Helpful Tip of the Day: 2007-05-27

Friday, June 01, 2007

ARTICLE BY STEPHEN CAMP

A Comparison of 9x18mm Makarov, .380 ACP, and .38 Special (2" barrel)

By Stephen Camp

www.hipowersandhandguns.com

A common topic centers on which is best: 9mm Mak, .380 ACP, or the .38 Snub. Though ballistically in the same general ballpark, each round brings with it certain advantages as well as negatives. Let's take a look at what we might expect from these or similar loads.

9x18mm: Rare in the US until the mass importation of the Makarov pistol, the round is now common among shooters. Its ballistic payload is similar to a top end, maximum effort .380 ACP. One load approaches that of the 9x19mm, but only when the latter is being fired from a short (3") barrel. LVE Brown Bear 115-gr. JHP usually hits between about 1020 ft/sec and 1050 ft/sec depending upon the particular Makarov it's being fired from. Federal 115-gr. JHP from a short 9mm is usually less than 100 ft/sec faster as that load is not optimized for shorter barrels. There are many other loads in which the 9mm uniformly walks away from the Mak's capabilities.

In normal trim, it's generally accepted that the 9x18mm throws a 95-gr. 0.363" diameter bullet about 1050 ft/sec.

Foreign-made 9x18mm ammunition is very inexpensive and allows for considerable shooting. It is much less costly than the ballistically similar .380 ACP and slightly more powerful.

.380 ACP: Dimensionally, this is a scaled down .45 ACP from those round's creator, John M. Browning. Like the Makarov, it is most often fired from blow back semiautomatics though a few pistols so chambered have used the locked breech common to higher-pressure rounds like the 9x19mm.

Typical performance from the "traditional size" .380 ACP like the Walther PPK is a 95-gr. bullet at 950 ft/sec. Add approximately 100 ft/sec for +P 90-gr. bullets from the same size pistols.

Note: The really compact .380's currently available were not used in this report. Velocities generally suffer significantly when fired from barrels less than about 3.25". If you use one of the small .380 ACP pistols, you may need to go to +P rounds to insure that the velocity is enough to actually obtain expansion. Having seen JHP ammo expand very nicely from the Makarov/Bersa/Walther sized .380's and act like ball when fired from some of the really compact .380 pistols, I personally prefer the standard size pistols in this caliber. Others may truly need to go with the smaller, but might want to be sure that their ammunition is capable of expansion. There's no guarantee of it with any of them, but I think we're right on the edge with some loads in the smaller pistols.

Some very nice pistols are offered today in .380 ACP (9x17mm, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz). Ammunition is more costly, but the selection of high performance JHP ammo is more readily available. Such can be had from American makers like Remington, Winchester, Federal, Corbon, and Hornady. Speer offers their excellent Gold Dot in this caliber as well.

All of this will be more expensive than the foreign JHP is available in 9x18mm Makarov. Like I said, there's "good" and "bad" with each of these calibers.

.38 Special (2" barrel): Still popular, the velocity for most bullets fired will be in the same range as either the Makarov round or the .380 ACP. The difference is that the .38 Special will toss slugs of slightly greater weight at these speeds. Expansion is similar to the other two, but penetration is almost always a bit deeper.

There are many JHP loads in various bullet weights readily available in this caliber. None are as inexpensive as the 9x18mm's. With its heavier bullet capability, the .38 snub's recoil goes up significantly for most folks when compared to the .380 or 9mm Makarov.

Actual Velocities: The velocity figures that follow are all based on 10-shot strings of fire. The listed handgun is what the ammo was fired from.

Both the .380 (left) and 9mm Makarov use 95-gr. FMJ in most FMJ loads. There are exceptions, but this seems to be normal for them in their traditional non-expanding loads.

The CZ83 and Makarov were used for velocity information as both have almost the same length barrels.

.380 ACP (CZ-83 w/3.8" bbl): Average Velocity (ft/sec)

Standard Deviation and

Extreme Spreads are listed in ft/sec.

Glaser 70-gr. Safety Slug(Silver) 1299 (ES: 116/SD: 44)

Magtech Guardian Gold +P

85-gr. JHP 1075 (ES: 33/SD: 10)

Federal 90-gr. JHP 1017 (ES: 48, SD: 17)

Federal 90 gr Hydrashok 1036 (ES: 80, SD: 23)

Hornady 90-gr. XTP 933 (ES: 42, SD: 14)

Corbon 90-gr. JHP +P 1083 (ES: 45, SD: 17)

Magtech 95-gr. FMJ 964 (ES: 29, SD: 10)

Remington UMC 95-gr. FMJ 970 (ES: 32, SD: 9)

Remington 102-gr. Golden Saber 928 (ES: 70, SD: 22)

9x18mm Makarov (Makarov w/3.83" bbl):

Barnaul Tiger 95-gr. JHP 1062 (ES: 41, SD: 14)

Barnaul 95-gr. JHP 1051 (ES: 26, SD: 8)

LVE Brown Bear 115-gr. JHP 1018 (ES: 32, SD: 10)

