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Revolvers |
Semi-Automatic |
Ammunition
There are many reasons
for choosing to purchase a handgun. These
include personal protection and defense,
target shooting and collecting.
At
Trigger
Trainers,
our goal is for you to BE PREPARED, WILLING
and ABLE to
protect yourself and your loved ones in the case of a
personal attack. As such, we will limit our discussion of
handgun choice to the purpose of personal
protection and defense.
When choosing a
handgun, the most important decision is that
it be as close to 100% RELIABLE as possible.
There is nothing in the world worse than
hearing a 'click' when you expected a
'bang', especially when it means your life
or that of a family member. This goes for
the handgun as well as the ammunition. You
want to be sure to buy the best quality
handgun and ammunition that you can afford.
While this is not necessarily your primary
selection criteria, it is very important.
SIZE and FIT
You should select the
most powerful handgun you can shoot
comfortably, consistently and accurately.
It must be comfortable
as if it were an extension of your arm and
hand. You must be consistent so that every
shot goes where you want it. You must be
accurate so that you hit your target. It is
said that you are only HALF as good on the
street as you are on the range. If you
cannot be consistently accurate you will
lose the gun fight and your life.
Some say that the
single most important factor in choosing a
handgun is the fit and feel of the gun in
your hand. A handgun that fits properly will
be easy to use, accurate, and fun. A handgun
that doesn't fit will be hard to shoot
accurately, annoy you with just-out-of-reach
controls, and feel wrong. You want to be
comfortable with using your handgun. The
goal of any handgun purchase is to acquire
one that will become an extension of your
hand and arm. The proper fit is what makes
this possible.
Fit cannot be
determined by reading about it or by hearing
about it. You must hold the gun,
preferably with a full magazine
(semi-automatics) or a full cylinder
(revolvers) for weight and balance. A
competent shooter can hit a target with any
functioning handgun, but it may not be
comfortable. With a handgun that fits
properly, shooting is a pleasure; the recoil
is not painful, and hitting a stationary
target with a flash shot is easy.
Type (Revolver v/s
Autoloader)
Ruger
SP-101 5-shot .357 revolver (left);
Para-Ordnance 14-shot .45 semi-auto (right)
There are two basic
types of handgun; Revolver and
Semi-Automatic (also known as an autoloader).
Each has their own pros and cons, and you
will need to determine which are most
important to you.
The advantage of the revolver lies in its
simplicity. Revolvers are more dependable
than autoloaders in the sense that they
aren't as prone to jamming, although most
'modern' autoloaders are quite dependable
and not nearly as prone to jamming as they
once were. Revolvers are also quite less
complicated to operate, and may be more
appropriate for those who are new to
handguns. For a more
detailed explanation of how revolvers work,
click
HERE.
The "downside" of a
revolver, if any, lies in the fact that an
unloaded revolver can't be brought into
action by most people as quickly as can the
unloaded autoloader (even using a speed
loader device). Accurate follow up shots
also tend to be easier to make with a single
or double action autoloader when compared to
the revolver because the autoloader
automatically re-cocks the trigger after
each shot, making for less trigger pull for
each subsequent shot.
Remember, leaving a
handgun loaded at all times may be
dangerous, especially if there are children
in the house who may gain access to the
handgun, and there are severe criminal
penalties in the event of accidental access
or use by a child. If you do keep your
handgun loaded at all times, you should keep
it in a quick access gun safe that requires
a combination to open.
The advantage of the
autoloader lies in its size and reloading.
Typically an autoloader of similar caliber
to a revolver is smaller, primarily due to
the way the ammunition is stored in the
handgun. In a revolver, it is in a round
cylinder. In an autoloader, it is in a flat
magazine (or 'clip'). This makes the
autoloader narrower.
