What handgun to choose for protection?

Good idea, thanks!

Whatever you choose, Get a revolver. there's a reason the cop's service pistol's are revolver's. They are the most reliable. If you get a .357 you can also shoot .38 specials through it which kick less but still pack a killer punch. Hollow points or "talon" type ammo will take down any lunatic. In a gunfight or whatever close-range situation I'd choose a stub-nose .357, quick, small, and extreme reliability.

Yes, This^

Cops haven't used revolvers for years, where are you getting your information.

I appreciate the info- thank you.

Yeah, then I have to agree with the .357 guy then.
It will still shoot .38 rounds.

Glock 30; concealable, unjammable, .45 caliber, 10 rounds, inexpensive, accurate, durable. About $500-$600.

Old Cops.

You should try a 380 or 9 millimeter semi auto and why??? Hardly any kick easier to carry and most are about 250 to 300 dollars. If you carry a big ass gun chances are you wont hit the target in a situation when your panicking best advice get the hydroshock or hollow points regular rounds have a tendancy to go threw walls and people and you dont want to hit someone ne t door if that happens. People are always like oh that wont stop a person.....bs a 9 mill or 380 is plenty of power ive shot threw phonebooks coverd with old jeans using remington ammo trust me in a gun fight it not about who has the biggest cannon its the person that knows how aim and hit the target that wins.

Oh and remember the bigger the bullet the longer your ear is going to ring after you fire it.....lol

You need two.

One super light, concealable weapon that you don't have to think about carrying. This is the type that can go in the pocket of some light shorts or a purse. A quick "run around town" weapon that you will always carry because there is not excuse not to. A Ruger LCP in .380 would be a personal favorite. A hot load, like from Buffalo Bore, is roughly equal to a .38. Reliable as hell, super thin, super light, and 7 rounds. Double-action, no safety (the trigger pull is VERY heavy, it will not go off on its own). Reach in pocket or purse, aim, mash trigger. Good up close and personal last ditch weapon.

The other should be the largest caliber you can handle in the smallest package as you are going to carry it. A 1911 style Springfield Micro is an excellent choice, as are the single stack Glocks. It is a matter of training and personal choice. For example, are you willing to put in the training it takes to be safe and proficient with a single action, cocked and locked 1911? Or are you better suited to a simpler Glock where the only real safety is the trigger.

Good luck! Ideally you will carry both at all times. Leave the big one in your purse, throw the smaller one in your pocket.

Springfield XD 40mm Subcompact. Fantastic weapon for concealment and stopping power

If you are not famlier with guns go witrh a revolver, it's the easy 38 round has less kick, semi-automatics tend to jam and the revolver won't. happy hunting

I find that one that shoots real bullets are the most effective. Also it's less about the gun then it is the user.

Really? A 45 for a carry. You people fucking kill me.

Listen bitch, (I can tell your no sweet lady)

I agree, you can't shoot someone when there are other options, ie the police, or even simpler, as mr myagi says, "best defense, dont be there"

Its hard to make the case for self-defense if you are arming your self specifically for a confrontation and have hours, days or weeks to prepare.

for a female .38 spl snub nose by far, automatics take alot of practice and considering that most dangerous situations get the fear and disorientation going you want to not have to worry about her having to remember how to load and chamber an action. Most engagements take place under 20 yards, in a stalking situation you are talking feet away before some one could grab you, so its just simple to have a revolver, pull the trigger and bang, versus pull out a heavy 1911 or any .45 cal automatic chamber a round, point and pull. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, static shooting is not what she would likely encounter, so she has to be able to draw the weapon from concealment (eg purse, or body mounted holster), point and begin side steeping with back pedaling motion while keeping her gun level on the target, best to take a tactical shooting course, or practice with a LEO or MP who cares to share the training. LESSON 1. AIM TO KILL and ensure you are in the right and made every available attempt to diffuse the situation, if you shoot expect to be in court defending that action from a "jury of your peers" who are likely "not your peers at all"

Godspeed

Extra super cool!

