Police, military, and vigilant citizens must choose the gun objectively and carefully, which will answer their needs. The decision to choose this pistol can be difficult, as there are many types, and none can be considered a perfect pistol, caliber, and bullet. The most important consideration is to choose a gun that makes you feel comfortable shooting, not a gun that you think you will need. Your comfort when holding and firing a gun is far more important than the "right" caliber or bullet.
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Method 1 of 4: Understanding Pistol Basics
Step 1. Consider your basic self-defense needs
Pistols are usually used exclusively for self-defense. So you need to consider why you need the gun and imagine where you'll be taking it. Do you plan to carry the gun with you at all times, or leave it at home? Do you want something that will stop people and prevent crime, or do you want something to put an end to this brutal act of evil?
- These decisions will make an important difference in the size, shape and type of gun you choose.
- Think carefully about whether or not you will be able to pull the trigger on another human being. It might seem like a good idea to draw a gun to scare off a criminal, but often this only escalates the situation, and makes it worse, especially if you can't fire it.
Step 2. Determine the right shooting range before buying
You should first find out how comfortable you can aim a gun before buying it. Hold the gun empty and close your eyes and point it in a safe direction, with your finger next to the trigger (not directly above it). Aim at a stationary target. Open your eyes - the object you are looking at should be exactly where you want it to be. At a distance of 4.5 meters, your position should be no more than a few cm from the center of the target.
- If your position is too low, try a lighter gun. If it's too high, try a heavier gun.
- If the gun is pointing up or down, this can be overcome with practice. For example, almost everyone who has never used a Glock pistol before naturally aims a fairly high point of fire (15-25 cm) from a distance of 4.5 meters. However, with practice, you will soon be able to overcome this.
- Try different variations of the gun if possible. Use a gun that feels good in your hand when you shoot, otherwise the "more accurate" model you think may not be as effective.
Step 3. Choose a bigger gun for longer range and better accuracy
The larger guns are more accurate than the smaller ones due to their position in the hand, better load sharing (in the cladding on the springs), and longer barrel visibility. However, larger guns are also more difficult to hide and carry. The weight may also make this gun difficult to use and deflect for some.
- Such pistols are often referred to as "combat pistols" or "duty-pistols".
- Most people have more success with a normal-sized pistol, as the recoil and fuse usually provide more comfort when shooting.
- The 1911, Glock 17 or 22, and Beretta M9 pistols are all examples of popular war pistols.
Step 4. Choose a smaller gun if you need to carry one
Smaller guns are easier to hide and lighter to carry, but less powerful and accurate. However, because of their smaller size, usually this kind of gun is easier to aim, especially for small people.
- Handguns that were easy to carry and conceal were usually 11-15 cm long, and were light and small.
- These pistols were commonly referred to/sold under the terms "compact", "snubnose" (short-snouted), or "conceal-carry".
- The Glock 26 or 27, the Kahr PM9, and the Colt Mustang XSP, are conceal-carry pistols.
Step 5. Be aware that caliber space is as important as caliber size when you are going to choose a gun
The caliber of the bullet you fire does not change in a perpendicular ratio to the size of the gun. Each caliber has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should find one that meets your needs, rather than just choosing the highest caliber you can find. Beginners should choose a smaller caliber.
- Smaller caliber means lower recoil, so the shots you'll make are faster and more accurate, but usually lack power and power. For beginners, try the 0.38 ACP caliber bullet, which is usually found in smaller pistols.
- Larger calibers are more powerful, but also harder to fire consecutively. Try the.45 ACP, 0.4 S&W, or.357 Magnum caliber for a revolver.
Step 6. Recognize that revolvers are generally considered to be more powerful and simpler than semiautomatic pistols
Revolvers are easy to set up, aim, and fire, and have been a popular choice for decades. Revolvers are also usually easier to clean and maintain than most other semiautomatic pistols. Comfort when holding and shooting should be your main consideration when getting a gun.
Method 2 of 4: Buying the Right Type of Caliber
Step 1. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bullet
Most people who study bullet tactics and ballistics conclude that round bullets are weaker, and that proper placement of bullets is more useful for stopping a fight than the bullet itself. However, round caliber also has its advantages, and knowing the type of caliber you want will help you make the most of your purchase.
- Penetration (penetration) is very important. If a bullet does not penetrate deep enough, vital organs and the nervous system are more difficult to damage. In the late '90s, the FBI conducted an extensive study, which suggested that a bullet should penetrate at least 40 cm. This distance ensures that the bullet can enter the body at a less than optimal angle, so that it still has enough energy to reach vital organs or the spine.
- Permanent cavity (permanent cavity) is the "space" created in the fleshy target, i.e. in the event that most of the bullet's energy manages to destroy the target's tissue. The larger this permanent cavity, the greater the chance of a vital organ or central nervous system being destroyed.
