Home Defense Handguns
In a survival situation, these full-size handguns offer reliable, life-saving firepower for personal protection!
Beretta M9A1
The Beretta M9A1 needs no introduction. The U.S. military began issuing these double-stack-magazine-equipped 9mm pistols in the 1980s. Proven in warfare to be dependable and reliable, the M9A1 sports several features that make it perfect for survival situations, including an aluminum alloy frame, a traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger, an “open” slide to reduce weight and a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories. The M9A1 is also known for being a soft-shooter. (beretta.com; 800-962-2658)
Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.9 inches
OA Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 33.9 ounces (empty)
Grips: Composite
Sights: Blade front, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 15+1 (17+1, 20+1, 30+1
also available)
MSRP: $745
Bushmaster XM-15 Enhanced Patrolman
The XM-15 Enhanced Patrolman from Bushmaster Firearms is basically an AR-platform megapistol with either a 7- or 10.5-inch, stainless steel barrel. Chambered for the 5.56mm NATO, it uses mil-spec AR magazines, meaning it can share the same ammo and magazines as your AR rifle. Outfit it with a red dot or reflex sight and this is a megapistol that can lay down some serious firepower. The Barnes Precision free-floating, lightweight quad-rail allows operators to mount lasers and lights. The XM-15 also features a Magpul MOE grip and an enlarged Magpul triggerguard for use with gloves. (bushmaster.com; 800-998-7928)
Specifications:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel: 7 or 10.5 inches
OA Length: 23.5-26.75 inches
Weight: 4.9-5.5 pounds
Grip: Magpul MOE
Sights: None
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Hardcoat anodized
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $1228.98
Kahr CT9
Kahr has a reputation for building small, compact pistols. The CT9 is a full-sized pistol that is user friendly with simplified controls and a double-action-only (DAO) trigger. Built with a single-stack, polymer frame and topped with a stainless steel slide, this pistol is lightweight—only 20.6 ounces empty—and accurate. This is a no-frills weapon built for reliability and performance. The Kahr CT9’s only control, other than the trigger and magazine release button, is the slide stop. (kahr.com; 508-795-3919)
Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.96 inches
OA Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: White bar-dot
Action: DAO
Finish: Stainless slide, black frame
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $369
DoubleStar 1911 Combat Pistol
The 1911 Combat Pistol takes the 1911 platform to another level. The pistol is constructed of high-quality parts that are hand-fitted for reliability and performance. Think of it as a target pistol that is durable enough to compete in the dirt, sand or snow. Featuring low-profile Novak sights, front and rear slide serrations, and a Picatinny accessory rail, the DoubleStar 1911 is rugged enough to protect your life and others in harsh extremes. It uses an eight-round magazine, and the magazine well is beveled for faster reloads. (star15.com; 859-745-1757)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inches
OA Length: 8.75 inches
Weight: 39 ounces (empty)
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Novak three-dot
Action: SA
Finish: Ionbond
Capacity: 8+1
MSRP: $2,519.99
Kel-Tec PMR-30
The Kel-Tec PMR-30’s edge is its magazine capacity of 30 rounds. Add one in the chamber and that is 31 rounds of .22 WMR firepower. While the caliber may not be a bear-killer or man-stopper, the soft-recoiling .22 WMR will allow novice and experienced shooters better accuracy. The PMR-30 is a simple design that uses lightweight polymer and steel to create a pistol that is user friendly. Unloaded, the pistol only weighs 13.6 ounces, so it’s easy to pack and carry for long periods of time. The caliber also has small-game hunting applications. (keltecweapons.com; 321-631-0068)
Specifications
Caliber: .22 WMR
Barrel: 4.3 inches
OA Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 13.6 pounds (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fiber optic
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $415
Colt CQBP
U.S. Marines have relied on 1911 .45 ACP pistols since WWI. The Colt CQBP (Close Quarters Battle Pistol) is a highly enhanced 1911 made for the 21st century. It features Novak three-dot night sights; a 5-inch, stainless steel, National Match barrel; a Picatinny accessory rail; G10 grips and an ambidextrous thumb safety. The pistol’s durable Desert Tan Cerakote finish means it will stand up to harsh abuse and environmental extremes. The CQBP is definitely worthy of your consideration for survival purposes. (colt.com; 800-962-2658)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inches
OA Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 40 ounces (empty)
Grips: G10 Composite
Sights: Novak Night Sights
Action: SA
Finish: Desert Tan Cerakote
Capacity: 7+1
MSRP: $2,158
Ruger 9E
