Pandemic Hand Gun Suggestions and PokerStars Has Not Updated Standings!

Some people see what is,  most see what they want to see.

Some of you know Faldo has been recovering from surgery, so has not been posting as often. Myron has filled in to fill the void. Thanks Myron.

Faldo is waiting patiently for PokerStars to get their act together. Why their software does not automatically update standing and why PS is not answering emails is a complete mystery. And don't give them a pass with this Corona farce. You can answer emails from home - even if it is the standard BS reply - 'because of COVID-19 blah blah blah..."

Anyway, Faldo has been getting requests about what should someone new to gun ownership should buy now that an actual SHTF (poop hits the fan) scenario may be slowly building. And take note friends; the next SHTF scenario probably will not come with a two month build up. You may wake up one morning and the SHTF situation will make this pandemic seem like a Swedish massage (hat tip to "Grama" in Rounders).

Faldo is by no means a gun expert. But a Michigan State Police marksman trained me for my first CPL (Concealed Carry Permit Licence) handgun. Faldo was traveling plenty on business by car and away from home for a week at a time a lot. So, a gun with me and a gun for the 'lovely and talented' at home just made sense. As we all should realize, "when seconds count, the police are only 11 minutes away on average." And my concealed weapon did save my life one evening coming back home from Chicago. Where, if I had obeyed the laws in Illinois, I would be dead right now. But I digress.

Being an old Army sniper, Charlie said to get a .45 ACP  1911 as a carry weapon. Why? "Because they don't make a .46. Size matters." The 'knock down" power of the .45 - the theory at the time was - will stop a hyped up drug user in his tracks where as smaller calibers would not. And Faldo also wants to point out that the .45 ACP and the 1911 gun platform is still a formidable carry choice - especially at up close and personal encounters.

There is some validity to that statement of 'stopping power', but 'shot placement' is still KING at stopping anyone or anything. To add to what all the studies Faldo have read, any caliber .380 and up is 'usually' good enough to stop someone after 1 to 3 rounds are fired. From what small amount of reliable data there is on self defense shootings, there was no difference between the .380 and the .44 magnum as far as effectiveness in stopping an assault.
So your .22lr and .320 type weapons are better than nothing of course, but the stats just don't support it to be considered adequate for self defense. That being said, a .22 lr bullet can still be lethal at 400 yards! It won't 'stop' someone, but they will still have a bad day if they get hit.

Faldo won't go into great detail as to why the 9 mm handgun is now KING, and has replaced the .45 ACP, (usually 230 grains or .52 oz bullet) and the new caliber on the block, the compromise - .40 ammo (180 grain or .41 oz)  But police have found that the advantages of the 9 MM (115 grain or .26 oz) are:

Ammo is cheaper (more practice!), 

There is less kick than the other two rounds mentioned, 

The 9MM bullet has a higher velocity (faster) out of small weapons for better penetration thru hard barriers like doors, car doors and glass. 

And what you lose in  "knock-down" power with a 'cannon ball' .45, you can make up for with being able to also carry more rounds in your gun! Typical full size guns carry - .45ACP - 10 rounds, .40 - 13 rounds, 9mm 17 rounds. 

Now you know why Faldo is listing only his COMPACT / CARRY 9mm handgun suggestions (with a few .38/.357 revolvers and .380 pistols) in these lists. And the ranking is not arbitrary, but be warned, Faldo is not saying these are the best guns or the only guns out there that are any good. Only you can decide what is best for you.
Go to a gun store and see it, hold it and ask about it. If you can rent it, or know someone who has one and you can shoot it - even better.
Another bit of advice; If you have been away from guns for a while, and now are rushing back because you feel the need is there. If you have experience with only rifles - get a rifle! Shotguns - get a shotgun! Go with what you know. Learn the other types of guns later when there is no SHTF scenario going on.

If the gun is here, Faldo either owns it, has owned it, has fired it or has read and seen so many good reviews (GR) on it, that it should be a winner. But I am sure I have missed a bunch of great guns. So here you are:

Prices shown are estimates only so your price may be higher for many reasons right now.

Faldo's Favorites

Sig Sauer P365 x1                           $550                 GR - On the top based only on reviews seen!
Glock 26                                          $500                   
Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0              $370     
Sig Sauer   938                                $520                 Smallest pistol in this group
Springfield  XPS                             $400                   
Walther PPS  M2                             $490
Glock 43                                          $450                 Small also
SCCY                                              $200                 Reliable, glovebox option, lifetime warranty

Upscale
Glock 19                                          $580
Kimber Micro 9                               $500
H/K VP9 SK                                    $560                 GR
H/K VP9                                          $600                 GR
CZ   P-10 S                                      $540                 GR
H/K  P-30                                        $700                 GR

Revolvers
Ruger LCR  (.357/.38)                          $550                 Revolver
Smith & Wesson 640 J-Frame       $610                Revolver
Ruger LCR  (.38 special)                 $430                  Revolver          Very easy to clean and operate
S & W  642  Airlite (.38 special)     $400                     Revolver           Smith & Wesson Tiny gun
EEA Windicator (.357/.38)               $320                         Revolver    glovebox/nightstand option

Pocket Carry
Sig Sauer   938                                $520                   
Sig Sauer P365                               $430  
Glock  43                                       $450
Ruger LC9 S                                   $310  
Kahr   CM9                                     $360                 GR

Senior Guns
Sig Sauer P365                               $430                   
Ruger LCR  (.38 special)                $430                  Revolver         Very easy to clean and operate
Glock 26                                         $500                    Easy to clean
Smith & Wesson Shield                  $320     
S & W Body Guard (.380)               $330                  Smith & Wesson       Tiny  gun      GR
S & W  642  Airlite (.38 special)     $400                  Revolver        Smith & Wesson Tiny gun
Walther   PPS   M2                         $490
Ruger  LCP II  (.380)                      $270      
S & W Shield EZ  (9 MM or .380)   $380                 GR   Smith &  Wesson

Lots of videos on You Tube and lots of help available at great gun stores in Livingston County, MI:
Huron Valley Guns - South Lyon
Peacemakers - Howell
Rural King - Hartland
Guns Galore - Fenton
Oakland Tactical - Hartland

Put questions or comments in the comment section or email Faldo.