SOFREP’s Quick Guide to Picking the Right Handgun

A couple of years ago, SOFREP contributing writer Graham Baates shared his insight on finding the perfect handgun and explained why there is no such thing. In essence, he argued that there are many factors to consider when selecting a handgun, including its intended purpose, size, barrel length, trigger pull, caliber cost, comfort, and capacity. Accordingly, Baates emphasizes that what is most important is to identify what you need, want, and can afford and then find the gun that matches those criteria most closely. I could not agree more. There is no one “perfect” handgun; there are only ones that suit your purposes better than others.

Whether you’re a seasoned firearms enthusiast or someone considering their first handgun purchase, this article is tailored to meet your needs. With 17 years of professional shooting experience and industry insight, Baates surely understands the complexities of selecting a suitable handgun. Continue reading below to know more. Choosing the right firearm can greatly enhance safety, performance, and user satisfaction.

The Endless Search for THE Perfect Handgun

In a world filled with countless makes and models of cars, it’s no wonder we often find ourselves pondering why the ideal car hasn’t been designed yet. But as strange as it may seem, a similar “problem” exists in the world of handguns. Despite a seeming sea of options, there is no perfect handgun, and as a seasoned professional with 17 years of shooting experience, I can attest to this fact.

Elusive Perfection: Debunking the Myth

From the budget-friendly Hi-Point to the top-of-the-line Nighthawk, no handgun can claim to be the ultimate solution. It’s disheartening to hear salesmen claim that a single firearm will meet all your needs, especially when they target (no pun intended) new shooters. The truth is that selecting the right handgun requires a thoughtful evaluation of several critical factors, often overlooked by the uninformed buyer.

Purpose Matters: Home Defense, Range, Concealed Carry, or Competition

First and foremost, consider the intended purpose of the handgun. Are you looking for a home defense weapon or something to take the range? Is it for concealed carry or competition? Each purpose demands different features, so it’s essential to clarify your goals before making a decision.

Size: Striking the Balance

Next, size matters. A larger handgun typically offers a more substantial grip and higher capacity, making it ideal for those with larger hands and/or for home defense, where we hope reloading is less of a concern. On the other hand, a smaller handgun is typically better for concealed carry, but you must strike a balance between concealability and usability of controls.

Again, there is no perfect size. As a proud resident of the sunny state of Florida my typical “dad” uniform consists of shorts and a t-shirt or polo. Not a ton of fabric. My carry weapon of choice is a SIG Sauer P938 chambered in 9mm. At an overall length of 5.9″ and a weight of 1 pound, it’s enough gun to get the job done.

Barrel Length and Capacity: Finding the Sweet Spot

Barrel length and magazine capacity are additional factors to ponder. Longer barrels provide a more extended sight radius, potentially leading to improved accuracy and stability, while shorter barrels tend to sacrifice some muzzle energy and performance. It’s crucial to understand the trade-offs between caliber and barrel length to make an informed decision.

Trigger Pull: Balancing Comfort and Safety

Trigger pull is another critical aspect to consider. A short, light, and crisp trigger pull might be perfect for target shooting, but it may lead to accidents during high-stress home defense situations. Finding the right balance is advisable. Spend some time at the range with a bunch of different weapons and get a feel for all of them. Buy what works best for you and train with it like your life depends on it…it just might.

Reset: The Key to Faster Follow-Up Shots

Resetting the trigger quickly is essential for follow-up shots, so a short and crisp reset is desirable. Avoid aftermarket performance parts in carry guns, as they may lead to unintended consequences when you need the firearm most. You don’t want “unintended consequences”. When you squeeze the trigger you want it to go bang…every time.

Caliber Cost: The Economic Aspect

“Caliber cost” is an important consideration, especially for range guns. Calculate how much ammunition you’ll go through and choose a caliber that fits your budget. While “knock-down power” is often overrated, shot placement is critical, so select a caliber you can control and put the lead exactly where you want it to go.

Comfort and Capacity: Making the Right Choice

Comfort and capacity are two more factors that warrant thought. Decide whether you want to start with a smaller caliber and later move up or start with your desired caliber from the beginning. Higher capacity may mean sacrificing some power, so choose wisely based on your preferences and needs. I’m a 9mm guy. You may be a .45 chick. Pick what works for you and become profecient with it.

Extras: Navigating the Features

Finally, consider the extras. Night sights, safeties, loaded or unloaded indicators, and other features all impact how well the handgun fits your purpose. Don’t let salesmen sway you; try out different platforms and find the features that resonate with you.

Bring it All Together: Embrace the Diversity

In conclusion, selecting a handgun is kind of like choosing a car. Just as we all have different needs, tastes, budgets, and priorities when buying a vehicle, the same applies to handguns. Embrace the diversity of options available and make an informed decision based on what you truly need, want and can afford.

Epilogue: Happy Shooting!

So, the next time you find yourself facing an array of black steel and polymer, remember that you have the freedom to choose a handgun that suits you best. Avoid settling for less, you’ll be glad you did.

Happy shooting!

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.