When it comes to selecting what might be considered the “best handgun for self-defense,” we are not going to throw out a definitive make or model – because that is always subject to personal bias and opinion. Rather, we are going to give you some parameters to guide yourself in your search. There are a lot of great handguns currently on the market for self-defense. We are in a bit of a renaissance within the shooting industry, in fact. So, here are the 4 things you need to keep in mind when choosing what is the best handgun for self-defense.
When dipping our toes into the water of the “cartridge debate,” there is one element that you need to bear in mind: you need enough power to stop a violent threat or attacker. People can debate whether you need a 9mm+P+, a 10mm, or a .44 Magnum on a different day. What I will say is that you need a stout enough cartridge to defend yourself. That means you should absolutely skip all rimfire cartridges. They simply lack enough Foot-Lbs of energy to forcibly stop a violent attacker. You could also throw .25 ACP into that category of being too weak as well (it has less energy than stout .22 Long Rifle ammo). So, choose a centerfire cartridge that has appropriate energy.
Second, the best handgun for self-defense formula is comfort. You need to choose a handgun that is comfortable enough to carry – when coupled with an appropriate holster – that you’re willing to carry all the time. When you need a firearm now, a pistol in your glove box, center counsel, or purse several feet away is not going to help you. It needs to be on you.
Next, you need to select a firearm that you can adequately control. This includes recoil, your accuracy, and your hands being able to sufficiently reach and manipulate all the controls of the firearm without compromising your grip. Moreover, if you think a .44 Magnum is necessary for self-defense, can you control that recoil? Can you shoot it rapidly and accurately? These are questions to ask yourself.
Finally, you need a firearm you can financially afford to train with because your shooting prowess is a perishable skill. So, if you opt for 10mm, that might be a limiting factor even if it checks all the other boxes. You don’t want to go broke becoming proficient with your self-defense handgun.
In sum, since I know some people will be aggravated, I didn’t state go buy X brand in a Y model configuration, this is my personal opinion (take it like a grain of salt): get yourself a micro-compact 9mm, train like crazy with it, get a comfy holster, and buy the hottest ammo possible that you and the handgun can handle. When violence is within arm’s reach, kindness has left the room… make that horrific, violent attacker wish they never attacked you. A Glock 48/43/43X, SIG P365 variant, or Springfield Hellcat are all great places to start your journey (and we make accessories for all of them).
In the end, make sure to get out there training, honing your craft, getting reps with your firearms, and likely Tyrant can help you along the way with some rad accessories. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
