The Perfect Carry Gun
So just exactly what is "the perfect carry gun?" And the answer is....that depends.
The perfect carry gun depends on YOU. Therefore, there are a multitude of answers that are all correct.
But, here are some things to consider...
Pistol or revolver? First off, you must know the difference. A revolver has a cylinder that turns each time you pull the trigger. A pistol uses the gas from the bullet to cycle the slide and load another round from a magazine. Here are pictures to help you understand.
A revolver generally has 5 or 6 rounds of ammunition. A pistol can hold up to 18 rounds without extended magazines, depending upon the caliber.
In most cases, revolvers do not have external safeties. However, some models today do have 'key' safeties.
This feature makes revolvers "easier" to use for those less experienced handgun users. However, without the use of speed loaders, the act of reloading a revolver is much more time consuming than reloading a pistol.
The pistol, on the other hand, may be too difficult for some folks to pull back the slide and load a round - think elderly, small children, or anyone with physical impairments.
Think about this though, it's not the quantity of ammo you have, it's the number you put on target that's critical.
Revolvers are considered 'idiot proof' meaning that anyone can pick it up, pull the trigger, and fire the weapon. You must consider safety in this equation. Are there small children around your house? How will you secure the weapon to ensure unauthorized people do not gain access and hurt themselves or others?
With their external safeties and the need to rack the slide to load a pistol, it's much more difficult for a youngster to accidentally fire them. This does not mean that I leave them sitting out for kids to experiment with.
What caliber? Generally speaking, the bigger the caliber, the heavier it will be to carry. Again, 8 shots of .45 that miss aren't better than one shot from a .380 that hits. Sure a .45 that hits will do more damage than a .380 that hits the same location. But even the diminutive .22, if placed in the right location will stop anyone or anything in its tracks (well, okay, with some limitations. I'll exclude grizzlies and Big Foot in this equation).
Caliber alone is not a determining factor in the perfect carry gun.
Consider how expensive it will be to buy ammo. Consider if you can even find ammo. Popular choices include the .45, .357 mag, 9 mm, 40 S&W, .380 auto, and .38 SPC. Remember, you're going to have to practice with this weapon, so it will get expensive if you pick a caliber that ammo costs a ton or cannot be easily located.
You also need to consider the recoil. Magnums and larger caliber guns have more recoil, or "kick," than smaller or non-magnum weapons. Can you handle the recoil? Maybe think about something smaller.
Physical size? You need to look at how the gun will be carried. In a pocket? In a holster? In a purse?
And, will it be carried every day, all day, or just at "special" times? All these have an impact on whether you go with a 'mini' or a full sized gun. And it is critical that the gun fit your hand so that you can shoot it well.
Sights? Night sights, lasers, scopes, holographic - so many options. Usually, options = $$$. Lasers are nice, but difficult to see in daylight at a distance. However, nothing scares away the "bad guy" like a red dot on his chest. Night sights are awesome, allowing you to see your sights in the dark. You also need to consider how you're going to carry the weapon. This will limit your sight options.
Price? The sky is the limit. You can get a decent reliable weapon in the $300 ball park. Or you can go completely custom and spend up to $3,000 if you like. In most cases, you get what you pay for. It all depends on what you want to pay for and what your budget will allow.
Manufacturer? There are so many out there that make good products now that this is a personal choice.
Go with the one that you like because it fits you and you can shoot it well. Name does not mean too much as long as it's reliable - it will work when you need it to. Names to consider? Sig Sauer, S&W, Ruger, Kimber, Glock, Springfield, Colt, Walther, and Beretta. That about covers the major ones in my opinion - without going complete custom.
Legality? You must be properly licensed to carry a gun. In some states it's not even allowed. Be sure to follow all local laws and procedures.
Training? Wasn't even sure I had to put this in here. It goes without saying that you MUST train with your weapon to be able to use it effectively and efficiently. You can do this on your own, if you know what you're doing. Or you can take a class / course. Remember to train on how you expect to use your weapon. There are a couple of excellent national training facilities like Front Site and Gunsite. Or, you can take a local course. The Boone County Sheriff's office here in central Indiana offers some excellent courses at a fair price.
The X Factor? Deciding to carry a firearm is a personal choice. Understand that the mere sight of a gun just may be enough to stop a personal attack. But you need to get your mind right. You need to understand that if you show, let alone fire, your weapon, you could be facing criminal charges - you may even get arrested. Hopefully the truth will come out and justice prevails, but that does not mean it will be easy for you or your family. I don't need to mention the current news and trials of people shooting people. You get the picture.
Summary: In the end, the perfect carry gun for you is one that fits your needs and physical abilities, that you can shoot well. Yep, it's just that easy...
