Self defense pistol recommendations.

[jimh406]

If you want it to go bang every single time,

Revolver. If a Glock doesn't fire, you have to rack the slide again. You need a double action to avoid that.

 

[mtmuley]

Revolver. If a Glock doesn't fire, you have to rack the slide again. You need a double action to avoid that.

I used to worry about that. Not any more. mtmuley

 

[Sheltowee]

Revolver. If a Glock doesn't fire, you have to rack the slide again. You need a double action to avoid that.

For a bad primer, sure. For a locked cylinder— one of the more common revolver malfunctions in heavy recoiling cartridges— you’re SOL.

 

[jimh406]

For a locked cylinder— one of the more common revolver malfunctions in heavy recoiling cartridges— you’re SOL.

Know anyone who had a locked cylinder?

 

[Nick87]

Know anyone who had a locked cylinder?

Yes.

 

[Sheltowee]

Yes.

Same. Personally locked the f@&$ out of a .44 Special shooting CCI snake shot.

 

[Nick87]

Same. Personally locked the f@&$ out of a .44 Special shooting CCI snake shot.

Yup .44 mag for me.

 

[Dave N]

Yup .44 mag for me.

Same. Squib load.

 

[Blue Steel]

Revolver. If a Glock doesn't fire, you have to rack the slide again. You need a double action to avoid that.

Or a hammer fired DA/SA semi like an HK USP or Sig P226

And not saying the original poster would have this issue (and not to throw rocks at a hornet’s nest), but some semis are less forgiving than others when it comes to limp wristing, including if one has to use only their non dominant hand to fire.

 

[Blue Steel]

Yup .44 mag for me.

Did a round jump the crimp? I’ve heard that can happen with certain loads in lightweight, big bore revolvers

 

[Nick87]

Did a round jump the crimp? I’ve heard that can happen with certain loads in lightweight, big bore revolvers

I honestly dont remember it was years ago.

 

[mevertsen]

I had some S & B .38 special ammo with a lead bullet and apparently light crimp jump. I got 3 rounds off, then it locked up. I think I was able to get the cylinder open.

So every firearm has the potential to malfunction.

Possibility vs probability.

I can't say I've ever had many live fire malfunctions in several guns with lots of lots of rounds of ammo.

Also, get some training just on the laws of self defense in your state. Even just taking a CCW course is beneficial.

 

[Dan O]

Speaking of jumping the crimp, I've never had a factory load jump the crimp. BUT yes, there's always a But. I have had a reload in 44mag jump the crimp and stop the cylinder from rotating. No big deal just used a dowel to push it back down until it cleared. No problem if you're just shooting for fun, but bad if it counts. I have also seen a semi auto push the round into the case causing a jam. Again with a reload NOT factory. If it's made by man it can fail.

None of the firearms mentioned are immune from a malfunction. Some have a great reputation that is well deserved but none are perfect. Buying good proven ammunition is your best step in making your handgun run reliably.

 

[Potsie]

The only thing that I am not a fan of about Glocks is how thick they are.

I was the same way, then I shot a G43X. The “single stack” glocks are a good 3/8” thinner. My G48 is almost the exact same size as a G19, but 3/8” thinner. The Shield mags give you the same round count as well, and the new Glock mags (metal) do as well.