Hornady 95-gr. XTP 979 (ES: 82, SD: 24)

Corbon 95-gr. JHP +P 1121 (ES: 24, SD: 8)

The highest velocity shown for either caliber is from Corbon with their 90-gr. in .380 at 1083 ft/sec compared to their now discontinued 95-gr. Makarov JHP at 1121 ft/sec. 95-gr. .380 loads from Magtech and Remington UMC hit around 970 ft/sec while the Makarov speeds with the same weight bullet hits between 1000 and 1100 ft/sec with the exception of the Hornady XTP. It is clearly in .380 ACP velocity range, but 46 ft/sec faster than the same company's .380 ACP. We can see that the Makarov has a slight edge on the .380 ACP, but it is not a 9x19mm as some folks have claimed.

To prove that, here are some velocity figures from a Glock 26 9mm. It has a 3.46" barrel.

9x19mm from Glock 26:

Corbon 124-gr. XTP 1229(ES: 40 ft/sec)

Glaser 80-gr. Silver Pre-frag 1514 (Not available)

Federal 124-gr. Nyclad HP 1063 (Not available)

Triton 115-gr. Hi Vel JHP +P 1280 (Not available)

Triton 125-gr. Hi Vel JHP +P 1245 (Not available)

Fiocchi 115-gr. FMJ 1180 (ES: 57/SD: 21)

PMP 115-gr. FMJ 1046 (ES: 38/SD: 15)

Winchester USA 115-gr. FMJ 1097 (ES: 87/SD: 40)

Federal 115-gr. JHP 1111 (ES: 34/SD: 13)

Hornady 124-gr. "CQ" Tap (XPT) 1100 (ES: 38/SD: 16)

Winchester RA9TA 127-gr. +P+

JHP 1246 (ES: 33/SD: 13)

Corbon 125-gr. +P JHP (Sierra) 1188 (ES: 43/SD: 17)

Aguila 65-gr. "IQ" HP 1517 (ES: 64/SD: 23)

It is pretty evident that neither the .380 nor the Makarov can compete with the high-pressure 9x19mm. As very compact 9mm pistols now exists, some question the rationale for the Mak and .380 as well as the .38 Special snub. Whether the "wisest" move or not, many folks simply prefer either the caliber or the firearm as sales in both the .380 and .38 remain high and Makarov fans are legion.

.38 Special (S&W Model 642 w/1 7/8" barrel):

Remington 158-gr. +P LSWCHP 800 (ES: 27, SD: 12)

Federal 125-gr. Nyclad HP (Std. Pressure) 836 (ES: 30, SD: 12)

Corbon 115-gr. +P+ JHP 1188 (ES:39,SD: 13)

PMC 125-gr. +P "Starfire" JHP 859 (ES:29, SD: 13)

Though not having the highest velocity with most loads, the short .38 snub throws heavier bullets speeds similar to the .380 and Makarov rounds. With the now-discontinued Corbon +P+ round, the snub actually attained speeds better than some standard pressure 9mm loads from service size pistols.

It is evident that based strictly on ballistic capabilities none of the cartridges mentioned are as potent as 9mm, .40, or .45 ACP and that they normally operate in the range of 800 to 1100 ft/sec with some exceptions.

Penetration & Expansion:

I cannot afford the tariff to use 10% ballistic gelatin nor do I have the capabilities of keeping it at a constant temperature so that tests are repeatable and uniform. While it is the "gold standard" for bullet testing, I use water and wet pack tests. I define "wet pack" as super-saturated newsprint that has soaked 24-hrs and been allowed to drain for 30 minutes before shooting. It does limit penetration compared to gelatin. How much depends upon the velocity range of the bullet. For 9mm bullets in the 1100 to 1300 ft/sec range, multiplying wet pack penetration by 1.52 to 1.54 seems to give about the same penetration depths in gelatin. In the .380/9mm Makarov, multiplying the penetration in wet pack by about 2.3 seems to give ballpark gelatin penetration figures for similar velocities, but lower velocities as out of shorter guns will not be the same. The reason is that some of the bullets have a lower threshold velocity for expanding and if it's not met, they penetrate more. I have not yet had the chance to see how much expansion retards penetration with the really short autos. Expansion is very similar in both media. JHP's fired into water frequently fragment a bit more than in wet pack and shed their jackets much more readily as the water gets between the jacket and the bullet easier.

Penetration depths listed for each load is based on a three-shot average. The "estimated penetration" figures are what I think they'll do in tissue assuming no major bones are hit. Both depths are given in inches.

9mm Makarov Ammunition: Wet Pack Penetration: Estimated Penetration:

Brown Bear 115-gr. JHP 3.8 8.7

Hornady 95-gr. XTP 4.1 9.4

Tiger 95-gr. JHP 3.5 8.0

Corbon 95-gr. JHP +P 3.9 9.0

I do not have .380 penetration figures at this time in wet pack in numbers large enough to "trust," but I suspect strongly that they will be extremely similar to those for the Makarov round as both are so similar ballistically.

