Choosing a pistol, Part 2
8 Pistols to Consider
As mentioned above, there are many fine manufacturers of pistols. Currently, many manufacturers’ pistols are not available for purchase in Massachusetts, though some have recently announced that they will resume sales in Massachusetts. In addition, manufacturers introduce new models and discontinue old ones quite often. So this list is in no way complete or entirely accurate. Just because a model or manufacturer does not appear on this list does not mean that it is inferior. Similarly, just because a model or manufacturer does appear on this list does not mean that it is a suitable gun for you for any particular purpose, or that the particular gun that you purchase will not be defective. Instead, this is just a list of guns that you might want to consider when you are shopping for pistols.
8.1 .22 Caliber Pistols
As described above, .22lr pistols are excellent first pistols, suitable for informal plinking and possibly beginning bullesye competitions. Pistols you may want to consider include:
• Ruger Mark II/III
• Browning Buck Mark
• Smith & Wesson Model 41
8.2 Pistols for Self Protection
8.2.1 Revolvers
8.2.1.1 Home Defense
Many experts recommend a .357 Magnum revolver for home defense, and I have to agree that it is certainly a reasonable choice. For people with medium to larger hands, I would recommend that you consider any of the following with a 4” barrel:
• Smith & Wesson K-frame (Models 19 or 66)
• Smith & Wesson L-frame (Model 686)
• Ruger GP100
Many people with smaller hands simply can’t easily reach the trigger on medium-frame revolvers. For people with small hands, I would recommend that you consider a smaller revolver with a 3” barrel, including:
• Smith & Wesson steel J-frame (Model 60)
• Ruger SP101
8.2.1.2 Concealed Carry
Large revolvers with 4” barrels are difficult to use for concealed carry, but the smaller revolvers with 3” or shorter barrels are effective for concealed carry. Revolvers with 3” barrels are generally too large for pocket carry, but are significantly easier to shoot than those with 2” barrels.
Many people choose to carry small, lightweight alloy revolvers, like the Smith & Wesson Model 642, or their newer, lighter titanium model, the 342. These revolvers are light, reliable, and easily fit into the front pocket of your pants. But they also have significant drawbacks as well. They have a very short sight-radius and minimal sights, making them difficult to shoot accurately. The ejector does not travel the full-length of the cartridge case, requiring care to be used when reloading to prevent spent cartridge cases from hanging up in the cylinder. Because they are difficult to shoot accurately, you should practice with them more often. Unfortunately, due to their lightweight, many people (including myself) find the alloy frame models like the 15 oz. 642 downright painful to shoot. I have no desire to even try the lighter 11 oz. 342.
8.2.2 Semi-automatic Pistols
As mentioned above, many people find it easier to conceal a semi-automatic pistol, since it is slimmer than a revolver’s cylinder. That said, full-size semi-automatic pistols are still large, heavy, and often hard to conceal. But they might be quite suitable for home defense. Semi-automatic pistols with double-stack magazines are better suited to those with medium to large hands. People with smaller hands usually prefer single-stack designs. A non-inclusive list of semi-automatic pistols that you might want to consider are listed below, categorized by frame size and magazine design (single or double stack).
8.2.2.1 Full-size Double Stack Semi-automatic
Glock: 17, 20, 21, 22
Heckler & Koch (HK): USP (9mm, .40, .45)
Beretta: 92FS, 96FS
Smith & Wesson: 5906, 4006, 4566
SigArms: P226
Ruger: 94, 97
8.2.2.2 Full-size Single Stack Semi-automatic
Kimber: Custom Classic
Sigarms P220
8.2.2.3 Compact Double Stack Semi-automatic
Glock: 19, 23, 30
Beretta: 92 Compact, 96 Compact
Heckler & Koch (HK): USP Compact (9mm, .40)
SigArms: P229, 2009, 2340
8.2.2.4 Compact Single Stack Semi-automatic
Glock: 36
Heckler & Koch (HK): USP Compact (.45)
Smith & Wesson 3913, 4013
SigArms: P239, P245
Kimber: Compact
Kahr: K9, K40
8.2.2.5 Subcompact Double Stack Semi-automatic
Glock: 26, 27
8.2.2.6 Subcompact Single Stack Semi-automatic
Kahr: MK9
9 Links
9.1 Manufacturers
Beretta:
http://www.beretta.com
Browning:
http://www.browning.com
Glock:
http://www.glock.com
Heckler-Koch:
http://www.hecklerkoch-usa.com/
Kahr:
http://www.kahr.com
Kimber:
http://www.kimberamerica.com
Smith & Wesson:
http://www.smith-wesson.com
Ruger:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com
Sigarms:
http://www.sigarms.com
9.2 Gun Stores
Four Seasons Firearms:
http://www.fsguns.com
A.G. Guns:
http://www.agguns.com
9.3 Training
Aware:
http://www.aware.org
Lethal Force Institute:
http://www.ayoob.com
SigArms Academy:
http://www.sigarms.com