Basic Handgun Info Needed

[PegLeg45]

Double-action in a revolver is IMO safer than double action in auto pistols. In addition to everything else, the cylinder also has to be turned and it's more work for your trigger finger to do. That gives revolvers a trigger pull so heavy they don't need a safety. Some autos also have triggers pulls so heavy they don't need a safety, but some striker-fired pistols don't have a safety and the trigger pull isn't as heavy as a double-acrion. That makes it more dangerous to a novice, and even trained police offiers have been known to shoot themselves with Glock-type pistols.

The only automaictics I can think of right off hand where you don't have to rack the slide are Berreta and Taurus that come in small calibers like .22 and .25. The barrel tips up to load the first round directly into the chamber. They aren't much good for self-defense but any gun is better than none.  Revolvers are probably the best choice for a beguner. I fancy the Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel. Also. stainless steel guns are less prone to rust than blued guns under less than ideal conditions.

+1...also the new ruger in .327 would be a very good option IMO......good Luck.

[DesertMarine]

As far as double action revolvers, S&W pistols are not that hard to work over and get a good, consistent, effective trigger pull.  As they come from the factory, S&W triggers are horrible but they can be fixed by a good competent gunsmith familiar with that type of action.  I don't know about the other makes of revolvers, this is the one I am familiar with.  Competition shooters do this all the time with no problems.  Don't let just anyone who says they know how to do the job, mess with it.  When I was competing in PPC, that is what all shooters did, find a good gunsmith to do a quality safe trigger job.  I still have a Model 14 that we used in the mid-70's and still going strong.