What hand gun?

[Chris-DTA]

Ok, it's been a minute or two since I used a gun. To be honest, the last time I used a gun was during my time as a tank driver in the army, back in 1988/89/90.

So, I am planning for full-time travel, and I am aware of the "challenges" of taking a gun across state borders when I travel, but the question I have is what handgun to purchase. I have no idea what I am looking for and why. Glock 19 seems to be a decent recommendation, but is it the right gun for me? I do not know. I am planning to take some training classes and spend a decent amount at a gun range to feel confident that I know what I am doing.

Why do I want a gun? Self-defense. Self-defense in case I encounter a mountain lion or bear when out hiking or at camp. Self-defense, should some unlucky individual try to mess with me while I am out at camp in the middle of nowhere. Self-defense if I suddenly find myself in a sketchy situation (whatever that may look like). I am not planning to get my concealed carrying permit or at least I would not know why I need it. I am planning to have a console safe in my truck center console as well as some sort of gun safe inside my camper near the bed. Potentially, I will have a quick-release holster of some sort near the entrance of the camper. I am looking for easy maintenance, too. I travel solo with my dog and so far I have not had the need to consider "grabbing a gun" to feel protected. I have placed larger Rambo-style knifes in and around the camper in the past and I plan to do so as well. But the world is getting more crazy and the more I start travelling later this fall and winter I want to be prepared.

So, what gun would you recommend to get?

 

[Tucson Tremor]

Check out the staccato model “p”

https://staccato2011.com/products/staccato-p

 

[StrokinOut]

Check out the staccato model “p”

https://staccato2011.com/products/staccato-p

That's a hell of a gun there, looks more suitable for an enthusiast rather than a gun sitting around for the "what if" situation.

The Glock 19 will do the job, not crazy expensive, and easy to maintain. Being in Cali my handguns don't leave the house often, the 2 functioning handguns I own are 9mm, one being a Glock (G26) the other Springfield Armory. OP, you might find that a local range has an assortment of handguns you can rent, get a feel for some that might interest you.

 

[Gymkata]

The most important variable is the user. Focus on your proficiency first.

Edit: While they are not the best pistol by far, they are by far the majority of the pistols I own...GLOCK - reasonably accurate and very reliable.

 

[Hunterman]

For a gun that will go boom every time there is nothing wrong with a Glock. I like the 19x because the handle is a full size and I have big hands but the 19 is probably the most popular Glock ever and is affordable too. You can spend a lot more money on guns like the Saccato (which are awesome guns) but is it needed….thats you to decide. I also like Springfield XD’s which are prices about the same as the glocks

 

[MrFancypants]

x2 on Springfield

 

[wools64]

I run/own a Gun Store and really as others said you are really the most important variable. Glocks are the Honda of pistols. They are built to operate forever and under the worst circumstance as in dirt, sand, water, etc. Personally I didnt like my Glock and traded it for A FN that I shoot 10x better than I did with my Glock for some reason. One of my Carry guns is an IWI Masada Slim and I really like it and its big brother the Masada. I would also look at Canik. I own two and they are a great gun and priced really well. You do have so many options. If you want to know cost on anything let me know. Also you are in California. They have different rules than most of the country. I would highly recommend you check those out as well.

 

[StrokinOut]

Also you are in California. They have different rules than most of the country. I would highly recommend you check those out as well.

I didn't realize he was here, in California, good advice. He will be limited on choice of handguns too. To keep us "safe" they have the handgun roster, a list of handguns approved for sale in California. Guns not on the roster, unless LEO, cannot be bought or sold.

 

[gmoon]

For camping & bear defense we run a Glock G20 (technically a G20SF) as the 10mm is far more capable for big animals like bears. Admittedly, its a total handful. For 9mm, you cant go wrong with a Glock G19, or any of the Sig Sauers. I am a huge fan of the Sig 320 and 365 -- specifically the X Macro variants.

But if you want one fun that is good for 2 AND 4 legged trouble makers, consider a 10mm. Or a 9mm for the 2 legged variety and bear spray for the others.

G

 

[Martineztremor350]

I didn't realize he was here, in California, good advice. He will be limited on choice of handguns too. To keep us "safe" they have the handgun roster, a list of handguns approved for sale in California. Guns not on the roster, unless LEO, cannot be bought or sold.

Unless your parents live out of state... Intrafamiliar transfers are awesome for those of us lucky and fortunate enough.

I have 2 off roster pistols in California, tp9sfx canik and fnx 45 tactical. As others have said, glock is easiest and most reliable and readily available in California. 10mm is a lot but better for bears, 9s are easier to handle. There are better options but until the roster ban gets struck down (donate to firearms policy coalition) that's probably your best option. Also, it's useless if you don't actively practice.

 

[Optimus🤖]

I used my Heckler and Cock this morning; no problems at all.

 

[mds2004]

For camping & bear defense we run a Glock G20 (technically a G20SF) as the 10mm is far more capable for big animals like bears. Admittedly, its a total handful. For 9mm, you cant go wrong with a Glock G19, or any of the Sig Sauers. I am a huge fan of the Sig 320 and 365 -- specifically the X Macro variants.

