How to choose a defensive pistol - #2A
Pick a Peck of Packin' Pistols
An Excellent Read from the Type-Writin’ Trucker, Jesse Slater - DD
This week will be a bit of a change of pace. I don’t really have a gun lined up to write about, but I do have a head full of thoughts on this topic. Several people in my life are either coming back to carrying, or leaning toward starting. As such, I’ve been thinking this one through. A number of the points here I’ve already discussed at greater length in earlier articles, but this will be something of a synthesis.
My (somewhat flip) answer for a long time has been “get a Glock 19, a case of ammo, and a good class. With some training and experience under your belt, you’ll have a better idea what you want and what you’re looking at.” I still don’t think that’s bad advice, although there is a safety issue with striker-fired guns.
Another approach that’s frequently recommended is “go rent a bunch of guns, and see which one you like.” This one has some pros and cons. On the positive side of the ledger is that people are individuals. Hand shapes, strength levels, body types, and even aesthetic tastes vary widely. Picking out a gun for someone else is like buying underwear. It’s kinda personal. Like produce at the supermarket, you wanna pick your own. The downside is that for the average newcomer who hasn’t…