best bang for the buck

[flan7211]

I have a couple of great .22 rifles, but I'm looking for a .22 handgun for the girlfriend. We both live in a bad neighborhood. What is my best bang for my buck? I'm thinking of getting an auto maybe Walther or Sig. What do you all think?

[2008f450]

I would suggest something bigger than .22 for self defence if you can both shoot them well. i would suggest a good .38 or .357 revolver. deadly reliable and easy to learn with.

[Graves]

Kel-Tec, LCP, or a J-Frame. Sure a 22 can do a BG in but I'd never suggest anything smaller than a .38 for self defense.

[cstone]

Neither revolver is cheap, but depending on which way you like the wheel to turn, you can't go wrong with either a Ruger SP101 or a S&W Model 19 with a 2.5" barrel. Both are strong shooting .357 revolvers with lots of grip choices. With a little practice, and some time on slow fire SQC, novice shooters can consistently hit any reasonable torso sized target at 25 yards.

[Asmodiar]

Well, I got crippled from the waist down... but I saved 200 bucks by getting a cheaper handgun that didn't stop that rapist

Above story is not based on a real person... but don't let it be you...

Get a gun that has stopping power.

Find a range and rent the handguns that have the guns you think you might like - then buy the caliber one you felt most comfortable with.

Most law enforcement roll with 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP... And they are in the business of stopping badguys.

[Not_A_Llama]

Just in-house?

A 9mm carbine would be a really solid choice for the recoil sensitive. A Hi-point carbine is ugly, but holds 10 rounds, and costs <$250. Controllable, good pointing characteristics, powerful, and light.

[opie011]

Neither revolver is cheap, but depending on which way you like the wheel to turn, you can't go wrong with either a Ruger SP101 or a S&W Model 19 with a 2.5" barrel. Both are strong shooting .357 revolvers with lots of grip choices. With a little practice, and some time on slow fire SQC, novice shooters can consistently hit any reasonable torso sized target at 25 yards.

^^^This is what I'd suggest^^^. Revolvers are great for novice shooters. If your girlfriend doesn't shoot much I think the revolver would be great for her, point and shoot.

[Irving]

I think the issue with .22 isn't really the power, but the less reliability of the rimfire round.