Well my two cents are to go down to range and rent a few guns first. See what you like.
But after some study this is what made my conclusion. The 40 Cal is becoming the caliber of choice among Law Enforcement (LE). Not quite the controllabilty of a 9mm but better stoping power. The 40 Cal is good compramise of the 45. 45 Cals usually can carry less ammo are hard to control but will stop someone with one shot. There are many many documented situations where a subject was shot multiple times got off one round and killed the cop because the subject was shot using a 9mm.
But I agree with many here when they say a shorten shotgun is the way to go. The boom alone is good enough to scare some one out of your home and you will not have to worry about over-penetration if you live in a townhome or have childern in the next room. The are slightly unweildly but in a CQB situation that would be my choice. Also state laws are more relaxed on that kind of weapon usually.
If you are training a wife to shoot. Maybe you need a 9mm. My girl has shot the nine with decent reliabilty. She couldn’t handle my 40 very well.
My picks…
9mm
Beratta 92F – Fun to shoot and a bit more accurate than others in its class. Good weapon if the woman is shooting it. Easy to operate and good safeties.
40 Cal
Sig Sauer P226 – My favorite and also the one in my night stand. Lot of cops carry this one. And a special version for our boys on the silver strand (Navy SEALs) carry this one. No safety so be damn sure you know what you are doing with this one.
I am not a fan of the Glock. It is a good weapon but the finger action on the trigger is too spongy and I dont like its pull. Also I do not like the safety on the trigger. I like to feel only one thing on my finger tip. Also I have seen them jam to easy if you “limp wristed”. Meaning if you don’t hold the weapon properly and absorb some of the engery when firing the bolt will not come all the way back and will hang on the next round being fed. This is a shooter flaw that can not always be avoided. Especially if in CQB.
I like the HKs too. But any austrian or german made gun comes with a price tag!
My sig has only jam’ed on me twice and I have fired 2500 rounds through it at least.
“To Hell and back reliablity” is thier motto and my pick.
Just get down to a range and rent. You will form your own educated opinions from that.
CE
P.S. Make sure to get a nickel plated one if you like to look “gansta”! 😛
