What’s the Best Handgun for Self-Defense?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

What’s the Best Handgun?

The handgun is one of the most iconic weapons in the world, and for good reason. It’s a powerful, versatile tool that can be used for self-defense, hunting, competition shooting, and more. But with so many different handguns on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different factors you should consider when choosing a handgun, and we’ll recommend some of the best options for different purposes. We’ll also discuss some of the common myths about handguns and dispel some of the confusion surrounding them.

So whether you’re a first-time gun owner or you’re just looking to upgrade your current handgun, read on for all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Rank Handgun Reason
1 Glock 19 Reliable, accurate, and affordable
2 Sig Sauer P320 Modular design, comfortable to shoot
3 Smith & Wesson M&P9 Great value for the money

A handgun is a type of firearm that is designed to be held and fired with one hand. Handguns are typically used for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting. There are many different types of handguns available on the market, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing a handgun, it is important to consider a number of factors, including caliber, action, barrel length, sights, grip, magazine capacity, and price. In this article, we will discuss each of these factors in detail and help you choose the best handgun for your needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Handgun

  • Caliber

The caliber of a handgun refers to the diameter of the bullet that it fires. The most common handgun calibers are 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The caliber that you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your personal preference, the intended use of the handgun, and the availability of ammunition.

  • Action

The action of a handgun refers to the way in which the gun is cocked and fired. There are two main types of handgun actions: single-action and double-action.

  • Single-action handguns require the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot. This makes single-action handguns slower to fire than double-action handguns, but they are also more accurate.
  • Double-action handguns can be fired either by cocking the hammer manually or by pulling the trigger. This makes double-action handguns faster to fire than single-action handguns, but they are less accurate.
  • Barrel length

The barrel length of a handgun refers to the distance from the muzzle to the chamber. The barrel length of a handgun can affect its accuracy, velocity, and recoil.

  • Sights

The sights on a handgun are used to aim the gun at the target. The most common type of sights on a handgun are fixed sights, which are permanently attached to the gun. However, some handguns also have adjustable sights, which can be moved to compensate for different shooting conditions.

  • Grip

The grip of a handgun is the part of the gun that you hold in your hand. The grip of a handgun can affect its comfort, control, and accuracy.

  • Magazine capacity

The magazine capacity of a handgun refers to the number of rounds that it can hold. The magazine capacity of a handgun can affect its firepower and reload time.

  • Price

The price of a handgun can vary significantly, depending on the brand, model, and features. When choosing a handgun, it is important to set a budget and stick to it.

Different Types of Handguns

There are many different types of handguns available on the market, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The following are some of the most common types of handguns:

  • Revolvers

Revolvers are handguns that have a revolving cylinder that holds the cartridges. Revolvers are typically chambered for cartridges with a rim, such as .38 Special or .357 Magnum. Revolvers are known for their reliability and simplicity.

  • Semi-automatic pistols

Semi-automatic pistols are handguns that use a spring-loaded firing pin to automatically load the next round after a shot is fired. Semi-automatic pistols are typically chambered for cartridges with a centerfire, such as 9mm or .45 ACP. Semi-automatic pistols are known for their speed and firepower.

  • Derringers

Derringers are small, concealable handguns that are typically chambered for a single cartridge. Derringers are often used for self-defense.

  • Single-action pistols

Single-action pistols are handguns that must be manually cocked before each shot. Single-action pistols are typically used for target shooting or hunting.

  • Double-action pistols

Double-action pistols can be fired either by cocking the hammer manually or by pulling the trigger. Double-action pistols are typically used for self-defense or law enforcement.

Choosing the right handgun for your needs can be a difficult task. However, by considering the factors discussed in this article, you can narrow down your options and choose a handgun that is perfect for you.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a handgun:

  • Talk to a qualified firearms instructor or gun dealer. They can help you learn more about the different types of handguns and can make recommendations based on your needs.
  • Try out different handguns before you buy one. This will help you get a feel for the different guns and see which one you are most comfortable with.

