....just got my first pistol permit in Joisey (help!)

[flightattendant100]

looking for something small, yet powerful and fun to shoot...already told the Mrs. that I would like to take her and do some shooting....

I'm going to stray from everyone else's suggestions. 1873 SAA (Single Action Army). Colt or one of the many other makers. Colt is more dollars of course. In 38 Spc/357 Mag. Get yourself a nice holster rig, a sombrero ....................and have FUN.

Anthony, you could be an "Honorary Texan" with this rig! You just couldn't talk!
Seriously, 357/38spl. is a great way to get started. 38's don't have much recoil or much cost.( you can shoot 38 spl. in your 357 revolver, for target/plinking/fun, then use 357 if you feel the need) Keeping the recoil down will be a major plus to the fun part of it. Also Very good hearing protection!!! The noise and concussion from a pistol/revolver add to the felt recoil. Making it seem like it is worse than it is. Stay mild and have fun!! that's the key.! Shooting glasses as well. I use an ear plug with a set of muffs over that and the shooting glasses . Kind of like the protective gear in a race car. Make it as pleasant for the wife as possible, or it could be a one time deal!

[Doe Master]

No advice on handguns .
But I still can not get the image of you and a handgun out of my mind . I have this cheesy image of a Joe Pesci type character capping people .

[Hunt it]

Buda Boom Boom Boom......

[coolhl]

if you cant carry but want home protection and a tack driving pistol then Springfield Armory 45 caliber 1911 is the best I have shot,
for lightweight FN Five-Seven is hard to beat but rounds very expensive.

I hate New Jersey because of their ridiculous no carry laws...alot of good it has done....just try and take your family for a stroll in Newark
norm

[kamont]

How about something like this

I've owed many types of handguns over the years and always preferred a revolver. It's hard to say whats best for you, get out and try as many as you can and see what works for you.

[Talltines]

Just so people know. Here in Jersey a civilian (none police ) can't carry a sidearm. Specifically told that's only for retired cops not normal folk.

Anthony here are my choices

Glock 20
Dan Wesson 445 supermag
FA 454
S&W 500 or 460
Ruger 480 or 357

Best of luck. But all seriousness aside.

But H&K make very very fine weapons and are woth looking at.

[UPSMAN]

Anthony,
I've had a concealed carry permit for over 30 years. Remember the old American Express commercials with Karl Malden? "Never leave home without it." My 2 primary "carry guns" are Sigs. A 229 in 40 S&W and a 232 in 380. I also have a S&W Shield M&P in 40 that stays in my car. All my guns are equipped with Crimson Trace lasers as well as tritium night sites. Whatever you buy, make sure it's a quality piece of equipment, lots of crap out there. And second, make sure it fits you good. Good luck in your search.

Dennis

[amythntr]

.....thanks everyone...a lot of food for thought to digest which is much appreciated...I even started watching the "Hickok45" videos on youtube which are great and very informative....(Hey it makes me long to move to the south and out of this People's Republic of New Jersey )...

.....I know everyone gave a lot of fine choices, However, moving to Texas and getting a revolver might not work....other than being close to my new buds Paul (flightattendant100) and son Colton (whom I could again start badgering to take his modified 335)....how long could a short Italian who loves the NY Giants survive in the Lone Star State

.....in any event I will continue to search out a proper choice...however I am leaning toward the Glock and in particular the 43 9mm...but who knows, I see this as an addiction where you can't only have one

Anthony

[Southern Comfort]

GLOCK 19, small enough to carry and large enough to feel comfortable, real comfortable in the hand

[amythntr]

.....again guys, "small enough to carry" means nothing to us from the "People's Republic of New Jersey" ...My firearm will wind up in a safe and will be brought to a range in a range bag for usage....

Anthony

[Waif]

Boy, there's a topic I like to argue, but not your question....

