This was unclear but that wasn't referring to caliber, but quality and the like. I don't understand the whole caliber thing because, like many have said, it doesn't matter but then some people say it does, THIS IS WHY I ASKED!

 

I am trying not to be critical of you, but I will explain what the problem is. The attitude your post exhibited towards guns in general and specifically the concept of carrying one for defense are...not what we want to encourage. Unfortunately, I think some of the responses you received will put you on the defensive about this. Please understand that this is the sort of issue that people are very passionate about, and that it will generate some ill will when you express opinions that are deemed dangerous. As I said before, I hope you can learn some things here instead of thinking this is just a personal attack.

I agree with the other posters, but I am trying to be as constructive in my responses as possible. They are being fairly impolite about it, but the truth of the matter is that they are correct.

Let's all cut out the name-calling and try to get some actual education going on in this thread, guys.

 

as great as it is that you have gay friends as well, its still a slur. Like saying someone j**'ed me on a deal or calling someone from the middle east a p*ki. It doesn't matter the context, the word is still seen as a slur no matter how it comes out.

(mods edit this if this against board rules, and Im sorry if this paragraph was across the line)

we can agree to disagree and I will be fine with it.

 

Bill, try not to get offended. You asked for advice, and people are telling you what they think. Maybe their advice will make you think about the implications of carrying a gun (i'm sure it already has). It's good that you have grown up around firearms, but you still have a lot to learn about handguns, as do I. Start with the class, and go practice at the range. I'm sure you will get more concrete advice once you have the training out of the way, and are trying to decide between a few guns that you prefer based on experience.

 

Well I understand what everyone is saying but it has accomplished nothing. You would think grown men would have learned by now how to be more persuasive. Bullying someone and denigrating them is not going to get them to do what you want. You are a fool if you think telling me "you shouldnt have the right to own a gun" is going to disuade me from getting one. Considering most of the people on this forum are so much older than me and so much smarter, how is it that none of you understand the basic psychology of someone my age? Instead of being productive like you Nerual they go on these rampages to prove what? To accomplish what? What does anyone gain from those sorts of replies? If I am so immature and stupid wouldn't people who are "passionate" about this issue try and educate me so I don't make a poor decision? What about being an asshole is going to help educate me? When you treat someone like a piece of shit you pretty much invalidate your opinion because the inherent human nature to be narcisistic prevents people from listening to advice form people that don't like you.

Regardless of my posts, my intent was never to become some pistol whipping spioled teen. I wanted to buy a high quality gun to take the range and place in the Ferrari or Maybach in the event of a car jacking...which has recently happened to a very good friend of mine. Regardless of the circumstances in which I might use it in the future, I want to START learning about the repsonsibilities of owning/carrying a gun and I wanted a good gun to start with end of story. It's not I want to go shoot stop signs or show the kids at disney world how crazy I am. Maybe my posts didn't make that evident but there is no point in bullying people it accomplishes nothing.

I am really glad I posted this thread though because it really shows me how critical people are about what people post and how wrong we can all be.

 

Bill, go take a basic handgun safety class and don't sweat the small stuff regarding brand, make, caliber. It's more important for you to get the basics down; handling a handgun is different than a rifle or shotgun. After that, head to the range and rent half a dozen or more.

 

Well I think we both agree it's stupid and ignorant, I was pissed off.

 

I would hold off on keeping a gun in the car until you are properly trained and 110% confident. There are too many possible circumstances where the gun could end up in the wrong hands.

 

Getting back on track...

Do you know anyone that shoots regularly? Get them to take you to the range. Hopefully there's a place nearby that rents a variety of pistols. Try them all. If you can afford it, buy several that you like and start shooting them regularly. Common stuff you'll probably try will be Glocks, HK, Springfield. All are considered to be good quality. My advice is to stay away from gimmick stuff like the Desert Eagle at this stage in the game.

 

Well I definitly am not going to do it without a permit. I am already enough of a target as young as I look and I'm not ballsy enough to call cops out when they want to do an illiegal search and jail wouldn't be good for me