Hand gun Selection
OK, gaseousclay, you have established some criteria.
You have several choices with semi-auto pistols. Some may be desired and some you may consider a must have feature or characteristic.
1. Polymer frame or Metal frame? Metal is usually going to weigh a few ounces more than a polymer framed pistol and with the exception of 1911 pattern pistols will normally cost a little more than a polymer framed pistol.
2. Ergonomics: How does the pistol feel in your hand. Is the grip angle comfortable? Can you easily reach the trigger with the pad of your index finger. When you hold the pistol, does it feel balanced or is it nose heavy, top heavy.
3. You mentioned double action. That is probably a good choice but eliminates 1911 pattern pistols that are usually Single action.
4. Is a manual safety important to you? Many DAO pistols do not have manual safeties but have trigger safety's.
5. Features and accessories. Accessory rail (mount some lights and some lasers). Sights. 3 dot or night sights. Night sights will add $50-100 to the cost of a new pistol.
6. Caliber. 9 mm Luger is my recommendation. It has adequate stopping power, cartridges are relatively inexpensive and almost always available.
7. Magazine capacity. some states limit you to 10 rounds. Another state allows up to 15. 13 to 17 round capacity is not hard to find depending on the size and manufacture of the pistol.
8. Barrel length: Sub-Compact (3"-3.3"), Compact (3.4"-3.9"), Full size (4" -5"). The lengths are average but will vary some by manufacture. Generally a sub-compact will be somewhat more difficult to shoot well and will have a smaller sight radius and normally more recoil. A compact usually works well for most. Full size pistols may have a little less recoil than a compact, will have a larger sight radius and may seem easier to shoot although if not well balanced might be more difficult for fast and accurate follow-up shots.
9. Warranty Some manufactures have 1-3 year warranties and some have no questions asked lifetime warranties. A good warranty can be important if the pistol needs to be returned to the factory for repairs.
10. Ease of maintenance. This is an important consideration that is often overlooked. Pistols should be cleaned and lubricated after they are used. Pistols with captured recoil springs are usually a little easier to field strip. Pistols that don't require any tools for take-down are usually going to be easier to take-down.
11. Accuracy and reliability: This is not always brand specific or even model specific. Some brands are better designed and engineered than others. New models may not have all the bugs worked out. Higher cost does not always equate to a more reliable or more accurate pistol.
There are some other considerations. I would use the above to evaluate any pistol before deciding on a brand. It helps to be able to shoot a pistol being considered first but this is not always possible.
OK, gaseousclay, you have established some criteria.
- Wants a semi-automatic pistol: That eliminates revolvers
- Wants a pistol for self defense and home protection
- Does not intend to carry concealed
- Budge remains at about $500.00
You have several choices with semi-auto pistols. Some may be desired and some you may consider a must have feature or characteristic.
1. Polymer frame or Metal frame? Metal is usually going to weigh a few ounces more than a polymer framed pistol and with the exception of 1911 pattern pistols will normally cost a little more than a polymer framed pistol.
2. Ergonomics: How does the pistol feel in your hand. Is the grip angle comfortable? Can you easily reach the trigger with the pad of your index finger. When you hold the pistol, does it feel balanced or is it nose heavy, top heavy.
3. You mentioned double action. That is probably a good choice but eliminates 1911 pattern pistols that are usually Single action.
4. Is a manual safety important to you? Many DAO pistols do not have manual safeties but have trigger safety's.
5. Features and accessories. Accessory rail (mount some lights and some lasers). Sights. 3 dot or night sights. Night sights will add $50-100 to the cost of a new pistol.
6. Caliber. 9 mm Luger is my recommendation. It has adequate stopping power, cartridges are relatively inexpensive and almost always available.
7. Magazine capacity. some states limit you to 10 rounds. Another state allows up to 15. 13 to 17 round capacity is not hard to find depending on the size and manufacture of the pistol.
8. Barrel length: Sub-Compact (3"-3.3"), Compact (3.4"-3.9"), Full size (4" -5"). The lengths are average but will vary some by manufacture. Generally a sub-compact will be somewhat more difficult to shoot well and will have a smaller sight radius and normally more recoil. A compact usually works well for most. Full size pistols may have a little less recoil than a compact, will have a larger sight radius and may seem easier to shoot although if not well balanced might be more difficult for fast and accurate follow-up shots.
9. Warranty Some manufactures have 1-3 year warranties and some have no questions asked lifetime warranties. A good warranty can be important if the pistol needs to be returned to the factory for repairs.
10. Ease of maintenance. This is an important consideration that is often overlooked. Pistols should be cleaned and lubricated after they are used. Pistols with captured recoil springs are usually a little easier to field strip. Pistols that don't require any tools for take-down are usually going to be easier to take-down.
11. Accuracy and reliability: This is not always brand specific or even model specific. Some brands are better designed and engineered than others. New models may not have all the bugs worked out. Higher cost does not always equate to a more reliable or more accurate pistol.
There are some other considerations. I would use the above to evaluate any pistol before deciding on a brand. It helps to be able to shoot a pistol being considered first but this is not always possible.
