“Size, weight and style come into play. A pistol that is too heavy or otherwise uncomfortable to carry gets left home,” said Van Brunt. “A pistol that is too light or has a very short barrel can be more difficult to master. Careful evaluation of intended use goes a long way toward ensuring satisfaction.”
On the topic of tactical accessories, Van Brunt noted the advantages of add-ons like night sights and laser aiming devices in self-defense situations. “Night sights provide a defined aiming point in low-light conditions, a tremendous advantage. Many pistols offer night sights as a standard feature. If not, aftermarket sets are available for most popular models,” said Van Brunt. “Laser sights project a colored dot that is visible at practical distances under most lighting conditions. They are also a tremendous training tool and can assist with developing a proper grip and improving trigger control.”
Moving to the topic of handgun size, Van Brunt attempted to convey the importance of this element in concealed carry, as it can ultimately affect the operator’s accuracy. “If the pistol does not fit comfortably, it is difficult to maintain a proper grip. Recoil becomes harder to manage and accuracy will likely suffer. In turn, this discourages practice and saps confidence. Thankfully, something from the broad selection of aftermarket grips can often correct this problem. Some types of pistols can also be customized with short triggers.”
To read the full article, check out the Fall 2014 issue of PERSONAL & HOME DEFENSE, available on October 14, 2014. To purchase this issue, go to https://www.personaldefenseworld.com/subscribe.
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