Some thoughts on a self-defense gun.

wolfpack65 · 12-24-2015, 03:19 AM

Thanks for the informal test/review.

I had not thought of something like that, but an idea I may try when I get back out to the range.
I typically carry either my XDS .45 or the HK45 and have never thought about accuracy in a stressful situation.
I figured with a .45, that first shot or 2 might be all it takes to stop someone or get them off/away from me.

I also am limited - I don't have much other than .45 in 1911s and a few striker fired pistols, and a couple 9mm for competitions.
I do have a SW 686+ and a Ruger SP101.

I have shot the .40 but don't have a pistol in that caliber.
I found this caliber to be, if you will, more snappier than the .45.
Plus I really don't want any more calibers...

44s Rock · 12-24-2015, 06:44 AM

The FBI has returned to the 9mm due to the development of new and better ammo, shooting ease, (followup shots) capacity and ofcourse cost.

http://www.policemag.com/channel/wea...mmunition.aspx

http://www.grandviewoutdoors.com/gun...-pistol-round/

http://concealednation.org/2014/10/f...heir-decision/

north country gal · 12-24-2015, 07:04 AM

You're very welcome, Wolfie. I think there really is a shortage of actual tests like this performed by women and with a woman's perspective. Watching videos of Jerry Miculek or Hickok45 shooting 45 autos like they were 22s can be very misleading for us gals.

Like you, the recoil on the 45 auto doesn't bother me in the least. For me, it's keeping the gun on target for reasonably quick and, especially, accurate follow up shots. One thing my little test showed is that I really need a LOT of practice in rapid fire or, at least, moderate fire and from self-defense positions. Not too bright fof me to shoot my carry 45 autos like they were bullseye shooting guns.

Also, like you, I've always just assumed that in an actual self-defense situation, it would be over in one or two shots, but after doing some research, I'm having doubts. Just too many cases that involved more shots, multiple assailants and so on.

Anyway, looks like I have a lot of work to do.

north country gal · 12-24-2015, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44s Rock

The FBI has returned to the 9mm due to the development of new and better ammo, shooting ease, (followup shots) capacity and ofcourse cost.

http://www.policemag.com/channel/wea...mmunition.aspx

http://www.grandviewoutdoors.com/gun...-pistol-round/

http://concealednation.org/2014/10/f...heir-decision/

Good point, 44. I don't think attackers really care what cartridge you are using anyway.

bearcatter · 12-24-2015, 07:30 AM

I'm happy with my LCR-357. I load it with .38 Spl. Hornady 125 gr XTP. It's rated between standard and +P on velocity and energy, so I don't lose as much with the short barrel, and it still gives reasonable expansion. Federal's 130 gr. FMJ seems to give me the same POI for cheaper range practice.

The LCR's stainless frame adds weight to help muzzle flip, plus the gun is stronger and more durable. Less harm if I ever have a split case or factory overload.

I like a revolver, just point and squeeze, higher probability of it going BANG.

303Lithgow · 12-24-2015, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by north country gal

Thanks, again, Mac.

Looked at some Sigs at a local shop, today, and liked what I saw. The gun I really liked, though, was a Colt Defender in 9mm. It's a 1911, after all, and it holds 8 in the mag.

303, the type of rapid fire I did with my Ruger was something I learned from the cowboy action crowd. It's not fanning. I was surprised at how well it works, especially for accuracy. I can shoot as fast as going DA in a DA revolver, but since there is no long DA pull, I get less sight disruption and better accuracy.

Tell us more about how you did it. I have a set of pistols with a modified hammer that lets me roll my thumb across it to cock it.

303Lithgow · 12-24-2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tx gun runner

303....... Fanning not permit in SASS or CAS matches . In the video there is 4 ways to shoot a SA in a match . In the video watch the thumb you will see it slides off the side and don't pull the hammer straight back . That is super important and note his little finger is under the grip to keep the gun from rocking back and keeping the sights on target . I shoot normally Gunfighter which is the last way he shows you . A gun in both hands . I hope this help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSRJHlbJwr4

Thanks. I'm going to watch it several times. I liked his video on lever actions too.

north country gal · 12-24-2015, 08:36 AM

Oh, I love revolvers, too. Have always liked carrying J frame Smiths in 38+P, but recently switched over to my smaller 1911s for a bad guy gun, mostly for the accuracy advantage, thanks to the excellent 1911 trigger setup. Not as light a gun as a J frame or LCR, of course, but still light enough for comfy carry. My follow up shooting speed and accuracy with the little J frame, shooting in DA, was not the greatest, either. Very light gun to shoot, of course. Not fast with the 1911 Compact, either, but I am definitely more accurate for all shots, compared to shooting a revolver in DA. For me, that's a huge advantage. Can't speak for other guns, but have never had any reliability issues with any of the 1911s I carry for protection as in zero malfunctions with any type of ammo. Just not an issue.

tx gun runner · 12-24-2015, 03:40 PM

The video is good if you shoot a SA with 2 hands .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtPnRRxuOuc

303Lithgow · 12-24-2015, 03:46 PM

Great video TGR.

