What handgun is right for you? Lots of people today carry handguns for self defense, but are they really carrying the gun that is right for them?
When most people come into my store looking to purchase a carry gun the first ones they look at are the semi automatic one. For those unfamiliar with firearms, a semi automatic handgun will only shoot one shot every time you pull the trigger. Anti-gun advocates always liken a semi auto with a machine gun. A machine gun will go full auto and dump every round of ammunition it has just by pulling back on the trigger and not letting go. But, unless you have the proper licensing it it illegal to own a firearm that shoots more than one round when you pull the trigger.
Now that the lesson on what constitutes a semi auto handgun is over, let’s get back to our discussion. As I stated, the first gun looked at in my display case will almost always be the semi auto handguns. Why? Number of rounds you can carry in them is the most important reason given to me when I ask the customer. Beside that, “They just look COOL!” Yes, I’ve actually had a customer tell me that. People want more than 5-8 rounds in their carry gun. Most concealable semi auto handguns will have from 8-17 rounds, with the ten round magazine being the most common. Many states will only let you carry a ten round magazine firearm so know your state laws, especially when traveling.
But, there is a downside to the semi auto handgun that most people don’t consider. While it may be great to have the extra ammo, if said ammo doesn’t fire, or it jams upon extracting the fired case out of the firearm, then you have to manually pull back the slide to get another good round into the chamber of your gun. Not a good situation if you are really needing the gun for a life and death situation. But, the semi auto handgun is the most popular handgun on the market today. So, the question remains. What handgun is right for You?
Another thing to consider when purchasing a semi auto is if you are able to pull back, or “rack”, the slide. I’ve seen countless times when a gun salesman is trying to sell someone a pistol and they are unable to rack the slide. One of the first things I do when a lady comes to my shop looking to buy a handgun, and they pick out a semi auto to look at, is to ask them to pull back the slide. It is surprising how many ladies simply don’t have the strength required to do so. Then, I will show them a revolver and explain to them the benefits of the revolver for them. When they realize how hard it is to load and unload a semi auto, many times they will opt instead for the revolver. They can then feel confident in their ability to handle the gun safely and properly. The elderly also have troubles pulling the slide on a semi auto. So, choose wisely. It’s better to have a gun you can use than one that if it goes out of commission can only be used as an expensive club!
(Since I wrote this article Smith & Wesson has introduced a new semi auto handgun called the EZ series. They have been designed with the slide easier to manipulate for customers having trouble racking the slide.)
My personal choice is the revolver. Yes, they only handle from 5-8 rounds but should a round misfire I don’t have to use both hands to clear the chamber of the gun or do some pre-trained “rack the slide off your pant leg” or other object type of scenario to get a new round in the chamber. I simply have to pull the trigger again and the cylinder will index to the next round. Much easier if ever placed in a real life and death situation.
How are you going to carry your firearm? In a in-the-waist holster? In the pocket? On your hip in a good side holster? How about on the ankle in an ankle holster? This needs to be taken into consideration as well before purchasing a firearm. Some guns don’t lend themselves well to certain types of carry options. Ladies. Are you going to carry your gun in your purse? Consider how much the gun weighs before buying. There is no use in having to have back surgery just because you are carrying a gun around in your purse that weighs as much as the kitchen sink!
There are many options today for carrying handguns. One good option is the custom holster maker. They can make a holster out of leather, kydex, nylon, etc. and have it custom tailored not only to your gun, but also to you. While they may be a little more pricey than some of the big named holster makers, you get a holster that is truely one of a kind.
There is so much more to address when purchasing a handgun. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough space here to discuss all the different things you need to think about. What I have given you is just a little bit to consider. Caliber, ease of finding ammo, warm weather vs. cold weather carry, and so much more to talk about! Recoil, barrel length, blued vs. stainless vs. polymer. But, I’m going to have to stop with this article.
If you are looking to purchase a concealed handgun, go to your local gunshop and strike up a conversation with the owner. Everyone has their own opinions about what makes a good choice in a ccw handgun. Mine is only one of those opinions. Then, once you purchase that gun, go to the range and do some shooting!
What Handgun is right for you?