IDPA SEAL

Robert E. Jahn, CRSO , CSO
NRA, Minnesota and Utah Certified Pistol Instructor

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Highly Recommended Pistols

Prepared by Robert E Jahn,

Based on Training, Reading and Direct Personal Experience

Updated August 1, 2008

 

 

Revolvers: 

I favor Smith and Wesson and have had great experience with their revolvers.  They make a premium product and accessories are widely available.

 

Carry:  S&W Models 649 or 642 5 shot in the Bodyguard or Centennial frame style.  I prefer the .357 Magnum but the .38+P is also acceptable, with a stainless steel frame to help to control recoil                Cost  $500

 

Target or PP:  S&W Model 686   6 0r 7 shot in .357 Magnum, in SS Hogue grips,  Cost $550  

 

When you read this the new 8 shot M&P revolver should be available   Cost $750  

 

S&W 625  6 shot .45ACP with moon clips, SS Hogue grips,                         Cost $650

 

 

Semi Auto Pistols:

I’ll discuss 9 different manufacturers.  Almost all of them offer many choices of barrel length and caliber.  The shorter barrel length is easier to carry, but harder to shoot because of the reduced sight radius.  Carry guns should chamber at least a 9mm, I recommend .40 S&W and the .45 ACP is also widely used for carry and target.  Other rounds, such as the .380, .357Sig, .380 are generally more expensive and sometimes difficult to find locally.

 

The 9mm has the least recoil and is also the least expensive of the defensive rounds, followed by the .40S&W and the .45ACP, at $11, $14 and $17 per box of 50.  Be aware that defensive ammo is often packaged on boxes of 20 or 25 per box and will cost twice as much or more per round than your practice ammo. 

 

 

Browning -  Everyone should own a .22 caliber pistol for plinking and practice, these are not carry guns!  Easy to shoot and 400 rounds sets you back $19.  Many Buckmark models                                                      Cost $325

 

 

Sig Sauer – A world class pistol that is the choice of the Secret Service, Homeland Security Dept and numerous federal agencies and state and local police. I only recommend their DAK model as new shooters often have issues with Sig’s Traditional action pistols.  Their full size P226 DAK  and compact  P229DAK both are available in 9mm, .40S&W and .357 SIG.  The 220DAK is now out in .45ACP with a carry model. I own a copy of their P220 Match SAO and it is the most accurate pistol I own. Sigs are awesome ffor the accuracy and their reliability,

                                  Cost $800

 

Heckler & Koch – Another world class pistol chosen by police, SWAT and Special Forces worldwide.  Again I only recommend the double action only pistols. Their P2000 with adjustable backstrap and ambi safety is proven and available in 9 and .40 only.  The USP line boasts all barrel lengths and calibers, chose only the LEM models                                                                                                                               Cost $800      

Glock – Rugged and dependable 2/3 of American police rely on the Glock.  Three size options in every caliber and a world of options, coupled with outstanding service make this pistol a classic choice.  Rugged, reliable easy to maintain                                                                                                                                 Cost $550

 

Kahr  - Famous for their small framed carry pistols, you can choose between small and compact.  Pistol is highly reliable, chose polymer or SS, available on 9, 40 and 45. Their CCW line is now available in 9, 40 and 45 for roughly $400. The P and tiny PM series sell in for                                                            Cost $700

 

S&W M&P   This is a newly introduced line of auto pistols that has become very popular in a short time.  Less expensive than the Glocks and very well made and reliable.  Great pointing gun, low felt recoil, inter -changeable backstraps means everyone can get a grip, currently available in full size and compact, look for a long slide version this fall                                                                                                                    Cost $500

 

Springfield XD – Very popular copy of the Glock with some Sig and 1911 features added.  Loaded chamber indicator, grip safety, points well and is available in all calibers and various barrel lengths. New XDM gives added features               Cost $500

 

1911 – John Moses Browning – Old Slab Sides – This is the pistol our GI's took into most of the wars in the last century.  Can be highly customized and modified for carry.  Various barrel lengths and calibers are available, many custom makers.  Almost always in .45ACP but some models and variations like the Browning Hi Power are available in 9mm.  Prices range from $500 to over $5,000.

 

Springfield Armory Loaded 1911 -  This pistol is loaded with all the most requested features and ready to shoot out of the box.  Highly accurate and reliable Springfield makes a 1911 for everyone      Cost $800                                                                    

 

Kimber TLE II Rail – Kimber makes custom quality 1911’s in its factory.  Known for extreme accuracy and tight tolerances LAPD SWAT chose this 1911 as their carry weapon.  All components are match grade                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                 Cost $900

 

Wilson Combat - These are truly factory built custom pistols with that are worked and fitted by master gunsmiths.  They only make 1911 pistols and are world class!

 

KZ45 Polymer in SS  Cost  $1,400     Professional $1,700         CQB     Cost $2,000

 

 

I did not list details on a large number of very fine revolvers and pistols.  I personally don’t care for the pistols that Taurus, Ruger and Beretta make.  They do not fit my hand and I don’t like the way they are styled. It's an opinion and not supported by anything other than my personal experience and some reading I’ve done. It’s also what I’ve heard and seen from my police and other training partners. 

 It certainly does not mean that CZ, Brown, Les Bauer, Para, etc don’t make great handguns.  I’m just not personally able to vouch for them and they may well be a good choice for you. .I do know that everyone should extensively handle and ideally actually fire the pistol BEFORE they buy it.  This is even truer if the handgun is used or not in “New in Box” condition.   Also, with the wide variety of handguns out there, My training partners and I can help you cut thru the clutter and hype of the gun mags and others opinions. 

I never charge students for sourcing a handgun for them and comply with all Federal laws. My primary training partner, Jon Thompson, owns Riverside Sporting Gear, and is a stocking Class One licensed FFL. Jon is particularly skilled at sourcing quality used handguns, all of which have been fully checked by a gunsmith.  . Be aware that guns do not depreciate quickly. 10% off street price when first fired, 20% for used in excellent condition is typical.

Jon’s gun shop is in his home, so the overhead is low.  Jon’s inventory is fairly large and competitively priced, see it at Riverside Sporting Gear, LLC

 

Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on my personal experience predicated on handguns I own or am very familiar with through personal experience.  Many other handguns are of very high quality and are not included as this is a basic list due to space limitations or my own lack of extensive personal knowledge and experience. All costs are approximate and subject to market conditions that change.