10 Low Recoil Defensive Firearms

[grantar2]

I will save some coming in. We all know that many of the rounds mentioned lack knock down power. But much as a quality DSLR camera will create better images than the best cell phone camera, the fact is the majority of pictures are taken with cell phones. So if you can handle it shoot it and practice with it, vs the cannon you won't touch, the lighter caliber wins.

That said. - http://www.americanrifleman.org/arti...sive-handguns/

[movie zombie]

in total agreement but you knew that already didn't you, grantar?!

the 9mm revolver looks interesting to me........some may argue that 6 rounds isn't enough but the caliber is good for self-defense.

more re that 9mm revolver: http://www.americanrifleman.org/arti...bull-revolver/

[grantar2]

The 9mm revolvers are getting very popular. Not having to use a moon clip makes the one shown really nice. With 9mm cheaper and more effective than .38spl if your shopping for a revolver makes them worth looking at.

[Barbarossa]

20 gauge 870, with 2 3/4 #4 buck. ( wonder if they make a low recoil version?)

24 0.24" projectiles times 5.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/958344/federal-premium-personal-defense-ammunition-20-gauge-2-3-4-4-buckshot-shot-24-pellets-box-of-5

I'd prefer a long gun, over a pistol if I had my choice.

[movie zombie]

Barbarossa, I have read that self-defense strategy is to use the pistol to buy the time necessary to get to the long gun....assuming the long gun isn't already at reach.

[Gun Kraft]

One issue with snub-nosed revolvers is they result in significantly less velocity, so you have to shoot hotter rounds to compensate and get reliable hollowpoint expansion. Speer makes a .38+P round designed for .38 snubs as a result. Offhand I don't know of any 9mm+Ps that have been designed for 1.5" barrels, but that should be required. Incidentally that will disqualify it from this "low recoil firearm" discussion.

I've been hearing good things about Walther's CCP. It's a 9mm with both reduced recoil and easier to manipulate slide. It's main drawback is that with sustained use the frame inside the trigger guard gets hot (only an issue during training/practice) and it's off-roster (deal breaker for many).

[grantar2]

Barbarossa, I have read that self-defense strategy is to use the pistol to buy the time necessary to get to the long gun....assuming the long gun isn't already at reach.

The long gun in this case should be a .223, .556 or pistol caliber carbine, as the are far more accurate than the 20 gauge, faster rate of fire, higher capacity and wait for it............ extremely low recoil. The AR platforms stock adjust-ability also means a near perfect fit.

But this is about a defensive hand gun which extends into concealed carry something hard to do with either a shot gun or a carbine.

[grantar2]

One issue with snub-nosed revolvers is they result in significantly less velocity, so you have to shoot hotter rounds to compensate and get reliable hollowpoint expansion. Speer makes a .38+P round designed for .38 snubs as a result. Offhand I don't know of any 9mm+Ps that have been designed for 1.5" barrels, but that should be required. Incidentally that will disqualify it from this "low recoil firearm" discussion.

I've been hearing good things about Walther's CCP. It's a 9mm with both reduced recoil and easier to manipulate slide. It's main drawback is that with sustained use the frame inside the trigger guard gets hot (only an issue during training/practice) and it's off-roster (deal breaker for many).

The 9mm revolvers I have shot, most recently the Ruger are fine, not much better than their .38 counter parts, but with much better grips. The current lot of Hornaday hollow points, would likely fully expand in butter after being thrown down range. A little bit of exaggeration there, but the ammo has really gotten better since they are using a lot more computer modeling in design and high speed imagery to verify performance.

Although that would be a great test series for Lucky Gunner to do.

[balance]

Being a defensive round, I am sure that overpenetration has to be considered, as well.

[movie zombie]

......
But this is about a defensive hand gun which extends into concealed carry something hard to do with either a shot gun or a carbine.

yep, thread got hijacked!

[Friesland]

"Although that would be a great test series for Lucky Gunner to do."

Would like to see a Lucky Gunner comparison of the 9mm and the Speer Gold Dots (125, 135 , and ?) in 38 Special +p and .357 mag through a 3" barrel revolver (Ruger SP 101?).

"yep, thread got hijacked!" Sorry, inquiring minds

[jmaglipay]

Anyone know if the armscore 1911 style is cali legal?

[Barbarossa]

The long gun in this case should be a .223, .556 or pistol caliber carbine, as the are far more accurate than the 20 gauge, faster rate of fire, higher capacity and wait for it............ extremely low recoil. The AR platforms stock adjust-ability also means a near perfect fit.

But this is about a defensive hand gun which extends into concealed carry something hard to do with either a shot gun or a carbine.

I agree with the above, but I was responding to the title "10 Low Recoil Defensive Firearms"

The article only listed pistols, and there are other and in my mind better options, for women.

[muzzle_flip]

My vote for a low recoil defensive handgun would be an LCR chambered in 22 magnum. The stock grips on the LCR are really comfortable.

Or maybe an LCR chambered in .327 federal magnum. You could load it with 32 S&W long or 32 H&R mag for lower recoil ... then if you became more proficient, you could go with the more powerful .327 magnum loads. I know these cartridges are not common, but that is part of the fun for me.

[Gun Kraft]

If magazine capacity wasn't a limiting factor, a 30 round mag of FN 5.7 or .22 magnum would be really appealing for low recoil options. However when you reduce that capacity to 5-6 rounds then I really want a larger caliber. But that's me. Note I read "defensive handgun" as it could be any size, not just for concealed carry. So I would lean more towards full-sized handguns for better recoil control and aiming.