The 9E is a low-cost performer based on Ruger’s SR series of pistols. This is essentially a no-frills, 9mm, striker-fired pistol born for performance. The removable backstrap is reversible, so shooters can choose a flat or arched backstrap for a custom fit. The magazine release and thumb safety are ambidextrous. High-visibility, three-dot sights are dovetailed into the slide for fast target acquisitions. The rail allows for the attachment of accessories. The trigger has a safety lever in its face that keeps the gun from discharging unless it is completely depressed. (ruger.com)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.14 inches
OA Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces (empty)
Grips: Glass-filled nylon
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Black oxide
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $429
Glock 17 Gen4
The Glock 17 Gen4 is chambered in 9mm and has a 17+1 capacity. The Gen4 variant offers an ergonomic grip frame, and it comes with four interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to customize the pistol for a better fit. Made of polymer and steel, the pistol weighs only 25.06 ounces unloaded. The 9mm is certainly controllable, and that is mandatory in survival situations where a handgun might be shared with group members who have less firearms training. Glocks have also been torture tested and proven to work in every type of environment imaginable. They are a benchmark in reliability. (glock.com; 770-432-1202)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.48 inches
OA Length: 7.95 inches
Weight: 25.06 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: Safe Action
Finish: Black, surface hardened
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $649-$696
Ruger 22/45 Lite
The 22/45 Lite is part of Ruger’s renowned semi-automatic .22 LR pistol series. It features a 1911-style polymer grip frame mated to an aluminum receiver with a stainless steel barrel sleeve. It weighs a mere 23 ounces unloaded. Since it’s chambered in the featherweight .22 LR, you can probably carry much more ammo. The 22/45 Lite also has a threaded barrel that allows for the attachment of a suppressor so you won’t draw attention when you are hunting squirrels in what was once a city park. (ruger.com)
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 4.4 inches
OA Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 23 ounces (empty)
Grips: Laminate or rubber
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: Single-action
Finish: Black or cobalt anodized
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $499
EAA Witness Polymer Full-Size
Based on a beefed-up version of the CZ 75, the Tanfoglio Witness Polymer Full-Size, imported by EAA Corp., uses a polymer frame for reduced weight. The Witness is chambered in a variety of calibers—9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 38 Super and 10mm. In 9mm, it has a 17+1 capacity. It features a DA/SA trigger, low-profile sights and an integral accessory rail. (eaacorp.com;
321-639-4842)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.5 inches
OA Length: 8.1 inches
Weight: 31 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Low profile
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $571
Sig Sauer P226 MK25
This is the pistol adopted by the U.S. Navy SEALs. Several LE agencies also use P226 pistols because they are battle- and street-proven pistols capable of performing in the worst conditions. As with other P226 variants, the MK25 uses a one-piece aluminum alloy frame, a stainless steel slide and a carbon-steel barrel. It is a DA/SA pistol, and the MK25 configuration features upgrades to improve its resistance to saltwater corrosion. The Sig Sauer P226 MK25 is a practical pistol that is durable as well as reliable, and with its 15+1 capacity, it’s certainly ready to protect you and your family after a disaster.
(sigsauer.com; 603- 610-3000)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.4 inches
OA Length: 7.7 inches
Weight: 34.4 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: SIGLITE night
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: $1,166
Glock41 Gen4
The Glock 41 Gen4 offers 13+1 rounds of .45 ACP firepower in a soft-recoiling pistol. As with other Gen4 pistols, it features a dual spring recoil assembly to help lessen the felt recoil. The pistol’s 5.3-inch barrel and longer slide provide a long sight radius so the pistol is easier to shoot accurately. Glock pistols are known for being user friendly, and the G41 Gen4 is no exception. law enforcement SWAT teams are looking into the G41 for the same reasons you should be. (glock.com; 770-432-1202)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5.31 inches
OA Length: 8.9 inches
Weight: 27 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: Safe Action
Finish: Black, surface hardened
Capacity: 13+1
MSRP: $620
Sig Sauer P320 Carry
Sig Sauer is currently offering two models of the striker-fired P320—the Full Size and Carry—and users can change their calibers and switch between the grip frames for a better hand fit. Out of the box, the P320 Carry offers a 15-round capacity in 9mm and 13-round capacities in .357 SIG and .40 S&W. This model has a 3.9-inch barrel and weighs only 26 ounces due to the lightweight polymer grip frame. The P320 breaks down quickly without tools. It comes equipped with SIGLITE night sights since danger rarely arrives during the day. (sigsauer.com; 603- 610-3000)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG,
.40 S&W
Barrel: 3.9 inches
OA Length: 7.2 inches
Weight: 26 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: SIGLITE night
