It's pretty common knowledge that the preponderance of attacks on the law-abiding take place in low-light situations. Visibility is limited, giving the scumbags the additional cover of darkness. Now I don't look forward to any such encounter, preferring to stay clear of areas and situations that might harbor the less-than-savory individuals among us. But at the same time, my ace in the hole will be a readily-available, concealable, totally reliable handgun that will show up in low light situations.
The gun I choose will invariably be a J-frame, loaded with plus-P .38 specials. In situations where it's dark, I think it important that the gun be visible to at least two individuals. Those will be the perp and myself. I want such sights as the gun has to be more visible in low light, and for deterrent effect, I want the would-be attacker to instantly see that I'm armed and ready to defend myself and whoever I might be with.
Studies have shown that in most such encounters, the mere display of the firearm will defuse the situation almost instantly. No one wants to be shot - with anything. But for an assailant to back off, he will first have to see the gun you show you are willing to use if necessary.
A light aluminum or nickel-framed gun should prove ideal. There are other characteristics, of course. As mentioned, reliability will be paramount. The gun should either be hammerless or have a shrouded hammer so it can be drawn quickly without any chance of a hangup in clothing.
Here are my choices. Number one would be a 642, primarily because in addition to meeting all the criteria, it's quite lightweight.
Here are some other J-frames that would qualify as a low-light defense piece.
The Model 640:
A Model 60 with shrouded hammer (Bianchi Lightning grips):
A Model 649:
A nickeled Model 49:
A nickeled Model 40-1:
Certainly any light-colored handgun will be an advantage in darkened situations, but these are my personal options. I would not carry a dark-colored handgun in the evening, although during daytime hours, that might be an advantage.
John
The gun I choose will invariably be a J-frame, loaded with plus-P .38 specials. In situations where it's dark, I think it important that the gun be visible to at least two individuals. Those will be the perp and myself. I want such sights as the gun has to be more visible in low light, and for deterrent effect, I want the would-be attacker to instantly see that I'm armed and ready to defend myself and whoever I might be with.
Studies have shown that in most such encounters, the mere display of the firearm will defuse the situation almost instantly. No one wants to be shot - with anything. But for an assailant to back off, he will first have to see the gun you show you are willing to use if necessary.
A light aluminum or nickel-framed gun should prove ideal. There are other characteristics, of course. As mentioned, reliability will be paramount. The gun should either be hammerless or have a shrouded hammer so it can be drawn quickly without any chance of a hangup in clothing.
Here are my choices. Number one would be a 642, primarily because in addition to meeting all the criteria, it's quite lightweight.
Here are some other J-frames that would qualify as a low-light defense piece.
The Model 640:
A Model 60 with shrouded hammer (Bianchi Lightning grips):
A Model 649:
A nickeled Model 49:
A nickeled Model 40-1:
Certainly any light-colored handgun will be an advantage in darkened situations, but these are my personal options. I would not carry a dark-colored handgun in the evening, although during daytime hours, that might be an advantage.
John
