This question is frequently asked or seen being incorrectly defined. I thought that it might be of use to some to explain these terms and provide examples. Traditionally, the term “single-action” refers to a specific handgun action in which the trigger performs but a single function; it drops the hammer which fires the gun. Similarly, “double-action” describes…
Over time I receive numerous questions concerning the “right” handgun for self-protection as well as requests for information on the “best” loads/calibers for “stopping” someone who is bent upon doing one harm. I thought that it might be interesting to compile the most commonly asked questions I receive and answer them in an article, but…
This question comes up frequently on various shooting sites as well as my email inbox. Recently I read a thread in which an instructor was saying folks were shooting “good” if they had hits that were spread out and “bad” if their shots were tightly grouped. The inference was that they were shooting too slowly…
This is a question I frequently receive. Rather than getting into other handguns’ merits and shortcomings, I will go straight to my recommendation and explain why I believe it to be viable. Keep in mind that folks reading these words may be anywhere in the handgun proficiency spectrum and that this is a suggestion for the man…
Tangentially related to discussions concerning self-protection handguns is the ammunition capacity question: Should I go with larger caliber or more shots? Is higher magazine capacity and greater “firepower” more important or does everything pale when compared to caliber? With the trend strongly favoring autoloaders now, the comparison frequently centers on .45 ACP vs. 9mm. It…
Forests have been felled to provide paper for this debate; numerous handguns have been created to provide it; new calibers have been spawned and bullet design refined in its name: Effectiveness! But have we really gained anything? I think that the answer is a qualified “yes”. Unlike the ammunition of years gone by, bullets now…
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you enjoy shooting and are obviously on the Internet. Much discussion goes on concerning the “best” handguns for specific purposes, the “best” modifications, the “best” ammunition, and so forth. (This discounts the occasional smart-aleck remark some inevitably drop in the various threads.) Answers to a specific question will…