In bare 10% gelatin, most .380 JHP's penetrate from about 8 to 10".

Here are three 9x18mm Mak Hornady XTP bullets. The one at the top right was fired into water while the other two were recovered from wet pack. The expanded bullets averaged 0.55 x 0.54 x 0.32" tall and weighed an average of 93 grains, losing 2 grains when expanding.

9x18mm Brown Bear 115-gr. JHP's averaged the greatest expanded well and recovered bullets averaged 113-gr. in weight. Dimensions: 0.61 x 0.60 x 0.36" tall.

It seems reasonable to assume that we can count on roughly this depth of penetration with expanding bullets in either caliber. In .38 Special, when fired from a snub, expanding bullets penetrate from a low of about 9" to roughly 12", depending upon maker and bullet weight. If they don't expand, penetration is significantly greater…as is the case with the .380 and 9x18mm. Some folks prefer to use FMJ in these smaller auto calibers or solid SWC in the .38 snub to achieve what they considered adequate penetration. I'm happy with penetration of 10 to 12 inches with the snub or the other calibers under discussion.

Barnaul Tiger 95-gr. 9x18mm exhibited some fragmentation and penetrated an average of 3.5" in wet pack. Recovered dimensions averaged 0.64 x 0.65 x 0.31" tall. The average recovered bullet weight was 94 grains when the bullet did not fragment.

To me, the .380 and 9mm Mak are lacking in penetration for other than frontal, unobstructed shots with the .38 Special 158-gr. LSWCHP +P being but adequate. For me, that's enough of a reason to go with the revolver over the .380/9mm Mak genre of pistols. I will keep testing and checking and re-evaluating as nothing remains static. I'd like to see Corbon bring out their PowRball in both .380 and 9x18mm Makarov if it can be done with the velocity these rounds can provide. I'd like to see the round increase penetration a bit to say 10 or 12".

Corbon 95-gr. 9x18mm always exhibited expansion and fragmentation. In fact, its recovered bullet diameters were smaller as much of the bullet broke off while passing through the test medium be it water or wet pack. Average recovered weight was 69 grains. Average expanded diameter: 0.49 x 0.53 x 0.34" tall.

Should we find an expanding bullet for either the .380 or the 9x18 that reliably expands and hits in that penetration range, I'd most likely go to it from the .38 snub.

Corbon no longer produces the .38 Special 115-gr. +P+ load shown here. It used a Sierra 115-gr. 9mm JHP and hit velocities of nearly 1200 ft/sec from this Model 642. I do think that this load would cause excessive wear to the revolver and might split the forcing cone. I shoot it but rarely.

This remains my current load of choice in the .38 snub. It's Remington 158-gr. LSWCHP +P. You can see that it meets or exceeds the expanded 9mm Makarov diameters and it penetrates a bit more. Better loads will inevitably be on the way and one might be Speer's 130-gr. Gold Dot +P in this caliber. I've not yet had the opportunity to test it.

In most private citizen lethal force scenarios, the fight is close range and face to face. In such situations where shots can be made to the upper torso without obstructions, any of the calibers under discussion are probably fine. If a little more penetration is required, the .38 Special with the 158-grain expanding bullet wins.

.....................................................................................................................................................................

NEW COMMENT / 5-24-07
AMERICAN SOLDIERS BEHEADED AND TORTURED BY ISLAMIC ANIMALS.
VIEW WITH CAUTION
GO TO www.michaelsavage.com
..................................................................................

MUST SEE VIDEO - GUN CONFISCATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-taU9d26wT4

INTERESTING VIDEOS TO SEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVfwFP_RwTQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Va1TXGSCXk

www.mybenefitsplus.com/jjacobson

www.actionsbyt.com

www.commentsbyt.blogspot.com

www.truthaboutparts.blogspot.com

www.tacticalknives.blogspot.com

www.actionsbyt.typepad.com

www.actionsbyt.wordpress.com

www.tjofsugarland.blogspot.com

www.nicindustries.com

http://www.spw-duf.info/links.html#guns

www.hipowersandhandguns.com

www.mouseguns.com

http://www.sequiam.com/products/

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/index1.html

http://www.shootersolutions.com/teddyjacobson.html

www.crimsontrace.com

http://www.gunsmithforum.com/

www.militec-1.com

http://www.magpul.com/

www.ismi-gunsprings.com

www.wolffgunsprings.com

www.trippresearch.com

www.cdnninvestments.com

www.survivalblog.com

www.lightningarms.com

www.brownells.com

www.ammoman.com

www.mscdirect.com

http://www.midwayusa.com/

www.coldsteel.com

www.davidstahr.com

www.wowtexas.com

www.jtf.org

http://gogumogog.com/

www.kolisrael.com

www.rabbiyess.com

http://yearsofawe.blogspot.com/

www.thetrumpet.com

www.worldnetdaily.com

www.michaelsavage.com

http://www.secretarmies.com/links.html

www.staceydean.org

www.brightguy.com

www.ufowatchdog.com

www.whatreallyhappened.com

www.EliteLED.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

INFORMATIONAL BLOGGER

WELCOME TO THE NO BS ZONE OF TEDDY JACOBSON
...........................................................................................

