What is the best handgun and why?

Question

I was thinking about getting one for self defense purposes, so I'm not really thinking about a Dirty Harry kind of gun.

Answer 1

For home defense id suggest a 9mm. Have a .357 myself but its a little powerfull for home defense. Huge kick to it and will go through walls.If you have children, get a trigger lock & safe. and teach them the dangers of a handgun.Also dont buy a gun, put it on the night table and forget it, take it to the shooting range and get the feel for it.

Answer 2

ok- The category 'best self defense handgun' is large.
First, without looking at the weapon itself, let's consider the ammunition.

.22, .25 acp, .38 acp typically don't have the kind of stopping power you would typically want and will almost never penetrate any kind of body armor or vest. This might be what you want, however, in a home defense situation when you have to take what's behind your target into account (through walls, etc...)

9mm, .40 cal, .357 sig. All great rounds commonly in use by LE agencies everywhere. Decent stopping power and they'll all have a chance to penetrate class II body armor but they'll also go through a couple drywall constructed walls before stopping.

.45 acp. Heavy subsonic round that will never penetrate body armor or a vest, but carries so much energy that it will easily break bones and cause extreme deep bruising when shot at one. This is my personal favorite as it's got plenty of stopping power and IMHO has less recoil than the .40 or the .357 sig.

As far as bullet type, for defense you want to use Federal Hydrashoks. They cause incredible soft tissue trauma and a two tap to center mass on anyone will drop them where they are.

I left the real big hitters out (.10mm, .357 mag, .44 mag, .480 ruger, .454 casul, .50AE) because they are really insanely overpowered and almost as dangerous to friendlies as it is to perps.

As far as the firearm itself (remember, I like the .45) if you have deep enough pockets you can't go wrong with the H&K USP Tactical. If you're looking for something easier to carry, a Kimber Custom Elite II is one sweet sidearm. If you're on a budget, Ruger used to make some decent semi-compact autos or you can pick up a SigSauer used for a reasonable price.

Also, Even in a strict state like NY, the course required for a pistol permit isn't enough to prepare someone to carry a handgun for protection. Consider some advanced classes before you decide to carry.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

There is no one best gun. The more powerful a gun is the harder it is to shoot it accurately. For self defense the 357 magnum has the best 1 shot stopping ability. It is easier to shoot a 40 cal and it has good one shot stopping power. I personally like a 357 SIG it is very close to a 357 magnum but the fact it is an auto reduces some of the kick.
I am not a fan of the 9mm or 32, 380 or 25 none of them have a good one shot stopping ability.

Answer 4

well jack..first of all self defense with a hand gun is tricky..you can shoot people with it..now a good knife might be a better choice..you can slash and stab and leave the fool alone and you need to get some realist traing too..the question is do you want an auto or a wheelgun..and what caliber do you want it in ..9mm is ok 45 is a little better and 357 mag is the best..its the number one man stopper..sig make a 357sig so you can get 357mag performance in an auto..well talk to a professional ..look in the yellow pages or the web.

Answer 5

If you are considering a weapon for legal concealed carry, I recommend a Kel-Tec P-11. A 9mm with 10 in the clip and 1 in the pipe. Small but sturdy. You can also purchase a clip that installs on the side of the gun for use instead of a bulky holster. You can find a new one for $250-$300. You can only carry a pistol legally if your state has a concealed carry law and you meet the strict criteria. Good guys need guns too.

Answer 6

There is no "best" handgun. And I'd suggest a self-loader ONLY if you've had experience in carrying one. I carried a ****** & locked Gov't Model .45ACP for about a year, and it made folks awful nervous. But personally, I'm hinky about carrying a handgun that doesn't have a visible hammer (that's just me, though). Wheelguns are good for those not overly familiar with carrying a handgun, but there's those who will whine about the bulk. DAO semi-autos are OK...I don't especially care for that long, hard trigger pull. SA semis (like my Colt)...I wouldn't suggest that unless you've carried one and practiced safety religiously. I've got an Astra A-75 now...heavy, all steel, decocker model with a single stack mag (I got little hands). Do some research, go to gunshops, and talk with others who carry.

Answer 7

I have several handguns but my favorite is a 40. cal baby desert eagle. Its easily one of the most accurate semi's I've ever shot. It has never jammed on me and I've put over 8,000 rounds through it. The balance and feel is quite good. I can empty the clip at 30 yards into a 6" circle free handed. Its hard to beat.

Answer 8

Ruger 9mm is a very solid sidearm. If you want to go up to a 40 or 45 I would look into S&W.

As for your first responder who doesn't think you can defend yourseld without going to jail for life:

It is the law that you may defend yourself with deadly force if someone is breaking into your home or vehicle as they should be considered a viable threat to your well being.

Answer 9

A 38 stub-nose is a smaller gun,great for self-protection,it's a revolver so it must be ****** to fire,or the trigger pulled .I would not recommend an automatic for a beginner,as you have to realize when the safety is on or off and if there is a round chambered.The 38 caliber is a good size with ample knockdown.Smith & Wesson and Colt are top brands!

Answer 10

9milimeters are supose to be very reliable & accurate and weigh
less than a 45 caliber. Your best bet is visit a gun shop and
hold about 4 or 5 different sizes and models to get an idea.
Then go to a pistol range and try one out if possible before
buying anything.