What is the best handgun for self defense?

Answer 1

For a novice, the most fun and economical handgun to use is a .22 cal revolver. Preferrably with a 6" barrell and a good manufacturer, so you don't have problems with the weapon. Usually the guys behind the counter at a gun shop will steer you correctly. Don't be tempted to get something 'small'. You want something that will accomodate 22 short, 22 longs, and 22 long rifle ammunition. If you ever move up to a .22 cal rifle, you can use the same ammo. Probably a 9mm or .22 And make sure its a good gun Manufacturer like Glock Colt Or Ruger NOT Smith and Wesson, in the '90s they sided with Clinton and tried to cut back and eliminate guns and put HEAVY restraints on Buying them and they headquartered in Britain So you Wouldn't easliy deal with them. Be careful when buying a gun at a gun shop. While many gunshop salesmen will in fact "steer you correctly," many others will tell you whatever they think you want to hear in order to get you to make a purchase so they can get a commission.

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Some of the above is OK but I think it has been edited by I don't know how many people. Glock doesn't even make a .22, let alone a revolver.

A well made .22 revolver with a 6" barrel is indeed a good choice but these days those are few and far between. Semi-automatics are much more popular and widely available in an array of different well made models. A well made 6" .22 revolver will limit you to a couple of choices that will cost twice as much as a semi-automatic. Forty years ago it was different, but these days you want to go with a Ruger Mk III, Browning Buckmark, even a S&W 22a.

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Answer 2

There are many options for this. Typically anything in the upper magnum handgun cartridge category will suffice. IE: 357, 44. For hunting you want a longer barrel to reduce recoil and improve aim. If you want more bang there is always the .454 Casull, or a 460 Smith Wesson, or even the giant 500 smith and Wesson. These will take even the biggest game. Barrel lengths on these revolvers can be up to 10 inches or more. Scopes can usually be mounted on top as well. For some smaller varmint hunting .22 or 22WMR is usually a pretty versatile round. hope this helps.

Answer 3

"Best" in an incredibly subjective term. The best gun for any purpose is one that meets YOUR needs. Normally, for self defense, the gun must be portable, concealable, and must fit your hands properly so you can shoot accurately. Then, there is the matter of caliber, and people will argue all day long what is the best caliber.

But, lets say you need a gun for home defense, where other family members also live. I'd recommend either a small caliber pistol or a shot barreled shotgun (Such as the Mossberg 500) loaded with Birdshot so as not to over penetrate.

Answer 4

Depends on what you going to shoot at. If you lack experience it would be best to go with a revolver. You won't be able to make many mistakes. Before you go out and buy one take a course at a gun shop. They will often rent you the equipment. The basic rules of safety are: Treat all guns as if they are loaded all the time. Never point one at something unless you intend to destroy it. Identify your target and be sure of what's behind it. And, last but not least, don't put your finger on the trigger until your sights are on the target.

Answer 5

Best is an extremely subjective term, and encompasses too many variables for anyone to say which is best for you (beyond an opinion). Any gun that is reliable, that fits your hand properly, and that you can shoot accurately is a good choice. From there, it's just a matter of which caliber you want, which opens up a whole new floor for argument about which is best.

Answer 6

There's no right answer to this question, there are considerations:

1- Which pistol fits the shooter best?

2- With which pistol is the shooter most accurate?

3- What magazine capacity does the shooter want?

4- With which caliber is the shooter comfortable?

5- How much is the shooter willing to spend?