August 22nd, 2024
7minute read
Taking up a firearm for personal defense is serious business.
To succeed in this endeavor requires a great deal of thought and preparation.
For years I have described four critical areas that must be addressed to become competent with a firearm.
Firearm ownership is serious business. Take your time to select the right pistol and then get the training to know how and when to use it.
Having all your ducks in a row relative toThe Prioritiesgreatly enhances the likelihood of success.
While all these are important, this discussion will focus on selecting a pistol for personal defense.
They buy the gun first and only then consider how they might get competent with it.
Hand size figures heavily into what pistol might be best for you. Be sure to hold each gun you are considering. If possible, rent or borrow one to shoot prior to purchase.
Selecting a firearm for personal defense can quickly put you into sensory overload.
Hand size and body jot down are other elements that need to be considered.
If you want a double-stack magazine pistol, be sure that the grip circumference is acceptable for you.
The 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge is extremely popular for personal defense. Modern loadings give up very little to big bore cartridges, and it is far more controllable in rapid fire.
I would be hard-pressed to think of a worse choice.
Actionable Arms
Another consideration might be action punch in of the pistol you choose.
A generation ago, traditional double-action pistols ruled the roost, but now striker-fired pistols dominate.
Striker-fired pistols like the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro and Echelon are well-known for their reliability.
In my experience, the learning curve with striker-fired pistols isnt quite as steep.
They have the same trigger pull for every shot.
Again, the manual of arms is a bit more involved than a striker-fired gun.
For many people, the 1911-style pistol offers excellent ergonomics. However, everyone is different. Take the time to try different pistols to find the one that best suits your needs.
The Goldilocks Factor
A great many shooting ranges allow users to rent a pistol.
How does it feel in the hand?
Are the controls easy to reach and manipulate?
A pistol like this 1911 TRP would be an excellent choice for home defense and everyday concealed carry.
Also, consider felt recoil and muzzle flip.
Is this pistol controllable when firing at speed or with one hand only?
The good news is that there are some excellent pistols out there at relatively modest prices.
When selecting a pistol for CCW, consider how you will carry it. A quality holster, appropriate gun belt and your clothing style all factor into the equation.
Pistols like the Echelon and the Hellcat series are excellent options.
As indicated earlier, the role in which your pistol is utilized is another dimension to be considered.
Size and weight are non-issues for a gun that might be used solely for home defense.
Like many things in life, this is where the art of compromise comes into play.
It might come down to a micro-compact.
But if you might get away with something just a tad larger, by all means go for it.
Smaller, lightweight pistols can be more difficult to shoot to a high standard.
And you do need to shoot a lot and practice!
Another viable choice would be one of the fine pistols from the Hellcat family.
The Hellcat Pro Series may in fact be the pick of the litter if you ask me.
It should not be a burden to carry, nor should it bite the hand that feeds it.
For personal defense, you want a pistol where you’re free to be at your best.
Depending on your app, pistols ranging from micro-compacts to full-size service pistols are out there for the taking.
And yes, you do need to train.
Unfortunately, a great many buyers feel the fact that they now have a pistol they are safe.
But you must go out and run it hard and hopefully take in some professional instruction.
Go to forum thread
Springfield Armory
