One question I’m often asked—whether it’s a student on the range, a family member at dinner, or a friend making small talk—is, “What gun should I get?”
My answer? I’ll never tell you what to buy, but I will share what to avoid.
The first step in choosing a firearm is defining its purpose. Will you carry it daily for personal protection, or is it solely for home defense?
From my own experience, there are two brands I steer clear of: Sccy and Taurus. While some may disagree, the Sccy has a poor reputation for reliability, often jamming and featuring a long, heavy trigger pull. As for Taurus, a personal incident involving a broken trigger left me with serious doubts about its reliability in critical moments.
Now, with the basics covered, let’s talk about why a firearm is such a personal choice. What works for me may not work for you. I trust my life to the brand I carry, but that decision is based on my unique preferences, fit, and circumstances. Let’s dive into what you should consider to find the firearm that’s right for you.
Size Matters
The size of your firearm will largely depend on its intended purpose. For personal protection and concealed carry, your body type and wardrobe play a significant role in what you can comfortably and discreetly carry. For example, as a bigger guy, I typically carry a full-sized firearm. However, when dressing up, I opt for something more compact. Similarly, if I’m walking my dogs, I prefer a lightweight micro-sized option for convenience.
For home defense, I suggest going with a larger firearm. The added weight and size help reduce felt recoil, making it more manageable and comfortable to shoot. It’s important to remember that while smaller firearms are easier to carry, they also tend to produce more recoil.
Fit and Feel
How does the firearm feel in your hands? Can you achieve a solid, comfortable grip? Next, evaluate the trigger. Is it smooth and crisp? How does the trigger reset feel, and where is the trigger wall?
These factors all come down to individual brand fit. It’s worth investing the time to find a firearm that feels like a natural extension of your hand.
Try Before You Buy
Before committing to a purchase, rent the firearm and test it at a range. This allows you to experience how it handles, from grip and mechanics to overall shooting comfort. If it feels good in your hand, operates smoothly, and makes shooting enjoyable, congratulations—you’ve found the one!
Now the real fun begins: training! Start putting in time on the range, pushing yourself and your firearm to reach new levels of proficiency. Becoming skilled and confident with your chosen firearm is the key to responsible and effective ownership.
See you out on the range!
Great content!!! Very informative.