By Mark “Six” James First and foremost, I’d like to say Hucky set me up by asking me to write this article; as I expect a lot of feedback on the topic from my fellow professionals.
When it comes to selecting a firearm; selecting a firearm is like selecting wine, taste is a matter of preference, within reason; as the mission should dictate the tools. However here are a few variables that I feel one should consider.
The major considerations for most people when it comes to selecting a firearm, whether for self-defense or executive protection should be: • Reliability • Simplicity • Accuracy • Caliber
If this is a duty or agency weapon are there specific departmental or agency requirements (i.e. double action only, single action, double/single action, model etc.). How much time do I have to devote to training?
Is the caliber or capacity appropriate for my intended use? Would my personal, department, agencies or clients needs be better satisfied through multiple firearms, as opposed to one size fits all?
Reliability – when it comes to reliability most of the large modern gun makers build reliable handguns. Make sure you select a manufacturer and handgun that is built to be driven hard. It must be able to stand up to the pressure of continuous practice and training.
Simplicity – ease of operation (i.e. trigger, magazine release, slide release, and takedown etc.) should be a major consideration. In the stress free life of the square range every handgun seems fine. However under the stress of a deadly force situation you need a weapon that is simple to operate, and one you feel you can operate effectively under low light conditions.
Accuracy – some people will think about accuracy as number one; but accuracy is a direct byproduct of training and the component you can most impact. Most of today’s large modern gun manufacturer’s handguns shoot pretty reliable groups from any gun vise, so accuracy is not about the gun, but about the operator. Most guns shoot more accurately than you can hold them.
Caliber – I am a firm believer that most people should consider shooting the largest caliber and heaviest load of bullet that they can shoot accurately. Accuracy should always trump caliber size (it doesn’t do you any good to have a large caliber that you can’t control).
For personal or executive protection I am not a fan of any caliber below 9mm (although well placed rounds to the vital areas from a .22, .32 or .380 will typically have a positive ballistic effect on your adversary; however under stress most people will only be half as accurate as they are on their best day at the range).
My first consideration of accuracy is your ability to place the rounds repeatedly center-mass using both hands. Then the ability to place rounds repeatedly center mass with one hand. My recommended calibers are 9 mm and .45 ACP for semi-automatic pistols and .357 and .38 special for revolvers for working guns.
I know there are many other fine calibers available however the above I have found those are the easiest calibers to consistently find ammunition for and typically have the greatest variety in load options.
When it comes to revolver or semi-automatic, in general a revolver’s inherent advantages lie in their simplicity, and ease of operations with minimal potential for malfunctions. Semi-automatic handguns advantages typically lie in their increased ammunition capacity and speed in reloading for most operators.
If you work with a firearm and cannot easily operate both, then you need to ask yourself have you dedicated enough time to your training. Consider testing (many reputable ranges typically offer both revolvers and semi-automatic that you can rent by the hour prior making a purchase) multiple calibers in both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols before making a purchase.
Is concealability (3 inch or shorter barrel) or accuracy (5 inch barrel) more important to you? Most people will typically shoot a longer barrel more accurately than a shorter one. If you can only buy one handgun, most people will probably benefit from a 4 inch barrel as it gives you the best of both worlds.
Also most people will shoot a single action or light double action semi-automatic handgun more accurately than the longer trigger pull of a double action semi-automatic handgun. Just like everything else we do, the mission should dictate the tools to maximize your effectiveness. With that said here are my choices in selecting a firearm for most EP assignments.
They are ranked by alphabetically not by preference. High Capacity Pistols (Double Stack Magazines) • Glock 19 (9 mm, 4.02 inch barrel), Glock 30 (.45 ACP, 3.78 inch barrel) • Ruger SR9 (9 mm, 3.5 inch barrel) • Sig Sauer 229 (9 mm, 3.9 inch barrel) • Smith & Wesson M&P9 (9 mm, 4.25 inch barrel), M&P45 (.45 ACP, 4 inch barrel) • Springfield XD9 (9 mm, 4 inch barrel), XD45 (.45 ACP, 4 inch barrel) Slim Frame Pistols (Single Stack Magazines) • Colt 1911 Commander (.45 ACP, 4.25 inch barrel), Defender (.45 ACP or 9 mm, 3 inch barrel) • Kimber Ultra Carry II (.45 ACP, 3 inch barrel), SIS (.45 ACP, 5 inch barrel) • Sig Sauer 239 (9 mm, 3.6 inch barrel), 220 (.45 ACP, 3.9 inch barrel) • Springfield EMP (9 mm, 3 inch barrel), Operator/TRP (.45 ACP, 5 inch barrel) • Taurus PT 1911 (.45 ACP, 5 inch barrel)
Revolvers • Ruger SP101 (.357, 2.25 inch barrel) • Ruger LCR (.357, 1.87 inch barrel) • Smith and Wesson 649 (.357, 1.87 inch barrel) • Smith and Wesson M&P R8 (.357 or .38 Special, 5 inch barrel) • Taurus 617 (.357, 2 inch barrel)
Material choices generally include titanium, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel. Finishes, primarily for alloys or steel, include matte (non-reflective black), blued (mirror-like blue-black), and nickel plated (shiny silver chrome).
Stainless steel resists rusting, blued steel is extremely durable but will corrode if not cared for, and titanium and aluminum alloy are extremely light, with titanium being the lightest (about two-thirds the weight of steel). Materials and finishes are generally also a matter of preference.
The more details you work, and the more you train, the more you will find limitations for any of the tools you select. Whatever you decide, try to buy it once and avoid buying new cheap gun as opposed to a quality used one, if finances are a concern. In conclusion pick a handgun that is reliable, simple, and accurate and a caliber you can handle.
Make sure that there are a wide variety of accessories made to fit it (i.e. holsters, grips, lights, ammo etc.). Don’t rely on what the police or military are carrying (their choice may have come from the lowest bidder, although generally their choices will be pretty reliable), but rely and what you have tested and fired for yourself and what performed best for you. Work hard, train hard and realize the tool you select may be called upon to save your life or that of your client one day.
Mark “Six” James is the Founder and Executive Director of Panther Protection Services, LLC a full service protection agency which provides security consulting, threat assessment, executive protection, women’s self-defense training, and firearms instruction. He is a seasoned Close Protection Operator/Executive Protection Specialist with over 25 years of firearms, martial arts and dignitary/executive protection experience. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Deepwater Security, a member of the British Bodyguard Association, NRA and International Defensive Pistol Association and Greater Atlanta Defensive Pistol Association. For more information, on Mark and his publications please visit: http://www.pantherprotectionservices.com/Publications.html