2blackdogs · 12-24-2015, 05:54 PM

NCG, why don't you get the Springfield Compact 1911 in 9mm? I never shoot .45 since it's just too much for me and too expensive. But I do have a Springfield 1911 Range Officer in 9mm and it's great.

12-24-2015, 07:30 AM	#25
bearcatter Senior Member Joined: Aug 2015 From: Virginia Posts: 3,858	I'm happy with my LCR-357. I load it with .38 Spl. Hornady 125 gr XTP. It's rated between standard and +P on velocity and energy, so I don't lose as much with the short barrel, and it still gives reasonable expansion. Federal's 130 gr. FMJ seems to give me the same POI for cheaper range practice. The LCR's stainless frame adds weight to help muzzle flip, plus the gun is stronger and more durable. Less harm if I ever have a split case or factory overload. I like a revolver, just point and squeeze, higher probability of it going BANG. Last edited by bearcatter; 12-24-2015 at 07:33 AM.

12-24-2015, 08:36 AM	#28
north country gal Senior Member Joined: Jan 2013 From: northern wisconsin Posts: 5,997	Oh, I love revolvers, too. Have always liked carrying J frame Smiths in 38+P, but recently switched over to my smaller 1911s for a bad guy gun, mostly for the accuracy advantage, thanks to the excellent 1911 trigger setup. Not as light a gun as a J frame or LCR, of course, but still light enough for comfy carry. My follow up shooting speed and accuracy with the little J frame, shooting in DA, was not the greatest, either. Very light gun to shoot, of course. Not fast with the 1911 Compact, either, but I am definitely more accurate for all shots, compared to shooting a revolver in DA. For me, that's a huge advantage. Can't speak for other guns, but have never had any reliability issues with any of the 1911s I carry for protection as in zero malfunctions with any type of ammo. Just not an issue. Last edited by north country gal; 12-24-2015 at 09:08 AM.

12-24-2015, 05:54 PM	#31
2blackdogs Junior Member Joined: Nov 2013 From: New Berlin, WI Posts: 11	Why not try 9mm? NCG, why don't you get the Springfield Compact 1911 in 9mm? I never shoot .45 since it's just too much for me and too expensive. But I do have a Springfield 1911 Range Officer in 9mm and it's great.

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12-24-2015, 03:19 AM	#21
wolfpack65 Senior Member Joined: Jan 2014 From: Central NC Posts: 348	Thanks for the informal test/review. I had not thought of something like that, but an idea I may try when I get back out to the range. I typically carry either my XDS .45 or the HK45 and have never thought about accuracy in a stressful situation. I figured with a .45, that first shot or 2 might be all it takes to stop someone or get them off/away from me. I also am limited - I don't have much other than .45 in 1911s and a few striker fired pistols, and a couple 9mm for competitions. I do have a SW 686+ and a Ruger SP101. I have shot the .40 but don't have a pistol in that caliber. I found this caliber to be, if you will, more snappier than the .45. Plus I really don't want any more calibers...

12-24-2015, 06:44 AM	#22
44s Rock Senior Member Joined: Jan 2009 From: Far Western WA. Posts: 10,824	The FBI has returned to the 9mm due to the development of new and better ammo, shooting ease, (followup shots) capacity and ofcourse cost. http://www.policemag.com/channel/wea...mmunition.aspx http://www.grandviewoutdoors.com/gun...-pistol-round/ http://concealednation.org/2014/10/f...heir-decision/

12-24-2015, 07:04 AM	#23
north country gal Senior Member Joined: Jan 2013 From: northern wisconsin Posts: 5,997	You're very welcome, Wolfie. I think there really is a shortage of actual tests like this performed by women and with a woman's perspective. Watching videos of Jerry Miculek or Hickok45 shooting 45 autos like they were 22s can be very misleading for us gals. Like you, the recoil on the 45 auto doesn't bother me in the least. For me, it's keeping the gun on target for reasonably quick and, especially, accurate follow up shots. One thing my little test showed is that I really need a LOT of practice in rapid fire or, at least, moderate fire and from self-defense positions. Not too bright fof me to shoot my carry 45 autos like they were bullseye shooting guns. Also, like you, I've always just assumed that in an actual self-defense situation, it would be over in one or two shots, but after doing some research, I'm having doubts. Just too many cases that involved more shots, multiple assailants and so on. Anyway, looks like I have a lot of work to do.

12-24-2015, 03:40 PM	#29
tx gun runner Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008 From: Ft Hood , Tx area Posts: 11,626	The video is good if you shoot a SA with 2 hands . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtPnRRxuOuc

12-24-2015, 03:46 PM	#30
303Lithgow Senior Member Joined: Jan 2012 From: Washington State Posts: 16,373	Great video TGR.