NEW COMMENT / 5-24-07
AMERICAN SOLDIERS BEHEADED AND TORTURED BY ISLAMIC ANIMALS.
VIEW WITH CAUTION
GO TO www.michaelsavage.com
...............................................................

DISCLAIMER; THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED AND WRITTEN HERE ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWPOINT. IF YOU CAN NOT DEAL WITH THIS TYPE OF BLOGGER PLEASE LEAVE NOW.

INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
For years I have been using and recommending "LPS" products. Their liquid product is excellent with in the aerosol cans, but their dispensing valves are so poor that I have stopped using all LPS products for my own work.

I have been very slow to inform you about this because I was hoping that it was just a bad batch of cans but I can no longer recommend a product that leaks like a water faucet. In todays world of polymer guns I have to be very careful which cleaning product I use to maintain the integrity of the plastic parts and I have no loyalty to LPS, I do have loyalty to you, my readers and my customers.

I have switched all my cleaning products over to the NEW BIRCHWOOD CASEY SYNTHETIC AEROSOL CLEANER WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE MOST ANYWHERE.

This is a first rate cleaner for guns, both metal and polymer and it comes in 2 sizes. I always buy the large size for my work. I have totally given up with the LPS company as they just talk a good game and tell me that they will look into the problem I describe. I CAN NOT WAIT AND NEITHER CAN MY CUSTOMERS.

I am firmly convinced that MILITEC is the very best lubricant for guns of any kind. I have through the years tried everything I could get my hands on but nothing is as good as militec metal conditioner.

The price of Ammunition is getting higher by the day. It is getting harder and harder to find quality ammunition at a decent price. I suggest that when you see something you need and its in stock, do not wait, buy it and tell no one. Try and buy American made ammo as foreign primers are too hard. I would never buy Wolff ammo because of the steel cases that could chip and break an extractor. Its just not worth it in my opinion.

Remember to seal all your primers of your carry ammo, there are many ways to do this but I still like to use a premium red nail polish. I just do one box at a time and I make sure it dries very well.

I will be starting to sell some of my most valuable tools, of course not the originals but I think I will first start selling my 1911 thumb safety installation tool and then I will make some bronze pry bar tools for those that want a great little tool that will not scratch your handgun.

I still will make a few non metallic edged weapons shaped like a credit card for law enforcement only. OR IT WOULD HAVE TO BE SOME ONE I KNOW VERY WELL. I make them different depending on whether you are right or left handed, they of course are non detectible and will cut skin very easily.

There are so many things that I want to write about but my typing is poor at best so I will start writing these informational bloggers at a slower pace than I would like. You must prepare for hard times now as the clock is ticking.

Any questions please email me through my website.

Thankyou,

Teddy

...................................................................................................................

MUST SEE VIDEO - GUN CONFISCATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-taU9d26wT4

INTERESTING VIDEOS TO SEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVfwFP_RwTQ

www.brightguy.com

www.ufowatchdog.com

www.whatreallyhappened.com

www.EliteLED.com

..................................................................................................................................

Actions By T is now selling our custom 1911 tool on Ebay. Here is a link to the auction page...
Actions By T Ebay Auction

....................................................................................................................................

NORTH AMERICAN ARMS

Phydeaux88
Message Board Member
Username: Phydeaux88

Post Number: 625
Registered: 11-2004

Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 07:24 am:

The biggest difference between them is price.

If memory serves me correctly, you can buy 2 Guardians for the price of 1 Seecamp.

....................................................................................................................

COMMENTS BY TEDDY JACOBSON:

YOU CAN BUY 2 (TWO) KEL-TECS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE NAA GUARDIAN.

MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT MY FEELINGS TOWARD NORTH AMERICAN ARMS, I LIKE THEIR MINI REVOLVERS AND THE PERSON THAT WORKS ON THEM AT THE NAA FACTORY IN PROVO, UTAH KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING.

I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO BUY ANY MINI REVOLVER THAT WAYNE MARTIN OF NAA HAS WORKED ON.

ON THE OTHER HAND I PERSONALLY WOULD NOT EVER BUY ONE OF THESE NEWLY REDESIGNED "GUARDIANS" UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE MARKET FOR AT LEAST 2 (TWO) YEARS. THEY CAN NEVER USE ME FOR AN EXPERIMENT AGAIN.

THE ORIGINAL DESIGN IN MY OPINION IS VERY POOR AND THE SPRINGS ARE WORTHLESS. THE BEST THING THE NAA GUARDIAN HAD GOING FOR IT OVER ANY COMPETITION WAS THE TAKE DOWN ASSEMBLY BUT EVEN THAT WAS SUB CONTRACTED OUT AND IT BECAME AN INFERIOR PART.

ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY. THE OWNER OFF NAA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS FOR YEARS. WHY IS HE IN SUCH A PANIC NOW ?? HIS MINI REVOLVERS ARE EXCELLENT AND HE SHOULD IN MY OPINION STAY IN THE MINI REVOLVER BUSINESS AND GET RID OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE STEERED HIM WRONG.

THERE IS NO POINT IN CASTING A FRAME AND BARREL IN ONE PIECE. IF HE WANTED THE BEST CASTING MONEY COULD BUY HE SHOULD HAVE GONE TO THE COMPANY THAT RUGER USES AS THEY ARE THE BEST. BUT WHEN YOU LOOK FOR BARGAINS AND CUT CORNERS, BANKRUPCY IS A REALITY.

THESE COMMENTS THAT ARE WRITTEN ARE MY OPINION AND MY VIEWPOINT ONLY BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE SINCE THE EARLY 1970'S. I HAVE FORGOTTEN MORE THAN THEY KNOW ABOUT INTERNAL ACTION WORK.

...............................................................................................

Sombrerro
Message Board Member
Username: Sombrerro

Post Number: 184
Registered: 10-2003

Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 08:02 pm:

Great thing about this country for me...your a Jew,Mormon,Baptist,Catholic, Agnostic, Buddist, Moonie, Teddy or whatever...if you believe in the second amendment and America...you are my brother.

Try explaining that to Iraq or the rest of those third world Alpha Hotels out there.

It doesn't get any better than we have here.

Lynnkcircle
Message Board Member
Username: Lynnkcircle

Post Number: 230
Registered: 08-2003

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 12:29 pm:

To Sombrerro:

Great post. I think it goes even further than that -- if you are willing to support, defend, and protect the Constitution of the United States of America, you are my brother.

That's true even if you (mis)interpret the Second Amendment the way Rudi and the other New Yawkers do.

And as you noted, that is something the Iraqis simply cannot comprehend.

P.S. I have heard upon good authority that when we first invaded Iraq, the Iraqis were convinced they'd been conquered by the United Nations, not the United States. Why? Because it seemed that no two American soldiers looked alike. There were blonds and blacks, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodians, Mexicans -- you name it -- all dressed as American soldiers. The Iraqis could not envision a nation in which so many different-looking people could live together in peace and work for a common cause.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

ARTICLE BY STEPHEN CAMP

"House" vs. "Carry Guns"

By Stephen Camp

www.hipowersandhandguns.com

A very frequent question centers on what to get for either a house or carry gun as well as choice for the person wanting one for both. With about the same frequency come questions on loads, calibers, and the guns themselves. I already have some articles that hit at my opinions on these topics, but thought that it might be time to focus on these questions in one article as "house" vs. "carry" pretty well covers the handgun self-protection spectrum.

I can only make suggestions, but they are based on personal experience spanning over 30 years. Perhaps they will be useful, perhaps not. I think that it is impossible to speak in absolutes on this topic, and the reason is simple: There is no way that I can know the individual's handgun skill level or their unique lifestyle, home situation, and so forth. Each of us will have to make our own decisions based on our personal perceived needs. I can only offer what I hope is some assistance in this decision-making process.

Let's begin by asking the question, "What do I want my defensive handgun to do?" Initially, this seems silly and an adequate response might be, "Protect me and mine." That's true, but might not a more accurate response be, "My defensive handgun is one that gives me the tool with which to stop unlawful deadly aggression against me and mine with the least number of shots (assuming good hits), and not endanger innocent third parties?" In other words, though we might not get the all-elusive "one-shot stop", neither do we hope to have to expend our handgun's full capacity to deck our opponent. This implies at least a certain minimal power level along with the person being competent in the use of his handgun, probably in compressed time frames and definitely under stress. It also suggests that there must be concern for uninvolved innocents in the area. I would add that the house gun should be of a caliber that can be handled by all potential authorized users. It must also be one that these users can operate…while scared to death. Whether a house or dedicated carry gun, it absolutely must be reliable. I cannot emphasize this point too much; the thing has got to work whether held in a strong man's death grip or an arthritic's less-than-ideal weaker hands.

Notice also that I used the word "tool" instead of weapon. This was for a purpose and to emphasize that the handgun cannot protect you. It gives you the means by which to protect yourself. YOU do it by having both the willingness and competence to properly use the tool. Think of it as the flip side to "Guns don't kill people. People kill people."

So here we go.

Carry Handguns: In addition to the previous caveats, the carry gun shouldn't be too heavy or large for its purpose if it is to be carried on the person. One that's only to be toted in a glove box or console is not quite so limited. In fact, its characteristics might be nearly the same as for the dedicated house gun. Opinions on the "best" handguns seem to range from the tiny little mini-revolvers to handguns of considerable size and weight. Much of this depends upon how serious the would-be user is about defending his or her life. People like myself in low-threat environments are frequently found with smaller, more convenient to carry handguns, but when I worked in high-risk situations (police work), I was always armed with more potent weapons 24/7. The lady carrying a legally concealed handgun on walks around her normally crime-free neighborhood is probably less motivated to carry a larger, harder to conceal handgun of heavy caliber than the jewelry store owner who has been robbed multiple times.

