Self defense pistol recommendations.

[Jack Ryan]

FN 545

 

[elkduds]

That will give you some penetration.

 

[elkduds]

This was dad's truck gun. I have it today. Shooting it with the factory wood grips was, erm, exciting. Snappy to say the least. I put some pachmayr grips on it to make it shootable. Did a trigger job on it too. It's a lovely little belly gun.

You and David Berkowitz.

 

[Doublegunner]

It sounds like you are not going to be carrying this a whole lot so I would go with a bigger pistol. They are easier to shoot. I would also go to a range that rents pistols and try several out. Lots of recommendations for glock on here but in my experience not everyone likes a glock. Fortunately, there is no shortage of good poly semi autos. Take a look at the ruger rxm. It's essentially a gen 3 glock clone with some mods that make it a bit better than the glock. the one I have is excellent. I like it better than my glock 19. It's also very affordable. I also would not discount a good medium frame 357 with a 4 inch barrel. That is one of the most versatile handguns you can get and would probably be my first choice in your circumstance. I would also encourage you to practice with whatever you choose. When the hits the fan you will revert to muscle memory and that practice will pay off. As for caliber I would stick with 9, 40, 45acp, or 357. Anyone of those is fine and they all have their merits. I would also encourage you to educate yourself on the law regarding self defense in the state you are going to be in. It can vary state to state and is very important to know.

 

[Mallardsx2]

Hard to beat a G19 with a 15 round mag and one in the tube.

Although my wife’s Springfield
hell cat with the top optic is pretty dang nice.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

Been carrying one of these in blue steel with a Tyler T grip filler for 40 years. It is not the size but the surprise.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard

When the market for concealable backup revolvers expanded in the 1950s, the Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard offered a great alternative to the Chiefs Special.

www.americanrifleman.org

 

[Mustangs Rule]

Been carrying one of these in blue steel with a Tyler T grip filler for 40 years. It is not the size but the surprise.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard

When the market for concealable backup revolvers expanded in the 1950s, the Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard offered a great alternative to the Chiefs Special.

www.americanrifleman.org

A big western city used to let Civilians use half the police qualification range unless there was a competition. The Range Master saw I really wanted to learn how to shoot, he taught me the art of the K Frame S&W double action. Model 15 Combat Masterpiece 38 Special is a work of art.

One of the permitted backup revolvers and official off duty carry revolvers for officers was a model 49. Fits great in your back pocket, comes out so easy.

I bought a few junk jackets at a used clothing store. Ruined them practicing shooting my 49 right from inside my pocket, in my hand. Works great,,,nothing faster. MOST gun fights are 5 to 12 feet.