Autoloaders, as the
name implies, automatically cycle the slide
after the first shot is fired. This extracts
and ejects the empty casing and then
'scoops' another round off the top of the
magazine and inserts the new round into the
chamber of the barrel. Typically the slide
recocks the hammer after the initial shot
making for an easier trigger pull for
subsequent shots. Autoloaders are also
termed semi-automatics or self-loaders. For
a more detailed explanation of how
autoloaders work, click
HERE.
If the primary use of
the handgun is personal protection, the size
of the handgun is very important since you
will want to be able to carry it on your
person in some sort of holster. Click
HERE for information
about holsters.
Barrel Length
As a general rule, the
longer the barrel, the more accurate the
shot. However, if your primary use is
personal protection, you will not be
shooting long distances. Inside your home
most rooms are shorter than 20 feet, and
with practice you should be able to shoot
with accuracy at any point in the room.
Outside your home, a personal confrontation
occurs within only a few feet, again, making
long distance accuracy a non-issue.
Mechanically, barrel
length makes a difference in bullet
performance. A longer barrel means greater
energy from an identical cartridge. However,
there is little significant difference
between energy produced by a 2-inch barrel
versus a 4-inch barrel, and a 4-inch barrel
versus that of a 6- inch barrel.
Typically a 6-inch
barrel is too long for comfortable concealed
carry. If you are a larger person (by
height), you may be more comfortable with a
4-inch barrel than a 2-inch barrel since
your larger size means you can more easily
carry the larger handgun. Typically a 2-inch
barrel is the size of choice for most
concealed carry purposes. Some manufactures
have introduced barrels in mid-range sizes
such as Ruger's 2 1/4 and 3-inch barrels.
The longer the barrel,
the larger the gun frame (and the heavier
the weight). For revolvers, a longer barrel
and larger frame means that the handgun may
have
a 6-shot cylinder versus a 5-shot cylinder.
(This can vary depending on manufacturer as
Colt had a line of .38 caliber, 2-inch snub
nosed revolvers with 6-shot cylinders). One
advantage to the heavier handgun with a
larger frame is that it makes it easier to
handle a more powerful load in the
ammunition.
I found that it was
easier to shoot my .357 Ruger using .38+P
ammunition than it was to shoot standard .38
ammunition using the Colt. While the
handguns were similar in size and weight,
the heavier frame of the Ruger made it
easier to shoot primarily due to less
effective recoil.
Due to small size and weight, particularly
"air weight" aluminum alloy or titanium
models, the effective recoil can be extreme,
a factor that may detract from follow-up
shot placement. Some manufacturers have
introduced models with factory installed
barrel porting, a feature that helps offset
effective recoil. Porting is not
recommended, however, on handguns intended
for self defense since the shooter may be
stunned or temporarily blinded by hot gasses
and debris thrown vertically upward through
the exhaust ports in the barrel.
Practice Practice
Practice
Regardless of
your choice of handgun, practice makes
perfect. It doesn't matter too much which
type of handgun you purchase. Your
effectiveness with the handgun will depend
on how much you practice using it.
We all hope to never
have to use our personal defense handguns
for the purpose for which it was purchased,
but if we need to use it, we better be
sure that we can use it properly and
effectively.
Even if you
don't plan to use your handgun very often,
you should still become familiar and
practiced with its operation. You should
read the manual for your handgun and go to a
local shooting range and practice. You
should become familiar with your handgun so
that you are comfortable and confident when
using it.
Ammunition
Like I stated earlier; you should select
the most powerful ammunition you can shoot
comfortably, consistently and accurately.
There are always those
who believe that bigger is better. That's
only half the story. The size of the shot is
irrelevant if you can't hit your target.
If you can't hit your target because you
can't control the handgun properly, then you
need to consider a different handgun. If the
gun is too large or if the ammunition too
powerful, you may never get a second shot.
Being unable to hit your target reduces your
confidence. Especially if you are only half
as good on the street as you are on the
range. You need to feel confident so that
you will win when your life is at stake.
