We “gun people” sometimes overthink things, especially when it comes to our gear. What gun is best for personal protection? Which holster? How much capacity is “enough” for carry? And my favorite: What is the best handgun ammo for self-defense?
After all, you could spend 18 hours a day for the next year just watching YouTube videos of rounds fired into everything from milk jugs to “calibrated” gelatin. I know; I’ve done it. But I’ve come to realize that there is only so much you can learn from such tests.
Make no mistake, I’m as much an information and data junkie as anyone. For one thing, it’s part of my job. As a long-time firearms instructor and gun-rights activist, I spend a fair amount of time reading reviews of guns, holsters and, of course, ammunition, just to keep up with the latest trends and products.
Researching before you buy something as significant as a firearm (or ammo) is certainly a sensible idea. I’m just suggesting that you avoid “information overload,” which can lead to “paralysis by analysis” (as one psychologist friend of mine calls it): having difficulty reaching a decision. I have a relative like that. He carries a Glock 21 — a 45, and he’s constantly agonizing over the “perfect” ammo!
Deciding on a defensive firearm is inevitably a compromise among competing needs (weight versus recoil, caliber versus capacity, etc.). A short article like this is insufficient to go into all of the aspects of firearm and/or ammunition choice. It’s also personal — keep your goals and priorities in mind.
In general, always try to get the highest quality firearm you can afford that also has a reputation for outstanding reliability. A gun intended to save your life absolutely must go “bang” every single time. Anything less is completely unacceptable. And you don’t have to spend a fortune.
Talk to people whose knowledge you respect. But no matter what recommendations you think sound good, eventually you will need to go to a gun store and actually handle the firearms you think might fit your needs. Revolver or auto-pistol? Steel, alloy or polymer? There are more choices today than ever before.
Ask lots of questions. Have them show you how to load, unload and engage manual safeties (if applicable). Make sure you can rack the slide (auto-pistols), or release the cylinder (revolvers). Ditto pressing the trigger — some guns have truly heavy trigger pull. And, if at all possible, try before you buy. You will learn more by actually shooting a gun than through all the articles you’ve ever read.
When it comes to ammunition, just listing the options would take up several pages. Look to reliable sources and listen to what they recommend. Just stick with established manufacturers that have solid reputations for quality and reliability. Note that if you have an auto-pistol, you must test-fire it in your gun. If it fails even once, try another load.
Make no mistake, I strongly encourage sound research. Just try to avoid overthinking to the point of absurdity … or worse, indecision. Instead, make a list of your (genuine) “must-haves” and be prepared to make a decision when you find the gun and/or ammunition that fits your needs.
After all, any gun that you actually carry (with whatever ammo you have available) will be better than being caught unarmed because you were still searching for the “best” gun and the “perfect” ammunition.
Stay safe.
