Current Location: Home : Firearms : Juuhoukata Chap. 3-1

This topic is the subject of considerable debate. Everyone has their favorite manufacturer, style, and caliber. Arguable points can be made for almost any handgun; however, there are some basic criteria that a self-defense weapon should meet. You should attempt to find a gun that you like, can shoot well, and are comfortable with that fits these criteria. Some commercial firing ranges offer guns for rent, allowing you to try out different styles and brands; also look to shooting companions and ask to try theirs out. It may take quite a while to find one you like; but whatever your choice is, you should be comfortable with its abilities and your performance with it.

A good handgun to have for improving accuracy skills is the .22 rimfire. The .22 is not an ideal defensive round... it is, however, very cheap to shoot and possesses very low recoil. Colt and Ruger make several different semi-automatic .22 pistols that are relatively inexpensive, and if you have the budget for it, one of these would make a very good target pistol. The low recoil allows you concentrate on fundamentals, and the inexpensive ammunition means you can practice more often. I would stay away from using them for anything else.

Revolver vs. Semi-Automatic

The first fundamental question on selecting a carry gun is: Revolver or semi-automatic? Revolvers are very simple, easy to operate, and unlikely to malfunction. They have a limited capacity and are slow to reload until you practice it. They are also usually thicker than semi-autos, making them harder to conceal. Semi-automatics are generally thinner, quick to reload, and have larger capacities. They're more difficult to clean and care for, and can malfunction easier. Both are equally effective at self-defense; your decision will probably be made on personal preference more than anything else.

Ruger SP-101 5-shot .357 revolver (left); Para-Ordnance 14-shot .45 semi-auto (right)

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