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IPFS News Link • Self-Defense

Narrowing Your Handgun Choices When Buying New

• LewRockwell

Narrowing the field to one or two can be a real challenge for anyone, but especially for the new, or casual firearms enthusiast.

One of the first, most fundamental decisions you need to make is whether you want a revolver or a semi-auto pistol.

Once that simple decision is made, assuming you choose the auto and assuming the gun will be used primarily for home defense, personal protection, and recreational / target shooting…

You still need to consider a host of other things, such as:

Full-size, compact, subcompact, or a pocket pistol? Each has a place, but as with all things in life, there are trade-offs. Not all are good choices for the new or casual shooter. To a point, larger guns, while still being quite concealable, are easier to shoot accurately, which increases confidence and fun. It doesn't necessarily work the other way around, the old saying bigger is better runs true.

Decide on the manual of arms, which defines how you interact with, and operate the gun: grip, safety, trigger, action, magazine release, etc. Do you prefer Double Action Only, Single Action Only, or a combination of the two, commonly referred to as DA/SA or double / single. How do you feel about external controls like an external hammer, a manually operated safety, and/or a de-cocker, and a slide stop?


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