CCW Holsters & Handgun Selection
The first 3 things to consider when selecting a handgun for concealed carry or other defensive use is:
1. Fit
2. Fit
3. Fit
In that you must be able to reach and operate all of the buttons, levers and controls comfortably and effectively - with your eyes closed. You must also be able to do this while wearing lightweight gloves in order to simulate the effects of adrenalin and stress which can result in the loss of fine motor control. As ALWAYS, practice your safe handling techniques with an UNLOADED handgun or with ONLY SNAPCAP DUMMY AMMUNITION present!
What good is your gun if you can't operate it easily, safely and effectively when you need it most?
Now that we are clear on FIT, we can move on to some of the other important factors to be considered when selecting a handgun for personal defense:
- Quality & Reliability - brand names vs. clones, copies & knockoffs. What's the difference?
- Intended Use - concealed carry, home defense only, etc. HOW will you carry it?
- Revolver vs. Semi-Auto
- Double Action, Double Action Only, Single/Double Action
- Caliber
- Capacity
- Holster Type
- etc.
The is a sample of what we cover in our pistol courses in the section on selecting a handgun for concealed carry and personal defense. In the class, you'll learn that you can buy a gun and then find out that you may OWN it but that it is not YOUR gun for defensive purposes.
Too many times we find ourselves with a new student who purchased a hangun just prior to registering and coming to one of our classes only to discover that they made the wrong choice for one or more reasons.
For example, this Springfield Armory XD (left) has a 15-round capacity but it may be too big for concealed carry while their PX Micro-Compact .45 ACP (below) with its 6-round capacity may be the right choice for you depending upon your situation.
Therefore, we are excited to offer students who need assistance in selecting a handgun for personal defense some additional options beyond the how to select a pistol section in the class. Through our strategic partnership with Eagle Enterprises (FFL dealer), students have the opportunity to order handguns. In some cases, the purchase price is below that found at a gun show and you get a brand new handgun that is factory-fresh and in the box.
If you would like assistance in selecting and ordering a handgun for concealed carry and personal defense, please indicate this when you register online or over the phone. You will have an opportunity to speak directly with an experienced and knowledgeable instructor through whom you can order your gun without ANY sales pressure. The big discount stores are great for looking at different models but do you really want to select your defensive handgun over the counter from someone who may know that much about guns?
Your life and/or the lives of your loved ones could one day depend on the decision you make today in selecting a handgun and proper training. Do it right.