[Alan Fud]

Let's assume that you are in the mall without your firearm (you forgot it, it's at the gunsmith being worked on; whatever the reason, you are not armed) and you suddenly hear shots being fired and people screaming and running past you in all different directions. Crazed gunman? Terrorist attack? Who knows but the shots are getting louder which means that what ever is going on, it's heading in your direction.

It just so happens that two stores over is a gunshop. You run in and the place appears to be empty and the gunshots now appear to be right outside. The gunstore has a wide selection of handguns (both new & used) and ammo of every type but no rifles or shotguns.

What gun would you grab (and why) to defend yourself with in case the shooters came inside for you? What gun, that you haven't had a chance to fire to verify that it is accurate & reliable, would you pick to defend your life with?

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Alligator Al: Share What You Know & Learn What You Don't.

[HSMITH]

870, and a 357 revolver in my waistband. 870 will go bang everytime, and so will any decent 357 that has not had a kitchen table trigger job. Grab 3 boxes of #4 buckshot, and a box of 38 special HP's, load up both guns, dump 15-20 38's in right rear pocket and put as many of the buck as I can in left back pocket. Then go out and hope to hell it is over and I don't have to shoot someone that is trying to hurt innocents.

[Will Fennell]

BERETTA 92 series pistol.

Same question was posed to several "experts" in a handgun article a few years ago. Bill Wilson, obiviously a 1911 fan, said that he would chose a BERETTA 92....as they were the most reliable out of the box handgun he had ever seen, including revolvers. He noted that most revolvers worked fine out of the box, but when something was wrong, it was usually VERY WRONG. That BERETTA 92's were the gun he would chose if he had to take a handgun, NIB, that he didn't even get a chance to fieldstrip and exaimine, make it hot, and go into a gunfight.

That got me looking @ 92's! I am VERY pleased with my 92G VERTEC.:D

[yzguy]

first answer, If I had that much time, run....

if I for some reason could not run, first look to see what ammo is around (it would suck to pick a gun and have no ammo for it), then find 2 (in case one jammed) that I was most familiar with preferably the same gun. My personal first choice would be a couple of 1911's. (common, easy to recognize mags, and I am familiar with them)

might also lead towards revolver, but being partial to semis I never owned one, and have only rarely fired them...

[10-Ring]

USP 45 ;) (and make sure the internal lock has been disengaged!)

[DMK]

I'd also pick an S&W or Ruger revolver and/or a Remmy pump shotgun if I had the choice.

Most new guns I've bought or handled are pretty cruddy with dried grease, oil and dust. I wouldn't want to bet my life on a semi-auto anything in that condition.

[stevelyn]

The closest full-sized Glock within reach and if time allows a short barreled scattergun w/00Buck.

[ChristopherG]

C'mon, guys, read the post. Obviously you'd get an 870 first, which is why he specified there are no rifles or shotguns.

That being the case, I'd grab a new Glock 17. I know that gun pretty well, and every Glock I've handled has felt almost exactly the same, in stock configuration at least. Get some Speer Gold Dots or some Federal EFMJs and a handful of mags.

Alan: do you actually live somewhere where there are gunshops in malls? I've never seen one--unless you mean a strip mall.

CG

[riverdog]

I've had issues with revolvers and I've had issues with 1911's. I've never had a problem with a Glock, so I'd probably go for a G-21 and load up some .45.

[foghornl]

A 4" or 6" Ruger GP-100 and as much "personal defense" ammo as I could grab.

Next choice would be the 1911-A1 category, but with ball ammo. Reason I pick ball ammo for the 45ACP...SOME 1911's will not function properly with SOME of the "personal defense" ammo.

Case in point...My Springfield Champion model 1911-A1 and my KP-90 Ruger eat anything you feed them, but a shooting buddy had a new "Mil-Spec" Springfield, and in ONLY functioned with the real USGI ball ammo..would FTE with Rem/UMC ball, Winchester White Box (USA) ball, Federal/American Eagle ball, and didn't even like the Sellier & Bellot ball. Two trips to Genesco, Il finally resolved it; however, the scenario you described is NOT the time to find out what ammo your 1911-A1 likes.

[Smoke]

I would be the first gun/ammo combo I could find!

[Skunkabilly]

I'd grab a Beretta 92 AND a little bottle of breakfree.

The first few rounds I put thru my Beretta didn't make her happy, she was completely dry :o

Eager Skunky.

