In your opinion, what is a...

Question
In your opinion, what is a good, reliable conceal carry gun to have? Should I get a revolver, or a semi-automatic? I hear the Bersa Thunder .380 is nice, but doesn't have much stopping power as a Glock 27, or some other 9mm. Thanks.

Answer
Gerald,

The issue of whether to get a revolver or a semi-auto is a personal decision that involves many factors. The semi-auto is thinner (and so usually more comfortable and concealable) and almost always has greater ammunition capacity.

But the semi-auto takes more dedication to learn to use properly (clearing malfunctions, ect.).  The revolver is much simpler to use.  If the gun goes click instead of bang, the "immediate action drill" for a revolver is simply to pull the trigger again and go to the next round.

Whichever you choose, I would choose a gun or high quality and proven character.  For revolvers, this generally means Smith & Wesson, Ruger,  or Taurus.  For semi-autos, guns suitable for concealed carry for the general population would include Glock, SIG, H&K, Beretta, or Kahr.

I have seen too many Bersas come apart in training (usually the slide stop sheers, and the whole top assembly heads down range). Especially with gun, you get what you pay for, and skimping is simply not worth it if you are going to trust your life to it (it's like cheap insurance - yea, it doesn't cost you much, but good luck getting it to pay on a claim when you need it).

The Glock 27 is not a 9mm, but a .40 S&W.  The Glock 26 is the 9mm.

As for a self defense cartridge I would not consider anything less than .38 Special for a revolver (and in a gun that was rated to handle +P loads), and not less than 9mm for an auto (.40 is my preference, but people who don't shoot often sometimes find it hard to handle).

I hope this helps.