What Type of Handgun Should I Buy?
When people find out I am a firearms instructor the questions about guns start flowing. Even before they take a class with me they start to wonder “What type of firearm should I get?”
That is definitely a personal question. Your choice of firearms should be based on what you intend to use it for and what feels good in your hands. You may want to use your firearm to carry a concealed weapon with the proper permit of course, then a more compact style gun would be appropriate. If you want it for home defense you may carry something a little larger at home. There are styles of handguns better for competitive shooting if you are looking to get into the shooting sports. Let’s not forget about our hunters out there. Hunters will have their own favorite firearms depending on the animal they are hunting. Handguns come in different sizes and calibers so my best advice for you is go to a gun range and rent several different models and calibers and see what feels best to you before you make a commitment to any gun. Don’t just start out with a revolver or a .22 caliber because people tell you it is easier or better for women.
I personally like my Glock 17, it is a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. That is what I train with most of the time. I have other calibers but my Glock 17 is my preferred pistol. Glocks are very reliable and used by 70% of law enforcement agencies nationwide. I would not go with a revolver because that limits the number of rounds you can use. A 9mm pistol is great because the ammunition is less expensive than .40 or .45 caliber ammunition so that makes training more cost effective. Also, the stopping power of a 9mm round is not that much different than a .40 caliber, especially if you train well and are a good shot.
Whatever you chose has to feel right to YOU. Don’t invest in a firearm blindly based on someone’s recommendation. And don’t just stop at the purchase. Getting some good quality training is essential. An untrained armed citizen is about as effective as a fancy lawn ornament to deterring crime. Without the proper training you are more likely to cause an accident and hurt yourself than prevent a criminal from hurting your family. Also plan on investing in a gun safe. Whatever happens with your gun is your responsibility. So you should have a secure way to store your firearms that is easily accessible to you. Quick access safes for the nightstand are good if they are bolted down. If all you are purchasing or own is one or two pistols then a small gun safe is fine. You can get into larger heavier safes when you expand your collection. Make sure you read up on the laws on firearms storage, firearms transportation, and gun use for home defense and personal defense for the state or area in which you live.
If you already own a gun at home and are starting to build your collection duplicate what you have already so you can use the same parts in case something breaks or wears down and needs replacing immediately. It is important to have duplicates in case you get into a shootout with zombies trying to break into your home and your husband runs out of ammo because he is not as good of a shot as you. That way you can just toss an extra magazine to him. Remember two is one and one is none so have backups for your backups.
Whatever gun you do invest in learn how it works, how to take it apart and clean it. You don’t have to become a gun smith, just get well versed in the guns you own or plan to own. Your guns need maintenance just like your car. They run better when they are well taken care of. Do your research and make an educated decision.
If you have any personal experiences or questions to share please post them. Positive comments and constructive discussion are welcome.
To Your Surviving and Thriving,
MaryAnne Morcos, The Urban Survival Chick
