Among the many choices in selecting the right gun, the process may seem very intimidating to a first-time buyer. Popular in this category are Beretta 92fs, SIG Sauer P226, Glock 17, 1911, and S&W .357 revolvers. Each of these firearms has unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs.
Experts say a firearm should feel good in the hand, natural, and well-balanced. What sets the major difference between any two firearms, says one expert: “All will have different grip angles, thicknesses, controls, and triggers.” In other words, what should set the tone in your priorities is personal comfort and ease of use.
That is, both revolvers and Glocks are simple; they lack manual safeties, whereas the Glocks simply have a trigger safety. Meanwhile, the 1911 has a safety engaged by moving it down; the Beretta’s safety is engaged by moving it up. One of the favorites, though, of so many, the SIG Sauer P226, is revered for not having a manual safety, making its deployment very fast in crucial situations.
For those planning to make a steady diet out of .357 ammunition, one may consider owning an S&W 686 or 586. But if you are only going to load more lightly, then the S&W 19 or 66 could do the trick. Also not to be left are Ruger models including the SP, GP, Security Six, and Redhawk.
As for cost-effectiveness in shooting, 9mm and .38 Special are at the bottom of the price list. “The last RWS .38 Special I got was $13 a box,” says an enthusiast, stressing the very low price of shooting these calibers.
Preppers should seriously consider a .357 revolver with a 4-inch barrel. This versatile firearm can shoot both .357 and .38 Special ammunition, making it amenable for novices and effective for self-defense. A .223-chambered semi-auto rifle, for example, is an AR-15, which is a great combo of effectiveness, capacity, and usability in urban or suburban situations. Simple and effective at very close range is a break-action 12-gauge shotgun.
The SIG Sauer P226 is most likely one of the engineered and well-thought-out pieces of hand-gun perfection. From its inception, sharing the same DNA as the rest of the P229 series, the gun was initially designed for the German military before finally finding adaption for U.S. military tests during the 1980s. While the Beretta 92FS was chosen and became famous within the U.S. military, the P226 found favor with many Navy SEALs and police departments. Being free from manual safety, it permits fast deployment, with robust safety to guarantee a weapon is reliable.
Ergonomically designed, the P226 is a favorite of shooters with larger hands and has been acclaimed for its performance in competition shooting. However, a small number of users have told us that there is too much overtravel in the trigger and that the reset is long. Again, some found that the slide stop was slightly out of reach.
So, whether you are a first-time buyer or a prepared prepper, these need to be considered very carefully depending on personal preference and need. Find a model that feels the most comfortable and natural in your hand. The refinements are such highly personalized features that any firearm is bound to have and that you will find based on your requirements.