Which handgun(s)?

[jdmidwest]

Walther really misses the mark with the PK380, I have heard the complaint many times.  The little Smith and Wesson Bodyguard is remarkably accurate for a micro 380, as is the Ruger LCP.  But the .380 is just a close range self defense pistol cartridge.

[Kelroy]

If you want "same frame" compatibility between a rimfire and a defensive revolver, check into the Ruger SP101 family (compact .22, 5-shot .357) or the full-size GP100 series, with their new 10-shot .22.

If a semi-auto will do, check out the Ruger SR-22 and its bigger brothers in 9mm, .40, and .45 ACP.

Same thing with Smith and Wesson M&P series-  .22LR, 9mm, .40, and .45 ACP.

If you'd like something more traditional, maybe consider a quality 1911 .45 with a Kimber or Marvel .22LR conversion top end.

[JestersHK]

Before really jumping back into fishing 3 or 4 years ago I shot handguns very regularly.  Although the HK germans have a spot in my heart as well as my EDC I own and shoot all varieties.  

SIG makes a nice little 1911 based .22 if you decide to go the 1911 route and want to keep the controls the same.  Ruger mk II is also a great option with tons of options to customize it to your liking.  The S&W bodyguard is a great little pocket gun for summer days and gym shorts, and their whole shield lineup has been pretty great.  Prefer that over the ruger LCP and LC series.  The Springfield XDS compact makes a great glovebox gun and have been fairly reliable in both .45 and 9mm and their 1911's are great values too.

To echo above try to shoot some before purchasing and see what you like.  Revolvers are always going to be more reliable, but I have close to 12,000 rounds through 2 of my HK .45's without a single malfunction.  They just flat out work, eat any type of ammo, and I trust my life to them.  

For big frame revolvers I love my Ruger Super Redhawk in .44mag.  Sure its enormous but its one of the more accurate handguns I own, and they have the smaller Alaskan model for out in the wilderness.  

Whatever you do make sure you get out there and shoot it.  And try to shoot regularly.  I know for me my skills diminish if I wait to long between sessions...

[jdmidwest]

I wish I still had my H&K 93 that I owned in the early 90's, I loved the way it shot, but was heavy.  I had a USP 45 for a while and the grip was too big for my hands, I traded it off.

I have wanted a H&K 91, but have never dropped the coin for one.  I have looked at the knockoffs from time to time, but did not buy.  PTR makes a nice one.  I have shot the MP5 and the SP9 in full auto, neat little toys.  I had a P7 squeeze cocker for a short time, interesting piece of engineering.

[JestersHK]

On 10/7/2016 at 7:08 PM, jdmidwest said:

I wish I still had my H&K 93 that I owned in the early 90's, I loved the way it shot, but was heavy.  I had a USP 45 for a while and the grip was too big for my hands, I traded it off.

I have wanted a H&K 91, but have never dropped the coin for one.  I have looked at the knockoffs from time to time, but did not buy.  PTR makes a nice one.  I have shot the MP5 and the SP9 in full auto, neat little toys.  I had a P7 squeeze cocker for a short time, interesting piece of engineering.

The rifles are nice, but at this point in time are insanely over priced for what they are imo, although I'd love to have a 91.  I missed the P7 trade ins when you could pick one up for $500.  Still kicking myself for not jumping on one.  And yes the USP.45 is a brick, and just on the verge of being too big for my hands, but man they are ridiculously reliable and accurate.  The HK45 and 45C are just about perfection for me.  You pay a premium for them, but they really got it right in that package.

[Al Agnew]

Well, ended up buying a S&W Model 69 .44 mag.  Chose it on the advice of a couple people out here in Montana that should know what they are talking about for bear defense.  Did not shoot it first, but spent some time in the dealer's with it, aiming and dry-firing.  It seems to fit my hands well, and in single action mode is easy to hold the sights on target through the trigger squeeze.  Double action will take a bit more practice.  Picked it up today.  Will shoot it as soon as possible (we're a little too close to town to shoot it in the backyard like I would in Missouri), using both the .44 special and .44 mag.  Spent much of the evening after supper just handling it to get used to it (and because, well, it's fun).

Haven't chosen another handgun yet.  

[JestersHK]

Nice choice Al.  The 69 will treat you well.

I know its probably obvious but please wear some quality ear pro with the .44 mag.  

I have some permanent hearing loss from Deer season last year where I only had one ear plug in...  

A good solid 3 weeks of hearing eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!