Selecting a Pistol for Self-defense
If you want to know what the best pistol for self-defense is, then it stands to reason you should seek the advice of those that shoot self-defense handguns the most. I ran across this article entitled “Women’s Favorite Handgun Brands in 2024” which was a fascinating look at almost 1,000 ladies who regularly train for self-defense. The results were interesting, but not shocking. The brands listed, with a exception of one or two, mimic what we see on our ranges in serious high round count self-defense classes. The article also inspired me to develop my own list of the best handguns for self-defense.
This list is based on reliability, the availability of aftermarket gear, and price. So without further delay, here is my list of 10 best handguns based on what we see on the line.
Top 5 in Reliability
Number 1 – Glock. No surprise here. Glock has the reputation of being the most reliable platform for self-defense handguns. They are boringly similar across all models and can feel blocky in the hand, but they represent the majority of the handguns we see in high round count classes. If you can get around the looks and find one that feels good in your hand, you can rest assured you have reliable option to protect yourself and your family. A word of caution though. If you feel the urge to modify your Glock with springs, triggers or slides you risk giving up function for form. While Glock is usually very reliable, we see more issues with modified Glocks than any other brand. If you are a Glock guy or girl, my suggestion to you is learn to accept and shoot a stock Glock for what it is and avoid the urge to modify it.
Number 2 – S&W M&P Series – If you are utterly opposed to Glock, the next best option, in terms of reliability, is Smith & Wesson. The M&P series regularly represent the 2nd most gun on the line in our classes. The S&W M&P line up is also broader than Glock and they all have very good reliability record.
Number 3 – Sig Sauer – The release of the P320 was a game changer for Sig. The polymer striker fired pistol was specifically designed to compete with Glock and S&W. There were a couple of hiccups along the way with both the 320 and the 365, but those bugs have been worked out and Sig represents an increasing number of guns on the line in our classes. The Sig lineup seems to be the new “not Glock” guns and they are turning out some very interesting configurations.
Number 4 – H&K – Heckler and Koch have been producing reliable handguns for a long time. They tend to have a somewhat cult following and are more prevalent in certain areas of the country. If there is any downside to H&K it is simply the fewer number of options when it comes to holster and aftermarket accessories like sights, but I would not hesitate to carry a H&K for self-defense.
Number 5 – Tie between Walther & Springfield – As indicated by the article link above, it is easy to see that Walther has marketed it’s handguns towards Women. My issue with Walther has been their consistent changes to platforms. Just when you think Walther has a winner, they discontinue a platform and introduce a new one. Springfield has a similar problem. Sales for their imported XD models were originally seen as “not a Glock” option and I have heard horror stories from other instructors on how unreliable the XD and XDS models are, but later renditions including the XDM and Hellcat seem to have less issues. I have a good bit of time behind the sights of the XD Mod 2, XDS and XDM and have not had any issues but the consistent issues reported by other instructors is pause for concern.
Top Five on Cost
While I don’t advocate selecting a life saving device on price, I do realize that most Americans will include price when they are trying to decided on purchasing a handgun.
Number One – Ruger – With the introduction of the LCP, LC9, and LCR Ruger became a major player in the concealed carry market. While high sales number insured the availability of aftermarket options, these models have had questionable reliability. The Ruger American was a great step forward, but it was soon replaced by the cheaper Security and Max9 models. Overall, Ruger makes some amazing firearms, but their self-defense handguns typically lag in quality when compared to their long guns.
Number 2 – Taurus – Taurus has been a bargain brand that wanted to live on the bleeding edge. Those two factors have led to poor reliability and quality in the past. There have been a few models that worked well, but they were soon replaced with new models and the vicious cycle continued. Lately, Taurus has made a concerted effort to improve reliability and some of there newer models are getting better reviews, but I would be hesitant to holster a Taurus without significant rounds through it to prove its worth.
Number 3 – Canik – Canik burst onto the scene about 15 years ago. Like the Springfield XD before it, Canik was the new bargain “not a Glock” option. I first started seeing them in matches and they seemed to have a good reliability record, but I have not seen them in large numbers in classes. Canik initially overcame the accessory hurdle by shipping their guns with holsters and extra magazines, which makes them more expensive than the others bargain brands.
Number 4 – PSA – Since about 2010, Palmetto State Armory has been know for bargain AR options. Recently they introduced the Dagger series which is basically a Glock clone. The pistols seem well built, but I have yet to see them in any matches or in classes. At their price point, they may be worth trying, assuming you thoroughly test it for reliability.
Number 5 – All The Rest – This group includes all models with an MSRP under $250.00. The most notable brands are going to be Hi Point and SCCY. To me, these represent “security blankets” and last ditch options for self-defense. They may work well as a psychological stop against unmotivated bad guys and may actually fire off the required rounds to stop a determined attacker. However, if you can muster a few extra bucks can find an option that you will actually be able to practice with on a regular basis.
The old saying “any gun is better than no gun” is true, but if you are serious about protecting yourself and your family, reliability should be a top consideration. The good news is we live in the golden age of handguns with tons of reliable options and models that most everyone can afford. If you do your research you can find a used Glock or S&W for slightly more than the bargain brands.
