Ahh, yes. The greatest gun question of all time. What gun should I carry. This question has started more arguments then you can shake a stick at. But, today, we have the answer!
Yes, you can finally put this question to rest. Years and years of bickering can come to an end! Here is the answer…drum roll please…: “The largest caliber handgun you can capably control, shoot, and carry all day comfortably”. There. It’s done, but, lets dig into this answer a little bit more.
Control: There is a balance that must be understood when it comes to size. You must be able to conceal it, yet, you want to be able to get a good grip on the gun. Too small and it becomes this wild explosive beast in your hand that is no fun, and frankly, scary. Too big and you will be wearing parkas in summer to hide it!
Shoot: This starts the most debates, because this relates directly to caliber choice. I personally will not carry anything less than a 9mm in semi-auto and .38 in revolver. Anything less and penetration and effectiveness suffer. Now, that said, I will advocate carrying a .22 lr over nothing. Shot placement is more critical than caliber size. You need to decide what you can comfortably shoot, accurately, and that you are willing to trust your life to.
Comfortable Carry: Sure, you can carry a Desert Eagle (a .50 cal handgun, yes it’s huge!) but really? Who is going to carry around several pounds of gun, realistically? What is important that you find a gun and holster that you can, and will, carry daily.
What I carry is typically a mid-size, high capacity, semi-auto handgun in 9mm or .40cal. In the colder months, when I am wearing more layers, I may move up to the full-frame 1911. This works for me, but not everyone. Only you can decide what works and what is best for you.
Next week we will discuss how to choose a handgun and what to look for.
What can we learn?
If you are going to carry for self defense, you need to choose a handgun that you like, can shoot reliably, and will carry every day.
Don’t get what someone tells you based on their experience, what works for them, may not work for you.
Do your homework, and get a gun you love!
Read next week’s edition of The Sharpening Stone to learn how to choose a gun that is right for you!
Stay Sharp,
Adam
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