Handguns

Your Expert Guide to Buying Handguns: Types, Calibers, and Ideal Uses

Are you looking to buy your first handgun for personal protection, or are you a seasoned shooter exploring new options for competition or concealed carry? Understanding the various types of handguns, their calibers, and their specific benefits is crucial for making the right choice. This comprehensive guide from DEGuns will help you navigate the world of pistols and revolvers to find the perfect fit for your needs.

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Choosing the Right Handgun: Semi-Autos, Revolvers, and More

Handguns come in diverse configurations, each with distinct advantages. DEGuns, one of the largest online gun stores, offers a vast selection tailored to every shooter.

Semi-Automatic Pistols: High Capacity & Rapid Fire

What is a semi-automatic pistol? Often called semi-autos or autos, these are incredibly popular handguns that fire one bullet with each pull of the trigger. They automatically eject the spent casing and load a new round from a removable magazine.

Why choose a semi-automatic pistol?

• Rapid Fire Capability: Allows for quick follow-up shots.
• Larger Ammunition Capacity: Detachable magazines typically hold more rounds than a revolver cylinder.
• Ease of Reloading: Swapping a magazine is often faster than reloading a revolver.
• Diverse Action Types: Available in various trigger actions (e.g., striker-fired, DA/SA) to suit user preference.
• Versatile Applications: Excellent for self-defense, competition shooting, law enforcement, and recreational use.

DEGuns stocks an extensive collection of semi-automatic pistols, ensuring you can find the perfect model from leading brands.

Revolvers: Unparalleled Reliability & Simplicity

What makes a revolver unique? Revolvers are characterized by their distinctive rotating cylinder, which houses the ammunition. Each trigger pull rotates the cylinder, aligning a fresh cartridge with the barrel.

Why choose a revolver?

• Exceptional Reliability: Known for simple operation and consistent firing even in adverse conditions.
• Simple Operation: Fewer moving parts mean less complexity, making them suitable for beginners.
• No Magazines: Rounds are directly loaded into the cylinder, eliminating concerns about magazine compatibility or malfunctions.
• Less Susceptible to Jamming: Their robust design makes them very resistant to feeding or extraction issues.
• Popular for Concealed Carry & Backup: Their reliability and straightforward nature make them a trusted choice for personal protection.

DEGuns offers a variety of revolvers, from classic designs to modern innovations, to match diverse preferences.

Single Shot Pistols: Precision for Target and Hunt

When would you use a single-shot pistol? As their name suggests, these handguns fire only one round before requiring manual reloading. They are specialized firearms prized for their accuracy.

Why choose a single-shot pistol?

• Exceptional Accuracy: Often feature a fixed barrel design that contributes to outstanding precision.
• Ideal for Precision: Perfect for target shooting and hunting, especially when every shot counts and maximum accuracy is desired.
• Simplicity and Ease of Maintenance: Fewer components translate to straightforward care.
• Wide Caliber Availability: Typically available in a broad range of calibers, including powerful options suitable for hunting.

For those who prioritize precision, DEGuns provides options for single-shot pistols.

Hammer Action Pistols: Versatility in Trigger Control

What is a hammer action pistol? These pistols feature an external hammer that strikes the firing pin to ignite the primer and fire the cartridge. They come in both single-action (SA) and double-action/single-action (DA/SA) variants.

Why choose a hammer action pistol?

• Versatility: Offers options like the crisp, light pull of a single-action or the heavier, safer initial pull of a double-action.
• Enhanced Single-Action Accuracy: The single-action trigger pull is often lauded for its precision, benefiting target shooters.
• Durability and Reliability: Many designs have a long-standing reputation for robust construction.
• Wide Variety: Available in diverse designs, sizes, and calibers to suit personal preferences.

Explore DEGuns' comprehensive inventory for a wide selection of hammer action pistols.

