BUYING THE RIGHT PISTOL
When selecting and buying the right pistol, you will be best served to have the proper education, training, and awareness to make an informed and correct decision, based on your particular needs. Whether you have never owned a pistol or you are finally looking for “THE” pistol, you need to be discerning and forward-thinking. Remember that this article is not about picking ‘THE BEST’ gun, but rather about picking ‘THE RIGHT’ gun.
Firearm ownership is a significant responsibility that should never be taken lightly or without careful consideration. While it is indeed a fundamental right to own a firearm, I believe that many people approach this right with a level of casualness that can be concerning. I am not a gun control advocate, but I cannot ignore the institutional inbreeding that has tainted and soured the gun community. And let me be clear, if you own a gun, you ARE part of the gun community.
THE COMMON ADVICE IS IMMORAL
When a regular person visits a gun store to look at pistols, they usually face many choices. Most brands are good, but picking the right one can feel confusing. Employees and customers often don’t give helpful advice. You might hear things like, "You won’t have the skill to use a safety in a fight, and that could get you killed," or, "You won’t even see your sights in a fight." Sometimes people say odd things like, "I’ve never cleaned my gun, and it still works fine." These are common things you will hear from people repeating what they’ve heard or admitting to careless gun ownership.
Just to be clear, saying people can’t think clearly in a crisis is wrong, and telling them not to aim at all is nearly criminal, in my view. Also, telling someone to pick a gun that needs no upkeep is like telling them to pick a car that never needs an oil change. This kind of thinking causes institutional inbreeding to spread.
Often, people are told to buy a particular gun brand or style just because it feels good or doesn’t need cleaning. This advice, often from store staff or family, is wrong and dangerous. Using second-hand tips to choose a self-defense gun puts people at risk. The best result is buyer's remorse; the worst is getting hurt or in trouble because they don’t know how to use the gun safely.
I have personally observed numerous men advising their spouses or others at the gun store to “shoot until the gun is completely empty,” even in situations where the threat may have already been neutralized or is no longer present. These well-meaning husbands or employees often hand women a powerful revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, assuring them that “under intense stress, you won’t even feel the recoil,” aiming to prepare them for worst-case scenarios without fully considering the practical realities of such advice. SAGE ADVICE, BARNEY FIFE!!!
These common tips often stem from genuinely good intentions but are ultimately based on partial truths from individuals who were not fully trained or adequately prepared for their specific situations. This leads to a phenomenon known as “institutional inbreeding,” which remains a significant challenge we are currently facing. The cycle starts with well-meaning advice offered unsolicited, then propagated across online forums, and repeated so frequently that it becomes accepted as standard practice.
SIMPLE GUNS FOR STUPID PEOPLE
I have heard a lot of guys at the gun stores talk about how they like “X brand” because they “don’t have to think too much about how to use it,” and they just need to “point and shoot” until the gun is empty. It baffles me how someone can proudly stand there and almost brag about having a level of incompetence that would arguably justify their permanent residence at a sanitarium. Such an attitude not only undermines responsible firearm use but also disregards the importance of proper training and awareness.
AIMING WITHOUT SIGHTS
MISPLACED TRUST
I personally find it to be a bit of a cop-out to try and use “the military/police use ‘X’ gun” as a reference or justification for a firearms purchase. Just because the military or law enforcement agencies use a particular pistol doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best option for your individual needs or personal situation. Look at the recent issues with the P320 and P365 (They are literally going off on their own in the holsters and killing their users).
It’s important to assess your own requirements and circumstances rather than simply following what professionals are issued. Also consider the fact that military training is based on working as a team, and Law Enforcement training is often the bare minimum and often sub-optimal for the type of job they are required to perform.
As a veteran myself, much of my experience with firearms stems from my extensive military training and service. That being said, my primary mission within the military was to function effectively as part of a cohesive team environment. I was not expected to operate independently, armed only with a pistol and relying solely on personal resilience or family support. When I got out of the military, I realized how unprepared my military training left me for the vast majority of firearms usage in the civilian world. Concealed Carry, Home Defense, and Competitive shooting were all beyond my skill and knowledge. I had to adapt to thinking, training, practicing, and fighting alone and unsupported.
