Is there one handgun that you consider to be best?

[albanian]

What I mean is, is there a handgun that you think is just right or almost perfect for you? I have a bunch of handguns and I have owned a bunch more but no handgun has ever done it for me like the Kahr K-9. It is as close to perfect as I have yet seen. I have owned or shot almost every common handgun out there and none has fit me or agreed with me on so many levels as the Kahr K-9. It is just right for what I want out of a gun most of the time. It can't do everything perfect but it comes closer than any other gun I have. I don't hunt so my main uses for a handgun are CCW, car gun, home defense, plinking and training. The K-9 is a joy to shoot and is so accurate that I can actually plink with it. It is also small and light enough that I can carry it IWB without any problem. Some say it is heavy for it's size and they are right but it is not super heavy in the grand scheme of things. A Mak weighs almost the same as a Kahr and you get 9mm or .40S&W in a Kahr.

So is there a gun that feels like it was custom made for you? I don't just mean that it fits your hand well but it also fits your lifestyle well. A full sized target gun is going to feel better than a pocket gun but if the pocket gun is what you need, it can be that. I know that alot of people are going to say the 1911 is the perfect gun but I want you to think about all uses. If you don't carry it because it is too large then I would say that you have not found a gun that really works for you.

[Rembrandt]

Question: "Is there one handgun that you consider to be best?"

Answer: "NO"

I view handguns like I would tools....there is no one tool that can do it all. Each was designed for a specific purpose. A pair of pliers wasn't designed to function as a screwdriver or a hammer. I think handguns are similar....CCW, hunting, target, BBQ, collectibles....that's not a bad thing, gives us good reason to own more. Like asking which of your children do you love the most?

[albanian]

I know what you mean. There is a handgun that is perfect for given task but not for others. That is fine, what I mean is, have you found a handgun that somehow seems to be more than a tool? Have you owned one that didn't just feel like 2lbs of steel in the hand. I have had so many guns that were just guns that when I got my first Kahr, I was very impressed. I sold it a few years ago and regreted it every day. When I bought another one a few months ago, I remembered why I missed it so much. It feels like a custom gun in my hand and it is just the right size and shape. I don't feel like it was made to fit everyones hand, it was made to fit some poeple very well.

[Jim4003]

The gun for me would have to be the 4003 TSW Smith. For me the gun is a good fit, I like the overall size, its accurate and has a good capacity (11 rds). I am extremely comfortable with it. I have one that is my issue duty weapon. If my department ever decides to replace it later down the road I hope they give me the chance to purchase it. If not I will be looking for one. My dream gun is along the same lines. That would be a 4006TSW with a matte blue finish, the old style winged adjustable sights, with the deletion of the TSW billboard markings on the slide.

[Onmilo]

I have always felt the 1911 is the most comfortable in my hand but I don't consider it to be the best.
Way too many good quality handguns out there to have just one best.

[armoredman]

My right now perfect pistol is the CZ75 PO1. I also agree many uses can tailor the gun to the need, but since this is the only one I have right now, (Witness in the shop), it HAS to be my everything pistol.

[Roon]

The SIG P232 just seems made for my hand. I love handling it, and it's really got my heart. But, certainly not the best shooter, which for me, and the handguns I own, is the P228.

[Smoke]

Boy that's a loaded question to ask in this room! :what:

Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited in stainless gets my vote.

[Hkmp5sd]

But I consider my Glock 17 to be the best all-around handgun I own. It has been my CCW handgun for almost 20 years now.

[jc2]

Three-inch Model 13/65!

[albanian]

I see now why they make so many different guns.:D It seems that everyone has a different one that fits tehm best. I used to think that gun companies just weren't trying to fit the gun to the person but then I realized that they can't please everyone. I am just glad there is a choice so I can have what I like best. With any choice there is some compromise but that is fine as long as I basically get what I want.

[fastbolt]

Is there one handgun that you consider to be best?

Not really ...

I'd have to mirror Rembrandt's comments ...

I could certainly adapt if I were limited to one, for whatever reason, but as with most other things in life, it's better to have a flexibility of choice ...

Well, except when it comes to women (my wife), and ONE is all I need ... and that's because I have a well-developed sense of self-survival.;)

[WEPS]

my cz75b. it just feels like it was made for my hand and it's reliability is without question. i also love the 92fs, i can shoot circles around anyother weapon i have ever owned or shot with that weapon

[SAG0282]

Oh yes......the SIG P226. Top-notch accuracy, glorious fit and finish, great balance, excellent ergonomics.

I say it constantly but it bears repeating....it is IMO the finest combat/defensive handgun ever made.

