Josh Montgomery: Top Elements to Consider When Looking for a Good Pistol.
So, it’s your first time buying a gun, but you
don’t know what to look for and you feel overwhelmed. That’s normal, but
choosing a handgun is actually not that hard if you consider some key factors.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration, each of them contributing
to the functionality of the gun itself, as well as how you will use it.
Guns are not toys, and this means that you can’t
just easily pick one and start playing with it. They need to be carefully
chosen and handled, so safety is ensured. So, if you don’t know what to look
for in a good pistol, here are some tips to
help you throughout the choosing process.
Quality
Quality is one of the most important aspects when
choosing any type of item. You want something that works properly and doesn’t
pose any type of danger.
When it comes to handguns, the price rule could
apply, depending on the model. That being said, it’s a case of “you get what
you pay for”. If you buy a very cheap one, you might end up having issues with
it later on, which is not something to
long for. After all, it’s an object that’s meant to offer you protection, not
cause you trouble. Also, why spend money on an unreliable firearm that doesn’t
help you feel safe when you could spend
more and end up with a high-quality one?
Generally, a good quality gun is around $500. If
you think that a gun would make you feel much safer in your household, then you
should really consider spending money wisely. Trying to protect your life with
something cheap that barely works may only end badly on your behalf.
Purpose
This aspect should be self-explanatory, as you
must have a good reason for purchasing a handgun in the first place. Is it for
self-defense, or because you want shooting to become a hobby? Regardless of
your answer, this could help you choose the right type of gun only based on
what you want to use it for. Therefore, make sure you have a clear picture of
it in your head.
Smooth Trigger
The trigger of the gun is really important,
mostly because it needs to offer you control and accuracy when you shoot.
Having said that, it’s relevant to have a trigger that’s smooth enough to make
you feel in control.
Therefore, a smooth trigger can only help you
shoot better in case of an emergency, not being in your way or making you feel
unsure.
Caliber
Each gun has a certain caliber, and it all comes
down to what you’ll be using the gun for. As such, don’t expect a handgun to
have the same caliber a hunting gun would have. For instance, if you only want
a handgun that fits your pocket and will be used for safety only, you will look
for a .380. Conversely, if you want something to accompany you when hunting,
you should look for something bigger, like a .45ACP caliber gun. As you can
see, it all comes down to the purpose of the weapon.
Thumb Safety
Safety is an important factor when you’re looking
for such a dangerous item, which is why you shouldn’t overlook the thumb safety
either. It may feel way more comfortable to have a handgun with a mutual thumb safety as opposed to a trigger
one. This all depends on the person, though, so it’s not a rule.
Therefore, regardless of the features that your weapon comes with, you
should always remember to pay attention to
the safety features. It contributes to the way you use the gun while reassuring you that you and those
nearby will be safe in any situation.
Grip Size
The grip is one of the most important factors too because you can’t just go with the first
handgun you set your eyes on. It needs to have a grip of the perfect size, so you can operate it properly.
The only way to choose the perfect grip is when
you actually pick up the pistol. It would be hard to know
any other way. It’s one of those things that you are only able to discover once
you experience them.
Basically, if the gun fits in your hand just
right, then the grip is perfect. You should also know that there are handguns
with replaceable backstraps and grips, thus allowing you to somehow adjust the
grip. If you happen to have larger hands, it might be harder dealing with
smaller weapons, as you will have a more difficult time finding one that fits.
New or Second-Hand?
Would you rather buy a new gun, or save some
money by buying a used one? This comes down to your
personal decision, but it also depends on your buying habits and overall
budget. There may be problems with it too, such as possibly buying a gun that
doesn’t perform very well. For that reason, you should always take a good look
at the seller, price and the gun itself before buying.
Cleaning Ability
A pistol needs some cleaning every now and then,
so you shouldn’t overlook this fact. It is important to choose a model that
will be relatively easy to clean. You will also need a cleaning kit and some
supplies that go along with your weapon. So, if you want it to function
properly for a long time, you need to make sure it’s clean too.
Final Thoughts
Don’t go out there and purchase a gun like it’s a
child’s toy. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration,
some of which were described above. Make sure you take a good look at any
pistol before you buy and see if it could
serve you for the right purpose before you spend your cash.
As such, whether you will choose a sub 1K pistol or not, you will be
able to know if it’s the one that works the best for you.