While military training is formal, disciplined, and highly structured and controlled, it is important to understand that it does not automatically make every military friend or family member a comprehensive or universal source of firearms knowledge. The training is specifically tailored to teach each Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airman how to proficiently and safely operate, maintain, and employ the service weapons designated for their particular branch of the military. Though, these basic concepts can be applied as a template for understanding your own weapon system, the military training does not automatically include training and mastery on all firearms.
Although those assigned to Special Mission Units may gain a wider range of experience with various firearms, it is uncommon for the military to provide instruction focused on the detailed mechanics, handling, and mastery of civilian firearms and their unique characteristics. For that kind of knowledge, you will have to look to other sources such as civilian competitive shooters or trainers.
THINKERS BEFORE SHOOTERS
You can literally train a monkey to pull a trigger and hit the broad side of a barn with enough repetition and conditioning, and I can create a thousand shooters in a day. However, what you should really aim for is to develop the ability to think critically under pressure and be able to diagnose a problem immediately and accurately. Your firearm is ultimately going to be there to save your life in a high-stress situation, and because of that, you need to have a thorough understanding of exactly how it functions, inside and out. It takes a thinker to truly master the art of shooting.
I grew up surrounded by thinkers and practical individuals who approached new tools with respect and curiosity. They didn’t rush to accessorize or customize their equipment merely to make it look better or feel cooler. Instead, these people dedicated time to study the controls carefully, understand the mechanics of how the tool operated, learn the historical context of its design, and conduct thorough research on its real-world performance history. On top of this, they sought expert guidance to ensure they were using their tools effectively and safely in every scenario. Think before you shoot.
THE WAY IS IN TRAINING
Not to steal the title of Matthew Littles’ excellent book, but he hit the nail on the head….The way IS IN TRAINING. Using a firearm comes with a tremendous responsibility that should never be taken lightly. The best thing a new gun owner can do is to learn how to be a tinkerer and learn to think critically. I believe you should train yourself on firearms nomenclature, safety protocols, basic history, designs, etc. But then comes the necessity to get formal training in it’s usage. But be careful about this.
Fieldcraft Survival Gunfighting Pistol Class 2022
AUTHOR: FRONT ROW, KNEELING (4TH FROM THE RIGHT)
When teaching civilians, the concept of trying to cram an entire week’s worth of training into a single 8-hour class is nothing short of a money-grabbing seminar designed more to sell than to genuinely educate. Sure, you could cover the basics such as safety rules, essential nomenclature, and fundamental shooting techniques, but it is unrealistic and frankly insane to believe that these intensive, rushed courses will stick in your memory permanently. Consider this: when was the last time you practiced a physical skill for just one day and suddenly became a master at it? I’ll wait…
When I say to get training, I mean to take detailed and thorough notes while actively engaging in the learning process. It is important to seek instruction from multiple reputable sources to gain a well-rounded understanding. Attend several different training classes and consistently practice on your own time to reinforce your skills. Invest in quality books and thoroughly read about training methods, tactics, and how to properly prepare yourself for a potential deadly force encounter. Approach this with the seriousness it deserves—do your due diligence and treat this as a significant responsibility rather than a casual hobby you participate in occasionally.
RELIABLE SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Unlike owning a vehicle, where you are often required to undergo formal training and testing before being allowed to drive, firearm ownership typically does not mandate detailed instruction on safe and effective use beforehand. However, the people we generally rely on for accurate and practical information about vehicles are those who possess extensive experience with them. These individuals have driven these vehicles for many years in the same capacity we intend to use them. The other individuals we give trust to have performed mechanical work on them and can point out common issues and recommend practical upgrades or changes based on your intentions. These types of individuals serve as the most knowledgeable and trustworthy sources for guidance and advice when looking to buy a particular vehicle. Why should we not have the same standards for buying a firearm?