[cslinger]

I have lots of handguns that I like very much. I also carry different handguns depending on the situation.

All that being said the SIG P220 is what I would consider one of the finest combat handguns ever devised and it is my favorite bar none.

Chris

[Okiecruffler]

There's one best handgun for my carry gun, a Taurus 650.

Then there's one best handgun for plinking, my Mitchell Trophy II.

Then the best handgun for pipping the ace at 100yrds, my Contender .223.

And finally the best handgun just to sit and look at with a confused look, my Nagant.

[10-Ring]

The one I consider "the best" is my USP 45....lightweight polymer, 10 rounds of 45 acp, extremely accurate & 100% reliable, accurate & dependable!

[Ala Dan]

I'm in total agreement with my friend cslinger, as the SIG
P220 has been, and continues to be my weapon of choice!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Hal]

Is there one handgun that you consider to be best?
Yes.

Smith and Wesson Model 19-4, 6 inch barrel.

Ironic since I consider the .357magnum round itself the 2nd most useless caliber of anything I own. Go figure.

[Hero]

I've got to go with the SIG P220 as well.

[gbourne]

USP Fullsize 45.

[dave3006]

Glock. Hands down.

[MAClarkWA]

I don't know about the best, but the gun that I trust my life to every day is my Glock M22. I have only very very rarely had a misfire with it, it is as accurate as I need it to be and fits very nicely in the IWB position.
I own other guns that are more accurate, and more comfortable to shoot, but my good ole G22 has never let me down.

[Dr.Rob]

Yes... pre-war commercial Colt "Government" Model, made back when fit and finish were done right the first time.

[AmmuNational420]

My favorite all round weapon, Glock 17

[sm]

What a question !

For ME and the tasks I'm most likely to use - I have stayed with 2 platforms all my life. Actually there is a 3rd " because factor" . :p

1) Gov't Model 1911
2 ) S&W K frame
3) BHP ( 9mm)

[Johnny Guest]

I particularly like it because I like LOTS of different firearms, especially handguns. I have my personal preferences for hunting, for general field and outdoors uses other than hunting, for on-duty use, for deep concealment, and so forth. Using the sspecific-tool analogy, the little K-T P3AT is NOT a target pistol, and a .44 Super Blackhawk isn't much of a choice for a police detective.

BUT - - if we extend Rembrandt's tool idea just a little bit: Think of the Swiss Army Knife and the Leatherman-type combination tools. Some may recall the old fencing pliers tool - - A decent light hammer, staple puller, pliers, wire stretcher, wire cutter, and possibly a screwdriver blade. Fits in a saddlebag or truck glove box, and is overall a very useful item. Surely, a better tool for everyday use than, say, a digital micrometer that reads out to .0000005". ;)

My PERSONAL best handgun is the Colt Commander .45. Small and light enough for concealed carry (if not in a pocket ;), ) accurate enough for close-up small game shooting, and certainly reliable and powerful enough for personal defense. It can't compete with a .454 Casul for hunting, nor an Olympic Free Pistol for accuracy, but it COULD serve for my only handgun, at least for a while.

Of course, there are other multi-role handguns available. I was tempted to use the three- or four-inch .357 revolver as an illustration, and I surely wouldn't argue with anyone who chose one. I took the Commander as MY example. Your mileage, obviously, may vary. :D

Johnny

[wheelgunner100]

For ME a Ruger GP-100 with a 3" barrel because it fits me and I shoot it best. For YOU whatever fits you.

[Paco]

My vote is the 4" stainless GP100.

-This is coming from a guy that's shot and owns alot of different handguns. The gp100 I have has a super smooth DA pull on par with an older S&W, and glass-rod SA and way more accuracy than I'd ever expect for the price I paid. If I was to be dropped off anywhere in the world not knowing if I had to clear a tunnel system, fight off rabid grizzlies, hunt squirrels, hunt deer, kill giant ants, navigate through Jurrasic park, go to war, pistol whip someone, survive in the wild for a year, etc. : my hand gun of choice would be the GP100.

-PS: I happen to shoot the heck outta this particular gun both in slow aimed fire and speed drills.

Close 2nd: my Kimber Series II 1911 .45ACP or my G17

-paco

[middy]

After a Bersa Thunder .380, a Glock 19, and a Springfield GM WWII, I finally found a handgun that fits my smallish hands and I can shoot accurately, a Sig P239.

[Island Beretta]

beretta 92fs- by FAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

[Archie]

"Best" for what?

Okay, the one that fits best and is most usable in a multitude of scenarios is...

