I went to that link, and then the firearms stuff. Useful, but of course, I do take issue with his handgun advice to women.
He says that "most women like the smooth-sided James Bond automatics....etc.." That is what the thug who kills them will think too...when he owns it. He also recommends the .38 Chief.
Autos are prone to jams, ammo and magazine sensitive, need good lubrication, and can malfunction if held weakly. In 9mm JHP, they are also shallow penetrators in less than 147 grain bullets, and if they do penetrate, may only leave a narrow wound channel = you get killed by a wounded attacker. In the militry, handguns are meant to back up a long arm, not replace it, James Bond style.
Revolvers work, but are bulky. Such is life, if one wants to keep it. .38s are less efficient than a good 9mm in similar bullet weights, because of the auto's closed breech sealing in the combustion chamber better, but my main disagreement is limiting ones's self to Specials, and under re-supply pressure, not being able to even chamber .357 magnum. Once self-defense or game-getting shooting has been experienced by anyone, male or female, the reality of the instrument sets in, and one would prefer to actually get the job done than be comfortable while shooting a pretty and quiet gun, and missing, or wounding. Therefore, a .357 in a short barrel, and preferrably a 4" barrel, if USING it. A .38 in a 2" is anemic, but better out of a 4". Pretty doesn't work. What WORKS works.
I use automatics for utility and defense. I know what to expect. I also expect that ammo resupply will be easier for the 9mm these days. That only makes it an expedient, not a personal favorite. There is a reason so many are choosing +P for their 9's. 124gr. JHP is like a .38 light bullet....marginal, and if it plugs up, ball, which may exit, but make a narrow hole. Bad. I use "Winchester OSM" standard velocity 147gr. JHP, and am quite pleased. My handguns are also not wearing out, and I do not flinch in expectation. It also retains more power at longer ranges...but alas, the "gun scribes" have already done their self-serving handiwork, as have certain "stopping power" journalists, and Americans are in harm's way without even realizing it. You will not fix your 9mm by making an expanding bullet go faster, only make a bigger hole, less deeply...which could be rather self-endangering in a serious event.
Ahhh. Gun Thread. It's what's for breakfast.
Survival thread.....hijacked !.........:o)
Muttly????????!
I never knew you were so well versed on firearms.
Very cool!
Firearms are a personal decision, and opinions will inevitably vary. The women I've known have almost uniformy "climbed the tree"; beginning with .22s and worked their way up to find a weapon they are comfortable with. Whatever they've decided has been fine with me.
I have an old Walther P-38 that dates back to WWII. Shoot it now an then to keep it toned. Even if it isn't what I consider a serious weapon.
Still love wheel-guns because they are so simple to use.
And .380s, because they remind me of Cap Guns when I was a kid.
Though I do have a very real soft spot for my slab side .45 ACP.
Jack.
I like a nice clean stainless 357 revolver w/ a 3 inch barrel for my cache's as it does what ya say an yet you don't need magazines and can use two different calibers of ammo. With the old phillips and rogers mods ya can use 17 or more calibers in such. I think CADCO or reeder is the one making em these days.... called the medusa in it's day.
That due the fact ammo may have to be scrounged for the long term makes it my first choice for a basic survival handgun..... Not many looters gonna take 9MM Largo. But then again can looters even read ?:o)