Click
HERE.
for more information about ammunition.
Holsters
Although it sounds
simple, choosing a gun holster can actually
be a difficult and confusing process, mainly
because of the wide selection of holsters.
The following information is designed as a
basic guide to holsters. This basic info
should provide you with enough information
to be able to do more detailed research as
to what will be most practical for your
needs.
Like a handgun, a
holster is based on personal preference. A
holster that fits properly will be easy to
use and help to make your handgun use easy
and confident. A holster that doesn't fit
will make the access and use of your handgun
difficult. You want to be comfortable with
using your holster.
Before you start searching for a holster,
take a few moments to decide how and when
you will be carrying your handgun. Be
realistic with yourself as it will have a
significant impact on your choices. You need
to honestly evaluate when and what you will
doing with the handgun. Will you be carrying
it concealed? To and from the range only?
Will you be using it in shooting
competitions? Is this a primary handgun or a
back-up that needs to be carried in a
secondary position?
The answers to these questions will provide
you with the information you need to start
making your decisions. Please realize that
you may find that you end up with more than
one specific use for the handgun. You may
also find that different styles of clothing
require a different style of holster. A
holster can be considered a clothing
accessory, and like any accessory, it needs
to 'fit in' with the rest of your attire.
For example, a 'tuckable' Inside the
Waistband (IWB) holster may be sufficient
for casual attire when you won't be wearing
a jacket, and need to keep your shirt tucked
in. A 'belly belt' type holster may be
necessary if you are wearing running shorts
or sweats while exercising outside. An ankle
holster may be needed if you want to carry a
back-up handgun.
Material
In the 'Old Days'(like when I was a
kid), leather was pretty much the only
choice of a holster material. These days
choices include holsters made of
thermoplastics (kydex) or ballistic nylon.
Each material has it's own pros and cons.
Leather is the most popular and makes a
great holster. Kydex is completely
waterproof whereas leather isn't. It is
great for high humidity environments (like
down here in Tampa). Ballistic nylon is the
least expensive of the three, but really
won't mold or form fit like leather or Kydex.
Holster Types
Belt Holsters -
Belt holster are designed to worn threaded
through the belt. They can't be worn without
a belt, and are sometimes called Outside the
Waistband (OWB) holsters. Belt holsters have
a number of applications and can be used for
the following:
Concealment (certain models)
General range use
Competition
General carry (also called field use)
Belt holsters tend to be the most popular
and are typically worn on the strong-side
(same side as the shooting hand).
Inside the Waistband Holsters (IWB) -
These are designed pretty much for
concealment only. The holster is worn inside
the waistband with most of the handgun
inside the waistband, with only the butt
being exposed above the belt line. IWB
holsters are probably the most popular type
of concealment holsters on the market.
Crossdraw Holster - These holsters
are a variation of the belt holster and is
worn on the weak side of you body. With this
holster you reach across your body to draw
the handgun.
Small of the Back Holster (SOB) -
These models are designed to be worn right
on the small of the back. SOB holsters can
be either belt models or IWB models.
Pocket Holster - Only made for small
revolvers and semi-automatic handguns,
pocket holsters are produced in designs that
can be worn in either a front pocket or a
back pocket.
Ankle Holster - Ankle holsters are
generally produced for small revolvers and
semi-automatic handguns, and are designed to
worn on the ankle of the strong side leg.
For example, if you shoot right handed, an
ankle holster would ride on the outside of
your right leg.
Shoulder Holster - Shoulder holsters
consist of a single or double loop harness
system that fits over the shoulders. The
holster itself typically either rides
horizontally or vertically under the weak
side arm. So if you right handed, the
holster would ride under your left armpit.
Regardless of the type
of holster you purchase, you must practice
using it. Make sure your handgun is
UNLOADED, and practice drawing and replacing
your handgun. Rarely do confrontations occur
in broad daylight, so practice in a dark
room or with your eyes closed.
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