A friend asked me what gun they should get.  They are in the market for a pistol, but not 100% sure what they are after or need.

A firearm is a tool and you must first figure out what you intend to do with it.

Firearms are an incredibly emotional and personal decision.  From type of pistol to caliber to manufacturer - everyone has an opinion and a suggestion.  You need to find yours.  You asked for my input so here goes.

Caliber
See the below JPEG for all the Caliber sizes - plenty to chose from.  I will limit it to the about four from small to large.  .22LR, 9mm luger, .40S&W and .45 ACP - in the below pic - #6, #22 , #18 and #29. 

The picture was pulled from the internet - so thank you for whomever created it.

Style of pistol -

• Autostriker - no formal safety - trigger or grip safety only
  
• Double action (1911) - external hammer and safety
• Revolver - fun to shoot but slow to re-load.

Price -
Much like any other tool - you get what you pay for.  Can you spend more than the price ranges below - sure - but I don't know if you need it.  Should you spend less - I wouldn't.  You may not need Snap-On tool - but you don't want Harbor Freight or China Brand 1

Handguns fall into four categories of use:

• Daily Carry
  
• Home defense
• Target shooting / plinking
  
• Toys / screwing around

Daily Carry $400-$600

Reliable, trustworthy, small, light and easy to conceal.  Typically you will hear sub-compact or compact. Barrel sizes are 3"-4".  Pending on caliber you trade round capacity - for a sub company 45 I have 5 rounds + 1 in the chamber.  In 9mm that might be 8 or 9 rounds + 1.  I carry a Springfield XDS in .45ACP.  It is a 3.3" barrel and I can carrying in numerous locations with ease.

• Spring XD(S) - 9mm or 40 S&W - http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd-s-series/
  
• Glock Sub Compacts - Glock 26 (9mm) or 27 (40S&W) - https://us.glock.com/products/model/g27
  
• M&P Shield - http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_780153_-1_757781_757781_image

Home Defense $500-$700

Large capacity, accurate, natural feeling in your hand and something that you want to shoot.  Think safe next to your bed, dresser drawer or somewhere safe yet reachable.  We aren't concerned about hiding it - we are interested in maximum firepower and ammo counts.  For me - a Springfield XD also in .45ACP  ( see a theme?  - one ammo in the house)  It is a 4.5" barrel and holds 14 rounds.
Any full frame -

• Glock 17 (9mm), 22 (40S&W), 21 (45ACP)
  
• Springfield XDM, MOD2 in 4" or 5"
• Sig Sauer, P250 - some don't like the slide release - it has a low profile and can be difficult to release
• Smith and Wesson - M&P Series

Target Shooting / plinking - $300 to $500

Large volume of shooting needs cheaper ammo.  Consider the following prices for 50 round boxes (new ammo, brass casing, decent manufactures):

• 22LR - $4.00 (if you can find it)
  
• 9mm luger - $13-$15
• 40 S&W - $16-$18
• 45ACP - $20-$25
  

So for something to shoot a lot and enjoy - I would go for 22LR or 9mm and a full frame -  cheaper ammo, less recoil and something that you will enjoy shooting and look forward to shooting.
I have my eyes on Walther P22 or PPQ in 22LR - maybe a Ruger SR22

Toys / screwing around  $300 to $$$$$

No real practical application but a hell of a lot of fun to  shoot.
For example - Walther/ IWI replica UZI in .22LR
The Rifle version w/ a fake suppressor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmOTINXt4Xg
Pistol Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a961wW1sc8

Toys - a lot of fun but not practical

Probably a whole lot more than you wanted.

Now what?  Figure out what type of tool you are interested in.  Look at the section and models above.  Go to your local shop and touch/feel. 
Things to look for:

• How does it "feel" in my hand - a gun comfortable in your hands will be one that you shoot a lot.  If it isn't comfortable to shoot then it will sit in the safe.
• Hand fit - can you reach all the buttons - magazine release, slide lock/relase, trigger feel
• Action - can you cock the weapon without standing on it or something else silly
• Appearance - can you picture yourself training/shoot/practicing and most importantly using it.  Again - if it isn't right - it will sit in the safe.

Get a list of 2 or 3 that you think are right for you - then go shooting.  Find a range that rents handguns or a friend that is willing to loan you the firearm.

Look for the following:

• Comfort while shooting
• Accuracy
• Recoil - is it more or less than you anticipated?
• Can you manipulate the button/levers with ease or are you reaching for them - do your fingers naturally find them or is it "I think it should be over here"

Once you shoot them - now you have the real question.  Are you ready for the responsibility of owning a firearm?  Safe keeping, maintenance and training.

There is a lot here - give us a call and we can work thru it with you.

This month's box arrived
​

Received my box from Alpha Outpost the other day.

Not gonna lie it felt light and loosly packed.

Cracked it open
​

A well put together instruction book and checklists

Ball cap - with hidden pocket - should have been a black logo and possibily embroiderded logo.

Slim line belt pouch with velcro closure

Ankle pouch

small multi tool and a rubberized bracelet with a handcuff key

credit card sized tool with a blade, p38 style can opener

Black elastic sleeve for a belt holder
​Compact small folding blade
Black button thingy (Battle Tooth) is for the back of the cap to function as a hardened striking point.
​Mini compass
And lastly the silvery item is the battle beetle a multi purpose striking tool - that can work as a brass knuckle or open your beer.

An interesting box - most I probably won't use but the battle beetle and the tactical pen will find a home.
The tactical pen didn't ship with the box - I emailed the guys over the weekend and The Beard got back me first thing on Monday. Stated that their supplier was late and they would ship the pens as soon as they arrived.

Overall decent box and I'll stick around for another box.