What factors made you choose your defensive handgun?

The factors that went into me choosing a 5" 1911 to carry are twofold. One, when I bought it in 1984, there wasn't any argument about this gun/cartridge combo being the best for defense.

Second is that the pistol is so user friendly. It carries well, operates naturally, and is very easy to shoot well. I figure that while it may be a big pistol to carry, if I ever need it (again) that I will be very stressed, full of adrenaline, and perhaps not be shooting so well that day. A big pistol is easier to shoot well vs some teeny little thing with no sights and little grip. I liken the 1911 to being the tricycle of the pistol world. Wonderful wonderful pistol.

Recently I found out that JMB did not design the 1911! Aliens gave it to him. Saw it on Ancient Aliens. :D
 
Dan Wesson with 4" barrel in .357 magnum. I hunted everything from deer to rabbits with it for 26 years and still shoot it a lot with both 38 spcl and .357 mag loads. I shoot from 8 yards to 200 yards, I have a lot of handguns and I am good with them but at dark thirty at night and I hear a bump or if I am in a crowd and things go bad I want the gun I shoot the most. I dislike having to shoot something twice and they generally stay shot with that gun.
 
Concealability and weight

Concealability. I carry a Ruger SP101 357 in or under a heavier jacket. A S&W 642 in light jacket pocket or under heavier shirt. I carry the LCP in shorts or jeans under a t-shirt. Mostly it is the 642 or LCP as I usually dress light due to the weather in central TX. I like the LCP because I can carry it when i can't carry anything else. Concealability and weight are key for me.
 
AdamSean

What factors made you choose your defensive handgun?
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Major factor was going to Gunsite for defensive pistol training in the late 70s.

I imagine a great majority of those who went through one of the handgun courses taught by Jeff Cooper gained respect for him, his opinions and the 1911 platform.
 
I was looking for a relatively easy trigger (short pull), lightweight but not TOO light, and economical. I did a lot of looking, handling, asking and determined that my High Point 9mm was the best for me as a defensive weapon. It shot true on my first two uses (perfect scores at the range for concealed carry license) and I've been happy with it ever since. It is VERY easy to clean, which means I do so often and happily.
 
  1. Reliability - it it isn't very reliable, it is more of a detriment than an asset. This is more important than all the others combined IMO.
  2. Conceal-ability - ifn' I can't carry it, it doesn't do me any good.
  3. Accuracy - or more accurately, my accuracy with it - if it isn't a natural pointer for me, in the heat of the moment, I am more likely to miss. I had a very nice PM9 for awhile, but for some reason I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it, although my friends had not problems with it.
  4. Caliber - all other things being equal, I'd rather have a 9mm than a 380, although I carry a 380 now more than any other (see 2 above).
  5. Ease of cleaning - I like takedown and cleaning to be straightforward.
  6. Availability of parts - I would not typically look to buy a gun no longer in production for carry.

I carry a Keltec 380 in my pocket. When the weather is accommodating, I carry a CZ-75 P01 in 9mm in a shoulder holster.
 
1. Reliability*
2. Concealability
3. Ease of accuracy, relative to similar weapons
4. Feel in hand

The * is because I currently carry a Kel Tec PF-9, which replaced a Ruger LC9. My PF-9 is reliable, as long as I feed it ammunition that it likes. This little brat is a VERY picky eater.

My next firearm purchase will be a second CCW option, which I hope will replace my PF-9 as my EDC. I am currently looking at the Kahr CW9 & CM9, as well as the Walther PPS. I want my EDC to be Reliable, without the *.
 
Reliable and 45acp. Lack of manual safety. People who have never seen combat like to talk about how accuracy and shot placement are key. In target shooting competition it may be. In a defensive situation getting big chunks of lead into any vital area which on a person is a very large area.

in a combat or defensive weapon three main factors make or break it imo.
#1 reliability. Every time you pull the trigger you throw lead
#2 ease of use. No lasers, no flashlights, no safety, keep it simple
#3 wound channel/penetration. Bigger is better. For me anything less then 30cal in a rifle and 45 cal in a side arm is not fit for combat or defensive use.

Luckily for me I was in military units and police departments that allowed me a lot of flexibility in what we carried.

This is for me and my opinion based on years in combat. For you, you need to find what you are comfortable with and carry it everyday.
 