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 15+1 (9mm); 13+1 (.357, .40)
MSRP: $669-$713
CZ 85 B
The CZ 85 B is the ambidextrous version of the renowned CZ 75 combat pistol. It features an aluminum alloy frame and a DA/SA trigger—strong foundations for many popular combat pistols. The ergonomics of the CZ 85 B are simply superb, with a comfortable grip shape and texturing. The Omega trigger is a simplified and more robust version of the original trigger system that also allows for easier disassembly. The CZ 85 B also has a 16+1 capacity of 9mm ammo. (cz-usa.com; 800-955-4486)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.6 inches
OA Length: 8.1 inches
Weight: 34.1 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 16+1
MSRP: $628
Smith & Wesson M&P9
The M&P9 is a popular full-sized handgun with law enforcement officers and civilians. The Zytel polymer frame comes with three interchangeable backstraps so the pistol can be customized to most hand sizes. The frame is mated to a sculpted slide with a black finish. Utilizing a striker firing system, the M&P9 also has ambidextrous controls so lefties are not at a disadvantage. With low-profile Novak sights, the M&P9 is easy to get on target. (smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.25 inches
OA Length: 7.63 inches
Weight: 24 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Ramp front, Novak rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $596
Smith & Wesson Model 22A
The rimfire S&W Model 22A is a full-sized pistol built with an aluminum alloy frame mated to an alloy-shrouded steel barrel with an integral Weaver-style rail for mounting a red dot or reflex sight. The 22A also features Patridge-type sights. This is a lightweight pistol that is easy to operate and disassemble. A button at the front of the frame removes the barrel for cleaning. It comes with a magazine disconnect safety; if the magazine is removed, the pistol will not fire. In essence, the 22A is a lightweight trail gun suitable for small-game hunting. (smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 5.5 inches
OA Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 35.3 ounces (empty)
Grips: Soft Touch Target
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: SA
Finish: Realtree APG
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $369
Springfield Armory XDM 4.5
If ergonomics, a crisp, striker-fired trigger pull and accuracy are on your short list, then the XDM may find a place in your bug-out bag. This polymer-framed pistol uses interchangeable backstrap inserts to tailor the grip to fit most hand sizes. The aggressive texture on the frame and slide ensure the weapon can be operated in wet environments. With a grip safety and a safety built into the trigger, the XDM is a safe pistol to operate. A loaded-chamber indicator on top of the slide tells the operator if a round is in the chamber. While several Springfield XDM models are available, the 4.5-inch-barreled 9mm variant is the best compromise of firepower and size. (springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.5 inches
OA Length: 7.6 inches
Weight: 29 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Melonite
Capacity: 19+1
MSRP: $700
STI Edge
The STI Edge does indeed have an edge in its double-stack magazine, yet it remains similar to other 1911s in size. In .45 ACP, its capacity is 11+1. The Edge is built on STI’s 2011 modular steel frame with a polymer grip and provides all the features of a traditional 1911 platform but with the benefit of a higher-capacity magazine. (stiguns.com; 512-819-0656)
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5.01 inches
OA Length: 8.67 inches
Weight: 37.6 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed front, adjustable rear
Action: SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 11+1
MSRP: $2,180
Taurus Slim 740
The Taurus Slim 740 is compact, lightweight, easy to conceal and packs .40-caliber stopping power. This striker-fired pistol is technically a single-action/double-action—the first shot will be in single action, as with subsequent shots. But, should the gun fail to fire, the pistol changes to a double-action trigger pull, providing shooters a “second strike” on the chambered round. (taurususa.com; 800-327-3776)
Specifications
Caliber: .40 S&W
Barrel: 3.2 inches
OA Length: 6.24 inches
Weight: 19 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot, adjustable
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black or stainless
Capacity: 6+1
MSRP: $503.73
Wilson Combat CQB
The CQB can be considered the benchmark of 1911 platform design. Wilson Combat modernized the venerable 1911 so the platform delivers the reliability and accuracy required for any scenario. Features include a high-ride beavertail grip safety; a 5-inch, stainless steel, match barrel; and a carbon-steel frame. The pistol is hand-fitted and built to the highest standards. Military and LE operators trust the Wilson Combat CQB when they venture into harm’s way. This is a pistol guaranteed to perform.
(wilsoncombat.com; 800-955-4856)
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm, .38 Super,
.40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5 inches
OA Length: 8.7 inches
Weight: 36.6 ounces (empty)
Grips: G10 Starburst
Sights: Fiber-optic, Battlesight
Action: SA
Finish: Armor-Tuff
Capacity: 8+1 (.45 ACP),
9+1 (9mm, 38 Super,
.40 S&W, 10mm)
MSRP: $2,865