- Recoil (recoil) is something that is usually not talked about when it comes to bullet ballistics, as this topic is very subjective and specific to each weapon. Low recoil allows you to shoot more quickly and accurately. Everyone will have their own sense of recoil, and each gun will respond to the user in a different way.
- Bullet energy (bullet energy) is an exaggerated feature of a caliber. Bullet energy in pistols is usually very low. "Knock down power" (guns that can instantly knock down opponents) is just a myth that is generated in Hollywood movie scenes. In fact, people who were shot with 0.22LR caliber pistols in their vital areas fell down because they assumed that getting shot was the same as falling, and possibly dying.
Step 2. Understand the most common pistol cartridge calibers
There are a variety of different calibers out there, and trying to understand what to buy without a basic primer can be overwhelming:
- The 9mm Parabellum is the most common pistol caliber. Its relatively low recoil allows you to shoot quickly and more accurately. Its magazine capacity is also much larger than the larger caliber. They are cheap and easy to buy, making them an attractive choice for intensive training. In addition, there are highly effective high-pressure bullets (+P rated), which defend themselves very well (make sure your gun is +P rated before you use it).
- The ACP 0.45 caliber uses a heavier and wider bullet than the 9mm, at a slightly lower speed. This caliber is suitable for use with silencers because its standard bullet size (230 grain) produces a subsonic sound in almost every shot. The permanent cavity caused by 0.45 JHP is approximately 40% larger than 9mm JHP. The recoil is deeper than the recoil in a 9mm pistol, and the magazine capacity is much less. Most law enforcement usually say (in open-gun warfare situations), that if you can't hit them in the first three bullets, you won't hit them at all. So, large capacity magazines don't really matter.
- The S&W 0.4 is also another common caliber measure, with performance characteristics that fall between the Para 9mm and the ACP 0.45. This pistol is also a standard with law enforcement agencies and elsewhere. One of the advantages is the flattened caliber of the nose, which creates a larger cavity and transfers energy more quickly, creating a permanent cavity.
- The Special.38, Magnum.357, and Magnum 0.44 cartridges are common cartridges for revolvers. The SIG 357 (9mm bullet in the bottom case is 0.4 caliber) and the Auto 10mm are also good caliber due to their autoload nature.
- The 5.7x28mm caliber pistol is designed to damage Class III body armor, with a sufficient number of shots. Its armor-clad bullets couldn't be bought by just anyone, but the advantage was that the recoil was extremely low, so the rate of fire would definitely be high.
Step 3. Ignore the "knock-down power" issue when you're looking for a gun
This is a myth. Newton's law reads, "for every action, there is an opposite but equal reaction". This means, if a bullet is strong enough to knock down your opponent, the shooter will also fall. As such, no one type of bullet is guaranteed to knock a person out better than any other bullet; the only problem is who you shoot, where you shoot, and whether the person thinks he should fall or not when he gets shot. The placement of the shot is much more important than the size or power of the bullet.
Method 3 of 4: Choosing the Right Bullet
Step 1. Use Jacketed hollow-point (JHP) bullets to defend yourself
JHP is a self-defense bullet that is considered the best, almost all over the world. Other variations of designs, such as the EFMJ Federal and Cor-Bon DPX bullets, were also found to be effective. The advantage is that, due to its non-sharp shape, when the bullet breaks, the resulting permanent and temporary cavities are larger. However, due to the faster energy transfer, the penetration ability is also reduced.
Soft-tip JHP is a description for all types of JHP with a filler in the hole (may be made of polymer or other hard material). This allows the bullet to penetrate some solid objects or pass through thin/soft objects (such as clothing or flesh) for a while, before the bullet opens and penetrates deeper. There are many alternative names for these bullets, such as ballistic-tip or V-Max. This bullet is quite considered the most useful bullet. This bullet will easily penetrate thick clothing, while retaining its ability to shatter on soft targets
Step 2. Try solid FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullets to penetrate the target more deeply
Solid FMJ bullets have no trouble transferring their energy, and are known for being able to penetrate armor while still piercing deep enough into the flesh to reach vital organs. The resulting permanent cavity is smaller (compared to JHP), but FMJ also has its advantages. FMJ is often used for shooting practice.
- The Federal Hydra-shok is a bullet that looks like a standard JHP bullet from various angles, but inside its front cavity is a "spear" shape. This ensures the bullet can open while still penetrating some objects. When this bullet was first made, it was very popular, but later JHP designs were upgraded to compete with it.
- Reverse-tapered hollow point is a unique type of bullet. The diameter of the hole in the bullet gets bigger as the hole gets deeper in the bullet. This design provides the ability to penetrate through hard objects, without opening the bullet. When the bullet finally opens, the bullet will break into several pieces, which are still held together by a jacketing bonding system.