1. 1911 (preferably Series 70 or older Colt commercial) to include the Commander.
2. "K" frame S&W revolvers, of pinned barrel vintage.
3. "N" frame S&W revolvers, of pinned barrel vintage.

And the three are a toss up, depending.

[LASur5r]

Albanian,
Haven't found a gun that I didn't really like. For me, because I have small hands, I am always checking out the latest and greatest...I'm always searching and I started collecting in the mid 80's....one of these days.
Good luck with your search...could turn out to be a lifelong pursuit if you do it right.

[Black Snowman]

CZs just seem to work for me. Everything comes together. Ergos, reliability, accuracy, affordability. I like em, I have several, I want more. :)

[Cosmoline]

Colt's Police Positive Special comes close to being a perfect fit for my oddly shaped hands (big palms, short fingers)

I also find that the Sig-Sauer P-225, in addition to being a tack driver with flawless feeding, fits my hands perfectly.

[Kamicosmos]

No. Too many different roles, kinda like when you said a target gun may feel better than a pocket gun, but if you need the pocket gun...

I own...cripes...I dunno. 12 handguns currently...I think. A few are a very good fit for me. They fit me well, and I hit what I'm aiming at. Some are target guns, some are carry guns, some are big bore revolvers...


If you want to narrow it down to what's the best gun for XX purpose, I may be able to offer a better answer...

[nero45acp]

Over the years I've bought, sold, and traded many handguns looking for that perfect (for me) handgun. The closest I've come (so far) is the SIG P225.


nero

[Chris Pinkleton]

It's boring, and I don't even own one at the moment, but I'll have to say the 1911. They simply are the easiest pistol for me to put 'em where I want 'em.

Excuse me while I go apologize to my S&W M625....

[Cosmoline]

My only problem with the P225 is that it holds its value too much. I had to sell mine off because I got an offer I couldn't refuse on it during a financial crunch. Sweet, sweet shooters. And I usually don't like alloy frames.

[BJPARKER]

I can't think of just one, but my 3 favorite for comfortable fit, accuracy and reliability are the Colt series 80 Gov , the Colt LW Commander, and the CZ-75 Compact- I wouldn't give them up for anything.

[mdatlanta]

My Ruger KP-97D along with my Glock 23 and Glock 37 are my favorites.

[Stillie]

Any high quality 1911. No other handgun is capable of putting that size round downrange for a long period time with such flawless accuracy. They aren't the best CCW weapon due to the safety mechanism but if you have to use it, it's going to work and it's going to hit what you point it towards.

[jc2]

Gee, Stillie, that's nice to know. My 18-year old niece (all five feet of her and a hundred points soaking wet) who has never even held any gun before wants me to teach her how to shoot. Now, all I have to do is hand her my 1911! No messing around with the front sight, rear sight, sight picture, grip, trigger control, and the myriad of other thing it requires to hit the target any other handgun. I'd planned to start out with a .22 and work her up to the .38 Special while concentrating on the basics

[Stillie]

I was speaking of the accuracy of the weapon itself (without human influence) and it's ability to remain accurate over time. The crucial element of marksmanship will always remain in the hands of the shooter (literally).

Obviously a .45 is not a exactly a starter weapon, but we weren't discussing that now were we?

Not sure why my post elicited such a response but the question was

So is there a gun that feels like it was custom made for you? I don't just mean that it fits your hand well but it also fits your lifestyle well.

So to that end, my answer remains the same.

[jc2]

Here's what elicited the response, Stillie:
but if you have to use it, it's going to work and it's going to hit what you point it towards.
THAT sounds pretty magical to me.

1. "If you have to use it, it's going to work." In terms of reliability, 1911s can have occassional failures (not many). In terms of effectiveness, the 1911 does have failures as well. So, no, "but if you have to use it, it's going to work" is a long way from the absolute you stated.

2. "It's going to hit what you point it towards." I'm sorry, but I don't care what you're shooting, if you want to hit your target, you're going to have to aim and do your part otherwise.

Let's just say you were a little guilty of a couple of gross overstatements, and I'm guility of poking some fun at them! ;)

[GlocksRock]

Glock 19

[Stillie]

THAT sounds pretty magical to me.

1. "If you have to use it, it's going to work." In terms of reliability, 1911s can have occassional failures (not many). In terms of effectiveness, the 1911 does have failures as well. So, no, "but if you have to use it, it's going to work" is a long way from the absolute you stated.

2. "It's going to hit what you point it towards." I'm sorry, but I don't care what you're shooting, if you want to hit your target, you're going to have to aim and do your part otherwise.

Let's just say you were a little guilty of a couple of gross overstatements, and I'm guility of poking some fun at them!