Mr. Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch has said that (defensive) handguns are not meant to be comfortable. Instead he opines that they are meant to be comforting. The jewelry storeowner might not be comforted with only a comfortable-to-carry 5-shot 38 snub where this might be just the thing for the walker. It is true that we simply cannot predict when we might find ourselves in "the dark place." This is where our own perceived threat level comes into play and this brings with it a large percentage of people choosing smaller and easier to carry handguns.

I see this as the so-called mixed blessing. Let me explain why.

Assuming at least minimal handgun competence with lawful concealed carriers, I do believe the saying that an armed society is a polite one…at least more "polite" than a totally neutered one, and more importantly, safer. I suspect believe that if would-be muggers and car-jackers thought that at least one out of two potential victims were armed, they'd either find easier pickings or be damned selective in their victim choices.

At the same time, we shouldn't choose the most "comfortable" gun based on that characteristic alone. I suggest that we need a minimal power level to meet or exceed. For me, that is a snub 38 loaded with my choice in +P ammunition. Others will not be happy with less than a heavier caliber though some will opt for the smaller 380's and even .25's. Opinions on "adequate" and "best" vary greatly and are often the topics of rather heated debates.

The potential carry gun should be one that we can shoot accurately enough to actually hit intended vital areas, not just somewhere in the torso at arm's length or father. Keep in mind that the comfortable-to-carry snub 38 can be one of the more difficult guns to learn to accurately shoot with felt recoil in the lighter ones being a chronic complaint. I believe that they can be adequate defensive arms in competent hands in less than gang-type shootouts. They will almost surely be slower to load compared to the automatic, Mr. Miculek excluded! What I am strongly suggesting is that unless one is willing to dedicate himself to proper practice with the lightweight snub, he might very well be better with a gun that is a bit less comfortable. It may very well be easier to shoot well. The very attributes of the comfortable compact snub are also the very things that make it difficult to shoot. "Lightweight, small and convenient" describes some of its positives. "Heavy recoil, limited ammo capacity, hard to aim and short sight radius" is the other side of the same coin. Other negatives include that the extractor rod will probably be too short to completely extract fired hulls for the unpracticed and these guns normally hold five to six shots compared to roughly twice that in some similar size automatics. Five or six is probably enough against a single or maybe a couple of thugs but not if it takes three shots to even get a hit on just one bad guy…and he opts not to run! Though I am a big fan of the snub 38 and think it makes a decent carry gun, I do not recommend it except for those actually willing to learn its use.

The S&W Model 638 is a representative of the lightweight snub 38. Like the very popular Model 642 it makes a carry gun that is convenient and packs at least "respectable" punch in my opinion. Like others of its kind, felt recoil is sharp and sometimes just too much for some shooters. All-steel versions of the gun or in similar size might make for a bit less convenience but might absorb enough of the recoil due to weight to make it a viable substitute. Whatever is chosen, it does no good if it cannot be shot accurately at speed in the arena of self-protection.

I am not a fan of the super-compact 380's. I prefer them in their more traditional sizes with barrels over 3" to at least keep velocities in the "normal" range. Examples of what I'm referring to are autos like the Bersa Thunder, SIG-Sauer P230 and P232, or Beretta Model 84/85. Some folks opt for these over the snub because of increased shot capacity, reduced felt recoil, flatter profile and being magazine-fed, ease in reloading. I own and enjoy some .380 ACP pistols but the "ballistic payload" is just a bit less than I'm comfortable with. If you are, no problem; learn the gun; know that it's reliable and practice getting accurate quick hits. At the same time, I suggest looking at the similar size 9x19mm pistols. It seems that with the 380 one can have penetration or expansion but not both. FMJ will certainly penetrate, but offers a small wound channel. Some 380 JHP's actually do expand, but have trouble meeting or exceeding 12" penetration in ballistic gelatin as per the FBI protocol. For an unobstructed frontal shot, they may very well be adequate…but many, myself included, believe that they are marginal. IF the only choice is between a snub 38 or 357 that you simply cannot hit with and a 380 that you can, go with the latter. Otherwise, I humbly suggest going with a 9mm or larger in the small automatic.

Though not a small gun, automatics in the size range of this 9mm SIG-Sauer P225 can readily be found. Carrying concealed will require "dressing around the gun" but is not all that hard to do. This one could certainly do for concealed carry on mean streets and protect at home as well. This one is shown in an IWB holster by High Noon. By using a quality gun belt and holster, even larger handguns can be effectively concealed. Most will find such handgun's felt recoil less objectionable by far than the lightweight snub 38.

At the same time we are not well served with a carry gun that is overly powerful for our personal skill levels. Few would argue that an individual who can accurately shoot his or her 380 but cannot a 45 to be better off with the latter. It is for this reason that I personally prefer lightweight compact revolvers in .38 Special rather than .357 Magnum when they're offered in both. In the medium or compact steel frame revolvers, I find the .357 more useful due to less violent recoil than in the lightweights. In other words, what works for me in the S&W Model 442/642 weight is .38 Special +P despite some similar weight revolvers being available in 357. In a heavy but compact Ruger SP101, I opt for mid-range 357's.

