Part 1: Choosing the right handgun

Published on May 6, 2014
Duration: 4:10

This video series introduction outlines key factors for choosing a handgun, including intended use (personal protection, concealed carry, home defense, target shooting), ammunition capacity, caliber, safety features, ergonomics, price, and third-party support. It details considerations for 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers, focusing on cost, recoil, and capacity.

Quick Summary

When choosing a handgun, consider its intended use, ammunition capacity, caliber, safety features, ergonomics, and price. Key calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP differ in cost, recoil, and capacity. 9mm is generally the most affordable and manageable, while .45 ACP offers more power at a higher cost and recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:17Introduction to Handgun Selection Series
  2. 00:37Key Factors in Handgun Choice
  3. 01:08Understanding Caliber: Cost, Recoil, Capacity
  4. 01:289mm Caliber Overview
  5. 01:37.40 Smith & Wesson Caliber Overview
  6. 01:53.45 ACP Caliber Overview
  7. 02:09Caliber's Impact on Ergonomics
  8. 02:19Importance of Ammunition Prices
  9. 02:37Ergonomics and Fit
  10. 02:56Handgun Size for Intended Purpose
  11. 03:01Concealed Carry Handgun Size
  12. 03:06Home Defense/Target Practice Handgun Size
  13. 03:14Final Considerations for Handgun Choice
  14. 03:34Next Episode Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main factors to consider when choosing a handgun?

When choosing a handgun, consider its intended use (personal protection, concealed carry, home defense, target shooting), ammunition capacity, caliber, safety features, ergonomics, price, and the availability of accessories like holsters and lights.

What are the pros and cons of 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers?

9mm is cost-effective with low recoil and high capacity. .40 S&W offers more recoil and cost than 9mm, with slightly less capacity. .45 ACP is the largest, most expensive to shoot, and has more recoil than 9mm, likely less than .40 S&W.

How does caliber affect handgun ergonomics?

Caliber can influence grip size. Typically, 9mm and .40 S&W handguns have similar grip dimensions, while .45 ACP models may feature a slightly larger grip to accommodate the larger cartridge.

Why is it important to consider the cost of ammunition when buying a handgun?

The cost of ammunition directly impacts your ability to practice regularly. It's crucial to choose a caliber and handgun where you can afford to buy several hundred rounds of ammunition monthly for effective training and proficiency.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Military Arms Channel

View all →