DUE DILIGENCE
I would strongly suggest that you do your due diligence before buying a pistol. Depending on your intended uses, you may need to conduct more research. If you are wanting to buy the right pistol for self-defense, you should conduct thorough research on self-defense shootings, focusing on how various weapons are used and their effectiveness or limitations in different real-world scenarios. Investigating key factors such as WHEN deadly force incidents typically occur, WHERE they most often take place, and the number of shots fired to resolve these situations can provide valuable insights. By gaining this foundational knowledge, you will be better equipped to make an informed and confident decision regarding your choice of firearm and caliber, ensuring that it aligns with your personal needs and specific circumstances without leaving you uncertain or uninformed.
You should be well-informed about your local and state laws regarding the use of firearms. Take the time to thoroughly understand the regulations surrounding the use of deadly force both at home and in public settings. Additionally, educate yourself on the specific rules for carrying a firearm, whether concealed or openly carried, and be aware of the locations where carrying any type of gun is strictly prohibited. You may have to, or want to, acquire a concealed carry license to be allowed more leeway and access to other areas.
In Arkansas, an Enhanced Concealed Carry License will not only allow me to carry in more sensitive locations, but I can bypass background checks for firearms.
Next, you need to take all that information and decide how you will be able to fit a firearm into your daily carry, alongside your wallet and vehicle keys. Do you have to dress differently in order to conceal a pistol? Will you be able to carry at work, or will it be impossible because you work a job that is in a controlled zone such as a school or government facility with metal detectors? in some cases, you may find that you cannot carry a pistol except when you are off work.
KNOW THYSELF
Once you have done your due diligence, you can start thinking about the time you will be able to commit to training and practice. Usually, I like to suggest people use dry fire practice as a form of warming up and cooling down for the day. If you can find 20-45 minutes in the morning or at night, you should have a good window of time to practice. Keep in mind that you will need to make noise while manipulating your firearm, so you need to have a location that will be appropriate for such action and safe for you to conduct your practice without disturbing others in your home, if that is a concern. I often practice in my garage at all times to prevent causing an annoyance to my family.
RESEARCH YOUR PISTOL OPTIONS
As you are researching what pistol is right for you, keep in mind your skill level, and the journey you intend to make. Do not settle to just choosing from a list of pistols that are simple and featureless. Often people will think that simple equals better. It often means that the pistol is missing features that can offer the shooter options for running the gun differently. As you get more experienced, you may find that you value having a manual safety or that you are faster with a DA/SA pistol. You need to consider all the options for you, and they are vast.
TRIGGER SYSTEMS
Triggers seem to be a polarizing topic for people. Some people feel that you absolutely need to have a perfect trigger or the whole gun is crap. These individuals are called trigger snobs, and they are some of the worst people to take advice from. These are individuals that get on their soapbox and pretend that everyone should think and feel the way they should, and this is terribly flawed thinking.
Here is the sad reality of the firearms world; everyone is going to have a different opinion about what type of trigger is best for them. Unfortunately you cannot take anyone’s word for it because you will have a unique shaped hand, hand strength, training/experience, nervous system, threatscape, living arrangement, etc. For these reasons, I am merely going to introduce you to a few examples of different types of trigger systems and what type of pistols are configured in that manner.
Double Action Only- SCCY, Keltec PF9, S&W Bodyguard, HK USP/P2000/P30, Sig 22X DAK, Ruger LCP
Double action only trigger systems are some of the more challenging to shoot well, but they offer unparalleled safety in their length of pull. The trigger pull weight is not very high, but the length of pull can throw some shooters off. If you have a lot of time on a single action pistol, you will need some retraining to learn a double action only.
Double Action/Single Action- HK USP/P2000/P30, Beretta 92/PX4, Sig P226, Walther P99/PPK, Arex Rex Zero, CZ P09/P07
Often, the DA/SA trigger system is said to be difficult to learn because there are two different trigger pulls. I have handed this pistol to many people and never heard that complaint. I assure you that within a single day of good range practice, the two different trigger pulls will not be an issue. Consider that DA/SA is still used by 65% of the top level competitive shooters in the world.
