Active Self Protection

Long-time ASP subscriber. I recently was told that I am in the final stages of receiving my concealed gun carry permit. I have attended many shotgun and rifle ranges but after utilizing several handguns, I am now considering purchasing a handgun for self-protection. Training is always central, but I also want to have the best firearm for a beginner. Any thoughts?

Rent guns from local (or, if you have the privilege, non-local) ranges and learn what works best for you. The single biggest -- hands down -- regret I have heard from first-time sidearm purchases is "if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have bought *this* gun."

Everybody's body, mind, performance, and preferences are different.

My wife and I rented 2-4 guns each trip, 2 trips per week, for 3 months before we chose ours. And we are *astoundingly* happy with our final choices.

I do recommend keeping a Range Log. ESPECIALLY during this selection phase. Write down anything that seems to matter. How it felt ("Front seemed heavy on this one."). How it handled ('"Smooth as silk" or "Really seemed stiff and snappy"). Specific problems ("I found it nearly impossible to lock the slide on this one"). Specific pleasures ("My hand found the mag release without having to think about it on this one").

After you've tried out 5, 10, 25 guns, these notes will be invaluable in your narrowing process. You'll also see how the things you paid attention to evolved as you used more and more handguns. You may find, as I did, that I had to go back because I wasn't paying attention to things which were proving to be more and more important as I grew into being a sidearm handler.

Patience isn't just for the target. It applies to nearly every aspect of the firearms hobby, including selecting your first weapon.

My two cents, and all that rot.

Thanks very much for the excellent advice. My friend and his brother have many handguns, but renting also expands my choices. The log is something I will incorporate into my search. Thanks again.

The advice to rent first is spot on. Take a good beginner handgun class and use a loaner from the instructor for it. Learn what works and why and then go rent a few. Then choose!

Thanks for the confirmation to rent and to take a class. I will be doing both. I live in New York City, so self-protection is paramount. My wife and I watch your videos and have learned a lot. Keep up the good work.

holsters? would love your recommendation for a holster manufacturer. I'm upgrading my Sig P229 with a red dot and will need a new Holster. Thought it would also be a good time to switch from strong side to appendix since I'll be retraining to use the red dot.

Advice is welcome.
Mike

I ordered the Lexington after researching the product with a short wedge,. Thank you again. I’ll be able to modify my sig holster as I wait for the Lexington to come in.

I'll just put my .02 $ in here:
After attending a live fire / safety training, I'd recommend a good dry fire routine to get more comfortable/skilled with your carry gun.
I can heartily recommend the 21 day Alpha shooter program from Mike Ox: https://dryfiretrainingcards.com/21-day-alpha-shooter-original/

When my brother (who had not picked up a gun in 20+ years) asked me to take him shooting, I made him run thru this course first.
His last 10 rounds resulted in a grouping less than 5 cm / 2 in in diameter (except for 2 fliers ~ 5 cm above) at a distance of 6m / 6.5 yards.
I'd post the picture, but it seems I can't ;-)