Choosing a Handgun for Personal Protection

The choice to own or carry a firearm for protection is highly personal. It is a decision that could change one's life. Although many people own firearms for hunting, collecting, or collecting dust, more and more people make the choice to have a firearm for self or family defense. Today's discussion will not focus on longguns, although they can be optimum home defense weapons. The shotgun, as well as the rifle, has its place in a personal defense arsenal. However, today's focus is to discuss legally carrying a weapon for protection. Shotguns and rifles are not easily carried or concealed in pubic.

There are plenty of sayings out there pertaining to which weapon to carry. One notable saying, "any caliber is a good caliber as long as it's .40 or above," has been repeated by many in the gun industry. Although larger calibers are highly effective and make large wound channels, they are not the "be all and end all of self defense." In short, the best weapon to carry for self defense is one with which you will practice and carry consistently. For example, a 5'1" in female who weighs 105 lbs. may find that she does not feel comfortable carrying and shooting a large and powerful .40 caliber pistol. The same is true for the 6'4" 250 lb. former football star. He may not be comfortable carrying a diminutive .380 or .22 caliber weapon.

A weapon serves no purpose when it is locked in a case at home or when it is stored in the trunk of a vehicle. It is recommended that one takes the time to learn and comply with the local laws governing concealed carry. Most states require a licensing process to be completed prior to carrying a concealed weapon. Whatever you do, make sure you are legal. Beyond that one should take continuing training or instruction on proper safety, accuracy, threat assessment, situational awareness, and legal ramifications of self defensive actions, whether civil or criminal. Much goes into selecting and preparing to use a weapon for self defense. Make sure you get some help if you choose to arm yourself. Your local gun shop, police department, and supportive services such as KNM Consulting can help make your decision a legal, safe, and effective one.

Please remember that no one has any business carrying a weapon for self defense if they are not 100% sure they can use it and use it effectively, where it performs its job without placing the public at risk. Contact KNM Consulting if you have any questions or if you would like to receive instruction and training to help you protect yourself, with or without a weapon.