Over the Thanksgiving weekend, amidst numerous social gatherings, I got an unusually large number of inquiries about the “best” gun for carry. Now, in hunting, the choices of gun and ammo are pretty well dictated by the critters you’re chasing — prairie dogs, ducks and Cape Buffalo require vastly different approaches. But there’s a lot more to consider when it comes to a gun you plan on carrying, often in public, for self-defense.
In general, besides being utterly reliable, popular carry guns are lighter, smaller and more compact than the “duty”-sized guns typically carried by law enforcement personnel. The conflict here is usually between ease of carry/concealment and recoil. Lighter guns, depending on bullet weight and caliber, simply kick harder. One compromise might be in choosing a sub-compact gun in 9mm instead of a “snappy” caliber like .40 S&W.
Speaking of caliber, having any gun at all trumps caliber. Sure, bigger is usually “badder,” but trust me, a .44 Magnum is NOT your friend in court. Stick with any of the tried-and-true performers. Basically, that means .380 Auto, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP in auto-pistols, and .38 Special and .357 Magnum in revolvers (.327 Federal is new, but worth a look). Then load any quality defensive FACTORY ammo, and you’ll be OK. And “try before you buy.” The gun/ammo combination you love in the store can be quite surprising on the range.
Another thing to consider is that the gun you choose must fit with your normal wardrobe. Women, while generally having wider clothing options than men, have different issues. For example, while most men’s slacks or shorts accommodate belts (and thus holsters), a lot of women’s shorts and slacks do not. Ditto skirts. A full-size .45 in a paddle holster will have your beltless skirt around your knees in no time!
Experience level is important. With new shooters, I often have them handle something like a Smith & Wesson J-frame double-action-only revolver. It is perhaps one of the safest handguns around; safety-check is a one-step process, and the double-action trigger requires a very intentional press.
However, some older shooters, and/or those with limited hand strength, cannot handle the normally heavy revolver trigger pull. If it’s too much for them, I usually direct them to an auto-pistol, but one with a longer (though softer) trigger pull, like a SIG P250 or a Kahr.
Occasionally, I run into someone unable to pull a revolver trigger, and who also can’t rack the slide on an auto-pistol. In that case, I try to find an auto-pistol with a very light recoil spring, which may mean he or she has to look at something like an S&W Bodyguard .380 or Ruger LCP.
In one case, the only gun an older woman with severe arthritis could handle (trigger AND slide) was an M&P .22. Not a hog-killer, but with a 12-round magazine and an intimidating “big-gun” look, better than being unarmed.
On the subject of manual safeties, I tend to avoid them, both for new and more experienced shooters. There’s a reason most cops prefer guns without them. OK, if you’ve spent 20 years drawing and clicking off the safety of the same gun, you’ll probably do alright when things go sideways, but most folks won’t. Simple is almost always better.
Finally, make sure that the gun you choose for carry is also one you enjoy shooting and shoot well. It will encourage you to practice, which is absolutely essential. Be safe.
