion for several reasons, but a .327 Federal magnum in a Ruger SP101 might make a good carry / home defense revolver. The specs on this round bring to about.357 magnum.
 Two drawbacks that I see are,  New Round and New Gun = Higher cost in ammo and firearm purchase at this current time.

But recoil will be some what less than the .357.

You won't catch any crap from me.
I've heard good things about the round , I've been trying to convince my Dad to switch to it from the .22 mag he currently carries.
He is 81 with arthritis so he had to put up his .357 and started carrying a Ruger. single six.
Of course on the other hand, the .22 Mag will deal with people and snakes, but he will not be tempted to to use it on Grizzlies, mountain lions or the 200 pound wolves.
Just get back in the truck and leave.