Not all guns on the market are listed. Just the most popular guns are listed. Also, only the dimensions of one revolver is listed. This is because all revolvers built for 357 magnum/38 special are about the same size, regardless of the manufacturer. For example, the dimensions of the Charter Arms 357/38 revolver is about the same as the listed J-Frame Smith and Wesson.
Charter Arm Revolver Prices;
2.2" Mag Pug SS Standard: $409
On Duty 38 special: $430
Larger Concealed Carry Handguns:
Pocket Guns:
One Shot Stop Percentage Comparison
The validity of these percentages are contested, but it will serve as a rough comparison of the stopping power of different handgun calibers.
Detailed Information:
http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingp ... ?Caliber=0
Summarized Information:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm
Handgun Reviews
This website looks promising, but it doesn't have very many reviews yet. For example, I cannot find a review of a very common gun, the Glock 19:
http://www.gun-review.com/reviews/index.php?cat=1
Search in Google for reviews of handguns by typing, "Name of Gun Review".
http://www.google.com
Reliability
Military and police guns are tested to be 99.9% reliable. They're virtually 100% reliable and will go bang every time you pull the trigger. Military guns include; Glocks, Kimbers, most 38 special and 357 magnum revolvers, and 1911s, Military and police pistols are usually bigger and bulkier.
Non-military guns are usually not as reliable. Most are only 95 to 99% reliable. This is especially true if you're shooting hollow points in an auto pistol. However many, civilian guns are smaller and lighter. For example, the Kel-Tec P3AT will only last 500 to 5000 rounds, depending on which generation/year of manufacture it is. It will reliably feed some brands of ammo, but other brands of ammo will cause it to jam. A Rohrbaugh 9 mm will only last about 150 rounds before it needs tuning and/or repairs. Test your gun with the brand of ammo you plan to carry to make sure that you can depend on it.
Some guns are downright dangerous and unreliable. These are guns made of a low temperature melting metal called pot metal. Jimenez and Cobra make such guns. These guns are less than 95% reliable. It is not advisable to carry these guns unless your budget will not get you anything better. If you do carry these guns, be sure to practice jam clearing drills and be VERY careful when unloading them for cleaning. Inspect them for cracks very carfully after every use. Do not use +P ammo in a pot metal gun and don't expect them to last very long. I would expect a pot metal gun to be less durable than a Rorhbaugh 9 mm.
Suggestion
Look at the one shot stop table and decide what is the minimum stopping power you need in a handgun. Then, look at the size and price comparison tables to find a gun in the calibers you want that has the capacity and size that you need at an acceptable price. Voila! You've chosen your first handgun. Now, go to the range and rent one to make sure of your choice. Happy shoot'in padner!
