Have you ever thought about your choice of handgun? We all agree that every weapon system is simply an extension of the individual. But have you considered what led you to choose the handgun you are currently carrying? What advice would you give a peer about selecting a firearm?

We should spend a great deal of time considering the firearms available to us and selecting a handgun that will meet our needs and, more importantly, our abilities. I once heard a trainer tell a student, ” The best handgun for an encounter is the largest gun you have.” I know he meant the largest caliber that would have the most significant impact on the target. However, that simple advice can mislead those who are unfamiliar with firearms.

After carefully considering this comment, it’s important to discuss which handgun caliber is the best choice for you. Please remember that some states may regulate the caliber of handguns you are allowed to carry.

Personal Preference

I have a preference for the Glock .45. It fits my hand, shoots exceptionally well, and has proven to be reliable. This Glock is the ideal weapon for me, but perhaps not for someone else. The qualities that make it an excellent choice for me might render it a poor option for others.

When choosing your handgun, the ideal weapon for anyone is the largest caliber that they can handle efficiently and accurately. I would much prefer to face a person with a .45 who cannot control the handgun than someone carrying a 9mm who can hit the wings of a fly at 15 yards.

Real-Life Example

Throughout history, it has been shown that it’s not just the size of the bullet that matters, but also what that bullet strikes. An event I often reference is the murder of Trooper Coates. Trooper Coates shot a large, heavy-set man five times with his .357 Magnum. All five rounds struck the man in the upper torso, but they didn’t kill him.

This man shot Trooper Coates with a .22 caliber Derringer, tragically causing his death. Trooper Coates’ vest stopped one of the man’s bullets, but the second one penetrated Trooper Coates’ left arm, entered his body through the armpit, and struck Trooper Coates in the heart.

The trooper died at the scene, while the murderer survived. Trooper Coates was killed by a single .22 bullet, yet the attacker lived after being shot five times with a .357 magnum. This demonstrates that it’s not just the size of the bullet, but what the projectile hits that makes the difference.

Please understand that I agree with the ballistic reports indicating that a larger bullet can cause more damage, but the extent of that damage still depends on what the bullet hits.

Larger Does Not Always Mean Better

Don’t choose a handgun solely based on its caliber or someone else’s opinion. Rent or borrow various weapons, including different makes, models, and calibers, to find what works best for you. Assess your performance with each one, and select the largest caliber gun that best meets your needs and abilities. Every handgun has its pros and cons.

Start your training with a smaller caliber handgun to effectively reinforce the fundamentals of stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger squeeze, and breathing. After establishing a solid foundation, work your way up to the largest caliber you can handle efficiently and accurately. Finding the gun that suits you best may take some time, but the effort will be worthwhile.

Additional Handgun Selection Considerations

Not only does the caliber of the handgun matter, but you also need to consider several factors that will influence your decision on which gun to purchase and carry. I suggest you think about the following:

• Work assignment, if applicable (Uniformed or Plain Clothes)
• Attire (Business Suit, Casual, or Outdoor Activities)
• Accessibility (Holsters, Spare Magazine/Speed Loaders, Placement)

I encourage you to consider these things before making your handgun selection and purchase. Remember, selecting a handgun is like choosing clothing. It is specific to the person, and one size does not fit all.