[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

I don't know much about guns, but I have been looking into getting one, or more, for self-defense purposes. Better to have and not need..

I've already determined that I'll get a 12 gauge at some point for home defense. Seems like the Remington 870 is cheap, easy to maintain and perfect for what I'm looking for.

But lately I've been considering pistols as well.

I like the look of the 1911. From my understand, it was once military issue so I'd imagine they're pretty reliable. What's CP's opinion on them? Obviously I will shoot one myself to see how it feels, just curious about opinions.

Also, revolvers. What are the advantages/disadvantages of revolvers vs semi-autos? Any particular revolver CPers prefer to others? FTR, I think I'd prefer one with a shorter barrel.

I have an 870. It’s a couple decades old but I’d recommend it.

As far as pistols I can’t recommend enough to find a way to shoot some. There is so much variability in the way pistols shoot it’s hard to explain to a novice.

If you’re looking self defense, it doesn’t matter what you get proficiency through practice is what matters, regardless of the gun. Otherwise you’ll just be blowing a hole I know yourself or a loved one.