Single Action- 1911/2011 pistols, Browning Hi-Power, CZ75, Beretta 92XI/Cheetah, S&W CSX
Many shooters will rave about the inherent shootability of the single action trigger system. However, some platforms do not facilitate utilizing the trigger system as efficiently. Hand size is a big consideration to consider here because almost every single one of these pistols is going to be using a manual safety with a fully cocked hammer.
Striker-Fired- CZ P07, Canik TP9 Series, Beretta APX Series, Glock, S&W M&P, Walther PDP, Steyr M9A2, Arex Delta, H&K VP Series
Striker fired pistols can further be classified by their striker “preset”. In Pistols like the Glock, they have a partially cocked striker that must be fully cocked before the sear drops and releases the striker. In other designs like the H&K VP Series, you have a fully cocked striker that is just waiting for you to pull the trigger for the striker to be released.
In my mind, I personally think DA/SA pistols offer the best of all worlds for experienced and new shooters because of its inherent safety and reliability, but also because I find them much faster to engage under stress. Many people will be pushed towards striker-fired pistols just because on paper they seem like a better choice because the trigger pull “is the same” for every shot and they are “simpler than hammer guns.” In reality, it’s the skill of the Indian that determines the battle, not the sharpness of his arrow or the pounds of pull in the bow.
I have used all the listed trigger styles and have been capable of good marksmanship and expert performance under a timer. The difference between performance with each pistol is practically unnoticeable after a short time of training and practice.
RELIABILITY
Next, I would do some research on reliability. I am not talking about reliability just in the sense of being able to shoot the best ammo you can find. I mean reliability in it working with EVERY ammo available. Why is this important? I have lived through three gun scares since I have been out of the military, and ammunition always raises in price and becomes scarce. If you have not been stocking up with a case of your favorite JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point), you will be left in the dust, choosing from the crumbs.
I know a few popular brands of firearm that absolutely cannot tolerate every kind of range or defensive ammunition out there. That is a deal-breaker for me when I am choosing the right pistol. Foreign ammunition, +P+ ammunition, and steel/aluminum-cased ammunition is not terrible for your firearm. In fact, they should be considered when you are sorting through which pistols are reliable. You may not get to choose the ammunition you have for training or defense.
DURABILITY
Nearly every pistol on the market today is going to be capable of outliving their owners. However, the durability I am talking about is the kind of durability that matches your particular needs. Perhaps you are trying to find the right gun for professional duty usage. The criteria on durability will be a bit different from the criteria you will have for a home defense pistol that sees only a few hundred rounds a year.
Some styles and brands of pistol have been around a long time while others are relatively new. One of the best ways to check durability is to look at reviews of long time users and durability tests. For instance, some independent testers have run pistols like the Glock or M&P for nearly 100,000 rounds with parts replaced as needed. The Beretta 92 and the 1911 have seen extensive round counts and abuse in the US military. Some frames have seen north of 300,000 rounds without cracking, despite not receiving proper maintenance. However, these examples are hardly helpful for the layman who is not looking to replicate that level of abuse.
Consider the amount of time you intend to have on the pistol. If you intend to practice and train with this pistol regularly, you may actually want to select a pistol that has relatively inexpensive spring kits and parts. On top of that, you may want to look at a brand or style of firearm that has good market support for springs and replacement parts instead of needing to contact the manufacturer every time you wear out a recoil spring. When I say market support for springs, I mean factory springs, not aftermarket springs that are meant to goof with the stock configuration.
THE CAPACITY OBSESSION
I am seeing more people get into the micro compact double stack pistols like the Shield Plus or the Sig P365. These guns are nice for deep concealment but they do not have everything you need all the time. A short barrel and a small overall size is not always ideal for concealed carry, especially if longer shots are a necessity. However, the big reason these pistols became popular was the desire for a higher capacity. I understand the desire to carry more rounds in the gun. I know, I know, the condom principle (Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it).
