Pistols

Selecting a pistol is very personal choice and the right pistol will vary based on the individual. There are some criteria that go into selecting the right Pistol.

  • Brand

    • Stick with a major and reputable brand

    • Niche brands will be harder to source magazine, parts, holster, etc. so keep that in mind when picking a niche or lesser known brand

    • Examples: Sig Sauer, Glock, Smith&Wesson, Ruger ,Walther, H&K, Springfield, Beretta, etc.

  • Fit

    • The pistol should fit you not you fit yourself to the pistol

    • Proper fit means the pistol is comfortable to grip and all controls are able to be accessed

  • Magazine Cost

    • Magazines can get expensive depending on the pistol so keep that in mind

  • Aftermarket Support

    • Parts, holsters, etc.- Lesser known brands and models will be harder to get parts, magazines, holsters, etc.

  • Price

    • Pistols can range a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Find what works for your budget

  • Caliber

    • Stick with a caliber with widespread civilian, military, law enforcement use

    • Niche calibers will be harder to get ammunition for

    • Caliber can make a great impact on ammunition cost so research ammunition costs as well

  • Optics Ready/Rail Compatibility- If you want to add a red dot or any accessory make sure that the pistol is optics ready and has an accessory rail

Holsters

Holster Requirements

  • Must cover the trigger and trigger guard and render trigger inaccessible while in holster

  • Retain shape

    • Holster must retain shape when the firearm is not in the holster

    • If holster collapses then reholstering will require both hands

    • Holster material will determine whether it retains shape

      • Kydex is the primary holster material for modern holsters

  • High quality durable clips

  • A good holster keeps the pistol in a consistent position for each draw and allows for safe carry by protecting the trigger from being inadvertently pressed

  • Recommended Companies: Tier 1 Concealed, QVO Tactical, T-Rex Arms, Vedder Holsters, PHLster, there are many other great holster companies out there

Magazine Carriers/Pouches

Magazine carriers allow you to store and carry magazines on your person.

Requirements:

  • Orients the magazine in a consistent position to allow for smooth and efficient reloading

  • Retains the magazine during movement and activity

  • Has clips or other attachment method to attach to your belt or pants

Recommendations: Vedder Holsters, Tier 1 Concealed, NeoMag

Gun Belts

Gun Belts are sturdy and more durable than other belts. Carrying a pistol requires a belt capable of handling the extra weight. I prefer belts with a ratcheting mechanism because they allow for greater flexibility and adjustment

Recommendations: Nexbelt, Kore Essentials

Ammunition

Buying quality ammunition is important because subpar ammunition can lead to cycling issues in your pistol and potentially injuries and damage to your pistol.

Requirements:

  • Buy factory new ammunition

    • Buy from a reputable manufacturer

    • Buy from a manufacturer in a NATO country as they have higher quality control

  • Don’t buy reloaded ammunition

  • Research if certain ammunition has feeding issues with your pistol

  • Make sure the ammunition is legal to purchase and possess in your jurisdiction