Newb Guard needs help choosing gun.

[Dystopia]

Hello everyone. So i just recently became a Security guard and I was wondering if any of you guys can help set me up suitable for me. I'm on a budget of about 300-400 and I'm about 5'7", 160lbs and have small hands if that helps. Thanks

[mad_malk]

1st what caliber of weapon does your state allow or dictate you must carry based on qualifying etc.
second part is get a glock

[Robstafarian]

Hello everyone. So i just recently became a Security guard and I was wondering if any of you guys can help set me up suitable for me. I'm on a budget of about 300-400 and I'm about 5'7", 160lbs and have small hands if that helps. Thanks

You should go to a shooting range and rent some pistols to get a feel for how you handle different calibers. For that matter, you might want to try both revolvers and automatics. I recommend nothing less than .38 Special (you'll have to choose loads carefully) in a revolver and nothing less than 9mm Luger in an automatic.

"Small hands" can mean almost anything, since it's entirely subjective. It would be better if you measured from your palm heel to the tip of your index finger and posted the result as two lengths: the width of your palm and the length of your index finger.

That may sound strange, but I'm 5'7" at ~140lbs (I wouldn't call my hands big) and I can handle a full size 1911—a gun some people regard as not being suitable for those with small hands—firing 230gr ball. For a price reference, I bought my Rock Island Armory 1911 for $397 (not including the shooting range's transfer fee).

I typically post links to Bud's Gun Shop for price references, so here's some that might be relevant:

If you want a revolver, look at this Used Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum with four inch barrel and stainless steel finish.

A cheap option for an automatic is this (new) Ruger P95 in 9mm Luger with blued finish.

I will wait until the discussion has developed further before posting any more price links, though I should also mention that the guns listed above are approved for sale in California...and the fact that they're both Rugers is a coincidence.

1st what caliber of weapon does your state allow or dictate you must carry based on qualifying etc.
second part is get a glock

A Glock isn't likely to be in his price range unless used, and finding a used Glock will be complicated by the fact that magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds in California.

[Vorpal]

I sold a great many Ruger semi-autos when I worked in a retail gun store, I never had any brought in for service. A GP 100 would also be a solid choice in that price range. I'd suggest you try to scrounge up a few more bucks however. I always felt that if you're going to spend a couple hundred anyway you may as well pay for what you want rather than settle. Take a look at the Springfield XDs. I think they are really solid, mine is accurate as Hell. Good luck and be safe.

[searcher66071]

Do you have any training with a firearm? If you do not, go get some first.

If you have training, then go to a range and try some out.

I agree with finding what restrictions you have in your area.

Guns I would consider: Glock, Springfield XD, Smith and Wesson M&P or Model 66, Ruger GP100, or even a Taurus(revolver or semi). There are a great number of guns out there in your price range. If you need help contact the NRA and talk to a handgun instructor. They can help you a bunch.

[nbella]

go with a glock 23 .40 cal or any glock for that matter.....mine cost me 450 but its worth the extra money trust me

[Scrapper]

Go shoot some guns first. You don't know what fits your hand until you fire it.

That being said, a 4" 8-shot .357 from Taurus costs about 425 bucks. All the capacity of a 1911, and twice the stopping power (Or 3X the power if you get sick loads.)

Hi-point makes 9mm and .45ACP autos for under 200 bucks. They are picky eaters but good shooters. Probably not a piece for a gun noob, however. They often require some minor tinkering to get reliable performance.

Taurus has a couple of 9mm for under 400 bucks. They are good, reliable weapons, but at that pricce they are pretty minimal pieces.

Go with a full-size Taurus revolver and you will be very happy with power and performance for under 400 bucks.

[Wounded Ronin]

Hello everyone. So i just recently became a Security guard and I was wondering if any of you guys can help set me up suitable for me. I'm on a budget of about 300-400 and I'm about 5'7", 160lbs and have small hands if that helps. Thanks

For that price, your choices are probably a revolver, a Glock, a Ruger P series, or maybe a Bersa Thunder.

I'd go with a good revolver, or a Ruger P series.

[vigilus]

If your life is going to depend on your handgun you shouldn't Budget yourself to $300. Ask borrow some money and get a high quality pistol.

[Vorpal]

If your life is going to depend on your handgun you shouldn't Budget yourself to $300. Ask borrow some money and get a high quality pistol.

Teh wisdom.