Are you in the market for a home defense weapon? Or perhaps a lightweight firearm for concealed carry? If so, you’re far from alone.
In January 2021 alone, more than 2 million guns sold nationwide, representing an 80 percent increase in sales. What’s more, this trend is the third-largest monthly total on record.
While it’s easy to see that Americans have grown increasingly concerned about personal safety, finding the ideal piece for your needs and expertise is a more complicated issue. Where to start?
Here’s our comprehensive guide to finding the best gun for personal protection, whether you’re adding a new gun to your safe or purchasing a concealed carry weapon (CCW).
Caliber and Ammo Matters
When looking for the perfect weapon to invest in, start by considering caliber. Why does caliber matter? It has a direct impact on your ability to stop intruders, and it will inform how easily and cheaply you can find ammunition for your weapon.
For example, we recommend a 9mm for home defense, especially if you’re new to owning and carrying firearms. For starters, finding ammo that’s affordable will prove much easier. But you’ll also enjoy a milder recoil and higher capacity magazines (typically 15+) with this handgun.
But the advantages of using 9mm guns doesn’t stop there. Most police forces rely on this weapon because of its reliability and ease of use. What’s more, the FBI recently made a return to this weapon after giving S&W .40 rounds a try.
Why? Agents concluded that the .40 S&W rounds caused excess wear and tear on their pistols. They also noted that female agents encountered more issues controlling them.
Besides selecting the ideal caliber, you also need some basic knowledge when it comes to ammo. To defend your home most effectively, always opt for hollow-point bullets.
Not only are they renowned for their stopping power, but they won’t blow through walls risking injury to innocent bystanders. Two popular brands include Federal Hydrashok and Spear Gold Dot. Or, check out these 30 Carbine products.
Selecting CCW and Home Defense Guns
Apart from caliber and ammo, what’s the most important thing to bear in mind when it comes to the best guns for self-defense? For home defense guns, we recommend going with a full-size handgun.
Yes, it can be tempting to go all-in on a compact piece that’s lightweight. But this will translate into a greater recoil and more difficulty when shooting.
Why? Because the smaller the gun, the less mass to absorb recoil. The smallest guns may also come with insufficient grip areas.
Without enough room for your hand, these diminutive personal protection guns make accurate firing more challenging. And you won’t benefit from the longer sight radius of a standard-sized piece.
Of course, you’ll need to weigh these considerations against portability if you’re in the market for a concealed carry weapon. Ideal firearms for concealed carry often fall into the compact category.
While you’ll lose some sight radius, these guns are designed to free up some grip space, which aids in concealing. What’s a good test to determine whether you’ve gone too small a weapon? If your pinkie has no place to go, size up a notch.
Which Gun Should I Own?
So, what type of gun is best for protection? Your choice will ultimately depend on a variety of factors, including how individual pieces feel in your hand. As you begin your search, you’ll need to make decisions about the following features:
- Safety
- Sights
- Action
Here’s what you need to know about each of these features when you go handgun shopping.
Safety
When it comes to weapons for self-defense and home protection, we recommend no external safety. Why? Because self-defense and home invasion situations involve split-second reaction time at a close range. You can also check Online Security Guard Course for self-defense and home protection.
In the fog of conflict, it’s all too easy to neglect disengaging the safety of your weapon. And then you’re in the for the fight of your life. Yes, that involves avoiding old favorites such as the iconic 1911.
But why go the finicky and complicated route when you have more streamlined and efficient options available to you?
Sights
Very few self-defense situations happen in the mid-day sun. After all, this isn’t 3:10 to Yuma or High Noon.
You need to be prepared for encounters that happen in dimly lit or dark locations. Put another way, invest in night sights.
You’ll find that most handguns come with night sight models. But there are also aftermarket options you can take to a gunsmith for installation. That way, you’re better equipped to handle a self-defense scenario lawfully and with sufficient information.
Also, invest in accessories that help you get more accurate shots. Because in dangerous situations, getting the shot right the first time will save your life.
Action
When it comes to action, we recommend a striker-fired handgun for home defense and beginners. In these models, the trigger pull proves nearly identical every time, especially in contrast to double-action firearms.
What’s an easy way to tell if a handgun is a striker? Look at the back of the slide. If it’s flat and has no exposed hammer, you’ve got a striker-fired handgun.
As for double action pistols such as Beretta 92FS and most Sig Sauer’s? They come with a heavy first shot because you must cock the hammer back.
The Best Gun for Personal Protection
Which firearms fit the bill when it comes to the criteria above? They include the Glock 17, Glock 19, and Gen 5. Glocks are made of polymer, making them ultra-reliable. For this reason, they remain one of the most popular self-defense guns on the market.
Other excellent options include the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0, the Springfield XD Mod 2, the Sig Sauer P320, and the S&W M&P Shield EZ 9mm and .380 ACP. All of these represent excellent handguns that are affordable, easy to shoot, and mild when it comes to recoil.
What about revolvers? These pieces prove very reliable. They also render dealing with malfunctions a breeze since all you need to do is press again.
But (and this is a BIG but) they lack sufficient ammo capacity. We’re talking five or six rounds as opposed to 15. That said, if you’ve got your heart set on a revolver, go with the Smith & Wesson Model 686+. The “+” refers to the seven rounds it holds.
Known for its versatility, the S&W can shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds. You’ll also find the model’s four-inch barrel the perfect compromise between compactness and performance.
Buying the Right Self-Defense Weapon
As you can see, you have plenty of options when it comes to finding a reliable, affordable self-defense firearm. The best gun for personal protection will ultimately depend on personal needs and comfort.
Always consult with the most reliable and trustworthy gun dealers in Delaware who will give you the best advice on choosing a gun tailored to your specific needs.
But the guns listed above will put you on the fast track to finding an excellent weapon. Are you ready for more home security and personal defense tips? Explore our blog for the vital information you need to stay safe and protect the ones you love.
