Buying A First Gun for Self-Defense?

 Mike McDaniel has A basic, brief, semiautomatic pistol primer. Like McDaniel, I learned to shoot revolvers in the 1900s. Back then, semiautomatics were just a bit unreliable. If you had to use one in self defense, one wanted it to go bang, no questions.  We called semiautomatics "jamamatics." Frankly, I still love the Smith and Wesson Model 19 for its accuracy. As they say in Star Wars, an elegant weapon for a different age.

McDaniel likes weapons manufactured by Glock. It is a fine, and reliable handgun, and the manual of arms is simple, which is important when the doggy do do hits the oscillating air mover. I personally find the ergonomics of Gaston Glock's firearms to be off putting. Instead, I prefer 1911 style firearms. 1911s were somewhat unreliable in the old days, but manufacturing technology has greatly improved.

You’ve noticed tens of thousands of terrorists and members of the Chinese Army are skipping across the border. The Mummified Meat Puppet Administration (MMPA) is delighted, and doing everything it can to keep them coming. Texans have known this forever, but you’ve decided it’s time to exercise your natural, unalienable right to self-defense. But what kind of handgun to buy? Perhaps a semiautomatic?

I learned to shoot with revolvers. Back in the 1400s, there were few semiauto choices, and reliability was an issue. Making just about any semiauto reliable required a trip to the gunsmith who would fix all the issues manufacturers just didn’t address. Circa 2024, manufacturers do address those issues, and semiautos tend to be reliable out of the box, though they are somewhat more ammunition sensitive than revolvers—Some guns simply function better with some makes and bullet weights than others.

If you are thinking of buying a gun for self-defense gentle readers might start with McDaniel's article. I would add that you should try a number of different guns to find out which ones you shoot the best.  But which ones you shoot best is only one consideration.  You will also need a good holster, a sturdy gun belt, and a strategy for keeping your concealed carry ...well...concealed. You also will need some training and practice, practice, practice. You want to practice your draw until you can do it in your sleep. Finally, you will need to acquire some cleaning and maintenance supplies. Even a Glock needs to be cleaned every now and again.