Need advice on buying a pistol

Ravenlost · #1 11/01/07, 03:01 PM

I want to get hubby a pistol for Christmas, but I don't know what type to buy, or where to find a good bargain.

He needs a pistol to carry with him on the farm (walking in the woods with dogs, working in the fields, at the barn, etc.). Twice he has encountered water moccasins and didn't have anything to kill them with. The one at the barn he killed with a screwdriver. The huge one on his walking trail he killed with a stick. He's shot several around the ponds with the .22.

We've had dogs bitten twice and I'm very concerned about hubby being bitten.

Does he need a Ruger? I don't even know how to research pistols, much less buy one!

Macybaby · #2 11/01/07, 03:45 PM

I'd say the most important thing is it fits your husband's hand.

I've recently seen a revolver that shoots .410 shotgun shells - might be something to consider if you have problems with snakes. But you can also get snake shot for other calibers.

I carry a Kahr 9mm pistol around on the property most of the time. My husband's main carry is a .38 S&W revovler. If I was worried about snakes I'd carry my H&R .22 9 shot revovler loaded with the snake shot. It has a longer barrel and I'm pretty accurate with that one. I really enjoy handguns . . .

Unless your husband has handled several handguns, I would be hesitant to buy something as if it's not comfortable in his hand, it's a lot harder to get used to.

BTW - I'm taking it as a given that your husband will learn/knows handgun safety and all that stuff. I wouldn't recomend one if the person isn't concerned about safe gun handling.

Micahn · #3 11/01/07, 03:46 PM

Wow what a hard question. How about this go to a gun shop and see if they will sell you a lets say gift card. That way he could pick out what he wants yet you still get to give him the gift.

Ruger is just a brand name and really does not mean a lot in what type to get him.

watcher · #4 11/01/07, 04:04 PM

Shooting a snake with a single round is fairly tough and 'snake shot' rounds for most handguns aren't much better.

Personally I'd suggest a revolver chambered for the 45 Long Colt round with a 4-6 inch barrel.

A revolver is simple to use and safe. The 45LC round is large enough to allow for enough shot to be packed into it to make it sort of effective. Loaded differently it can be used to protect yourself from other critters as well.

The draw back is its going to be heavy. A lot of people can't get used to carrying that much weight on their side.

gunsmithgirl · #5 11/01/07, 04:06 PM

It is hard to say without knowing his preferences. First you have to decide if he would be more comfortable with a revolver or semi-auto. For a farm carry type gun a revolver would be just fine. There are several brands to consider Ruger is a good brand, so are most major gun manufacturers.

Caliber is another choice. .22 is sufficient for small animals, cheap to shoot and easy to find. If you want something more powerful keep it a common round like 9mm or .45 acp.

Local gun shops, & gun shows are good places to look. If you want to buy or just look to get a general idea before looking locally check out these sites:

gunbroker.com

auctionarms.com

If you buy online you will have to have the gun shipped to a local gun shop for background checks and such. most shops will charge $20-25 just to accept it and do the paperwork. Others (like me) do it for free. depends on your local shop.

If you find one and have any questions about it I would be more than glad to help you out and give you my opinion on it.

Ravenlost · #6 11/01/07, 04:24 PM

Thanks! I'm now thinking a gift certificate would be a good choice!

He was ROTC through high school and college and is a good shot.

BTW...my Daddy always carried a revolver around the farm. He once shot two copperheads with one shot! He was also a gunsmith, but I didn't hang around his shop much, although he did teach all us kids how to shoot and gun safety. I can shoot a snake's head clean off with one shot from the .22 rifle.

**highlands** · #7 11/01/07, 04:29 PM

I would let him pick it out. A gun's a very personal thing. Don't want to go match making...

Iddee · #8 11/01/07, 04:42 PM

I would forget a pistol for snakes. A golf club with the head ground down to a useable size gives you a great killing stick. More important, it gives you the chance to move a harmless one that is in the wrong place. It also gives you a tool for pulling brush, overturning boards and rocks, ETC., which is where most snakebites occur.

And it is SOOOOO much cheaper.

MELOC · #9 11/01/07, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenlost

Thanks! I'm now thinking a gift certificate would be a good choice!

He was ROTC through high school and college and is a good shot.

BTW...my Daddy always carried a revolver around the farm. He once shot two copperheads with one shot! He was also a gunsmith, but I didn't hang around his shop much, although he did teach all us kids how to shoot and gun safety. I can shoot a snake's head clean off with one shot from the .22 rifle.

punk...make my day, lol. (clint eastwood)

**Ross** · #10 11/01/07, 05:14 PM

Does he need a Ruger???!!?!!?!?!? Good heavens everyone needs a Ruger!!!! I'd really like to try the SP101 in stainless steel for just your application. .38 special loads in a small frame comfy pistol for everyday preditor blasting sounds about right. I wish I could personally endorse it but I haven't got a wife like you!
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAFami...in%20Stainless

Ravenlost · #11 11/01/07, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MELOC

punk...make my day, lol. (clint eastwood)

LOL...can't say it made hubby's day. He's scared of me now!

