Posted on 03/15/2008 5:12:16 PM PDT by ExpatCanuck
What is the best handgun for personal defense? I need reliability (it had better work when I need it), and safety - I don't want it blowing my b*lls off if I need to pull it out of the holster or waistband fast. I am 5'7", 150 lbs, very fit, and small framed so I am looking for something that won't break my wrist or throw off the aim of shot #2 if I have to fire it. I own property in some unsavoury parts of town and have actually witnessed 2 gunfights up close and personal. Although I have a property manager (he is also well armed) that makes the rounds I do so myself sometimes as well. I'm looking for a CCW that will also double as a good home defense weapon. I would appreciate any advice fellow Freepers can offer.
By the way, this is an 8 shot double action only 9mm semi auto. No safety, none needed. Long trigger pull. Double action only (DAO) means no cocking is necessary if one is in the chamber. No button, no levers or switchs. Just pull and bang. The long trigger pull is there for safety. With practice, it gets easy. Its also lighter by far than a .38 snub nose.
Galco Royal Guard in the waistband holster. Stay away from their Summer Special which is a horrible mistake on their part.
Take a look at a HK USP.It’s as reliable as any gun ever made.I figured if it’s good enough for the Navy SEALS then it’s darn sure good enough for me.
BTW, I’ve been reading your book and I love the scene where Ranya casually displays her gun to Brad to see what his reaction is.
That PF9 is near perfect in its CCW niche. I just can’t convince my household CFO that we need another Kel Tec right between her .380 P3AT, and my P-11.
I vote for a revolver in 357 Magnum. You can always use lower powered 38 Special cartridges. Get a hammerless Taurus or S&W so that it doesn’t snag on your clothing when you pull it out.
You’re only up to that first night on the boat scene? What did you think of the part where she’s digging up the cache, and as soon as she pulls out the .45 and loads it, relief washes over her? At that moment, she’s the equal or better of any man or men. True empowerment! I really wrote a lot of that book for women, to drive in that sense of empowerment and personal security. I hope some women bought their first gun after reading it.
Rent a couple of guns at a range and see what fits. Stay away from Glocks because they are a bad choice for people who are uncomfortable with carrying.
My choice is on my profile page but that’s just me. A Browning or FN HighPower is great if you have small hands. That’s what I’m using in that IDPA picture.
In cold weather, my son slips a little Smith and Wesson .357 mag in the pocket of his winter coat.
Not according to the website, “Box of Truth”.
I totally agree with you, I just don't wish to discuss with a smartass Rambo who makes this kind of statement in his inquiry:
I'm sure I'll get the standard responses from the anal retentives among us, telling me where it should be, instead of here. I apologize in advance for compromising their special time in the happy place they have in the basement of their mom's house. :) .......
Entirely up to you. Depends on your ability, knowledge, and personal preferences.
Ya, I know, I have to promise to sell a gun to get another. I figure I really did not need that old 12ga single shot anyway:-)
One thing to remember, the best gun for self defense is the one you have with you. If you pick a heavier model you may not have it with you. I carry a Springfield Champion .45 but it is a load, looking now at the Taurus PT145 which is a half pound lighter and carries three more rounds. 10 vs 7
Going to a gun show tomorrow to so some shopping.
Remember to Buy Lots of Ammo Today!
OTOH, the guns might be so similar, that she might not notice it’s a new PF-9......
Hmmmm.....
“No honey, that’s not another AR-15, I just put new accessories on my old one.”
More covert also means a longer time in presenting the piece. Ankle holsters, Thunderwear, or the like are great for concealibility but if someone steps out of a dark corner you pretty much are at a disadvantage from the git-go. That's why I won't go any deeper than a behind-the-belt holster but prefer a belt holster. If you can present a loaded piece within two seconds of identifying the threat, for me that's good enough. A lot of very good combat pistoleros would consider that too long.
Don't worry too much about recoil. The answer to that is practice, practice, practice, and (unfortunately) some of that will have to be with the ammo you anticipate using for $elf defen$e. Stuff ain't cheap. Most short-barreled firearms have a degree of muzzle flip, especially with the ones with small grips. Practice, practice, practice.
That also means finding a firearm that is comfortable to practice with. Some of the super lightweight titanium fellers will hurt you with full-power loads. They're easier to carry, however. Again, a spectrum within which you'll have to find your own best compromise. Oh, and by the way, a lot of the more or less exotic mini-semis have issues with recoil springs. You have to replace them a little more often than with a full-size semi because the tolerances are a little closer with short slides and big-boom cartridges. That doesn't mean you shouldn't consider them, just be aware that you need to pay close attention to something that MUST function every time in a life-or-death situation.
Enough pontificating. Go shoot some. And let us know what you decide on. ;-)
Ooopsie, poor proof-reading. That’s “YMMV” and a Glock 22, not 23, although the latter is a fine piece too.
Your superhero test gave me a Green Lantern, with Spidey coming in right after that.
Oh, I loved that scene! I can really identify with Ranya, she’s a rare character indeed.
Haven’t ruled out the 4”, but I’ve read lots of good comments over at THR on the subcompact.
I’m leaning towards the XD, but I’ve also looked at CZ and Bersa as well. So many handguns, so little money!
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