To keep things simple I have come up with 4 areas that need to be addressed in order to make sure that you buy a handgun that you can depend on:
- Purpose- What need are you planning to fill with this handgun? If it’s for home defense, I would stop you right there & recommend a good shotgun, but for self defense, concealed carry, or target shooting, a handgun is a good choice.
- Size- How big or small of a handgun do you want? What size in most comfortable in your hand? How do you plan to store/conceal it? All these things must be taken into account. A person with larger hands might feel more comfortable with a larger frame gun than a person with small hands. It might be easier for a smaller framed person to conceal a smaller handgun and vice versa for a person with a bigger build.
- Caliber- What size round do you want your handgun to fire? Out of all the points discussed, this one is the most debated. People will try to pull you in every direction, saying their favorite caliber is the best. DO NOT TAKE THEIR WORD FOR IT! The best way to decide on a caliber is to shoot it. Actually go to a range that offers rental guns & shoot whatever calibers you are considering. Whatever the largest caliber you feel comfortable with is, go with it! You’ll hear people say women should use a certain caliber or others will put a man down with one shot, more lies. The biggest bullet you can handle is the one you need to be using. Some of the most common handgun calibers are .380 ACP, 9mm, .38 special, .40 S&W, & .45 ACP. I would recommend sticking to those.
- Capacity- How many bullets do you want to carry? Around this time is where the revolver versus semi-auto debate kicks off. It’s really just personal preference. My philosophy, carry as much ammo as you can handle. Notice I said “handle”. Larger handguns generally carry more rounds. Semi-autos generally carry more rounds than revolvers. You need to find a number of rounds that you feel will get you out of any situation you may encounter. and ALWAYS carry extra! A reasonable amount of course... Don’t weigh yourself down with speed loaders or magazines. Remember, the purpose of your firearm is to neutralize a threat to your life and the lives of the people around you. Don’t be a super hero. Hero, cool, but not super, you are NOT made of adamantium.
Now, one thing that i must warn against is choosing a handgun based on looks. Ergonomics & feel is one thing, but if you choose a gun because it's OD green or stainless steel, you are no better than those women that want a gun because it's pink! Don't be that guy. The Cave has no place for you, but i digress...
Take these tips as a starting point & begin your research to find a handgun that best fits you. Other things such as manufacturer & price can be looked into next. If you have specific questions, please ask them! I jump at every opportunity to help all citizens exercise their Second Amendment right. #Merica!