What are your criteria for choosing a self-defense handgun? I wrote two editions of a book about this subject. Did I miss any? Cooper gave 5?

I saw this question in Hunting where it belongs. Some level 7 troll moved it here, and these two mindless liberals gave very poor answers. They can't resist trolling questions about guns. Such men let terrorists take over and take away the citizens' defenses against them. Oh well, on to the question.

Yes, convenient size is important. You summarize that well, so I have little to add.

Adequate accuracy is needed. You don't need a tack-driver, but some accuracy is needed. target pistols are delicate for defense.

KO power is desirable. You need to instantly stop someone from shooting or hurting you and others.

Quick draw capability is needed too. That involves balance and comfortable grips plus a good holster.

Ammo and spare and custom parts need to be at hand easily.

Firepower is desirable, because you might face gangs. Firing as many shots as possible and reloading quickly are needed.

A good variety of ammo is needed. No one load will serve every purpose.

Utter reliability and durability are needed. The gun must fire every time you pull the trigger with a live round chambered. Jamming is a no no. The gun should last a long time and not wear out fast.

It should be ambidextrous in case you injure your main hand.

It must be very safe to the user and his pals. It shouldn't fire when dropped or when the hammer is struck.

Price isn't a consideration here. Don't buy cheap junk and bet your life on it. You don't need to spend a fortune either.

I have small hands and am small girl, thus I need small grips and small handgun. Convenient Size is relative.

Gun must function reliably at adverse conditions and last many years. This is vital objective criterion.

Need many types of bullets have different purposes. One bullet not do everything we may need.

Gun need shoot many times and reload quickly.

It need sufficient accuracy.

Good power is fine.

Good if either hand can use it. 11% of humans are southpaws.

Gun must not be dangerous to use, need some safety systems

Quick draw may be needed.

Must be able control gun's recoil.

Must have easily controllable components.

May need spare parts or want custom replacement parts. They must be easily found.

Cartridges for gun must be easily found.

Well, I'm no expert in such matters, but I do use guns and am logical, unlike the other two men who answered. The first thing that comes to mind is that such a gum must be accurate enough for its purpose. You don't need a precise target pistol, but some accuracy is needed. It helps if it's powerful enough for its purpose. Some guns aren't. Being able to shoot many times is sometimes needed. My Beretta 92 shots 16 times before needing to be reloaded, and it can be reloaded quickly. Being able to be drawn and fired rapidly are desirable. As you said, size is important. I am a girl, so I cannot carry and use very heavy guns, and I need small grips for my small hands.

My criteria for self-defence handguns: Live in a country where you don't need one.

cant see the point of this question but to brag Custer had a gun didn't he