This is a question that I've been really mulling over in my head the last couple days, and I'm looking for any input or insight from those who may be more experienced or knowledgeable on the subject than me.
My situation: I'm a 23-year-old male from Washington State. In about five months, I'll be quitting my job and traveling the country, living and sleeping in my car, bringing my only possessions (some quite valuable) with me. I'm more or less planning on this lasting for a fair length of time--maybe a couple months, maybe more. I'd like to be able to defend myself adequately in any reasonably likely scenario. Getting carjacked, robbed, attacked outside of my car, or anything else of that nature. I'm thinking about getting a semi-automatic pistol for this purpose. However, I have almost no experience with or knowledge of guns. I went to a range yesterday and shot off about 50 rounds with a few different 9mms, and that was my first time ever shooting a gun.
The question: Is a semi-automatic pistol the right choice for self defense, given my circumstances (assuming proper training, practice, and choice of gun/ammo)? If yes, what type of pistol should I look at--or more specifically, what caliber? Is a 9mm what I should be look at? Specific brands? I was recommended the Ruger SR9, but I've also read good things about Glocks. I'm 6'1" and have bigger hands, but want something as easy to use as possible (quicker with less recoil), while still being compact and concealable. The recoil of the 9mm made me a little uncertain about how easy it would be to shoot accurately in a self-defense situation, but maybe I just need more practice. I'm reading that .22s are pretty weak.
I'm also on a budget. Won't spend more than $400, and the cheaper the better (without sacrificing quality or practicality).
Any insight into these questions would be greatly appreciated (honestly).
Edited to add: Just did a quick look into whether a CCW from my state of residence would be applicable in other states, and this seems to be a big variable. Any insight on this? Does it throw a pretty big wrench into any plans of traveling with a concealed gun?
My situation: I'm a 23-year-old male from Washington State. In about five months, I'll be quitting my job and traveling the country, living and sleeping in my car, bringing my only possessions (some quite valuable) with me. I'm more or less planning on this lasting for a fair length of time--maybe a couple months, maybe more. I'd like to be able to defend myself adequately in any reasonably likely scenario. Getting carjacked, robbed, attacked outside of my car, or anything else of that nature. I'm thinking about getting a semi-automatic pistol for this purpose. However, I have almost no experience with or knowledge of guns. I went to a range yesterday and shot off about 50 rounds with a few different 9mms, and that was my first time ever shooting a gun.
The question: Is a semi-automatic pistol the right choice for self defense, given my circumstances (assuming proper training, practice, and choice of gun/ammo)? If yes, what type of pistol should I look at--or more specifically, what caliber? Is a 9mm what I should be look at? Specific brands? I was recommended the Ruger SR9, but I've also read good things about Glocks. I'm 6'1" and have bigger hands, but want something as easy to use as possible (quicker with less recoil), while still being compact and concealable. The recoil of the 9mm made me a little uncertain about how easy it would be to shoot accurately in a self-defense situation, but maybe I just need more practice. I'm reading that .22s are pretty weak.
I'm also on a budget. Won't spend more than $400, and the cheaper the better (without sacrificing quality or practicality).
Any insight into these questions would be greatly appreciated (honestly).
Edited to add: Just did a quick look into whether a CCW from my state of residence would be applicable in other states, and this seems to be a big variable. Any insight on this? Does it throw a pretty big wrench into any plans of traveling with a concealed gun?