Question for you who own Hand Guns

Depends what your job is, I am thinking private security?

If so, anything in the .40 or .45 caliber. All the cops here are issued a glock in the .40 caliber. I personally carry a glock 9mm mainly because I don't have a proper holster for my .45. But down right 1 or 2 shots with any caliber will stop most people in their tracks, so go with what you feel comfortable with.

Picking a hand gun is a very personal choice... You need to go to a range that rents them and try a few different ones out.

If it's just a work item and nothing your going to really get into a Glock or my preference a Springfield XDM are both good weapons. Accurate, good capacity, and very easy to clean and service.

Some people are die-hard 1911 fans... if that is your preference go for it, but they are typically 2x's the money, heavier, and harder to clean. They do look cooler for sure (IMO).

I don't "carry" a handgun but I have a sweet little 22 pistol for target shooting. My brother in laws raz me about my "Girlie gun" but I love shooting with my boys, especially plastic bottles half filled with water. They pop up in the air when you hit them. Fun!!

OH, I wish my son was here right now. He's our gun expert-he's been helping me to decide on a gun, too. But, like was previously said you do need to go to a gun range and handle it yourself there is such a big difference from gun to gun. The little 22's are cute, but if you're serious about protection you usually want knock-down power. I mean if we are desperate enough or feel threatened enough to shoot at somebody or something we want it stopped in its tracks. So, get something with some knockdown power.

It also helps to know your budget but I assume you want a basic handgun.

Like many said this is a personal choice. I carry a a Colt Combat COmmander with two extra mags. I agree with going to a place that rents out weapons- try them out and find what "fits" best for you especially while shooting! Many times a weapon that feels good in your hand hurts or doesnt feel right when you shoot it. Also if semi-autos make you uncomfy then look into some of the better revolvers as suggested above.

ALso- I am unsure what your job is but please for the love of God spend money on a decent holster! I use Bladetech holsters. SInce this is for a job that means you will be carrying it a lot- nothing sucks worse then having a crappy holster that sags, shifts and pulls at you. I cannot begin to tell you the amount of people I see purchase a $1500+ handgun and buy the el cheepo Uncle Mikes nylon one size fits all holsters. A good holster keeps the weapon well secured, readyf or rapid deployment and its just more comfy all around.

ALso, unless restricted by your job, also get decent defensive rounds that you can afford. I run only Wilson COmbat ammo in my weapons. But any decent hollow point or bonded ammo will do.

If your job requires you to be out at night a lot spend the money on tritium sights if you can afford it. My two cents are tritiums are invaluable and should be the first accessory to a weapon someone should buy (followed by a light).

FInally- and the Glock fans will hate me for this- I would shy away from a Glock or any weapon that has what I consider the following flaw. I have a real problem with any weapon that one must pull the trigger in order to disassemble the weapon. For a new shooter not well versed in the 4 Rules of Firearms (and for many who are) there are just too many instances of negligent discharges when cleaning a weapon for my taste. Again this is my preference and there are many many Glock owners that do not have a problem with this. YMMV.

My current and ongoing love is our Glock 19(3rd gen). Just a very capable gun. I could rip clips through this bad boy all day.

I love anything made by Sig Sauer. Their guns feel like heaven in my hands.

You really can't go wrong with a good old 1911.

Try a glock in 40. its a similar load to what you using now.

Agree, guns are like guitars in that you need to try them out to see what works best for you. Having said that, I got a lot of love for the Sig Sauer P226 for the main, P229 for the back up. Can be chambered in 9 MM, .40 cal S & W or .357 Sig.

I run with a P229 40 full time because it's good enough for most government and law enforcement. They are a good few hundred more than a similar Glock and you might prefer a glock or anything else for that matter. Go to a good range that rents guns.

You don't want to have any issue or fear of your own gun if you ever, god forbid, need it.

Go to a gun range and try several different ones. The .38 the company offers may be fine with you. You will need to stay at no lower than a .38.

You definitely need to try out several and determine how you will carry the gun. I first got a Glock 23, .40 caliber. I love it but it is too big to carry day-to-day. So bought a Ruger LCP .380 because it fits perfectly in any pocket. Good luck!