Worthless Advice

I'm a natural-born pontificator, so when Juvat poses this in response to my item on .380 shortages, I've got to respond:

So, Ras, what type pistol would you recommend? Not a big gun type, but have this uneasy feeling that bad times are coming. Would like something easy, reliable, reasonable assurance that if hit, the target will not continue coming, not outrageously expensive and has ammunition readily available.

Advice on self-defense handguns is worth what you pay for it. But, everyone is willing to offer it. So, here's my two cents.

First, Juvat says "not a big gun" which is in the eye of the beholder. It easily encompasses hunting handguns, macho-recoil calibers like .454 Casull and .50 S&W, and stuff with huge barrels or lots of whiz bangs. In other words something easily controllable, handy to keep around and potentially a carry gun. Let's go from there.

Choices abound. Juvat also phrases his question maybe inadvertently but it defines a first choice already. He says "pistol" rather than hand-gun. That means semi-auto and not revolver. For many folks that's a preferred option to begin with. In Texas, if you are going for concealed carry, you can carry either type if you qualify with a semi-auto, but only a revolver if you do your qualification shooting with a wheel-gun.

So, let's say semi-auto is preferred. Now, what about caliber? I rule out .380 currently because of lack of availability. If that shortage passes, then a .380 becomes a viable light-weight pocket pistol for concealed carry on a year-around basis. That's a factor in Texas where hot weather rules out jackets, sweaters, and sweat-shirts much of the year. Eliminate lesser calibers like .22, .25, .32 etc. Some will say they are fine, my preference is bigger.

The default favorites are 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. These are commonly available rounds. They come in a variety of loadings including some very effective combat loads and inexpensive training ammo loadings as well. They are offered in a wide range of styles of pistol.

Next consider functionality of the pistol to be chosen. The options include single-action--meaning you fire the gun by pulling the trigger but it must be cocked by some other action. Either racking the slide for a first chambering or the cycling of the slide by the firing of another round. The hammer is cocked by the slide action. The trigger releases the hammer. These guns typically have two or more safeties to preclude inadvertent fire with a chambered round. A thumb safety which must be moved to fire and a grip safety which is activated by holding the weapon in a normal firing grip are basic. Training and familiarity with the safety operation is essential.

A double-action pistol performs two functions with a trigger pull. It cocks the hammer first and then releases it to fire. This requires a longer and heavier trigger pull which may effect your accuracy. These weapons usually have a "de-cocker" which lets you chamber a round and then let the hammer down safely for carry. After the first round is fired the hammer is cocked by the slide action so future shots are similar to a single-action. These guns are easy to operate and as long as you remember to de-cock after loading they employ no separate safety levers or controls.

A third option is the DAO or "double-action-only". These guns don't cock a hammer or striker when the slide is racked. They cock the hammer only with a trigger squeeze. All shots have the same weight and length of trigger pull and there are no safeties involved. You must pull a long trigger to get a shot off. These are very typical of the small pocket pistol type.

With an action chosen, you then introduce your individual stature. How big are your hands? A variety of weapons come with double or single stack magazines in widely varying capacity. Small hands mean a single stack would probably feel more secure. Larger hands mean a double stack could give you extra firepower. Small pocket pistols might not give you adequate grip surface for a large handed person. Access to controls like safeties, hammer, slide lock and magazine release should be checked. It has to feel good to you.

Sights are important. Night sights with tritium inserts are popular for home defense since you might need the weapon at night. An accessory rail on the underside of the barrel housing might appeal if you want to add a small compact flashlight or a laser dot. Those are personal choices.

If you intend to carry concealed, don't neglect a quality holster. There are plenty available but to get the best you will probably want to order from a maker rather than shop the shelves at Gander Mountain. Look for comfort and concealability. If you are going to make a decision to carry you will want to do it consistently and without inconvenience. A small gun with you and accessible is better than a bigger gun at home.

Go shopping. Try handling some. Talk to folks at the stores. Visit private gun shops rather than chains or big-box stores which generally don't have knowledgeable staff. I find insignificant difference between 9mm and .45 ACP in recoil. Others claim that one is acceptable and the other is excessive. I can't tell the difference.

If you can, find a pistol range and spend some time there test firing some loaners. They will be happy to help you.

My choices? Right now I've restricted myself to two calibers for simplicity--9mm and .45 ACP.

In .45, I prefer the 1911 style single-action, single-stack magazine with tritium night sights. I've got one full size (5" barrel) and one Commander-size (4" barrel.) They ride in a Kramer inside-the-waistband holster and are loaded with 230 grain Hydra-Shok tactical ammo. You can find 1911 clones from a wide range of manufacturers in 3, 4 and 5 inch barrel lengths from $500 to $2500. Expect to pay around $800-1000 for a nice gun.

In 9mm I've got a Sig P-228 and a Kel-Tec P9F pocket pistol. The Sig is a compact double stack, double action with 13 rounds. It has tritium night sights and a Kramer belt scabbard holster. It carries 115 grain Cor-Bon +P tactical ammo. The 228 is no longer in civilian production but a wide range of similar quality handguns is on dealer shelves. Costs range from $500 and up. Expect to get a very nice 9mm for $500-750 and maybe even less.

The Kel-Tec is a DAO pocket pistol that weighs a scant 12 ounces. Seven round of Cor-Bon and a couple of holsters: an IWB Cross-Breed for belt carry and a Galco pocket holster which simply slides into a trouser pocket to break up the outline and keep your nickels and dimes out of the action. Lots of pocket pistol choices around and most are in the $300-400 range. Having something with you is better defense than having nothing.

Your mileage may vary.