SteveD(TX) · #12 11/01/07, 05:20 PM

Contrary to what someone else has said, I have found that snake shot works pretty well. I carry a .38 revolver in a holster when I'm walking around the woods or near the lakefront, and so far have dispatched 2 copperheads and 1 mocassin with it using snake shot. I have it loaded every other round with snake shot, and the others with regular ammo. The first shot usually doesn't kill them, but it stuns them enough so you can get in a second or third shot if you need to. I haven't missed yet from as far as 15 feet away and haven't had one run away after being hit. The pistols that shoot .410 shells are quite bulky and good for little else IMO. A .38 or .357 is the ideal snake gun if he intends to holster it.

The snake shot / rat shot tends to misfeed in autos, so be sure and use a revolver.

airotciv · #13 11/01/07, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenlost

Thanks! I'm now thinking a gift certificate would be a good choice!

He was ROTC through high school and college and is a good shot.

BTW...my Daddy always carried a revolver around the farm. He once shot two copperheads with one shot! He was also a gunsmith, but I didn't hang around his shop much, although he did teach all us kids how to shoot and gun safety. I can shoot a snake's head clean off with one shot from the .22 rifle.

Gift certificate is the way to go. Hard buying any type of gun for someone. As everyone has said it must fit the person. If it is a hand gun, shot gun, etc. still must fit the person.

Ravenlost · #14 11/01/07, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the link Ross and for the info Steve!

**Ross** · #15 11/01/07, 05:32 PM

Quote:

That is exactly the one DH bought me...after handling many in the shop...it just 'fitted' me well and was very comfortable. I liked the fact it was hammerless too.

LOL so you said! I didn't read the replies first. I'm not sure about the hammerless part except it's gotta be easier to slip into a pocket or pull out of a bulky coat (we get bit of wnter up here) I'm a huge auto loader fan (I collect Brownings) but Ruger revolvers are just so sweet.

Callieslamb · #16 11/01/07, 05:45 PM

do you know what is going to happen? He will turn into a gun freak and need a new gun about every time he shoots the old one.....He will take his gun out of its secret place and pull the hammer back, polish it with his sleeve and aim it at the wall - over and over. He will talk guns - he will think guns. He will wonder why you aren't so 'into it'. I strongly advise brushing up on gun sizes - and shot sizes. You will need to recognize his size from across the store like he will be able to do. Be prepared to visit EVERY hunting store between here and where ever you go. He will suddenly decide camo is the best color of all. Chane if afoot -just a friendly warning so you will be prepared.

Besides all that - insist that he gets something that you can shoot too. And then learn to do it. Or better yet, his and hers. Sometimes I wish I just had a little old .22 for carrying around in case the neighbor's dog comes off its chain. Then I wouldn't have to worry quite so much just how far the bullet was going when I missed....

hickbynature · #17 11/01/07, 05:50 PM

1) find a reputable gun shop, and get an envelope with cash/gift card
2) For the pistol, investigate the concealed carry paperwork and classes needed (fun thing for you both to do on a weekend). Then you can both legally carry the gun if you leave it on you for the trip to the feed store. And if you feel the need to use it for defense you have it.
3)see about a shotty for varmints.
Have him spend time on WWW.concealedcarry.org. A most excellent RESPONSIBLE forum on all aspects of gun ownership. (even if you're not as serious as many of them are)
HBN

Ravenlost · #18 11/01/07, 06:28 PM

Wow...I didn't realize what a special gift this would be. Maybe I should consider asking for more than a miter saw!

danoon · #19 11/01/07, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveD(TX)

Contrary to what someone else has said, I have found that snake shot works pretty well. I carry a .38 revolver in a holster when I'm walking around the woods or near the lakefront, and so far have dispatched 2 copperheads and 1 mocassin with it using snake shot. I have it loaded every other round with snake shot, and the others with regular ammo. The first shot usually doesn't kill them, but it stuns them enough so you can get in a second or third shot if you need to. I haven't missed yet from as far as 15 feet away and haven't had one run away after being hit. The pistols that shoot .410 shells are quite bulky and good for little else IMO. A .38 or .357 is the ideal snake gun if he intends to holster it.

The snake shot / rat shot tends to misfeed in autos, so be sure and use a revolver.

I second this.. I've taken the head off many snakes with my 38 revolver with shot shells in it. I used a 22 revolver with shot shells till I had to shoot one nine times to stop it... switched to the 38 and have never had to fire more than once.

Scrounger · #20 11/01/07, 07:16 PM

Being an ex-Marine, I like to carry a .45 Auto. It don't matter if it's a snake or a moose, I like a little firepower. I do carry a small .22 Auto on occasion, but not real often.
My wife likes her Redhawk .44 Magnum.........