Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Thinking about buying a pistol

I'm thinking about buying a handgun. It's been on the back of my mind for a while now and while it's not the main reason I've renewed interest in the subject, there were two shootings a couple blocks from our house last week. I don't want a debate about gun rights or "you'll shoot your eye out" - I just need advice about what to get as it's my constitutional right to bear arms!

I'm not entirely new to guns. I have a Remington 870 shotgun, used to own a short-barrel Mossberg shotgun, and also have an S&W .38 revolver that had been my Grandpa's. I would like to get something more modern and reliable, yet compact.

Primarily for personal protection, it will spend most of the time in the house as a "just in case" but I would like a model that would be fun to take to a shooting gallery every now and then just to stay competent with. I also want my wife to learn to shoot and be sized appropriately for both an average 5'10" 170lb guy and 5'4" 130lb gal. I don't foresee myself obtaining a concealed carry permit but would like to find a model small enough that I would be comfortable carrying it if I ever decide I want to.

I've been looking online and of course there are a million different models and the price ranges are anywhere from reasonable to outrageous. I'm interested in the Walther PPK because, of course, it was James Bond's gun! It also looks like it might fit the bill of what I'm looking for in size and price. Then there's the S&Ws, both the M&P and 910. Or Ruger SR9. I don't even know about Glock or Beretta. Overwhelming enough as it is!

Any recommendations as to certain models I should look at? What size would be appropriate? Should I buy new or get one from a pawn shop? Any other advice?

Many thanks!