If available to try out, check into a Ruger GP 100 in .357 model 1707 in stainless with a six inch barrel. A tough piece that follows the redhawk line a bit.
It's weight negates most of a .38 spcl's recoil when fed .38spcl's and the .357 mag. offers plenty of punch for wet work.
Should you find yourself liberated it would work for deer at archery range with practice. A scope and more practice might extend your range,but would be a scoped revolver, a personal choice of the user in the end...
I like it open sighted but only my opinion.
The stock grips on the GP are dog turd type but fit a lot of different hands and soak up recoil.
Aftermarket grips and a front site are easy enough if change is desired as well as not having challenges in some holsters like my five inch, though custom ain't the worst thing...

[canoe13]

Only 3 weeks in the great state of NY it can take a year to get your permit. For carry a 38 DA revolver is my choice. But for hunting or just fun shooting I like to use Ruger SA revolvers of various calibers.

[amythntr]

Only 3 weeks in the great state of NY it can take a year to get your permit. For carry a 38 DA revolver is my choice. But for hunting or just fun shooting I like to use Ruger SA revolvers of various calibers.

....thats because it is the leading Socialist state in the Union

Anthony

[amythntr]

IMG_0098.JPG

Boy, there's a topic I like to argue, but not your question....

If available to try out, check into a Ruger GP 100 in .357 model 1707 in stainless with a six inch barrel. A tough piece that follows the redhawk line a bit.
It's weight negates most of a .38 spcl's recoil when fed .38spcl's and the .357 mag. offers plenty of punch for wet work.
Should you find yourself liberated it would work for deer at archery range with practice. A scope and more practice might extend your range,but would be a scoped revolver, a personal choice of the user in the end...
I like it open sighted but only my opinion.
The stock grips on the GP are dog turd type but fit a lot of different hands and soak up recoil.
Aftermarket grips and a front site are easy enough if change is desired as well as not having challenges in some holsters like my five inch, though custom ain't the worst thing...

....now that sure is a purdy lookin firearm!

Anthony

[wildcatter]

IMG_0098.JPG

Boy, there's a topic I like to argue, but not your question....

If available to try out, check into a Ruger GP 100 in .357 model 1707 in stainless with a six inch barrel. A tough piece that follows the redhawk line a bit.
It's weight negates most of a .38 spcl's recoil when fed .38spcl's and the .357 mag. offers plenty of punch for wet work.
Should you find yourself liberated it would work for deer at archery range with practice. A scope and more practice might extend your range,but would be a scoped revolver, a personal choice of the user in the end...
I like it open sighted but only my opinion.
The stock grips on the GP are dog turd type but fit a lot of different hands and soak up recoil.
Aftermarket grips and a front site are easy enough if change is desired as well as not having challenges in some holsters like my five inch, though custom ain't the worst thing...

....now that sure is a purdy lookin firearm!

Anthony

It is not just pretty Anthony, the "P" word is PRACTICAL!!!! Like I tried to convey, it is capable of accuracy that can't be matched by many!!! You have your choice of 38 special, which will equal or exceed 9mm power, and much more accurate. Or you have the option of trying some heavy 180 grain hunting loads, to some 125 grain screaming zombie slayer loads!!! But for a first handgun to learn to really hit "ANYTHING" you aim at this is would be my first choice, if you want smaller a 4" in the same thing. But make no mistake, there is no Glock made that will drop pop cans every shot out past 50 yards, this will!!! Everyone should have at least on 38/357 in their collection, it's the most basic all round useable handgun of all time!!


The other thing is like I said I mostly shoot heavy 45 Colt, 454, and 480/475 loads in single actions, or my 460 in the encore, but I don't care how much of a natural anyone is, starting out with one of these guns is a sure fire way to assure you never learn to be efficient, and guaranteed to build many bad habits that will latter be all but impossible to break!!!! But if you want big and bad,,,, just go here but you better hang on! In other words you can forget a goal of this without some smaller baby steps!!