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Choosing a Firearm

Choosing a Firearm:

In choosing a firearm, there are quite a few things to consider. Here are some common factors and author's suggestions: (Author's suggestions are based on preference. By no means it ranks or rate these firearms. If a firearm of your choice is not listed here, it does not mean that the author thinks badly of it.) If you want our feedback about a specific gun, you may email us and give the specific model, caliber and features of the firearm. Things to consider: purpose, user hand and body size, price, experience, personal preferences:

  • Purpose
    • Home & Self Defense - Generally, for home and self defense, a larger caliber is recommended. Generally, 9MM should be the smallest caliber for semi-automatic and .38 special for revolvers. If you are comfortable with semi-automatic pistols, it has some advantages. 1. It can carry more ammunition, 2. Easier to reload because it takes pre-loaded magazines. On the other hand, a revolver is much easier to operate. A shotgun is not a bad option for a home defense firearm.
      • Author's choices:
        • Remington 870 Express 12 Ga. Pump Shotgun
        • Springfield Armory/Kimber/Colt 1911 45 ACP
        • Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Revolver
        • Springfield Armory XD 45 ACP, 40 S&W or 9MM
        • Glock 17, 19, 21, 23 (9MM or higher caliber)
    • Concealed Carry - 6 basic consideration, reliability, your proficiency with that particular gun, confidence, stopping power, comfort, concealability. If a firearm is to be carried for a long period of time, polymer frame guns are popular for their weight. Some small firearms are likewise popular, but if you don't mind carrying a large frame firearm such as a 1911, do so.
      • Author's choices:
        • 1911 45 ACP
        • Springfield XD 9MM, 40 S&W, 45ACP
        • Glock 19, 21, 23, 36 (9MM or higher caliber)
        • Smith&Wesson Model 340 Airweight .357 Magnum
        • Kahr Arms P series 9MM or larger caliber
    • Recreational Target Shooting - One important thing to consider is caliber because it ammunition price generally depends on the caliber. .22 caliber pistols and rifles are quite popular. The are commonly less expensive, easy to shoot and accurate.
      • Author's choices:
        • Pistol: Ruger MK III 22/45 .22 LR
        • Rifle: Ruger 10/22 .22LR
    • Competitive Shooting - There are various organizations that holds competions. The IDPA, IPSC, NRA, and various other clubs. Each club has its own rules. There are also different classes and divisions. Make sure that your firearm complies with their rules and standards.
      • Author's choices:
        • Production: 1911 45 ACP, Springfield Armory XD - Tactical, Glock 17, Glock 34, Glock 35
    • Hunting - It will depend on what type of hunting you are in. Wether large animals, small birds, etc.
      • Author's choices:
        • Remington 700 30-06 bolt action rifle - larger game
        • Benelli Supernova 12 GA. - Bird
        • Smith & Wesson 500 handgun - larger game
        • Ruger sigle action .22LR or .357 Magnum - small game
    • Collecting - People collect for various reasons. It could be for historical value, investment, or just plain hobby.
      • Author's choice:
        • All guns, any gun.
  • User Hand and Body Size
    • This is a very important factor. If a firearm does not fit the user's hand firmly, the gun may be unsafe to operate. Similar to hand/grip size, the body size is an important factor. If a slight built individual is to shoot a large caliber firearm, he or she might be overpowered by the firearm.
  • Price
    • Depending on brand, type, style and finish, there is a wide range of firearms to choose from. A good defensive firearm need not be the most expensive one. Modern firearms manufacturers have access to better technology and manufacturing cost has dropped while quality improved. Prices of a good reliable pistol could range somewhere between $350 to $1,600. A .357 Smith & Wesson Revolver, for instance, fetch about $600. A Springfield Armory 1911 45ACP loaded pistol is around $1,200. Listed below are estimate prices quoted by dealers and distributors.
      • Springfield Armory 1911 Custom Loaded - $1,200
      • Springfield Armory XD-9 $530
      • Glock 17 - $600
      • Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Magnum $600
      • Remington 870 Express Pump Shotgun $330
  • Experience
    • Your personal experience in shooting will gear you towards or away from certain type of gun, brand, size, etc. It is important to consider this aspect.
  • Preferences
    • Last but not the least, is your own personal preference. But one word of advice, don't just buy that cool gun you saw in the magazine because it looks nice. Try it first, see if you could wrap your fingers around its grip, see if it feels right. Go to the range, rent that gun you've been wanting to buy.

Choosing A Gun Seminar/Course