Rate Your Concealed Carry Handgun

Due to the increasing number of personal defense handguns available today, MidwayUSA has created a scoring system that allows shooters to compare concealed carry handguns based on criteria from three important areas.
While there are many additional factors to consider when choosing a firearm for daily carry, such as concealability or cost, this scoring system provides a foundation upon which shooters can make more informed decisions.

HOW TO SCORE YOUR HANDGUN:

Scoring is completed in three easy steps with all shooting conducted at a distance of twenty feet using a common paper plate for the target.
A second person using a shot timer or stopwatch is required for documenting time.
Whenever shooting a firearm remember to wear both ear and eye protection, and always use a safe backstop.

STEP ONE: TIME TO FIRST HIT

The time it takes engage a target and fire a well placed shot, using only one hand, is extremely important when considering a firearm for personal defense.
Score your firearm by placing it on a flat surface.
Once the clock starts, pick up the handgun and engage the target.
Record the time it takes from the moment you touch the gun to the first accurate hit on target and use the following chart determine your score.

TIME TO FIRST HIT CHART

STEP 2: ACCURACY

After firing the first accurate shot, how many more shots can you fire into the paper pate, using only one hand, in just three seconds? Only hits will improve your score.
Record the number of hits and use the following chart to determine your score.

ACCURACY CHART

STEP 3: KNOCKDOWN FACTOR

Knockdown Factor is the ability of a cartridge, all other things being equal, to knock down an assailant with one well-placed shot.
We’ve ranked some of the most popular personal defense loads from lightest to heaviest on a 400 point scale. Find your load on the chart below and record the score.

HOW DOES YOUR CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUN STACK UP?

Total your scores to determine the final ranking.
There are 1000 possible points.
This ranking will help when comparing multiple firearms you may be considering for personal defense.
For reference we have included a ranking of some popular handgun as tested by Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA.
Remember that all firearms shoot differently for each person based on a variety of factors.
The following chart should be used only as a starting point to help you best select your concealed carry handgun match.

RATED HANDGUNS