The perfect carry gun depends on YOU. Therefore, there are a multitude of answers that are all correct.
But, here are some things to consider...
Pistol or revolver? First off, you must know the difference. A revolver has a cylinder that turns each time you pull the trigger. A pistol uses the gas from the bullet to cycle the slide and load another round from a magazine. Here are pictures to help you understand.
This is a pistol.
This is a revolver.
A revolver generally has 5 or 6 rounds of ammunition. A pistol can hold up to 18 rounds without extended magazines, depending upon the caliber.
In most cases, revolvers do not have external safeties. However, some models today do have 'key' safeties.
This feature makes revolvers "easier" to use for those less experienced handgun users. However, without the use of speed loaders, the act of reloading a revolver is much more time consuming than reloading a pistol.
The pistol, on the other hand, may be too difficult for some folks to pull back the slide and load a round - think elderly, small children, or anyone with physical impairments.
Think about this though, it's not the quantity of ammo you have, it's the number you put on target that's critical.
Revolvers are considered 'idiot proof' meaning that anyone can pick it up, pull the trigger, and fire the weapon. You must consider safety in this equation. Are there small children around your house? How will you secure the weapon to ensure unauthorized people do not gain access and hurt themselves or others?
With their external safeties and the need to rack the slide to load a pistol, it's much more difficult for a youngster to accidentally fire them. This does not mean that I leave them sitting out for kids to experiment with.
What caliber? Generally speaking, the bigger the caliber, the heavier it will be to carry. Again, 8 shots of .45 that miss aren't better than one shot from a .380 that hits. Sure a .45 that hits will do more damage than a .380 that hits the same location. But even the diminutive .22, if placed in the right location will stop anyone or anything in its tracks (well, okay, with some limitations. I'll exclude grizzlies and Big Foot in this equation).
Caliber alone is not a determining factor in the perfect carry gun.
Consider how expensive it will be to buy ammo. Consider if you can even find ammo. Popular choices include the .45, .357 mag, 9 mm, 40 S&W, .380 auto, and .38 SPC. Remember, you're going to have to practice with this weapon, so it will get expensive if you pick a caliber that ammo costs a ton or cannot be easily located.
You also need to consider the recoil. Magnums and larger caliber guns have more recoil, or "kick," than smaller or non-magnum weapons. Can you handle the recoil? Maybe think about something smaller.
Physical size? You need to look at how the gun will be carried. In a pocket? In a holster? In a purse?
And, will it be carried every day, all day, or just at "special" times? All these have an impact on whether you go with a 'mini' or a full sized gun. And it is critical that the gun fit your hand so that you can shoot it well.
Sights? Night sights, lasers, scopes, holographic - so many options. Usually, options = $$$. Lasers are nice, but difficult to see in daylight at a distance. However, nothing scares away the "bad guy" like a red dot on his chest. Night sights are awesome, allowing you to see your sights in the dark. You also need to consider how you're going to carry the weapon. This will limit your sight options.
Price? The sky is the limit. You can get a decent reliable weapon in the $300 ball park. Or you can go completely custom and spend up to $3,000 if you like. In most cases, you get what you pay for. It all depends on what you want to pay for and what your budget will allow.
Manufacturer? There are so many out there that make good products now that this is a personal choice.
Go with the one that you like because it fits you and you can shoot it well. Name does not mean too much as long as it's reliable - it will work when you need it to. Names to consider? Sig Sauer, S&W, Ruger, Kimber, Glock, Springfield, Colt, Walther, and Beretta. That about covers the major ones in my opinion - without going complete custom.
Legality? You must be properly licensed to carry a gun. In some states it's not even allowed. Be sure to follow all local laws and procedures.
Training? Wasn't even sure I had to put this in here. It goes without saying that you MUST train with your weapon to be able to use it effectively and efficiently. You can do this on your own, if you know what you're doing. Or you can take a class / course. Remember to train on how you expect to use your weapon. There are a couple of excellent national training facilities like Front Site and Gunsite. Or, you can take a local course. The Boone County Sheriff's office here in central Indiana offers some excellent courses at a fair price.
The X Factor? Deciding to carry a firearm is a personal choice. Understand that the mere sight of a gun just may be enough to stop a personal attack. But you need to get your mind right. You need to understand that if you show, let alone fire, your weapon, you could be facing criminal charges - you may even get arrested. Hopefully the truth will come out and justice prevails, but that does not mean it will be easy for you or your family. I don't need to mention the current news and trials of people shooting people. You get the picture.
Summary: In the end, the perfect carry gun for you is one that fits your needs and physical abilities, that you can shoot well. Yep, it's just that easy...
God made man, but Sam Colt made them equal.
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