Step 3. Consider the weight of the bullet
In general, lighter bullets will be faster than heavier bullets, so lighter bullets fired at shorter distances (less than 91 m) will have a more even trajectory. The main problem with light bullets is that they lose energy, even if they come into contact with a soft target. Very light bullets can even prove to be stopped by very thick clothes.
- The lightweight 9mm bullet is rated at 100 grain. The heavy bullets measure 147 grains (though 124/125 grain sizes are more common).
- The light 0.4 bullet measures 135 grains, while the heavy one is 180 grains.
- The lightweight 0.45 bullet measures 165 grain. However, a 230 grain bullet will probably be better for any use if you use a 0.45 caliber; You can even buy heavier bullets, such as the 250 grain ones.
Step 4. Be aware that gunpowder (load) can change the ballistics of a bullet as well as the comfort of the gun
It's recommended that you use regular rounds for most pistol types, but some, like the Glock and H&K, have the capability to fire hot loads. Most H&K pistols have a two-stage recoil spring, with fabric recoil and vibration recoil for the internal components. This allows H&K to fire +P (hot powder load) and +P+ (very hot powder load) without any problems. Other pistols may need spring replacement or other changes. Hotter gunpowder also provides more energy and speed and effectiveness, as the bullet will fire more powerfully with extra energy (so it's less likely to miss).
Step 5. Avoid shooting with bullets that you intend to use for self-defense, as these can be quite expensive
You'll need to fire most of the "special" bullets to make sure it's effective. Some types of pistols are not compatible with certain forms of JHP bullets. For general practice, you can use the FMJ to be more economical, but consider using bullets of the same weight, and, if possible, the same load size (Standard, +P, etc). This is because the fast firing cycle can change drastically at different bullet weights and loads.
Method 4 of 4: Buying Gun Accessories
Step 1. Purchase night sights for any duty or disguised weapons that you plan to use at night
Thus, the user can see the target in situations with little or no light. Night sights are not suitable for use at dusk or early morning, when there is not enough light to illuminate the white rings, and it is too bright to see tritium. At times like this, you will find it difficult to align your vision. However, in darker conditions (when most shooting is happening), night sights will make your vision very clear.
Step 2. Consider purchasing a tactical mount light
Tactical mount lights will not only light up an entire room, but can blind criminals if you use them on them. The problem is, these lights will weigh heavily on the gun, and possibly throw you off balance. Some people also argue that the other side will easily target you (though in fact, you can prove it yourself by looking at the light for a few seconds - you may know where the shot is going, but you won't be able to see what you're shooting). Cheaper lamps will almost certainly break down soon. For duty purposes or if you want to hide weapons, don't use lights. However, if you need to defend yourself, lights can help identify your target before you act.
A separate flashlight can usually also work like this pair of lights
Step 3. Consider modifying the trigger so that you can fire the bullet faster
This is often done by easing the pull of the trigger, or shortening the distance. This is fine for practice shooting or matches, but if your trigger is lighter than 1.3 kg, your safety will be compromised (especially if you carry your gun around a lot). This change should only be made if the trigger of the gun is very long or heavy.
Step 4. Consider adding rubber to the handles for a more comfortable feel
For people with very large hands, this is a must so that you can grip the gun firmly. However, there is a problem. The rubber band can move, so your accuracy may be reduced, and you'll need to reposition it frequently. Most tactical pistols have cavities and slits so you can keep them in your hands with sweaty hands; the rubber will make a gun like this slippery when you sweat. You'll also need to take care of it often, as sweat and dust will build up under the rubber layer, so you'll need to remove the rubber and wash it thoroughly.
Tips
- Make sure you take care of the gun properly and regularly.
- Fast shooting isn't everything. It is the fast, controlled shots that really work. Unless you are within arm's reach of your target, you need to be able to balance speed and accuracy.
- Next thing to learn: learn how to use a gun better, and make sure you practice.
- The right gun is the one that works for you. Even if other people don't like it, the best gun you can use is your own.
Warning
- A gun can cause serious injury or even death. Make sure you always aim the gun at a safe destination, and don't aim at something you don't want to shoot. This is VERY possible. Make sure you are always alert and focused on the task you want to complete.
- All training sessions must be conducted at the shooting range in compliance with all safety regulations, or in a legal/private location, with an unloaded pistol (or you can replace the cartridge with a snap-cap).
- All firearms should only be fired in a safe and legal location. Understand state and territory laws regarding the use and transfer of firearms, and comply with them. Laws often differ from one area to another.
- Make sure you know the shortest distance of the bullet. Bullets can fly for miles, or they can bounce off and head in unexpected directions.
- Pistols aren't usually the best weapon of choice when you're in a gunfight. Long-barreled rifles and shotguns are much more destructive than handguns. Pistols are best used for targets located at 0-9 m, shotguns for targets at 1.8-45 m, while long-barreled rifles for targets at 3.6-900 m.
- Safety first! Firearms can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Use a pistol or other firearm only if you are an experienced shooter, or are supervised by another very experienced shooter.
