An Introduction to Handguns and their Caliber
There are five main classifications to do with handguns. Single-shot pistols, multi-barrel pistols, semi-automatic, automatic and revolvers. Each subclass contains different variations of calibers, recoil and rates of fire. Different handguns have other distinct cycle operation/chamber construction.
When purchasing the first handgun, you will need to establish a valid reason for doing so, whether for personal protection, home defense or target shooting. This can be an overwhelming task due to the large variety of guns on the market. Understanding the advantages to the selection of firearms available can help make this decision much more manageable.
Caliber is the measurement of the diameter of a bullet, eg. .45ACP has a diameter of 0.451. Choosing the correct caliber for you based on your needs is an important decision when selecting a handgun.
Features such as your stature and skill level can impact your suitability for individual models of guns. Within this article, you can find summaries of handguns and caliber types.
380 ACP
(Automatic Colt Pistol) are mainly used within everyday carry. Their small frame and weight allow for comfortable handling. This is an advantage for any new shooter or smaller individual. The .380ACPs have minimal recoil. This will enable them to be ideal for concealed carry in comparison to 9mm.
9mm
The Glock G19 and Sig P226 are common 9mm pistols. The positives of 9mm pistols are that they are relatively concealable. They generally contain a higher magazine count (approximately fifteen rounds) with quick reload times. Finally, the main advantage of 9mm pistols is that they are the most common pistol in the world. This means there are a wide variety of customizations available.
.38 Special
The 38 Special remains one of the most popular revolver ammunition types in the world. Modern revolvers are considered semi-automatic. Within most revolvers, a pull of the trigger will advance the cylinder to a new cartridge. This action pulls the revolver's hammer back and releases it to strike the firing pin of the ammunition.
Overall Evaluation
Choosing the best-suited handgun caliber for you will be significantly impacted by your needs. The recoil of a .380 ACP is much less than 9mm. Therefore, this caliber would be more suitable for new shooters or smaller statured individuals. The capacity you require will affect your decision between selecting a revolver (approximately seven rounds) or a 9mm (about fifteen rounds). The model impacts the weight of the gun. When choosing a handgun, you will need to decide if choosing a smaller wight is more suitable for everyday carry. Many models within the .380 ACP weigh very little, meaning they are easier to carry. Finally, the concealability of the gun will determine your decision. The majority of handguns can be quickly holstered and concealed with little effort.
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