I hear officers talking all the time on reloading thier handguns revolver vs semi and so forth and I remember something my father taught me and think it is good advice espcially in a defensive situation. people buy handguns for home deffense and hand guns are the low range of firearms in stoping power. well any ways what do you think of my fathers following advice....


"son if you have to reload your hand gun somethings not working in the situation readload yes but back off too and get something BIGGER. and if you dont have anything bigger run if you can."


do you think this is sound advice or overkill this statement also assumes you have a shotgun, AR or "something bigger"

Handguns, just by virtue of their size, have limitations (size of bullet, sight picture, mag limitations, etc.);  however they are concealable and  more portable without being obtrusive.

If you get into a situation, obviously it is best to have a weapon than not to have a weapon, but it is even better to have more firepower if you can (rifle, shotgun, machinegun). Yes, go for the firepower [u]if you can.[/u]

Of course, if you are missing your shots, neither firearm will help...

sounds like your dad is a pretty smart guy!

IMHO handguns should only be used to fight your way back to your long gun/s, or when your primary jams or runs out of ammunition.  

I agree with gene stoner in that if you are missing your target no gun will help. The only advantage the handgun has is concealment,and avalibility.
Your father sounds like a very intelligent man.

Handgun is a simple defensive weapon that gets me back to my shotgun or carbine.  That's when the fight starts.

As a wise man once said, It's not who fires the most rounds in a gunfight that wins, it's who fires the first accurate shot.