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Understanding Handgun Calibers: Power, Recoil, and Purpose

What does handgun caliber mean? Caliber refers to the internal diameter of a handgun's barrel, measured in inches or millimeters. Your choice of caliber significantly impacts a handgun's performance, recoil, and effectiveness for various applications. DEGuns offers a broad range of calibers to help you select the best one for your needs.

Popular Handgun Calibers

• 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum):
  • Benefits: Globally popular, offers moderate recoil for faster follow-up shots, ample ammunition availability, adequate stopping power for self-defense, and suits both compact and full-sized handguns.
  • Ideal For: General purpose, self-defense, training, and competition. DEGuns stocks a wide selection of 9mm handguns.
• .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol):
  • Benefits: Known for larger, heavier bullets that deliver impressive stopping power and energy transfer. Effective for self-defense and close-quarters combat. Manageable recoil with proper technique. Iconic round with historical significance, especially with 1911 models.
  • Ideal For: Self-defense, tactical applications, and enthusiasts of classic firearms. DEGuns offers a variety of .45 ACP handguns, including classic 1911s.
• .380 ACP (9x17mm Short):
  • Benefits: Smaller and milder recoil, making it suitable for shooters with less experience. Ideal for compact and lightweight handguns, often found in pocket-sized pistols perfect for concealed carry.
  • Ideal For: Deep concealment, discreet personal protection, and new shooters seeking manageable recoil. DEGuns provides options for those seeking .380 ACP firearms.
• .38 Special:
  • Benefits: A classic revolver caliber known for its versatility. Suitable for concealed carry and self-defense, offering lower recoil in longer-barreled revolvers. Ammunition is widely available.
  • Ideal For: Revolver enthusiasts, concealed carry, and those seeking a reliable self-defense round with manageable recoil. DEGuns offers a variety of .38 Special revolvers.
• .22 LR (Long Rifle):
  • Benefits: Minimal recoil, making it excellent for beginners, plinking, and cost-effective practice. Low noise, suitable for indoor ranges. Wide availability in various firearms, including handguns.
  • Ideal For: Training, recreational shooting, plinking, and introducing new shooters to firearms due to its gentle nature. DEGuns stocks a range of .22 LR handguns.

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Choosing the Right Handgun for Your Specific Needs

What handgun is best for self-defense? What should I look for in a handgun for concealed carry? Your primary purpose for owning a handgun should guide your selection.

• Self-Defense:
  • Concealability: Consider compact or subcompact handguns if concealed carry is a priority.
  • Recoil Management: Choose a caliber and handgun size you can control effectively for accurate follow-up shots under stress.
  • Capacity: Semi-autos generally offer higher round capacity, which can be a critical factor.
  • Reliability: Prioritize models with a proven track record of dependable operation.

  DEGuns' knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the ideal self-defense firearm.

• Recreational Shooting and Competition:
  • Accuracy: Focus on models known for inherent precision.
  • Ergonomics: A comfortable grip and natural point of aim are crucial for extended shooting sessions.
  • Customization Options: Look for platforms that allow for aftermarket triggers, sights, and other enhancements.

  DEGuns offers a range of handguns optimized specifically for competition shooting.

• Home Defense:
  • Size: A larger, full-sized
  • handgun or a compact semi-auto can be suitable, depending on your home's layout and personal preference.
  • Power: Consider calibers with proven stopping power like 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP.

  DEGuns can help you choose the right firearm for this critical purpose, balancing power and maneuverability.

• Concealed Carry:
  • Balance: Handguns for concealed carry must strike a balance between size, weight, and firepower.
  • Comfort: The ability to comfortably carry the firearm for extended periods is paramount.

  DEGuns offers a diverse selection of concealed carry options, helping you find the perfect balance for your lifestyle and needs.

In the world of handguns, diversity is key to meeting individual preferences. DEGuns provides extensive choices in handgun types (semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, single-shot, hammer action) and calibers. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a beginner, DEGuns offers the resources, expertise, and inventory to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your handgun perfectly meets your needs and shooting preferences.