THE MISSION
When it comes to capacity, it's important to consider that the primary role of a civilian firearm owner is to use their weapon strictly for defensive purposes. Many people often imagine extreme situations like the so-called ‘mob scenario,’ but even in such intense cases, the amount of ammunition used tends to be surprisingly low. For example, Kyle Rittenhouse fired only 8 rounds in total to neutralize his attackers. Additionally, most civilian shootings rarely involve more than 3 to 5 rounds being discharged. In reality, attackers typically do not linger or wait to see what happens after the initial shots; similarly, their accomplices are unlikely to stick around either. This understanding helps put into perspective the practical ammunition needs for self-defense situations.
TERMINAL BALLISTICS
The thing that makes or breaks a caliber, capacity, or bullet design is shot placement and bullet terminal performance. You want a good round that will not deviate off the intended trajectory when it hits bone or strikes a barrier. Lighter bullets like the 9mm often have a reputation for pitching and yawing wildly after hitting bone. The .40 is generally just heavy enough in its 165 grain JHPs to not be easily knocked off course when it hits a barrier. The .45 is legendary for being able to maintain its trajectory, despite hitting hard barriers. There is no such thing as a manstopper, but there is such a thing as causing good damage and having good rounds for defense.
I personally favor the .40 caliber largely because of its well-established reputation for reliable terminal performance in self-defense situations. Additionally, I appreciate the .45 AUTO for its exceptional versatility. This round can be reliably suppressed, making it suitable for various tactical scenarios, and it can be loaded with both light and heavy projectiles, allowing it to effectively cater to virtually any specific need or preference you might have.
BE HESITANT TO MODIFY
I know a huge selling point of pistols is the fact that there are tons of aftermarket parts and springs to customize and change the gun to “suit your needs.” However, i would caution you not to forget the use you have for the pistol and the cost of modifications. If you are intending to use the pistol for carry, you may want to remember that comfort and flash are less important than skill. Also consider the fact that your pistol will be sent into an evidence bag, and most likely never seen again if you use your firearm for self-defense.
People who frequently rely on gear changes tend to perform worse or mistakenly believe that simply acquiring new equipment will automatically improve their skills without putting in the necessary practice. This is a common error, much like assuming that car modifications alone can make someone a better driver. Upgrading or changing your pistol will never substitute the consistent effort and training required to truly enhance your abilities.
MAKE A LIST AND MEASURE THEIR PROS & CONS
When selecting a pistol, begin by making a comprehensive list of your preferred models based on factors such as caliber, ergonomics, trigger system, and intended use. Next, create a detailed list of pros and cons for each pistol on your list. Consider attributes like reliability, ability to work on the design, recoil management, configuration options, and availability of parts. Additionally, evaluate factors such as sight options, trigger characteristics, and overall comfort during extended use. Comparing these aspects side-by-side helps clarify which pistol best aligns with your personal needs and tactical requirements.
CHOOSE A PISTOL YOU CAN GROW WITH
I alluded to this earlier, but I believe it would be wise to carefully choose a pistol that you can truly grow with as a shooter over time. Selecting a pistol that comes with a bit of a learning curve may actually help improve your skills and performance in the long run. Don’t be so short-sighted as to think it is best to settle only for a light trigger or featureless guns that, frankly, offer little in terms of challenge or development. And do not just settle for a gun because it is able to be modified and personalized like a Barbie doll.
WRAPPING IT UP
In summary, I believe that choosing the RIGHT PISTOL is more nuanced than just pointing people towards the most customizable or well known brands. You can talk all about getting the BEST PISTOL and end up getting someone to buy into a design that does not jive with their needs. I believe it is best to look at qualities like the trigger system, reliability with all ammunition types, and relatively acceptable durability for it’s intended usage.
Keep it simple but also consider the ability to grow with the design over time. Focus on getting a pistol you can have in that role for a long time without getting bored and without too many limitations. For my purposes like concealed carry, I think that you can’t go wrong with something like the H&K P2000SK or the P30SK. These pistols are durable, reliable, have good trigger systems for what I need them to do, and they are guns that can be changed to suit my needs. They can have virtually any trigger configuration and still deliver in the other qualities mentioned, with plenty of room to grow.