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.
Whenever shooting a firearm remember to wear both ear and eye protection, and always use a safe backstop.
A second person using a shot timer or stopwatch is required for documenting time.
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.
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.
Once the clock starts, pick up the handgun and engage the target.
Time to First Hit Chart
Time | Score |
---|---|
1.5 sec | 500 |
1.6 sec | 473 |
1.7 sec | 447 |
1.8 sec | 420 |
1.9 sec | 393 |
2 sec | 367 |
2.1 sec | 340 |
2.2 sec | 313 |
2.3 sec | 287 |
2.4 sec | 260 |
2.5 sec | 233 |
2.6 sec | 206 |
2.7 sec | 180 |
2.8 sec | 153 |
2.9 sec | 127 |
3 sec | 100 |
Step 2: Accuracy
After firing the first accurate shot, how many more shots can you fire into the paper plate, 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
Hits | Score |
---|---|
1 | 20 |
2 | 40 |
3 | 60 |
4 | 80 |
5 | 100 |
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.
Load | Score |
---|---|
22 Short 40 Grain | 47 |
25 ACP 50 Grain | 48 |
22LR 36 Grain HP | 79 |
32 S&W Long 98 Grain Lead RN | 81 |
32 ACP 60 Grain Silvertip | 94 |
32 ACP 71 Grain FMJ | 96 |
22 WRF Magnum | 118 |
38 Special 125 Grain JHP | 142 |
380 ACP 102 Grain | 150 |
32 H&R Magnum 95 Grain Lead SWC | 169 |
32 H&R Magnum 85 Grain JHP | 172 |
38 Special 125 Grain JHP +P | 198 |
9mm Luger 124 Grain JHP | 258 |
45 ACP 230 Grain JHP | 276 |
9mm Luger 124 Grain JHP +P | 288 |
45 ACP 185 Grain JHP | 308 |
40 S&W 180 Grain JHP | 309 |
357 Magnum 125 Grain JHP | 309 |
38 Super 125 Grain +P | 320 |
40 S&W 165 Grain JHP | 363 |
45 G.A.P. 185 Grain JHP | 366 |
45 ACP 185 Grain JHP +P | 400 |
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.
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.
For reference we have included a ranking of some popular handguns, as tested by Larry Potterfield, Founder and Chairman of the Board.
Rated Handguns
Handgun | Rating |
---|---|
Beretta 950 B Minx | 240 |
Colt Lawman Mark 3 | 495 |
S&W Model 15 | 595 |
Browning HiPower | 650 |
S&W 5904 | 690 |
S&W Model 36 | 705 |
Colt Defender | 720 |
Colt DS-2 | 725 |
Ruger GP-100 | 760 |
S&W Model 342 | 770 |
Sig Sauer P229 | 785 |
Glock 17 | 790 |
Glock 19 | 815 |
Ruger SP 101 | 820 |
Glock 26 | 830 |
Glock 22 | 835 |