Total Impact Guns carries a full lineup of self defense handguns for sale, from slim carry pistols to full-size home guns, all backed by our price-match guarantee and nationwide shipping to your local FFL. Browse the handguns below, and if you don't see the model you want, we can usually get it for you.
Kimber America
Kimber America
Kimber America
Kimber America
Heckler & Koch
Kimber America
A handgun is the most practical self defense firearm because it's easy to carry, simple to keep close at home, and quick to bring to bear when seconds count. It goes where a long gun can't, whether that's on your hip at the store or in a nightstand drawer by the bed. For most people one good handgun covers both jobs, which is why it's the first defensive gun most folks buy and often the only one they need.
You can test-fire a defensive handgun on our indoor range before you commit, which beats guessing from a glass counter. If you want a dedicated long gun for the house too, a home defense shotgun pairs well with a carry pistol.
A good self defense handgun is reliable, easy to shoot well under stress, and chambered in a caliber that does the job. Reliability comes first, because a gun that jams when you need it is worse than no gun at all. After that it comes down to how the gun fits you and how well you shoot it. A handgun you can grip naturally and point fast will serve you better than a bigger, harder-kicking gun you flinch with. The right defensive caliber, like 9mm, .45 ACP, or .38/.357, gives you proven stopping power without recoil you can't manage.
Self defense handguns break down into a few main types, and the right one depends on whether you're carrying it, keeping it home, or doing both. Size, caliber, and action all change how the gun shoots and how easy it is to live with.
| Type | Caliber | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact pistol | 9mm | 12–15 rounds | Carry and home, the do-it-all pick |
| Full-size pistol | 9mm / .45 ACP | 10–17 rounds | Home defense, easiest to shoot |
| Micro / subcompact | 9mm | 6–12 rounds | Deep concealment, pocket carry |
| Revolver | .38 / .357 | 5–6 rounds | Simple operation, low maintenance |
A compact striker-fired 9mm pistol is the most popular all-around choice, and models like the Glock 19, SIG Sauer P365, and Smith & Wesson M&P9 lead the pack for reliability and easy holster support. For a steel-frame feel and a bigger bullet, a 45 ACP pistol is a proven defensive option. If you want the simplest gun to run, a 357 revolver has no slide to rack and no safety to fumble. For everyday carry specifically, our concealed carry pistols are built to hide well and shoot well.
The best handgun for self defense comes down to fit and purpose, not the name on the slide. Before you buy, work through these five things:
The easiest way to settle it is to put a few in your hands. Our team will walk you through the options at the shop, and you can rent and shoot models on our range before you decide.
Most self defense handguns sell for $300 to $700, with budget-friendly models starting near $250 and premium or optics-ready pistols running $800 to $1,200 or more. You're paying for fit, finish, sights, and features, not just the gun, so there's a reliable defensive handgun at almost every price. Total Impact backs every handgun with a price-match guarantee, so if you find the same gun for less somewhere else, we'll match it.
Buying a defensive handgun online is simple, and federal law just requires that the handgun ship to a licensed dealer for pickup, not straight to your door. Here's how it works with us:
You must be at least 21 to buy a handgun. We handle FFL transfers both in and out, so we can ship your handgun to a dealer near you or receive one you bought elsewhere. Picking up at our shop is usually the fastest and easiest route.
The best handgun for self defense is a reliable compact or full-size pistol that fits your hand and that you can shoot well under stress, like a Glock 19, SIG P365, or Smith & Wesson M&P9. For most people a 9mm strikes the right balance of capacity, soft recoil, and stopping power. The right gun is the one you'll carry and practice with, not just the biggest one on the counter.
Yes, 9mm is one of the most trusted self defense calibers and is carried by the majority of U.S. police departments. Modern 9mm hollow-point loads expand reliably and stop threats effectively, while the light recoil helps you put rounds on target fast.
A pistol gives you more rounds and faster reloads, while a revolver is simpler to operate with no slide to rack and no safety to fumble. New shooters often like a revolver for that simplicity, while most people who want higher capacity go with a striker-fired pistol. Both work, so it comes down to how you'll carry it and how you shoot.
A compact or micro-compact handgun is the easiest to conceal while still holding enough rounds to defend yourself. A compact hides well under a t-shirt and still holds 12 to 15 rounds, which is why it's the popular carry choice.
Most self defense handguns cost between $300 and $700, with budget models near $250 and premium or optics-ready pistols at $800 to $1,200 or more. Total Impact price-matches any competitor, so you always pay the best price on a gun you can trust.
A handgun is easier to handle inside a house and quicker to grab, while a shotgun hits harder and is easier to aim under stress. Many people keep both, carrying a handgun day to day and staging a shotgun by the bed. If you only want one gun for everything, a reliable handgun is the more versatile choice.
Whether it's your first carry gun or one more for the safe, Total Impact has the self defense handguns, the price-match guarantee, and the range to help you choose with confidence. Browse the lineup above, and reach out if you want one we can source for you.
