Why do we carry guns?

I'm just an individual. I have no military or law enforcement background. However, I feel personally responsible for my own security so I choose to carry a firearm. I've had a license to carry a handgun for the past 27 years, and carry every day. I also take the responsibility seriously so I train with regularity.

Every single person that elects to carry a firearm should analyze the responsibility and repercussions of the decision.

Threat Analysis

After electing to carry a gun for self defense develop a detailed (preferably written) list of potential threats.

For example, you may be the person that has to make the "night cash delivery" for your business to an after hours repository. The pattern is something a criminal could observe and therefore place you at risk.

Threat Mitigation

After writing out a list of the threats you perceive start developing strategies to AVOID the risk instead of "fighting".

Using my "night deposit" example, instead of making the deposit at the same time to the same financial institution vary the times and branches. By breaking "the pattern" lazy criminals will look for an easier target.

Threat Avoidance

My plan is to avoid trouble. If there is a problematic area ... drive around it. If there is a store that has been robbed repeatedly ... shop some place else.

More importantly, walk softly knowing the consequences of carrying your "big stick". By this I mean, don't allow carrying a firearm to imbue you with overly assertive confidence. It would be much better to diffuse a hostile situation by: walking away, running away, backing down rather than shooting the idiot (regardless of how much he deserves to be shot).


What guns do we carry and why did we select that (or those) model(s)?

Select a gun that fits your perceived threats, will stop the hostile attack with as few rounds as possible, is as accurate as you can afford, and is 100% reliable.

Caliber Selection

Nobody should consider anything less powerful than a 380ACP.

Realistic and commonly available self defense cartridges include: 9MM, 40SW, 45ACP, and 10MM. Note I didn't list revolver cartridges because revolvers are terrible choices compared to the easier to shoot / carry semi-autos available today.

DO NOT BELIEVE reports that "bullet technology" has made 9MM as effective as 40SW and/or 45ACP. This is complete and utter BS. If a 115gr / .355" / 1100fps 9MM with Majic Boolit #1 is good then a 180gr / .40 / 1100fps 40SW with the same Majic Boolit #1 is better. PERIOD. Take a 9MM, 40SW, and 45ACP to the range and shoot falling plates with each. Note the energy transfer difference. That same energy transfer applies to flesh. The people who are claiming new bullet technology has made 9MM equal to 40SW and 45ACP have an agenda. They're the same type of people that told us we needed to pass the largest new tax law (Affordable Care Act) so we could read it and figure out what we passed. Many knowledge people involved in the procurement process for large agencies and governmental bodies have stated publicly that often RFP (requests for proposals) are written to elicit a specific predetermined outcome. Simply stated ... they wanted 9MM because it is cheaper / easier to use so they validated it by claiming bullet technology makes it equal to other calibers .... against all known physics (remember ... I have a background in physical mathematics / structural engineering).

Magazine Capacity

The more the better. However, I personally feel the chances of a civilian needing more than 3-4 rounds in peace time is an exceedingly uncommon situation. Regardless, I wouldn't carry a gun that held less than 7+1 with a pair of 7rd reloads. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Accuracy

My opinion is accuracy for a carry gun is paramount. The chances of being forced to use the gun around other innocent bystanders exists. Therefore, being able to place as few rounds (see CALIBER SELECTION ) precisely on target will prevent innocent people from being injured by you. This, in turn, will keep you out of prison and bankruptcy (not to mention it'll also give you a clear conscience).

My personal accuracy testing standard follows:

+ 10 rounds
+ Free Standing / Unsupported
+ Primary Hand with Support Hand On Gun
+ Slow Rapid Fire

All 10 rounds need to be in or touching a 2" circle. I drew and printed my own targets for this exercise.

My Choices

Based upon my stated views above (caliber selection, minimum magazine capacity, and accuracy standards) I usually carry a 5" steel frame 45ACP 1911 with 2" at 25 yard accuracy capabilities. I also carry a HK45C (modern version of the 1911 Commander) on occasion. With practice I can keep all nine rounds from the HK45C in a single cluster at 10 yards / standing / unsupported.

Civilian vs Combat

The 1911 would NOT be my choice if the world ended and I had to "fight it out". I probably wouldn't select a 45ACP for combat applications but if I were going to select a 45ACP for "combat" there is only one I would trust: HK45 or HK45C. Personally, in a "combat" scenario I'd chose a very high capacity 9MM like a Glock 19 with Glock 17 mags for reloads.