It's hard to say, from what you've posted, what they should have. It will also depend on WHERE they are. They'd want a gun local enough or common enough not to stand out when forensics is done. If they're planning a quiet execution, a suppressed ("silenced" though they aren't really).22 or subsonic and suppressed 9mm would be a good choice. If they plan to just drive by and shoot, anything will work. If they want to make sure he's dead quick, shotguns up close. If they want to work at a distance, they'll need a rifle.
Hollowpoints won't stop a bullet exiting, if velocity is sufficient. The FBI recommends 12" of penetration in flesh to assure a reliable stop. A hollowpoint or other expanding ammo only create a larger wound channel and trauma.
I'm thinking the syndicate that's after him wants a quiet execution but when he's on the run in the beginning of the story, he gives them some trouble. After that, they send their best after him, which involves a house break-in (his friend's, nonetheless) and I'm thinking they can vary it up a bit more in terms of firepower. In terms of the MC, he can carry a 9mm (of which first Google result brought up the Glock 17). His back-up gun will probably be similar or can be a .22 (Walther looks like they carry a P22).
Ah, thanks for that clarification. Somewhere earlier on this thread, someone mentioned hollowpoints have a lesser tendency to 'exit' compared to higher caliber bullets. I see it all depends.
A lot depends on the background of the characters. If they're ex-army they'll probably prefer an issued sidearm for that particular army. If they're Russian they might go for the Makarov. An American would probably choose an American firearm, a German might go H&K, a Brit would tend towards a Walther.
As for size, generally hitmen use .22 or .25 calibre on a very small frame pistol. They get close to the target and pop two in the head. Because of the small calibre the pistol is easily concealable and the noise is not so likely to alarm neighbours.
My characters are Japanese-American, so I think American firearms would be suitable in that case. Didn't know Brits tended towards Walthers - interesting. The syndicate chasing him is Japanese (not Yakuza), so I'm guessing they're a bit more mixed in terms of weaponry.
Ah, so .22 or .25 caliber seems to be the standard. Yeah, the silent execution style. So I take it that if my MC has two small frame pistols, he can hide them in holsters underneath his shirt and he'll be fine? Or does he need to conceal them with something better, like a jacket?
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