The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - First handgun recommendations for a college student living off campus?

Elliottsdad · January 21, 2018, 11:28 AM

If you want something that can be concealed and pull self defense duty, I think the Ruger SP-101 in 3" would be ideal. The Smith model 60 is up there, too.
The SP-101 is very reliable, as revolvers typically are. It weighs a bit, which makes firing .357 a little more manageable than comparable revolvers. And if .357 is too much, you can always shoot .38 Special in that same cylinder, which has considerably less recoil. A 3" barrel is a good compromise for concealability, sight radius, and ballistics.
As for semi autos: just go with a reputable brand. Glock, Smith M&P, Sig, Ruger... I don't think semi autos are any less reliable in a practical sense. Maybe they are in theory, but...
Choose your platform (revolver or semi auto), and your required research is cut in half.

January 21, 2018, 11:28 AM	#18
Elliottsdad Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Location: Glenwood, Iowa Posts: 238	If you want something that can be concealed and pull self defense duty, I think the Ruger SP-101 in 3" would be ideal. The Smith model 60 is up there, too. The SP-101 is very reliable, as revolvers typically are. It weighs a bit, which makes firing .357 a little more manageable than comparable revolvers. And if .357 is too much, you can always shoot .38 Special in that same cylinder, which has considerably less recoil. A 3" barrel is a good compromise for concealability, sight radius, and ballistics. As for semi autos: just go with a reputable brand. Glock, Smith M&P, Sig, Ruger... I don't think semi autos are any less reliable in a practical sense. Maybe they are in theory, but... Choose your platform (revolver or semi auto), and your required research is cut in half.