People looking to purchase their first firearm will often do so in the interest of defending themselves, as a powerful and lethal form of self-preservation. While some look to begin carrying their weapon throughout their daily lives, another option is to make your purchase with the idea of defending yourself and your family inside your home. Keep reading to learn more about the three handguns I recommend for both new and experienced shooters looking to defend their home.
Before you continue, please note that most of the weapons on this list are in fact striker-fired handguns. If you would like to see some more hammer-fired pistols on a list like this, feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post, or shoot me a message here, and I will be sure to read it.
Photo by Caique Araujo
The three main criteria I look for in a good home defense handgun include:
- Size & Ergonomics
- Weapon Controls
- Magazine Capacity
- Light/Laser Rail
Firstly, the firearm should feel comfortable in the hand, and come up nicely when you present it in front of your target. The iron sights also play a part in how well you naturally draw the weapon. A brighter front sight helps with this. Additionally, the fact that you would not need to conceal it under your clothing means it doesn’t have to be compact or sub-compact, though it should be able to fit nicely wherever you decide to keep it.
Second, the weapon controls are an important factor. For example, if you decide not to keep a round in the chamber, you will need to rack the slide before confronting a home invader. This could prove to be a difficult task if the slide is not serrated like you are used to, and you don’t think about it at 3:00 AM in the dark.
Another important factor is a manual safety. Many shooting instructors recommend no manual safety – or to just keep it switched off – because it can be easy to forget to set the weapon to fire, and the last thing you want to happen is nothing, when you find yourself in a situation where you need to pull the trigger. That said, with the right amount of training, it shouldn’t be an issue to leave it on safe, so it’s nice to have the choice.
Third, during a home invasion, you will likely not have anywhere on your person to store spare magazines, nor would you have time to think about grabbing any extras anyways. Therefore, a high magazine capacity is important in a home defense scenario.
Lastly, target identification is key whenever you draw to use your weapon, even if you don’t intend to shoot. Because if this, I recommend purchasing a decent light to go on your handgun.
Now that we are clear on the important features to look for in a home defense handgun, let’s get into my top four picks!
No. 1
Glock 17 / 19X
I’ll start off with one of the more popular firearms on this list. Yes, I know these are technically two different models of handgun, not one, but hear me out. Glock has been claiming perfection for many years now, and honestly, I find it pretty hard to disagree.
Glock 17 & 19X – Image Source: Creative Commons.
The biggest complaint I get about Glocks is the shape of the grip, and how it lends itself to being uncomfortable in the hand, as well as a subjectively ugly appearance. This would make me think that shooters would steer away from this firearm due to poor ergonomics.
Contrary to this evidence, however, beginners and experienced shooters tend to shoot exceptionally well with a Glock, compared to other handguns they have used or even own. I think the firearms speak for themselves when you look at their popularity amongst shooters of all groups and classes.
I specifically chose the G17 and G19X because they meet my three main criteria. The G17 is sort of the ‘standard’ 9mm Glock that most people think of. It’s a full size handgun, but extremely light. The G19X is a very similar size to the 17, only slightly smaller. The 19X could be better suited for a place on a small nightstand or in the sock drawer of your dresser.
Moving forward, the weapon controls are great too. The mag release is easy to hit, and the slide catch/release is small and thin, yet still easy to operate, even on an empty mag. The trigger isn’t tough either. In fact, it feels nice even with the safety shoe, and has a nice reset to it. No manual safety lends it to being easy to operate in a quick scenario, and ensures you won’t experience a drop fire or negligent discharge unless your finger is over the center of the trigger.
As far as magazine capacity goes, the 17 and 19X come with standard flush magazines that can hold a fitting 17 rounds. This can also be increased to 19 or even over 30 rounds with higher capacity magazines.
Of course, newer generation Glocks come with a rail on the frame beneath the barrel for a light or laser device. In fact, none of the firearms on this list lack such attachment point.
No. 2
Sig Sauer P320
Next, we have my personal favorite for home defense, the Sig P320. Note that this model of handgun also comes in a few variations. The more notable ones being the M17 and M18, which were recently adopted by most branches of the US Military as the main service pistol. The P320 also comes in a compact version of the base model.
