Categories
Self-Defense Issues

Some Thoughts on Choosing a Defensive Handgun

When it comes to choosing the right defensive handgun, there are many “right” answers and a few wrong ones. The best defensive handgun for you will likely be different than my choices. But the criteria in picking a handgun for self defense is fairly universal.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when buying a handgun for personal protection.

Caliber selection is important, but not that important…

When picking the right handgun, many people obsess about what caliber to choose. Generally speaking, handguns are poor choices for stopping a violent attacker. Handguns launch a fairly small projectile at relatively low velocities, and bullet wounds to areas other than the central nervous system (CNS) generally take time to work.

So, two things are important when considering which caliber. First, bigger is better…to a point. A high-quality .45 hollowpoint is more likely to be effective than a .25 ACP anything. The .45 delivers more energy and momentum, and it makes a significantly larger wound channel.

Categories
Holsters

On Quality Holsters and Guns

One of the Internet arguments that never seems to die is whether you should carry a pistol with a cartridge in the chamber. The argument against carrying with “one in the pipe” is based on the idea that it is unsafe to do so. People are concerned about “accidental” discharges while it is carried, or if the pistol is dropped.

I’ll be completely up front and tell you that with a quality firearm, quality holster and competent owner, the handgun should be carried with a cartridge in the chamber if you are carrying for self defense. In most instances, a self-defense situation involving the use of deadly force develops far to quickly for you to draw your weapon and then work the slide before being able to employ the handgun.

Categories
Handguns

DoubleStar 1911 Introduced

DoubleStar, known for their AR-15 products, has announced a new handgun: the DoubleStar 1911.

The DoubleStar 1911 uses a forged steel frame, and has a beveled magazine well, Novak sights and a National Match stainless steel 5″ barrel. The finish is parkerized. Customizations are available, including a variety of grips, and a choice in trigger guards.

MSRP is listed as “less than $1,200.”

Categories
Self-Defense Issues

Don’t Quit Before The Battle Is Won: A Sad Self-Defense Story

In Largo, Florida in 2002, an 88-year-old man and his 86-year-old wife were attacked in a daytime home invasion style robbery. The couple was attacked in their condo by a 19-year-old convicted drug dealer as they returned from a nearby supermarket.

The 88-year-old victim was able to retrieve his .38 Special revolver (loaded with +P hollow points) and placed two well aimed shots on the attacker. The first shot hit the convicted felon in the face. As the attacker fell, the second shot struck him center mass in the back.

Categories
Handguns

Glock 30SF – “Short Frame” Pistol in .45 ACP

Say hello to the new Glock 30SF pistol. Introduced at the 2008 SHOT Show, the new striker-fired handgun uses a polymer short frame to improve it’s concealability and ease of shooting.

Chambered in .45 ACP, this gun is sure to be a hit with big bore fans looking for a no-compromise, lightweight carry gun.