Intro
Discover the top 7 Smith & Wesson handguns for self-defense, featuring reliable and powerful options like the M&P Shield and SD9 VE. Learn about their impressive specs, concealed carry capabilities, and safety features, making them ideal for personal protection and home defense, ensuring youre prepared for any situation.
When it comes to self-defense, having a reliable handgun can be a crucial factor in protecting oneself and loved ones. Smith & Wesson is a legendary firearms manufacturer that has been producing high-quality handguns for over 160 years. With a wide range of models to choose from, selecting the best Smith & Wesson handgun for self-defense can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the top 7 best Smith & Wesson handguns for self-defense, highlighting their features, benefits, and what makes them stand out from the rest.
1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a popular choice for self-defense due to its slim design, lightweight construction, and reliable performance. Chambered in 9mm or.40 S&W, this striker-fired pistol features a 3.1-inch barrel, a 6.5-inch overall length, and a 7+1 round capacity. The M&P Shield is also known for its comfortable grip, ambidextrous thumb safety, and reversible magazine release.
Key Features:
- Slim design for easy concealment
- Lightweight construction (19.2 oz)
- Striker-fired action
- 3.1-inch barrel
- 6.5-inch overall length
- 7+1 round capacity
2. Smith & Wesson SD9 VE
The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a reliable and affordable self-defense handgun that is chambered in 9mm. This semi-automatic pistol features a 4-inch barrel, a 7.2-inch overall length, and a 16+1 round capacity. The SD9 VE also boasts a stainless steel slide, a polymer frame, and a Picatinny-style rail for mounting accessories.
Key Features:
- Affordable price point
- Reliable performance
- 4-inch barrel
- 7.2-inch overall length
- 16+1 round capacity
- Stainless steel slide
- Polymer frame
- Picatinny-style rail
3. Smith & Wesson M&P40
The Smith & Wesson M&P40 is a full-size self-defense handgun chambered in.40 S&W. This striker-fired pistol features a 4.25-inch barrel, a 7.6-inch overall length, and a 15+1 round capacity. The M&P40 also boasts a durable stainless steel slide, a comfortable grip, and a ambidextrous thumb safety.
Key Features:
- Full-size design for optimal accuracy *.40 S&W chambering
- 4.25-inch barrel
- 7.6-inch overall length
- 15+1 round capacity
- Stainless steel slide
- Comfortable grip
- Ambidextrous thumb safety
4. Smith & Wesson Model 10
The Smith & Wesson Model 10 is a classic revolver that has been a staple of self-defense for decades. Chambered in.38 Special, this double-action revolver features a 4-inch barrel, a 7.5-inch overall length, and a 6-round capacity. The Model 10 is also known for its durable construction, comfortable grip, and reliable performance.
Key Features:
- Classic design *.38 Special chambering
- 4-inch barrel
- 7.5-inch overall length
- 6-round capacity
- Durable construction
- Comfortable grip
- Reliable performance
5. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard
The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard is a compact self-defense handgun chambered in 9mm or.40 S&W. This striker-fired pistol features a 2.75-inch barrel, a 5.5-inch overall length, and a 6+1 round capacity. The M&P Bodyguard also boasts a durable stainless steel slide, a comfortable grip, and a ambidextrous thumb safety.
Key Features:
- Compact design for easy concealment
- 9mm or.40 S&W chambering
- 2.75-inch barrel
- 5.5-inch overall length
- 6+1 round capacity
- Stainless steel slide
- Comfortable grip
- Ambidextrous thumb safety
6. Smith & Wesson Model 36
The Smith & Wesson Model 36 is a compact revolver chambered in.38 Special. This double-action revolver features a 2-inch barrel, a 5.2-inch overall length, and a 5-round capacity. The Model 36 is also known for its durable construction, comfortable grip, and reliable performance.
Key Features:
- Compact design *.38 Special chambering
- 2-inch barrel
- 5.2-inch overall length
- 5-round capacity
- Durable construction
- Comfortable grip
- Reliable performance
7. Smith & Wesson M&P45
The Smith & Wesson M&P45 is a full-size self-defense handgun chambered in.45 ACP. This striker-fired pistol features a 4.5-inch barrel, a 7.9-inch overall length, and a 10+1 round capacity. The M&P45 also boasts a durable stainless steel slide, a comfortable grip, and a ambidextrous thumb safety.
Key Features:
- Full-size design for optimal accuracy *.45 ACP chambering
- 4.5-inch barrel
- 7.9-inch overall length
- 10+1 round capacity
- Stainless steel slide
- Comfortable grip
- Ambidextrous thumb safety
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We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the best Smith & Wesson handguns for self-defense. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, it's essential to choose a handgun that meets your specific needs and preferences. Remember to always handle firearms safely and responsibly, and to seek professional training if you're new to handgun ownership.