New Shooter Selection of a Handgun for Self Defense
by Gary W. Burris

I've had a number of people ask me for advise about what handgun would be the best to buy for use as a self defense weapon. A handgun is a very personal thing. And no one type, caliber or brand of gun will be best for everyone.

First, buying a gun is something similar to buying new shoes. You should try the fit and feel of several different ones before you buy. Go to a shooting range where you can rent different guns and try them out.

Second, what caliber to get is largely due to your ability to handle big bore handguns. There some notable exceptions, but typically women tend to like .22, .380, .38 or 9mm handguns because the recoil is less than some of the heavier caliber .357, .40 and .45 ACP. I have heard a lot about "knock down power" of the large caliber weapons. This is probably true, but if you have trouble controlling the gun, you're better off with a smaller caliber. It is best to start small and work your way up as you gain knowledge, experience and confidence.

Third, should you get a revolver or a pistol? A revolver is probably the best choice for new shooters. A revolver is simple to load, easy to operate, doesn't require a safety and is less likely to have a malfunction at a critical time. The downside of a revolver is that it will have a maximum of 5 or 6 shots. It is rather bulky in large caliber. The exception are some of the new lightweight revolvers. I personally do not like lightweight guns because they tend to have a lot of recoil and for a new shooter that might make controlling shot placement difficult.

The pistol has the advantage of holding more ammunition. Pistols shoot faster for the average shooter. They are a little more complicated to load and you should be proficient with handling malfunctions should they occur. Pistols have some type of safety device or devices which help prevent negligent discharges. My first pistol was a Smith & Wesson model 5904. It is chambered in 9mm and came stock with 15 round magazines. I looked at other pistols and decided on the S&W due to the magazine safety and de-cocking lever which I felt made it safer for me to carry when I got my Concealed Handgun License.

Fourth, is a quality question. My first handgun was a short barrel revolver in .22 caliber. I had great fun with this revolver and shot up a lot of beer cans. The gun was of such poor quality that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the INSIDE. You might as well spend a little more money and buy a good quality handgun. How much are you willing to pay for dependable life protection? I would stick with well known brand of handgun. You can talk with gun owners you know or go to a gun range, library or book store and find lots of information that will help with your selection.

Fifth, no matter what handgun you buy, practice, practice, practice. If you had to protect your life or the lives of loved ones, why would you buy a gun and not practice? My advice is that if you don't want to become proficient with your carry gun, then don't buy one. Find a group in your area that has organized practical shooting on a regular basis. One of the best is the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). Ask about them at your local gun range or look them up at their web address http://www.idpa.com.