There are many choices. Good ones!

Get a gun with enough power to stop even the most determined assailant even one on drugs or a psychotic in a fit of rage. If you become proficient with your weapon you can choose to aim for a lethal or non-lethal zone on the body of your attacker.

But if you don't have the ability to stop them with the first shot, you're going to be shooting over and over again, while the attacker reaches you and may be able to disarm you!! Not a good thing!

So "stopping power" is vital.

Get the best ammunition you can find/afford. Cheap bullets can and often do misfire. They are also infamous for having a partial or "light" load of explosive in them, making it more likely to hit an attacker and merely piss them off, versus stopping them!

Take classes and learn how to use and care for your gun. A non-loaded weapon can kill you. You do not want to be groping for ammo, loading a clip or chamber and such in the dark in the middle of the night. Keep you gun near you, and keep it loaded with the safety on. There are exceptions. Households with children should not take this chance unless the weapon is in a safe where the child cannot get to it under any circumstances! There are some really slick wall safes now that will hold a gun, ammo, clips, holster, etc., and yet look like something entirely unrelated (one looks like a thermostat and another looks like an ordinary medicine cabinet - except that the cabinet portion swings out from the wall, too - as does the mirrored door, and reveals a totally safe hiding place even if you have children around the house. Some of these new safes have biometric access controls. So it will take your fingerprint or retina scan to open the door. One even has a monitor system to make sure the finger or eye it's scanning has normal human blood flow - (i.e.:thus making sure that no one cut your finger off to open the safe!) Slick, eh?

There is a lot more to think about than merely buying the weapon. Hopefully you live in a state where you do not have to register the weapon with the state or "confess" the fact that you own one to any civil authorities. If you go to a dealer, you will have to fill out a form for a criminal background check. Buying from a private party is often the most discreet way to buy one. Often they are cash transactions between individuals and no paperwork is required as being "unduly burdensome" to individual sellers. If you don't want a paper trail, this method will usually help you get it home without any civil authorities knowing you own a weapon.

Personally I think the less the government knows about who does and who does not own weapons, the better. But that is just my opinion. But you need to make your own decision on that issue.

Snub-nosed hammerless .38 revolver.

Its small, so it fits in your purse - no hammer to get caught on something when you pull it out (unlessyou don't pull it out and you just shoot through your purse)

Its a revolver, so you don't have to mess with two hands to 'rack' it in case you need to fire it quickly

No hammer to pull back - which is an awkward movement for women's hands that are smaller (like mine)

Full-sized grip unlike a Walther PPK or other small gun, so it feels more comfortable (which in turn makes you feel safer)

I do not have one of these, but after experimenting with a few handguns & purses / tote bags I have come to the conclusion that this is what I will get when I do get one.... for all of the reasons above.

Pulling a weapon out of your purse is an awkward movement (I tried it, I know it is) and when you're full of fear and adrenaline, the awkwardness of it may cause you to fumble -- and a fumble could be disastrous for you.

FWIW.

FNX 45.

Nothing like a .45 with 15 rounds.

You need a tool to fit the standard smaller hand of a lady.

Something a sweaty, nervous hand with a weak wrist will still be able to hang on to.

A safe design with no need for an external safety.

An absolutely reliable, yet relatively inexpensive common conventional utilitarian model.

A gun you can keep loaded (and know it is) at all time.

I suggest the Glock Model 23, Generation 4, .40 S$W caliber.

I also advise against anything other than the standard 180 grain (FMJ) Full Metal Jacket Bullet / Cartridge design. Federal, Remington or Winchester Brands.

How big are your hands and how strong are you?

Are you crazy? is a successful case for self defense to be a VICTIM???
You carry to prevent to be a victim. A gun is the last resort to defend yourself. If you don´t carry, your last resort is not there when you need it.

Got yourself a crazy Joe Davola do you?

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shotgun, ar 15, sig p220.

Great site for anything survival, highly recommend.

weak willed little man.