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.

 

[PoleX]

I’m a simple 6 shot 357 revolver guy. I think there’s a 7 shot really nice one for sale on here right now.

Glock stays in the safe anymore. I’d grip one before just diving into a Glock. Blocky and if you don’t practice a lot you’re likely to limp wrist/stovepipe under duress.

 

[MaddH]

Ruger LCR in 38 special is pretty sweet to carry

 

[Mustangs Rule]

Shotguns

Hmm.

Know anyone who had a locked cylinder?

Never in my life. Known tons of semi-autos that failed

 

[Dave N]

Same. Squib load.

I'll finish this up with the story. Our youngest girl had a particularly bad day going on so I grabbed several guns to try and cheer her up with some shooting. After a couple rounds through my Redhawk, while I was trying to get my earplugs in after a bad ear pain, it sounded funny and she said she couldn't pull the hammer back. I took it and found the slug had only gone part way and was keeping the cylinder from turning. Once I got it drove back into the case I took it apart and found the powder was crap and didn't burn when the primer went off, pushing the slug just enough to cause the lockup. VERY grateful it locked up because if she had fired again with the slug in the barrel ALL of our days would have been bad!

 

[.270Rem]

Same. Squib load.

Same for me in my Blackhawk. Went to the gunsmith who sent the bullet out backwards. Was shooting older factory loads.

Despite that issue, I would choose a revolver over a semi since I tend to pick up a revolver and shoot it better for the first time compared to when I try an auto for the first go. Try a few and find one that fits well and you'll practice with it more I bet.

Good luck on the search.

 

[MTLabrador]

A good semiauto is 100% more reliable for maximum rounds between stoppages than a revolver, despite what many say… I can’t even tell you how many rounds I’ve put through Glocks with almost zero maintenance without malfunction. Many, many thousands. A good 1911 is up there too, they just need a little more maintenance.