Moving up in size, adequate choices increase. We find a myriad of 9mm's and 40's available in easily concealable sizes though these will be belt rather than pocket gun…depending upon the size of the pocket.

Some 45's can be found in nearly as compact of packages, but the selection is smaller.

The carry gun larger than a snub 38 or really compact 380 will in most cases need to be a belt gun and this can entail a bit more selection in clothing as it is simply more difficult to conceal a belt gun than one secreted in a pocket holster. Just how much more difficult depends on a number of factors including the climate, size and even the sex of the carrier. In other words, besides practicing to be competent with the firearm, we also have to consider how to most conveniently cover and carry it. The choice of a quality belt and holster can make it easier to carry a bigger gun than might first be thought. If one opts for and IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster, it will probably be necessary to buy a size or two larger pants.

This Ruger SP101 has a 3 1/16" bbl and is chambered for .357 Magnum. Its all-steel construction increases its weight enough that I find it considerably easier to shoot full-power magnums through than lightweight revolvers of the same general size. The downside is that this one is a bit too long and heavy for pocket carry. However, it makes a very nice belt gun and one that is easy to conceal. For myself, I find the revolver at its best with the mid-range magnum loads with regard to power vs. controllability. If its 5-shot capacity doesn't bother you, this is one that might be able to do double duty, serving as both a carry gun and one for home defense.

The plus side to the less comfortable larger carry handgun is that we usually get increased shot capacity, increased sight radius and probably better sights, increased velocity due to the longer bbl, and less felt recoil. Generally speaking, larger automatics will show themselves more reliable and less "picky" than smaller ones, not a hard and fast rule, but very frequently. If speaking of revolvers, we often get 6 rather than 5 shots, an easier double-action pull and some of the same positives as for the autoloader.

In my opinion, all of these considerations are worthy of serious thought but two people giving equal thought and attention to detail may very well come up with two very different choices in armament…and both may be very right for their individual situations.

House Guns: Though these do not necessarily have to be handguns, the focus here will be on the latter. The need for a compact house gun in most cases would not be as important as for the carry gun in my view. Certainly a hearth and home could be defended with a J-frame 5-shot revolver but why? Unless there is some external reason such as local laws limiting handguns or making their access nearly impossible or financial considerations, it is my belief that the house gun can be of larger size. The larger guns carried by serious folks concealed (1911, Glock 17/19, etc, Hi Power, 3" or 4" K, L, N frame revolvers, etc) could certainly perform both functions admirably.

Though there is definitely a place for the long gun in home defense, this article focuses on the sidearm. The 1911 pattern pistol in .45 ACP continues to serve well as both an effective carry and house gun. Despite the fact that its devotees are legion, does that necessarily mean that it's best for you? The 1911 type handgun is a large but relatively flat pistol and one that can be carried concealed though this can require some thought. No such limitations exist for the house gun. The gun holds 8 or 9 cartridges depending upon magazine capacity and can be reloaded quickly if necessary.

In short, we may have to make some compromises with the carry gun depending on several factors but the concealment factor for the house gun is of lesser importance. By going with a larger and perhaps heavier handgun, you are probably going to find that your ability to shoot the gun well is easier than with a really compact carry gun. Assuming a longer bbl, you will probably wind up with more "power" per shot even if in the same caliber as the smaller carry gun. For example, the 3" and 4" .38 Specials show a very nice increase in velocity with many factory loads, but even assuming that they didn't, their longer sight radius and lessened recoil might very well provide for better hits. A "chest hit" with the snub might translate into a "center chest hit" with Model 10 4" for the same level of skill. Split times between accurate shots might also be significantly reduced, especially with practice.

Larger steel-frame handguns not only reduce felt recoil but in some instances allow the shooter to move up to a more powerful caliber. For example, a fellow might find a super compact .380 ACP or AirWeight J-frame a bit punishing to shoot while he finds a 1911 pattern pistol in .45 ACP to be controllable with practice and more comfortable. With felt recoil being subjective, this decision will have to be made by each of us individually.

Let's say that a shooter has chosen the lightweight J-frame snub 38 for a carry gun. It would make sense that the house gun might be a steel Model 10 or something similar. Even if the Model 10 had the short 2" bbl, the shooter gains an extra shot and will almost certainly find the gun easier to shoot (assuming the same ammunition) than the smaller, lighter AirWeight.

The "extra shot" just mentioned also leads us into thoughts on ammunition capacity. Though I personally use and greatly respect the revolver as a house gun and do think that in most instances six shots are enough, does that mean always; no, probably not. If we experience the proverbial "bump in the night" and simply have to investigate, will we be carrying extra ammo or just our house gun? Will we have time to dress and drop a speedloader or two into our pant or robe pocket? Will we be "satisfied" with our otherwise "comforting" revolver or might we prefer a higher-capacity autoloader? This is something to consider and if the answer is that you just have to have more shots on tap to feel comfortable, the revolver might not be the best choice.