Photo by Digitallymade – CC BY-SA 4.0
I love the look of this gun, especially the two-tone tan and brown of the M17/M18. Back to the criteria we outlined earlier though, the handgun has a good size and ergonomics. It comes up nicely and presents a good sight picture. The base model comes with a three-white-dot style set of iron sights, which is similar to the G17 white painted sights, but the military models include glow-in-the-dark night sights, which is preferred for a nighttime or indoor engagement. Additionally, the P320 is a full size handgun with some more compact options.
Moving on to the weapon controls, I can’t say I particularly love the trigger, but it isn’t terrible. What I do like is that you have the option of having a manual safety by getting one of the military models, or choosing no external safety with the base models. I also really like the shape of the slide catch/release. It’s easy to engage and disengage with just your thumb, on a loaded or unloaded magazine. To top it all off, the P320’s mag release button is pretty easy to press without adjusting your grip, and the magazine pops out quick and forcefully, making a quick tactical reload that much easier.
That brings me to magazine capacity. Standard capacity for the P320 is 17 rounds, with the military models including an additional two 21-round mags. The compact version also carries 15 in the standard magazine, which should be plenty for a 1 on 1 engagement, though you never know.
Of course, all these models include a Picatinny rail under the barrel for a flashlight, for nighttime target identification.
No. 3
Beretta 92X / M9A4
Another polarizing set of handguns, the M9A4 has seen plenty of military use, as well as the predecessor to both of these models, the Beretta M9.
Beretta 92X RDO – Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The steel frame and slide lends it to being a heftier handgun than the others on this list, making it easier to control recoil, and get back on target after your first shot. The first shot is important though, and in the case of the single-action/double-action Beretta 92X and M9A4, you first shot – if you already have a round in the chamber – will likely be double action.
New in 2019, the 92X was designed off the existing 90 series’ platform with ergonomics at the forefront. The gun just feels good to hold, and the slide is smoother than ever. Berettas are handguns that I have shot extremely well with in the past. I like the weight from the steel frame, and the single-action shots provide a nice clean trigger pull.
The 92X features an easy-to-use safety/de-cocker, as well as a half-cock for added safety. Being honest, the mag release can be pretty hard to press at times, compared to the others on this list, and the double action trigger is obviously not preferred, but on single action, it’s a nice easy pull. Additionally, the slide release is easy to use, even on an unloaded magazine.
To top it all off, the full size Beretta 92X and M9A4 can hold up to 18 rounds, and both models sport a pic rail on the bottom, for all your target identification needs.
No. 4
Walther PDP
For our final nominee, I will say that I really do love everything about this gun except for it’s looks. I’m not a fan of the appearance given off by the deep slide cuts and the long slide release. That said, I would be hard pressed to turn one of these down.
Walther PDP Compact – Photo by Alex Landeen
The PDP by Walther is a full size handgun that also comes in more compact configurations, and it has a good light to medium weight to it, making it not too heavy, nor too light. Just right for home defense. The ergonomics of the gun are fantastic. It feels nice in the hand and comes up well in front of the target, and is optics-ready in case you prefer a red dot over iron sights.
On to the controls of the weapon, the mag release is easy to press, and the slide release is a breeze on a loaded or empty magazine. The PDP also has an F-Series model, that features a slightly smaller frame primarily designed for female or youth shooters. Anyone with smaller hands would benefit from this variation, however. Heck, even some larger fellas I know, with larger hands, prefer the F-Series, as it allows the shooter to release the magazine with ease, without having to move your fingers or adjust your grip even the slightest.
Of course, the Walther PDP boasts a whopping 18 round magazine in the full size, and a 15 round capacity in the compact and F-Series models. And finally, it sure includes that extra rail down below for a light or a laser.
I will conclude by stating that this list was compiled in no particular order, and that while most of this post is based on the facts and actual features of the firearms, there is a lot of opinion involved as well, so please don’t let that dissuade you from enjoying another handgun that was not on this list. Chances are I would really enjoy it too! Also, please let me know if you notice any mistakes in my research, or if you find yourself having a difference of opinion anywhere. Thanks!
