Handgun for personal protection

Question
Hello, I am looking to purchase a handgun for personal and home protection. I am leaning strongly towards a Glock 19. What do you think? I am in Alabama by the way. Do you know about any of the gun laws in this state? (Specifically for concealed carry of a firearm) Thanks.

Answer
The Glock 19 is hands-down the gun I would have if I could only have one handgun to carry. It is large enough to shoot well, small enough to conceal well, holds 15 rounds in the magazine. The modern offerings in 9mm ammunition make it just about the equal of anything out there. If things get really bad and ammunition becomes scarce, the 9mm NATO will be available long after other calibers are not.

Alabama is a "may issue" state, and I do not know under what circumstances they may issue a carry permit. However, the four states that border it are "shall issue" states, which I believe issue permits to out-of-state residents and which Alabama honors. In other words, it may be possible for you to get a permit from TN, MS, or GA or FL and be able to carry in AL, although I am not sure of this.

www.handgunlaw.us would be a good place to start your investigation. Let me recommend that you get some training in self-defense shooting as well. I can recommend Range Master near Memphis and and Universal Shooting Academy in FL.