:ntwrthy:
Gary,
I just knew I liked you for some reason!!! ;) :p

LOL Bill.I really hope it doesn't come down to that.

I am not a gun fan. After being held up when I was managing a Restaurant many years ago, I have never wanted a gun in my house. But I married a man whose father taught him how to shoot. The compromise, air guns. Now some of you guys will say that they are just toys. I used to think that til I learned that some of these air rifles will take down a deer. So grumpy and the kids now have a new hobby, shooting their air rifles. I don't know if I am thrilled, but I am making a compromise.

I dont own a hand gun yet but have a couple of shotguns and a rifle .Been thinking about a hand gun for protection when we travel but Joan does not like the idea .

My suggestion... shoot as many different guns as you can before you buy. Find the one that fits your hands well, and that you are confident shooting. My daily carry is a Kahr Arms PM45. It is by no means a "range gun." But, it is damn hard to argue with .45 ACP in a concealable gun. I consider it a save your ass gun. I also carry a Glock SF30 and an HK USP compact .45 when the weather/my wardrobe allows. The HK is my favorite of the three. It is smooth, accurate, and has almost no recoil.

I also have a shotgun for the house, and two rifles - an AR-10 and a hunting rifle. (Both chambered in .308)

My latest purchase was a Sig .22 pistol for plinking at the range. Ammo is cheap, so I get in more range time without breaking the bank.

Just my $0.10 on the subject...

Ric, give me a call and let me know when you can come over. I have way too many handguns to list here, but I'm pretty sure I have something that you will like. Try them out for fit, then head out to Williams and pick one out. I have a friend that is a certified instructor when it is tme to take the class. I would also suggest a 12 gauge pump shot-gun for the house. I have plenty of them to get an idea of what you like.

Im very partial to Glocks.
Simple, plain and shoots right every time you pull the triger.
A G17 ou G19 would be nice starter guns.

I've been doing a little research myself. I have a S&W model 67, stainless steel, 4" barrel, 38. Had it forever, nice gun but a semi auto would be nice. Glock, Springfield XDM and S&W M&P in 9mm or S&W .40 seem to be pretty good guns. Lot of 1911's out there as well. Then you need to decide what you want it for, home defense, like Tony said, you can't beat a 12 gauge for home defense. Target range, 9mm ammo is cheap. Lot of people say a 9mm doesn't have the stopping power, I know I wouldn't want to try to stop one. Hell I wouldn't want to stop one of the 38 caliber +P+ cartridges I have. S&W 40 cal has good stopping power but is more expensive and a lot more kick for target shooting. Do you want to carry concealed, that's another factor.

I don't have the answers, just lot's of questions myself. If I could afford multiple guns it would be easy, one gun to fit all your needs, that's tougher. Let me know what you find at Tony's you like. Maybe I'll go up and check them out.

Thanks Guys, a lot of information and lot of choices. I did a lot of browsing on the net last night using your suggestions and I was surprized by the choices out there.

Tony, I will take you up on your generous offer and Hank I will let you know when I can get away from work (remember work now that you are retired?) and we can head up there. Acutally, I have been thinking about buying one since the day that Ray, Hank and I came up to your place and Ray stopped at Guns Galore in Fenton for some Ammo and I seen all the cool guns.

I have to fiqure out a way to bring this up to Leslie now, but since the kids are grown up it should not be to hard to get her ok.

Let me know when you're going to Tony's, I'll see if I can fit it into my busy schedule. If it's okay with Tony.