[HSMITH]

C'mon, guys, read the post. Obviously you'd get an 870 first, which is why he specified there are no rifles or shotguns.

Ooops. Sorry.

[Handy]

Any 9mm HK, Sig or Beretta (except the 9000). The USP lock thing would give me pause, though.

[gryphon]

I'd grab a revo in .38 or .357 if available. It would probably be quicker to get into action the first time because you wouldn't have to load the magazine, then insert it and cock the pistol. You would just load the cylinder, move the cylinder into position and pull trigger.

If I had the time and only if I had the time in the situation described ould I even think of grabbing an auto pistol. Once the magazines were full, and the auto in cond 1 would I then go with an auto.

Any other situation, if I could carry(Ohio still behind the times don't you know) I'd have my 1911 with me cond 1, IWB.

[Desert Dog]

I would pick something I am intimately familiar with, or if those are unavailable, some sort of SAA revolver...

[larryw]

Any USP, but preferably 45. Dirty or clean, wet or dry, lubed or not, guns run like a fine watch.

Locked as shipped from factory? Quarter turn using the key in the box or, lacking that, an unwound paperclip and its off.

[hansolo]

Due to my own POSITIVE experiences, S&W semiauto: new 910s: ZERO hiccups from first magazine to present.

[longeyes]

In that scenario I'd grab a four-inch-barreled S&W or Ruger revolver and a box of .357mag. Come to think of it I'd grab a Smith AND a Ruger.

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

With time permitting a Beretta 92 or a CZ-75/85. If no time permitting, a S&W or Ruger .357.

[Boats]

Though I am a pistol guy and attracted the notion of grabbing the best 1911 in the case or any service Beretta I spot, I have to think of the scenario. I'd grab a revolver because it is going to be easier to load up and carry ammo for it than for an auto under the constraints of the scenario. Six or seven in the cylinder and the rest of the ammo box loose in a pocket for reloads under cover if necessary. Make mine a .357 mag, .44 Special or .44 mag.

[WESHOOT2]

Mr. Wilson is not the only 'expert' to suggest the Beretta.

Me? A Ruger DA wheel.

[sm]

The 1911 style hidden under the counter C&L (hopefully)...gonna grab a wheelgun and ammo also.

Hoping first gun is ready to go, save time in loading up. I shoot 1911 style and more comfortable with them. Regardless want a wheelgun, if need can use for NY reload, give to someone to assist me,...

[makdaddy03]

Makarov.

[firestar]

Beretta 92 for me also! I have one that I love and shoot well so it would be natural. Also my Beretta 92FS has been the most reliable semi-auto I have ever shot or owned. My Ruger P95 never jammed either but I haven't put as many rounds through it, so I guess in that sense, the Beretta is more reliable even though niether have jammed.

I assume I have time to load the mag. If someone was right behind me, I guess I would take a Contender and slam a round in the chamber and then whip the bbl up and fire.:D Even faster than a revolver.

[Logistar]

If capacity was not an issue... probably any revolver (decent caliber). Otherwise...

Beretta 92


Logistar

[Sven]

Any Glock.

[Dr.Rob]

So Mister Williams, rather than head to a fire exit and get out of dodge you knowingly committed a felony (and maybe a federal offense) by burglarizing a gunshop of a weapon and ammo to face an unforseen threat?

Ummm.. well it seemed like a good idea at the time?

Does it seem like a good idea now?

Not especially.:uhoh:

This Ruger revolver you plucked.. ever fire it before?

No but I have one like it.

Ever sight this one in?

Nope.

So you fired an unsighted in weapon in a mall crowded with fleeing children.

Well.. dude there were giant spiders!


Any name brand DA/SA Revolver. Of couse I can't imagine a gun shop without long guns, though I have seen shops where the long guns are under lock and key but the handguns aren't.

[3 gun]

4" 357mag revolver.

[CWL]

Running for guns that don't belong to you seems like a good way to get shot by the real owners, but I'll play.

Anything that is .45 cal. Wilson, Springfield, Colt, Kimber, H&K and SIG. -Gotta be at least one of these in a "stocked" mall gunstore.

[MJRW]

GP-100 in a 4" with fixed sights and a few pockets of .357.

[cslinger]

1st choice S&W 696+ or PC627 for 7 or 8 rounds of .357.

2nd choice. SIG 220.

