{"id":857,"date":"2022-11-06T01:20:24","date_gmt":"2022-11-06T01:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edcfirearms.com\/?p=857"},"modified":"2022-11-06T01:20:26","modified_gmt":"2022-11-06T01:20:26","slug":"the-best-home-defense-handgun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edcfirearms.com\/the-best-home-defense-handgun\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Home Defense Handgun"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Home-defense firearms<\/a> are a frequent topic of discussion in gun shops. While some end up with a shotgun or carbine, many opt for a handgun as their primary (or only) home defense weapon because they are easy to store and maneuver in the home. So, is there a best home defense handgun?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll be blunt and say that there is no one choice of pistol that is best for everybody. Some fit most people, but not all. You must be comfortable with your weapon, and it needs to feel natural in your hand, or accuracy and familiarity will suffer due to the pistol not being pleasant to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the pistols I will recommend today would have been known as service pistols back in the day. In other words, a full-sized handgun like you would find on the hip of a police officer or soldier. My reasons for this are two-fold, these larger handguns offer both magazine capacity and controllability. A dedicated home defense handgun will not be carried around as your EDC<\/a> so compactness is not a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Choice \u2013 Glock 34\/17\/21<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Probably the most well-known handgun of the last 35+ years, full-sized Glock handguns get the nod from many as the best home defense handguns because they are easy to use, reliable, and affordable. The models 34 and 17 hold seventeen rounds of 9mm Luger, while the model 22 brings 15 rounds of the potent .40 S&W.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 17 and 22 were and are fielded by a mind-boggling number of law enforcement agencies and have an enviable service reputation. I have included the model 34 since it has a longer barrel and is a steadier target platform. Accuracy counts in a home defense scenario, and missing is not an option when your neighbors are close. All feature a rail for a flashlight and are comfortable pistols to shoot on the range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My only reservation with a Glock is the lack of an external safety, but that is more of a personal preference. If you have excellent trigger discipline, then these pistols are dummy-proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Soldiers Pick \u2013 Sig Sauer P320-M17<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adopted by the U.S. Army in 2017, the M17 is a version of the 9mm Sig 320 modified to meet the Army\u2019s requirements. These modifications include an ambidextrous external safety, night sights, optics ready slide, and a loaded chamber indicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I lucked into an extended range day with one of these pistols a couple of years ago courtesy of Uncle Sam, and I can honestly say that I am a fan. The trigger is very light, so the external safety gives some piece of mind in case of stupidity. While firing, the M17 is very controllable thanks to its front-heavy nature, and it cycled so smoothly and flatly that I could maintain a sight picture throughout the recoil cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to smooth firing, this pistol brings it in terms of capacity. Magazines are either 17 or 21 rounds, and the weapon comes with one of the former and two of the latter. The M17 is a true combat pistol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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