Before I begin, I have to mention my biases.
First, I believe that
everyone has the right to self-protection (even convicted felons)
Second, the most effective weapon for self-protection is a firearm.
Third, a handgun (revolver or pistol) is the easiest type of firearm to carry for self-protection
Lastly, a M1911A1-style handgun in .45 ACP is the BEST handgun for self-protection ; - )
Now that I have stirred some sh*t, let's begin.
Pistols and revolvers are collectively known as handguns, and handguns
come in three different actions. They are single-action (SA),
double-action (DA), and double-action only (DAO)
A single-action handgun's hammer must be pulled back, cocking the
weapon, before the handgun is able to shoot. On a double-action handgun
the trigger needs to be squeezed, to cock the weapon, for it to shoot,
additionally; a double-action can also be cocked by pulling back the
hammer, just like a SA handgun. A double-action only handgun can only
fire by pulling the trigger thus cocking the hammer.
Revolvers
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Taurus 669
by
Philippe Kurlapski |
Revolvers are a good choice for the prepper because they require little
equipment and minimal training to be effective, especially the
double-action or the double-action only revolver.
The only equipment, a revolver will need, is a
holster and
a cleaning kit. The holster can be made from nylon, leather, or another
material like Kydex; it just needs to fit the revolver.
Some nice to have equipment, for a revolver, are speed loaders, speed
strips, or 1/2 moon/moon clips; these allow the revolver to be loaded
faster. Speed strips hold 6 rounds, but a speed strip only allows
inserting two round at a time, into the cylinder. Moon clips are
circular; they hold 6 rounds (3 rounds for a 1/2 moon clip), by clipping
the round to the moon clip. Needless to say, a prepper, once the spent
cartridges are ejected, can insert six rounds into the revolver's
cylinder with a moon clip. Speed loaders also hold six rounds, but the
rounds are held by a mechanism. This mechanism is similar to a moon
clip, but the cartridges are released, by the speed loader, by turning a
knob after inserting the cartridges.
 |
Two Speedstrips
by
Chrisf8657 |
 |
Ma917 Revolver with Two Moon Clips
by
Mcumpston |
 |
HKS model 29 speedloader,
for 6 shot .44 Magnum revolver
by
unknown |
Oh, I almost forgot about the ammo.
You will need ammunition for your revolver. Ammunition comes in many
configurations for handguns. One of the pluses for revolvers is their
ability to shoot a variety of ammunition.
Basically, if the ammunition goes bang and leaves the barrel, it will shoot in a revolver designed for that ammunition.
Pistols
 |
U.S. Army M-1911 (ca. 1912)
by
Sam Lisker |
Pistols are a good choice for the prepper, but they require a little
more equipment and training to be effective for the prepper.
Just like the revolver, a pistol will need a holster and a cleaning kit.
Plus, a pistol requires magazines. Magazines come in a variety of
capacities,
normal capacity and reduced capacity. Of course, you will want to stock up on magazines from a quality manufacturer. (
Here's one you might want to avoid)
Note:
For most preppers, magazines allow a quicker handgun reload, but it takes training.
Training
Needless to say, like any other tool, you and your family will need
training. I believe, basic safety training is mandatory for everyone in
the family, including the children. There are many fine organizations (
NRA and your states conservation department) and
private instructors to teach you and your family, locally.
After, basic safety training, you and your partner will need to decide
how much further y'all will go with your firearms education. It's fun
and can be addictive.
Ammunition for Pistols
I apologize. I almost forgot to mention about ammo for a pistol.
A pistol is more finicky about ammo then a revolver. You will need to
make sure the ammunition that you buy for your family's pistols will
function in the pistol because the ammo 'makes' the pistol work.
Yeah, I know that explanation's vague, but that's why you and your family get training.
Link:
Say Uncle - Bashing v. Reasoning
http://www.saysuncle.com/2012/02/24/bashing-v-reasoning/
Snubnose.com - Double Action Only versus Double Action/Single Action
http://www.snubnose.info/docs/daovdasa.htm
From The Heartland - They are "Normal Capacity" Magazines
http://nebraskanews.blogspot.com/2004/08/they-are-normal-capcity-magazines.html
Zombie Squad - ProMag Pistol Magazines
http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=110&t=84417
National Rifle Association - NRA Eduction and Training
http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx
Video Link:
YouTube: Gun Websites - What Pistol to Buy? Single Action, Double Action or DAO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tlAYktInAk
