advice?

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am 25 year old man in need of some advice. I just moved to a city: Tuscaloosa, Alabama (from a small town). I feel the need to get a handgun for personal and home protection. That said what kind would you recommend? I am looking for something with a reasonable price. I don't need a 'Dirty Hairy' gun than would drop an elephant. Just something to keep me and my home safe. Are used handguns ever a safe bet? By the way, I would prefer something with a clip. Hope you can help and thank you.

ANSWER: Lee,

I'll start with the caveat that you should get training if you plan on keeping a gun for protection. Owning a gun no more makes one an armed defender than owning a piano makes one a musician. Today numerous schools for armed self-defense exist. Look for one in your area that teaches not merely marksmanship, but armed self-defense and the legalities and considerations that go with it.

That said, given what you are looking for, I don't think you could do any better than one of the SIG Sauer model P6 West German Police trade-ins that have recently hit the import market.

SIGs tend to be on the expensive side ($800-900), so it remarkable that these guns are going from anywhere between $299-450 depending on the condition of the finish.

Most of these guns were carried a lot but shot very little, and if you get one from a reputable shop, you should have an excellent shooter for cheaper than you could buy a new or even used Springfield XD (which are good guns that tend to be on the less expensive side).

Guns are simple machines and there is not much one can do to them to "mess them up" that wouldn't be readily apparent. As long as it comes from a reputable shop, I would have no hesitation in buying a used gun, particularly if I could get it for a better price.

The P6 has a single stack magazine, holding 8 rounds of 9mm. Given your criteria of a serviceable gun that doesn't cost much, I don't think you could do better than the P6.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I like that saying "Owning a gun no more makes one an armed defender than owning a piano makes one a musician." You should trademark it. I thank you for the extensive answer, and I agree, I need and would enjoy an armed self-defense course. I hate that I even need a gun. But like I said, I have just moved to the city and it is a far cry from Mayberry. If I shop around a find a few possible guns, would it be ok if I get your opinion on them? Thanks again.

Answer
Well, I can't take credit for that saying. Col. Jeff Cooper, who passed away not long ago, coined it.

I'd be glad to help, but my input could only be limited to makes and models, as I wouldn't be able to see your actual specimen. If you are willing to spend in the $500, I don't think you could go wrong with a Glock. Spend a little less and the Springfield XD would do you just as well. If you want to go lower than that, the aforementioned P6 would be my choice.

But, yes, I would be glad to field any follow up you may have.