* **Buy a handgun from

What is the best handgun for self-defense?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best handgun for self-defense will vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances. However, some factors to consider when choosing a handgun for self-defense include:

  • Your personal shooting ability: The best handgun for you will be one that you are comfortable shooting and can accurately fire under stress.
  • Your physical size and strength: The size and weight of the handgun will need to be comfortable for you to carry and operate.
  • The intended use of the handgun: Will you be using it for home defense, concealed carry, or both?
  • Your budget: The price of the handgun will also be a factor to consider.

Some of the best handguns for self-defense include the Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Sig Sauer P365, and CZ-P10C. These handguns are all reliable, accurate, and easy to use, making them great options for self-defense.

What are the different types of handguns?

There are three main types of handguns: revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and striker-fired pistols.

  • Revolvers are the oldest type of handgun and are characterized by a revolving cylinder that holds multiple rounds of ammunition. Revolvers are typically easier to operate than semi-automatic pistols and are often more reliable, but they have a slower rate of fire and a smaller magazine capacity.
  • Semi-automatic pistols are the most popular type of handgun and are characterized by a slide that moves back and forth to chamber a new round after each shot is fired. Semi-automatic pistols are typically faster to fire and have a larger magazine capacity than revolvers, but they are also more complex and require more maintenance.
  • Striker-fired pistols are a type of semi-automatic pistol that are characterized by a striker that is cocked and released when the trigger is pulled. Striker-fired pistols are typically very reliable and easy to operate, but they can be more difficult to shoot accurately than other types of semi-automatic pistols.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of handgun?

The advantages and disadvantages of each type of handgun are as follows:

  • Revolvers:
  • Advantages:
  • Easy to operate
  • Reliable
  • Smaller and lighter than semi-automatic pistols
  • Disadvantages:
  • Slow rate of fire
  • Small magazine capacity
  • Semi-automatic pistols:
  • Advantages:
  • Faster rate of fire
  • Larger magazine capacity
  • More versatile than revolvers
  • Disadvantages:
  • More complex and require more maintenance
  • More difficult to shoot accurately than revolvers
  • Striker-fired pistols:
  • Advantages:
  • Very reliable
  • Easy to operate
  • Smaller and lighter than other semi-automatic pistols
  • Disadvantages:
  • Can be more difficult to shoot accurately than other semi-automatic pistols

What is the difference between a 9mm and a .45 ACP handgun?

The 9mm and .45 ACP are two of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world. Both cartridges are capable of delivering devastating stopping power, but there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before choosing one for self-defense.

  • Bullet diameter: The 9mm cartridge has a bullet diameter of 9mm, while the .45 ACP cartridge has a bullet diameter of .45 inches. This means that the .45 ACP cartridge has a larger bullet than the 9mm cartridge.
  • Bullet weight: The 9mm cartridge typically uses bullets that weigh between 115 and 147 grains, while the .45 ACP cartridge typically uses bullets that weigh between 185 and 230 grains. This means that the .45 ACP cartridge has a heavier bullet than the 9mm cartridge.
  • Muzzle velocity: The muzzle velocity of the 9mm cartridge is typically between 1,000 and 1,200 feet per second, while the muzzle velocity of the .45 ACP cartridge is typically between 850 and 1,000 feet per second. This means that the 9mm cartridge has a higher muzzle velocity than the .45 ACP cartridge.
  • Recoil: The recoil of the 9mm cartridge is typically lighter than the recoil of the .45 ACP cartridge. This is because the 9mm cartridge has a lighter bullet and a lower muzzle velocity than

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best handgun. The best handgun for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, the information in this article can help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision.

When choosing a handgun, it is important to consider factors such as your intended use, budget, and personal preferences. Some of the things you may want to consider include:

  • Intended use: Will you be using the handgun for self-defense, target shooting, or hunting?
  • Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a handgun?
  • Personal preferences: What features are important to you, such as size, weight, and caliber?

Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. There are many great handguns on the market, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • The best handgun for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
  • When choosing a handgun, it is important to consider factors such as your intended use, budget, and personal preferences.
  • There are many great handguns on the market, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs.

If you are still undecided about which handgun to buy, you can always consult with a qualified firearms instructor or retailer. They can help you assess your needs and make a selection that is right for you.

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