Selecting the Best Handgun

How do I Select the Best Handgun?

When selecting a handgun, there are many factors to consider:

 What will the handgun be used for?

      Personal Protection or Self Defense

                Inside the Home
                      Safe storage and access

                Outside the Home (with a valid concealed carry permit)
                      Comfort
                      Access
                      Concealment
                      Retention
                      Safe storage and access

      "Plinking" or Target Practice

                Cost of ammunition and targets
                Access to the shooting range facilities

Whatever your intended use is for the firearm, is what the primary selection process will evolve around.

While there is no particular suggestion for a certain make and model, the only sure way that you can select a firearm that will work best for you, is to experiment with a variety of firearms. 

The best way to facilitate this is to go to a shooting range, (or contact a Firearms Instructor) which supplies or rents different types and calibers of firearms and ammunition. This will "give you a feel" of the different calibers and types of guns, including single action and double action of both semi-automatics and revolvers.  

Many people may recommend a particular gun, (but before you make that purchase), do not rely on a recommendation, until only after you have fired the gun.  

For instance, a handgun may fit well in some hands, while not feeling too comfortable in either a larger or smaller hand. The recoil may be fine for some individuals, and may not be for some. The trigger pull may be fine for some, while the trigger pull may be difficult for others. The sights may be fine for some, while they may be difficult for others. Concealment may work well for some, but may be difficult for others (either smaller or larger persons).   The finish of the handgun may be fine for some, but may not work well for others. The grips may be fine for some, but the grips may not work well for others.  Accessories may be added to some handguns, while others may not have the option (laser sights, flashlights, red dot sights, etc).  Depending on your state (we are CA based), there are some guns which may not be purchased, transferred, transported or imported to or within your locale (check with your State Department of Justice and/or the ATFE).

Additionally, the caliber which you desire may vary greatly from a recommendation of a particular handgun, which works well with another.

Depending on the strength of the shooter, the recoil absorption may differ greatly from one handgun shooter to another.   

Another Factor.....  Ammunition...... 

It is extremely important to understand ammunition.  The difference upon ammunition for the primary use, and for the alternate use.  You may purchase ammunition for "plinking" or target shooting, but may purchase ammunition for self protection as well. Know your ammunitions, and take a course from a qualified instructor. There is too much information which cannot be stressed on a web page. This is a course which you should take, which is included in the Basic Pistol Course offered by an NRA Instructor.

GUN SAFETY and STORAGE........  EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!

Be sure to take a Basic Pistol Gun Safety Course from a Qualified NRA Instructor. 

Many people have asked......  Which firearm should a woman shoot? 

The answer is simple....  Whatever she is most comfortable with. There is no particular firearm made just for women, which a man may not be comfortable with as well.  Although there may be particular firearms designed just for a woman (although colors may differ), every shooter must feel comfortable with their gun. Refer to the above for style, size, caliber and recoil.