If having more than five or six shots on tap per loading is a vital part of your house gun parameters, the 9mm seems a popular choice. Offering from 10 to 17 (or more) shots per loading depending upon the gun, these pistols are usually mild on recoil and much research has been done in bullet design for this caliber. The Browning Mk III above is shown with a magazine containing 13 rounds of Corbon's excellent DPX ammo.

The person carrying a compact automatic such as the Glock 26 might find the larger Glock 17 or 19 a preferable house gun, while maintaining unity in the same manual of arms. Please note that the above examples are merely that and no more. In other words, I am not trying to recommend a specific handgun, just offering food for thought that might be of some use for the individual contemplating these matters.

Like many others I prefer "dark" guns to "shiny" ones but my "always gun" is a shiny one. It's a Model 642. In my state, summers are very hot and despite a horsehide pocket holster, my previous blue carry snub would frequently show the beginnings of surface rust, despite being cleaned the day before. It might be a wise thing to give some thought to the finish that you believe might be best suited to your situation rather than the one you prefer esthetically. For the house gun, I see the choice between "traditional blue" and other more corrosion-resistant finishes as less of an issue with but one caveat. If the gun is being stored in a bathroom, I'd go with stainless steel or some other rust-resistant finish as the bathroom will frequently be a humid environment.

I'd like to touch on the "power" issue once more. It is my opinion that while "placement is power", we need at least a certain level of "power" in order for the defensive bullet to both expand and penetrate adequately. I favor at least .38 Special +P and 9mm up for this task. Often, the (wise) suggestion to use "the biggest caliber that you can handle" is given. How do we know what the biggest is? How do we wisely answer this question before coughing up hard-earned dollars for what might be the wrong choice? Couple that with the wide-held belief that no handgun caliber commonly associated with self-protection is really all that "powerful" and the choice is made more difficult. The prospective buyer of a self-defense handgun wants a gun he can handle but also wants "stopping power", which is usually associated with heavier or harder recoiling cartridges.

Here is a suggestion. If at all possible shoot handguns in the calibers and models you are interested in before purchasing. Perhaps a friend can help out in this regard. Models don't have to be the exact model you might be wanting but something in that class of handgun. For example, let's say that you have decided that an S&W Model 638 is just the thing, but shooting a friend's Model 642 proves that at your present skill level, you cannot handle it. This should let you know that the similar size and weight Model 638 isn't going to be any better. Other examples can be made, but I think you get the idea.

I also suggest shooting the considered handgun with not only both hands, but with just the strong and weak hands as well. Though few of us can shoot quite as quickly and accurately using but one hand, this does not mean that we might not be called upon to do it in a life-and-death situation. I believe that this applies to not only the house gun but the carry gun as well. It is written nowhere that when push comes to hard shove we will have the use of both hands. I would go with nothing more powerful than what I could effectively handle with my weak hand. If you try this and the caliber of choice is just too much, it might be time to look at a less potent one. If going below this power level is simply unacceptable, practice and learn to handle the gun or load that you have more faith in.

In closing, I again suggest nothing less potent than 38 Special +P for the revolver and 9mm and up in the automatic. Within this range is a myriad of handguns in varying size and weight. Pick what works for you or that you are definitely willing to learn to handle. Hopefully, you'll get it right the first time, but don't be surprised if you don't. It might take a couple of times at the gun shop and firing range before it happens. Though I have yet to find the all-elusive "perfect" handgun, I have found more than a few that seem nearly so to me. When you find what is best for you, go with it. It doesn't matter if it's the latest design or just a good time-proven older one. Go with a reliable arm whatever your choice turns out to be. Don't be goaded into getting a "magnum" if you truly do better with a hot 38. Don't get rid of the 9mm you can hit with for a 10mm or 45 that seems just too much. (If the 10mm or 45 works for you, go for it.)

This 4" S&W Model 10 is chambered for .38 Special and is much easier to shoot than its snub-nosed brethren due to its increased size, weight and sight radius. As I've suggested in another article, for many this sort of firearm might just be the "best" for those not especially well-versed in defensive use of the handgun. From the 3" or 4" barrel, its ballistic delivery can be effective and most folks find these firearms relatively easy to use. I would not be afraid to use this revolver in a serious situation. The gun has also been offered in stainless steel for those wanting more resistance to the elements.

The selection of the defensive carry or house gun is one that requires some thought. Most of us will never use either but if we do, our decision could very well mean the difference between telling what happened to responding officers or being represented by a chalk diagram to homicide investigators.

Seasoned shooters will have made their choices, but sometimes the selection of defensive armament can be a little unnerving to newer people deciding to take responsibility for their personal safety and that of their loved ones.

We want it to be right. I cannot "tell" anyone what's best for them but hope that this piece might add in their making sound decisions in this vital area of concern.

...............................................................................................................

MUST SEE VIDEO - GUN CONFISCATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-taU9d26wT4

INTERESTING VIDEOS TO SEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVfwFP_RwTQ