Because the Colt Detective Special is the greatest snub nose revolver ever made. And I was lucky to be around when they were still making them new.;)
 
I chose a Ruger LCP because I can carry it regardless of outfit or social situation.

As I've gotten accustomed to carrying, I've realized how oblivious people are, and that I'm 6'5" and 260, and I've been able to carry my fullsize Beretta PX4 .40 at 4 o' Clock several times wearing nothing more than a slightly baggy shirt or a hooded sweatshirt.

That has led me to re-evaluate the .380 as a defensive cartridge, so I'm currently saving up for a compact pistol in a duty caliber, like a Beretta Nano, S&W Shield, or Glock 26/27/33.
 
I knew I wanted 9mm because it's a good size round with decent power and ammo is not too expensive so I can shoot often.

I wanted a pistol that had a manual safety, semi-auto, reliable, and easy to conceal.

I researched a bit and looked at the Ruger LC9. It fit all the criteria and I also just like the way it looks and the price.

I looked at the Ruger SR9c next. Still fits all my criteria and gives me more rounds. The price is decent and it is comfortable and looks good.

I figured why choose just one so I bought them both. I'm totally pleased with my decision. When I don't feel like carrying the SR9c I slip the LC9 in my waistband and go on my way.
 
Taurus 650.
-I cut my teeth on snubbies. Every other carry gun I've ever had I had to work at to become accurate. After 30 years of familiarity the snubby is just a point and shoot.
-I prefer the 357 over the 38 or any other cartridge they've ever put in a wheelgun (Okay, I'd take the max over the mag but I've yet to see a max snubby). Anyone who says the recoil of the mag in a snubby is uncontrolable needs to talk to my wife, just don't let her talk you into any betting.
-I hate the look but I prefer internal hammers on a carry gun, less to snag when you pull it.
-and why the taurus? Because the one I carry was the 12th Tuarus I've owned and never had any trouble with them. Up until that time I had only owned one S&W, a 380 Sigma. Not sure if I'll ever get the taste of that one out of my mouth.
 
SIG P225 (P6). It fits in a pocket and conceals well in an inside the belt holster. I usually were a lightweight vest when using the holster. it is a hammer drop double action with no safety to worry with. I believe it is a safer design than a Glock.

The P6 is a single stack and lays flat wherever you carry it.

Doug Bowser
 
1) Weight

2) Caliber

3) Size

The weight issue, high top of the list for all day carry.

Caliber each to their own, I go with the 45 acp or 38/357

Size of the gun as low of profile as I can shoot in my caliber choice.
 
My preferred gun for carry is a Stoeger/Beretta Cougar.

- I prefer DA/SA trigger setups. IMO this is the safest setup and the only one I feel comfortable carrying with 1 in the chamber.
- Has a safety/decocker (although the DA pull is good so the safety isn't necessary).
- The Cougar has identical controls to my 92FS (my most often used range gun).
- The Cougar is also the gun I use for home defense so no having to worry about making adjustments for different guns.
- I prefer hammers over strikers (just personal preference).
- All metal (alloy frame with a steel slide). I don't like the poly guns.
- 15rd capacity (or 13 if I wanted to move to .40sw)
- Cougar is medium sized gun with a good feel to it, is incredibly reliable, and very accurate.

I prefer 9mm but the Cougar could be had in 9, .40, and .45. (a Cougar in .40sw will probably be my next gun).
 
Several points:

1) The bullet does the work, so bullet construction is paramount
2) Speed, accuracy and reliability are paramount
3) Velocity must match bullet construction to get the right amount of penetration and expansion
4) Bigger bullets make bigger wounds-- more is better
5) Hydrostatic shock is inconsequential at handgun velocities
6) Trajectory is inconsequential at personal defense distances
7) Increased recoil is detrimental to accurate shooting
8) As long as velocity is sufficient to make bullet work, more is NOT better
9) If 8 rounds is not enough, you're in deep, DEEP, trouble (or worse!)

Conclusions:

Use the largest bullet of proper construction for penetration and expansion at the designed velocity with a package you can consistently and reliably shoot quickly and accurately. Unless you are in zombieland, more than 8 rounds are unlikely to help you.
 
1. Reliability
2. Accuracy
3. Power
4. Ergonomics


S&W 4" 586
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