Handgun Recommendations

Firearms Instruction Research and Education

Handgun Recommendations

Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions and are not to be construed as an official endorsement by the F.I.R.E. Institute of any particular brand or model. --Tony

Regarding the semi-auto pistol, there are several design features deemed desirable in a handgun that will be used for self defense. Reliability is paramount but another very important consideration is a consistent trigger press, an example of which is the Browning designed 1911 Government model. However, several handguns of more recent vintage that are of striker fired design also possess consistent triggers and are exemplified by the Glock, the Springfield Armory XD and the Smith & Wesson M&P. These all exhibit a consistent trigger press with each shot fired and are models with which I have some personal experience.

In contrast is the DA / SA (double action / single action) autoloading design where the first trigger press is both long and heavy. Two common examples are the SIG P226 and the Beretta 92FS. The trigger press on the first shot is long and heavy due to the fact that stroking the trigger also cocks the hammer. Thereafter, each subsequent trigger press is single action and much shorter and lighter. There is nothing inherently wrong with a DA / SA autoloader. It is however beyond argument that mastering that first long and heavy trigger press involves a much steeper learning curve.

If you happen to own a DA / SA or DAO (double action only) autoloader this brief overview is not intended to discourage you from using it in class or to persuade you to trade it in on another design. In fact we encourage you to use it in this course where you will be afforded an opportunity to try the other designs and can then decide for yourself the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Note: Handguns with compensators and recoil reduction ports are to be avoided. They deflect gases and resulting muzzle flash upward and this can degrade your vision acclimatizing to low light conditions. The deflection of gases upward also creates safety considerations when shooting from the Retention position.

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"Having a gun and thinking you are armed is like having a piano and thinking you are a musician"
------ Col. Jeff Cooper (U.S.M.C. Ret.)

This course is sponsored by the Firearms Instruction Research & Education (FIRE) Institute,
a Penna. nonprofit corporation.
Training is provided as a public service.
All students must be 18 years or older. Proof of no criminal history is required.