What to look for in a Self Defence Pistol - by BigT

**SSP** · 30-04-2009, 10:15

Originally Posted by paulatadventures

Originally Posted by Craig

What to look for in a Self Defence Pistol - by BigT

I will happily admit to being heavily influenced by the diameter of the hole in the sharp end.

All other considerations are secondary for me.

So you would take a Liberator over a B92?

**BigT** · 30-04-2009, 10:17

Originally Posted by paulatadventures

Originally Posted by Craig

What to look for in a Self Defence Pistol - by BigT

I will happily admit to being heavily influenced by the diameter of the hole in the sharp end.

All other considerations are secondary for me.

Me I would pick reliability every day of the week. All else is secondary.

**Paul** · 30-04-2009, 10:27

Originally Posted by BigT

Me I would pick reliability every day of the week. All else is secondary.

I don't disagree, but the mere sight of the large diameter hole in the sharp end is a fight-stopper in many, many instances. If that doesn't sufficiently dial down the tensions the first shot probably will, only thereafter does reliability step into the ring.

Man, that's a dog's breakfast of mixed metaphors... ;D

**BigT** · 30-04-2009, 10:32

I have had a few guns pointed at me over the years. The bore diameter had exactly nothing to do with my reaction to any of these. I noticed what guns they were (because I am a bit of a nerd ;D) but didn't notice the bore on one.

**SSP** · 30-04-2009, 10:36

Originally Posted by paulatadventures

Originally Posted by BigT

Me I would pick reliability every day of the week. All else is secondary.

I don't disagree, but the mere sight of the large diameter hole in the sharp end is a fight-stopper in many, many instances.

I don't believe, even for a moment, that the 2 or 3mm difference in boresize would make any difference to an attacker. Its the presence of a firearm in the hands of a determined defender that dissuades.

Do you really mean to suggest that his thought process goes something like this "He's pointing a gun at me!! Oh nevermind it's only a 9mm. Ill keep going then." or "OMG its a .45 i'd better run away otherwise my grandchildren will be born with bullet holes". Nonsense.

**FrankH** · 30-04-2009, 10:39

Originally Posted by SSP

Do you really mean to suggest that his thought process goes something like this "He's pointing a gun at me!! Oh nevermind it's only a 9mm. Ill keep going then." or "OMG its a .45 i'd better run away otherwise my grandchildren will be born with bullet holes". Nonsense.

hpy194 hpy194 hpy194

**Paul** · 30-04-2009, 10:57

Originally Posted by BigT

I have had a few guns pointed at me over the years. The bore diameter had exactly nothing to do with my reaction to any of these. I noticed what guns they were (because I am a bit of a nerd ;D) but didn't notice the bore on one.

Ah, well, maybe it just makes me feel better, then... And isn't that what really counts in terms of the title of the thread? hpy71

**SSP** · 30-04-2009, 11:05

Originally Posted by paulatadventures

Originally Posted by BigT

I have had a few guns pointed at me over the years. The bore diameter had exactly nothing to do with my reaction to any of these. I noticed what guns they were (because I am a bit of a nerd ;D) but didn't notice the bore on one.

Ah, well, maybe it just makes me feel better, then... And isn't that what really counts in terms of the title of the thread? hpy71

Thats different. And fine.

**Craig** · 30-04-2009, 19:08

Originally Posted by SSP

Do you really mean to suggest that his thought process goes something like this "He's pointing a gun at me!! Oh nevermind it's only a 9mm. Ill keep going then." or "OMG its a .45 i'd better run away otherwise my grandchildren will be born with bullet holes". Nonsense.

Post of the year! hpy71

**Gerard** · 15-08-2009, 11:56

I have been told that my view on what makes a good defensive handgun belongs to the age of the dinosaurus but here it is anyway.

1. Reliability. (pistol not revolver)
2. Must have a safety under the thumb on the frame. (Not a heavily advertised device that pretends to be a safety catch)
3. Sufficient caliber.
4. Easy to carry. Light and compact even if capacity suffers a bit.

My wife's 45 is a compact I built from a 1911 with an alloy frame and is slightly smaller than a Star PD. I carry a somewhat modified PD. Both are as reliable as an anvil.