How to Pick a Handgun

Select a revolver or semi-automatic for personal and home protection.

Many individuals decide to purchase a handgun for personal and home protection. Before you pick out a handgun, you should first be trained as a civilian in how to use a handgun. The National Rifle Association has a list of classes in your area that provide training in personal protection and the handling of pistols and other firearms.

Instructions

1. Decide what purpose the handgun will have. If you keep it in the house for home defense, then the gun you select might be larger than a gun for conceal and carry. A handgun purchased for hunting will be larger than one you purchase for target shooting.

2. Consider how much you want to pay for the gun. Cheap guns that are low quality might be unreliable. In situations of life and death, a high-quality gun that costs more money is a better choice.

3. Buy a gun based on weight and size, especially if you plan to use it for conceal and carry. In an interview, certified firarms instructor Drew Christensen said, "A handgun that you will be carrying around all day should be compact enough so that it won't be seen or get in your way, and light enough that it won't become a pain--literally." He recommended small five-shot revolvers, such as the Smith & Wesson, or a compact semi-automatic such as the Glock 26 for conceal and carry.

4. Buy a medium sized revolver or full sized semi-automatic for home defense. Christensen said a home-defense gun does not need to be lightweight or compact. He recommended a full size revolver in .357 magnum or .44 magnum, such as the Taurus Raging Bull, or a Smith and Wesson 29. Calibers to look for in semi-automatics are a 9 mm, a 40 Smith & Wesson or a .45 ACP.

5. Buy a revolver if you'd like to use your handgun for hunting. Christensen recommended a caliber between .44 magnum and the .500 Smith and Wesson.

References

• Drew Christensen; Firearms Instructor; Marion NY
• FAQ For First Time Handgun Buyers