re: What's the best handgun for self defense?

Start with a checklist of what you want/don't want.

1) Caliber? 9mm, 40sw, 45acp.
2) Price? (This will go a long way in determining your options.)
3) Polymer / Steel and Striker / Hammer
4) Capacity (this will also rule out certain types)
5) Ergonomics (this will definitely rule out several types)


If I were going in cold turkey, not knowing anything about anything...I would gravitate toward the Springfield XDm pistols. You get a lot of "extras" with the pistol. Easy assembly / disassemble pistol. Easy controls. Enough safeties to be comfortable having it loaded w/o accidental discharge (Glock). Not too many safeties to have a brain freeze and not be able to make it shoot (1911).

I have owned Numerous Glocks and knight for them pretty hard on the board just to let people know that there are other options other than a 1911. I doubt I would buy one now due to other companies building better mousetraps so to speak. I still steadfastly contend that they are one of if not the most reliable platform on the market...but almost all the polymers will spit 10,000 rounds these days.