best handguns?

Question

anybody know the best hand gun for self-defense, is it the FN 5.7?

Answer 1

You didn't say whether it is for concealed carry, or just general use.

In my opinion, if the gun is comfortable that is all that matters for general use, Unless you have big hands (BIG hands) stay away from the Beretta and 1911 line, they are too big for grabbing in the dark when someone is in your house. My personal favorite is the Walther p99, good size managable kick, and common old 9mm cheap ammo. If you are looking for a general use gun, I would suggest going to a well stocked full service gun store and feel each gun for safety placement trigger distance, even ease of magazine release (something often overlooked). Revolvers often fit the hand better when size is not a real concern.

For personal carry you want to be a lot more picky, size matters, especially for concealled carry. The FN could work but so could a lot of others. Once again each person's hands are different, feel the guns and get a feel for how quickly you can get it into action. and how heavy each one is, a couple ounces can make a difference under a shirt or hanging off a belt all day.

Another thing to consider, Berettas and 1911s and most "fleet guns" (meaning guns used by a military or police branch) have a possible safety feature in that they might not be able to fire if the magazine is ejected, even if they have a round in the chamber. The Walther has this option as do some 1911s, and most of the more tactical lines. Police request this so if they are ever in a struggle with a suspect they can eject the magazine and the gun is rendered useless except as a thrown object. This may or may not be somthing you want on your gun depending on its intended use.

Answer 2

The best handgun for self defense with out a doubt is the 357 magnum, but is this the gun for you? You need to go the the shooting range and find out. Th best gun is the one you are comfortable with. No use in having all that power if you can't control it. Try all the calibers before you buy one. Once you have found the one you like you can select the best round available for your gun. i have provided you with a link to the best self defense ammunition. Read before you decide anything. Make a wise decision not one just based on the newest fanciest gun. Get the right ammo is makes a world of a difference.

Answer 3

The best hand gun for self defense is a quality gun you can shoot accurately, and have easy follow-up shots. For example, if you had a Desert Eagle 50 cal, and had to use it, but was unable to hold the gun correctly because of the size, you would probably miss the target. Hitting the intruder with a 22LR would do more damage then missing with a 50 cal.

You need a quality gun so there is less chance of failure when using it. You need to practice often so you are familiar with the gun and to acquire accuracy. A cheap gun will wear out quickly. Get a gun that is comfortable and enjoyable to shoot. And, one you can have follow-up shots quickly and accurately.

Another consideration is over pentration. If you live in an apartment, magnum bullets may go thru several walls before stopping

45 ACP has a long history. It is my choice for my bedside weapon.

Answer 4

The .357 Magnum 4" revolver loaded with .357 Magnum 125 grain semi-jacketed hollow point bullets is still the best manstopper.

The 5.7 is too new and unproven. I suspect it will maim and disable like the the 5.56 but I suspect it is too small for one shot stops.

Get a Glock instead. The .357 Sig duplicates on paper the performance of the .357 Magnum. The Glock 31 holds 15 plus one .357 Sig rounds. Do the math.

H

Answer 5

If you mean for home defense,

I keep a Kimber Custom TLE II 1911 .45 by my side of the bed.

Time proven automatic accuracy, great reliability, 10 rounds, knock down power, amazing night sites (very important if shooting in low light and you want to know where your shot is going to go). I own just about every popular frame and caliber of hand gun, and this one is the one I put my faith in.

My wife however keeps a Benelli Super M90 (automatic 12 Gauge) with an 18" barrel on hers.

We may sound paranoid, but we live right smack between two of the murder capitals in the USA, Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Truthfully what I have heard and deeply believe is that in 99% of all situations if a hostile hears the very distinctive sound of you charging any firearm, they will exit the situation as quickly as feasible. So I would say the best way to avoid having to use any firearm you choose (I mean who really wants to deal with the mess of having seriously wounding or killing an intruder), is keep an inexpensive, very loud pumping 12 gauge handy. Stay away from a handgun unless you feel really, really comfortable that you aren't going to be putting dangerous holes in other rooms in your house.

If the term "double tap" doesn't mean anything to you just get a shotgun or a good dog. We keep a dog for the reason that we also understand that this is the largest deterrent to break ins. A reliable security system with cellular backup is also a a great early warning system. But it won't stop the determined intruder(s). (We have one of those also).

If you mean self defense as in concealed carry, just find something that is comfortable for you to carry and is inconspicuous, and proven reliable. I mean really, the odds of you getting into a "Heat" style shootout is less likely than you getting struck by lightening or eaten by a shark. So as long as it meets the above criteria and isn't a BB-gun or a .22 you should be fine.

Here is a great resource that breaks down your options:

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/ccw/selection.htm

Best of luck.

Answer 6

There is no single best handgun. Each has it's pros and cons.

In my opinion, the best self-defense handgun is a mid-caliber double action revolver like a .357. Revolvers are ultra reliable, point and pull the trigger and BANG. Even if you have a misfire, just pull the trigger again and a fresh round is load and BANG. No safeties, no hammer cocking, no grip squeezing, no clearing of misfires. Just point and shoot. Each trigger pull is the same as the first.

I've owned several revolvers and several semi-autos. I can honestly say I've never had a mis-fire with a revolver that couldn't be remedied by another trigger pull. You can't say that about pistols.

Answer 7

that FN 5.7 is a damn pricey gun. the caliber, small and very fast, does not lend itself to many urban carry or even home defense situations. Over penetration is always a problem with small fast bullets.

I stick with something more conventional such as a .357 mag. or .40 or .45 caliber gun.

My "house gun" is a snub S&W 629, .44 mag. loaded with 200 grain .44 special silver tips.

The "car gun" is any one of my .45 ACP guns, usually my Colt, series 70.

The "carry gun" is a Taurus 745, a .45 ACP semi auto or my S&W 940, a small framed 9mm revolver (not made anymore)

Answer 8

I am not sure what you mean by self defense. Truthfully many people would do better with a .357 4" barrel revolver firing 125 gr 38 special rounds. Something like the 38 Special Federal 125gr Nyclad.

The best weapon is the one that you know how to use proficiently. You need to practice monthy. Every two weeks would be better for some people.

Answer 9

I think it is subject to the user opinion.

I like the Sig P226 because it has no safety mechanism to get in your way when you are being robbed. Just point and squeeze. However for home defense, I suggest a pump action shotgun because it has the most recognizeable sound when you are cocking it and won't go through multiple walls of yours and possibly your neighbors home. Also you don't have to be able to aim a shotgun well and It will tear a huge hole in the perp. I would go with a Spaz 12 or a Mossberg

Answer 10

Home Defense or Self Defense?

Home, I always stick with my 1300 Defender .12 Gauge Pump.

Self Defense you would need to find something that is comfortable.