1. I have yet to experience a FTF situation with clean, high end .45 when using high quality magazines and ammuntion. All weapons are going to have the occasional failure when they are built with cheap parts or are not properly maintained.

2. I guess I was guilty of making the assumption that common sense dictates aiming a weapon and following the laws of marksmanship...except with hand grenades and CQB shotguns. :D

I continue to stand by the first statement based on my own dealings with Kimber and Wilson Combat .45's. I know that some people experience unexplainable malfunctions with their weapons, but I have been fortunate enough to avoid these. Guess I'm just really lucky. That probably means I'm gonna get stuck with a real lemon one day.

[jc2]

Unfortunately, you didn't say the 1911 is an accurate handgun--no argument there. What you did say was, "it's going to hit what you point it towards"--which is a gross overstatement (that's not even true of shotgun). I'm glad you like the 1911--I do as well. I was just having some fun with your gross overstatement. :)

[atek3]

If all handguns were outlawed except for one particular model, I would prefer that model to either be the glock 19 or 1911.

atek3

[blackrazor]

Combat: Browning Hi-power

Concealed: HK P7M8

Target: Sig 210 (even you 1911's can't touch this)

Hunting: Freedom Arms (.454, Premier grade of course)

Just plain nice to look at: Colt Python (Royal Blue)

[Rembrandt]

QUOTE: "if we extend Rembrandt's tool idea just a little bit: Think of the Swiss Army Knife and the Leatherman-type combination tools. Some may recall the old fencing pliers tool - - A decent light hammer, staple puller, pliers, wire stretcher, wire cutter, and possibly a screwdriver blade. Fits in a saddlebag or truck glove box, and is overall a very useful item. Surely, a better tool for everyday use than, say, a digital micrometer that reads out to .0000005"."


I see your point, but consider the "Multi-Tool-Swiss Army Knife" analogy flawed, in that while it may be functional, it's still a substandard substitute for the real thing; be that of a hammer, pliers, screwdriver, target gun, CCW Gun, Hunting gun, etc...of course I'm taking the question in it's literal context "Is there one handgun that you consider to be best?"

[shooter58]

Have a 3" Smith & Wesson mod.65 with Spegl Secret Service grips, a general fluff & buff, an excellent trigger job, and a bobbed hammer. To me, there is no better CCW gun made.
Second choice would be a good Combat Commander.

[modifiedbrowning]

Walther P99 for me.

[one45auto]

When it comes to semi-automatics, the Glock 19 gets my vote. However in the revolver category, I'll go with the Ruger Police Service-Six.

[FireBreather01]

I own a wide range of hanguns but my absolute favorite feels-like-I-was-born-with-it is my recently acquired CZ85 Compact. It is just unbelievably accurate, incredibly stable in my hands, quick shooting, has a natural point of aim, and although a bit heavy and wide, wears well. It has recently replaced my Para-Ord P12 as my primary carry gun.
But the great thing about shooting and the choices we enjoy is that what works well for me may be abysmal for someone else. I enjoy shooting and trying to develop the relationship between me and my gun to as close to perfect as possible!

[NMshooter]

Whatever happens to be ready to hand when I really need it.:)

[Brian Williams]

Either My S&w 13 3" or my self amputated mutated 4" 586

[hornsmoker]

In my book...best all around auto is the RAP-401. Best all around revolver is mid to late 80's SS Ruger Speed Six.

[45R]

Sig 226

[Black Majik]

1911 platform. As long as it works out of the box I'm happy with it. :)

[Wildalaska]

BHP

WildconsistentAlaska

[Rinspeed]

This is a tough one for me but I will have to say the Sig 220.

Rinspeed

[Brian Williams]

I just want to let some of the Auto owners they automatically fall out of the running in Pennsylvania because one cannot use a semi auto to hunt in PA.
So we end up with either a wheelgun or a single shot.

[Combat Commander]

Wilson CQB

[TRK2AJK]

i have several 1911s that i shoot regularly, i love each one. however, the two weapons that i shoot most accurately and seem the most fun also are my 80's ruger mark2 fixed sights and my h&k p7 (psp-refurb)

[C/O]

Glock 23

[ggamyang]

no...

CZ 75 fits my hand like nothing else, reliable, accurate..

HK USP ......reliable, accurate.....HUGE!!

SA 1911 Classic...accurate

SW 1911 Reliable, accurate, ...but not a classic (External extractor)

Glock 17 undestructable, fairly accurate, ....

should i go on?:D

[SAMHANE]

Sig P220ST I think they made it just for me

[Marshall]

Python 6" Blue (http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/c1745.htm)


BHP (http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/pr3464.htm)