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“Thoughts on selecting the right firearm”

One of the most important decisions a new firearm owner or individual interested in pursuing the shooting sports has to make is…”what is the right gun for me?” In this case we will consider pistols.

Most shooting schools and academies have slightly different criteria for selecting the correct pistol. One selection method is not better or worse than another, all however, are based upon some universal guidelines. Eagle Ridge Firearms Academy offers the following selection criteria, taken from numerous open and publicly available sources, as a guide when selecting the proper pistol. We strongly encourage everyone, when selecting a pistol, to do your homework and exercise due diligence when making a decision on what type of pistol (or any firearm) to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and firearm owner to make the proper selection.

Purpose / Intended use: This is the single most important question you must ask yourself when determining what type of pistol is right for you…and it is the one that is most often overlooked. Will you use your pistol for target shooting, hunting, plinking or recreational shooting or perhaps personal or home defense? In some cases, for example formal target shooting or cowboy action shooting, there will be a clear cut choice. For some intended uses…personal or home defense… there will be numerous choices, all having pros and cons, of what type of pistol to select.

Price and budget: While it may seem odd to discuss cost so early in the selection criteria, it is a fact of life that budget plays a significant role when selecting a pistol (or any firearm for that matter). Cost must be taken into account as it may impact the number of intended uses your pistol can accomplish, factory “extras” available, and overall pistol quality of manufacture. More expensive is not always best…but neither is cheapest. Again, do your homework.

Pistol fit: Your pistol should fit your hand as well as possible. No pistol will be a 100% perfect fit (that’s where training comes in), but it should fit your hand reasonably well. You must be honest with yourself and acknowledge that if you have smaller hands, especially ladies, a large frame pistol may simply be too big for you to properly grip and control. Conversely, if you have larger hands, smaller frame “concealable” pistols may present a challenge and require more training and practice to properly grip and control.

Size and weight: Is your pistol’s size and weight appropriate for its intended purpose? For example, a large frame pistol may not be the best choice for concealed carry, where as a mid-sized or compact frame pistol will be easier to conceal. Is the pistol too heavy to carry all day in concealment? Is the pistol to heavy …or light…for you to properly carry, grip, control and shoot accurately? For some with small hands and large frame large caliber pistol is very difficult to grip, control and fire accurately. Additionally, a pistol that is too heavy is simply not much fun to shoot, and if it is no fun to shoot… it will not be fun to practice with.

Recoil: A heavier pistol’s weight reduces recoil, but they are usually chambered for a larger caliber which increases recoil, whereby lighter pistols are impacted more by recoil. Regardless of pistol weight, recoil is a consideration (pistol caliber and ammo type impact recoil). Recoil management training and practice will mitigate the effects of recoil.

Sights: Good sights equal to good hits (with training and practice). Illuminated sights are not always the answer.

Reliability and simplicity of operation and maintenance: Many people consider reliability the most important consideration in purchasing a pistol. For personal and home defense applications, this is correct; your pistol should be 100% reliable. When your life depends on it, there are serious consequences to a malfunctioning pistol. Your pistol trigger, safety devices, slide and action should be simple to use, especially under the high stress of a personal or home defense situation. The amount and quality of your training and practice will make your pistol easier to operate (and later to clean and maintain).

Manufacturer’s reputation and service record of the make a model: You should carefully research the manufacturer of your pistol. There are as many gun makers as there are gun models and types, not all of whom adhere to the same level of quality and precision of manufacture. Also consider the service history of your pistol…is it a well tried and tested model or the first of its kind and a new production run? Has that particular model been subject to any manufacturers recall(s)? Additionally, be conscious of who and where you purchase your pistol. A reputable retail store or an individual with an FFL are usually good choices.

Warranty: Absolutely! A pistol, or any firearm, is an expensive investment. You should insure that your pistol comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. Most reputable manufacturers will often offer a no cost, full warranty.

Availability of ammunition and aftermarket parts: Ammunition availability is always a consideration. It is often impacted by events “outside” your ability to control. Most popular pistol calibers… 38 Special, 357 magnum, 9mm, 40 SW, 45 ACP are generally readily available. If you select a pistol in a unique caliber, it may be tougher to find a steady supply of ammunition. There are as many aftermarket parts for you pistol as there are pistols to attach them to. Do your homework when considering aftermarket parts or MODIFICATIONS to your pistol.

Some final thoughts on selecting a pistol… You are responsible for which pistol you select, and how you intend to use it. Do not allow someone else to make that decision for you (ladies…don’t let your significant other pick your gun for you). Determine what you want to use your pistol for, talk with experienced gun owners that you trust, research your choices online and at your local gun dealer. Go to your local range or shooting facility and try out different makes, calibers and models (revolver vice semi-automatic, single vice double/single action, large caliber vice smaller caliber, etc…) this will insure that you have good information upon which to base you selection.

Lastly… after you have made your selection and purchase…get good TRAINING in how to properly use your pistol for the purpose you intend and PRACTICE with your pistol until you are completely familiar with every aspect of how to clear, load, shoot, unload, render safe, clean, maintain and properly store your pistol. Responsible gun ownership and operation begins and ends with YOU.
Have a great shooting experience!