When looking for a personal-defense firearm, the #1 most important attribute is reliability. You need reliable firearms. The gun must function when you need it to, under any conditions. Reliability factors include that the firearm comes out of the holster, gets into action and fires the first shot, and continues firing until the threat has stopped. How do you test reliability? PDN recommends a detailed function test and a firing test, including reloading. Several demonstration videos exist on the PDN site of our suggested tests.