But if you want one fun that is good for 2 AND 4 legged trouble makers, consider a 10mm. Or a 9mm for the 2 legged variety and bear spray for the others.

G

This!

10mm for backcounty (bears and mountain lions). The G20SF is on the CA roster. I would recommend it over the smaller G29SF to better control the gun.

9mm for protection against humans. Glock G19, Sig P320, S&W M&P, CZ SP01, HK VP9, etc are all on the roster. I would go to your local gun store and feel them in your hand, and then rent and shoot them. Pick what you like best.

You mention you see no need for CCW, but your last sentence of your last main paragraph perfectly states why you may want to consider one. For this I am happy with my P365X, but you can still conceal the P320, G19, or some of the others mentioned easily enough. I hope to never have to use my firearm in a self-defense situation, but with all the nonsense going on I am happy to be able to protect my family it ever arises. You are seeing it more and more in places you wouldn't expect like movie theaters and even church.

Below is a link to check what is allowed to purchase from a gun store. The roster does not apply if purchasing a handgun from a person (PPT), although you are still legally required to do the transaction at the gun store for a background check.

Handguns Certified for Sale

oag.ca.gov

 

[HeavyAssault]

I have a couple : revolver and semi-auto. Each can have a specific purpose, they all share various purposes.

1911's for me fit better in hand. Plenty of caliber options, different sizes, safety features.

 

[thatdood]

can’t go wrong with HK hand guns, and LaRue makes some amazing AR’s and now a bolt action rifle

 

[DTX2023Tremor]

Ok, it's been a minute or two since I used a gun. To be honest, the last time I used a gun was during my time as a tank driver in the army, back in 1988/89/90.

So, I am planning for full-time travel, and I am aware of the "challenges" of taking a gun across state borders when I travel, but the question I have is what handgun to purchase. I have no idea what I am looking for and why. Glock 19 seems to be a decent recommendation, but is it the right gun for me? I do not know. I am planning to take some training classes and spend a decent amount at a gun range to feel confident that I know what I am doing.

Why do I want a gun? Self-defense. Self-defense in case I encounter a mountain lion or bear when out hiking or at camp. Self-defense, should some unlucky individual try to mess with me while I am out at camp in the middle of nowhere. Self-defense if I suddenly find myself in a sketchy situation (whatever that may look like). I am not planning to get my concealed carrying permit or at least I would not know why I need it. I am planning to have a console safe in my truck center console as well as some sort of gun safe inside my camper near the bed. Potentially, I will have a quick-release holster of some sort near the entrance of the camper. I am looking for easy maintenance, too. I travel solo with my dog and so far I have not had the need to consider "grabbing a gun" to feel protected. I have placed larger Rambo-style knifes in and around the camper in the past and I plan to do so as well. But the world is getting more crazy and the more I start travelling later this fall and winter I want to be prepared.

So, what gun would you recommend to get?

I suggest going to your local range and trying as many brands and calibers as you can get your hands on. It has to feel good in your hands and be one that you can shoot accurately. From there, I'd look at reliability and lastly price. There are a lot of great options and if you don't like how it feels or can't consistently shoot it accurately, it doesn't matter how much other people like it.

My primary sidearm is a Beretta 92fs Brigadier 9 mm. It has a heavier slide which helps with re-centering after each shot and they are very reliable and easy to maintain. Downside is that these don't have the ability to add a light or laser sight like you can with Glocks or HKs, but a custom grip changes that. It is also not great for concealed carry as it is just too big to easily conceal.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Been carrying a sig p365 with me the last couple years hiking/camping/fishing. I dont spend much time in grizz country so a small, light 9mm is perfect.

 

[DTX2023Tremor]

For buying a gun, given you're in Northern San Diego. If you don't go through a forum member, I suggest checking out Rifle Gear in southern OC - Fountain Valley. I purchased a couple from them when I was living in LA and they have a sister location in Dallas where they share inventory.

https://www.riflegear.com/fountainvalley

 

[Explorerinil]

Having been a master firearms instructor, police officer and Glock armorer for the last 20 years I spend 5 days a week around handguns. I would look hard at a Glock 20, get a stream light tlr 1 and a Dara holster. 10mm would be a great bear round as well as for defense, plus you have 15 rounds. Glocks are a great pistol and they simply work, I rarely see any issues out of them. For personal defense take a look at the Glock 45, 19 or 17, out of those options the 45 seams to be the best balanced and shooting for me. Fyi I carried a 1911 for almost 20 years and recently switched to a Glock 34 gen 5 with a holosun and streamlight. I run dara holsters vs the old safarilands that we used to use.

 

[Gotbeer]

Love my Springfield XDS 45 for EDC and my Sig 229 with 2 barrels .357 and .40.

 

[Mas13pharmd]

I have 2 that I regularly carry myself, my most common one for summer carry is the Sig P938, I love this little 9mm I load it up with Hydra-shok. My other gun that I rotate in is the Glock 30 which is a much larger gun mostly will carry this in the winter.