Course I am smart enough to get the heck outa dodge and just read about it in the papers. My mamma didn't raise no dummy.

Chris

[faustulus]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/pc/images/170210_lrg.jpg

.357 Mag. Eight Times :D

[Johnny Guest]

you DID say new and used.

If time was of the essence---
First used but unmodified PRE-1980 commercial or GI 1911/1911A1 I could find.

If none available, then a USED, UNMODIFIED S&W DA of .38 Spl or larger. Load up with .38 +P, and then explore other options.

Preferably at least one more, similar handgun.

Johnny

[Mike Irwin]

A revolver.

[9mmepiphany]

a wheelgun was my first thought but somtimes 6 shots isn't enough and reloading is no fun...now you gotta find and load the right speedloaders too.

as much as i love the 1911 and sig 220, they will never run as well, out of the box, as a beretta 92

even if running a bit dry, it will still run...just wears a bit faster

[Schuey2002]

Whichever Glock or H&K USP that I was the nearest to..;)

[DonGlock26]

If I have to use an unlubricated semi-auto then that would be a G-17.

[Baron Holbach]

Without question, I second the comments provided by Will Fennell. The Beretta 92 is the one handgun on which to stake one's life. With well over 1,000 rounds through my blue 92FS, this gun has never failed me. Thank you, Will, for your post.

[Nick96]

Blue steel revolver - preferably a 4" medium or larger frame .357 (you pick the brand). Why blue? I've heard of rare occasions where a dirty or improperly lubed stainless revolver has siezed up. But never a blue steel.

Now to autos. I've NEVER seen one (regardless of pedigree) as reliable as a revolver (even a cheap'o revolver). But the Beretta 92 seems to be receiving a pretty good rap here. Followed by the old Glock 17. I don't care much for the Glock operating system (my problem - not the gun's). After the response so far though - I may need to reconsider the Beretta 92 as a low maintenance - grab and go reliable firearm.

Too bad they don't come with stock high cap mags any more!!

[cool45auto]

Looks like the Beretta folks are out in force! And that's just what I'd reach for. 1785 rounds thru my 92fs Vertec and not one problem!:D

[Erik Jensen]

I too would (obviously) have to put in a vote for the 92. no idea how many rounds through it, and zero malfs.

though, realistically, I'd grab whatever I could get to first. or, whatever the shop owner will hand over to me, seeing as a gun shop owner is unlikely to leave his/her store unattended and unlocked.

[Pendragon]

It does not matter who makes the gun. Every single gun is different - no two are exactly alike.

I would grab 2 guns in the same caliber - probably revolvers since they will be the least ammo sensitive and the simplest to figure out under stress.

An unfired gun cannot be counted on - most new autos that I have seen have too much oil to run right out of the box.

[JY-]

;)

[jem375]

AMT Back-up in 45ACP......

[Stevie-Ray]

USPc .45 or any Glock.

[DeltaElite]

Glock and Sig in autoloaders.
Smith, Ruger and Colt in revolvers.

[Frenchy]

Any S&W revolver!

[Sarge]

Sig 220 or Beretta 92 in the auto category,

any Ruger D/A in the revolver category.

[Slow]

The first gun would be a GP100 and a couple of boxes of .357 Gold dots or Silver-tips then a CZ75BD since they are still offered with a 15 and 10 round magazines then I'd grab a couple of boxes of Winchester T 127grain +P+ 9MM to feed it with... Of course the entire time I would be praying hard for some heavenly intervention for protection and steady nerves and wisdom as I entered the fray.

[Thumper]

I've owned all the makes mentioned so far...for absolute reliability I'd choose either the Beretta 92F or any quality revolver as long as I was sure it was clean.

[denfoote]

In times past, the name "Gaston" would spring forth from my lips like water gushing from a bountiful well. But in these latter days, I must utter the words William Batterman Ruger!!!! My KP95DC has yet to fail me, but my Glock 36 lies ill in it's case, confounded by a mysterious jamming disease.

[Litlman]

How long dose it take to load a mag at a range without any stress going on? You going to have the time to load two 15 rounders?? Maybe this shop has pre-loaded mags. I'm just fooling around , I would grab a revolver and a box of ammo.

[MR.G]

Any S&W .357 revolver. Prefer a K frame or larger with 4" barrel.

[longeyes]

I voted above: .357mag revolver, 4-inch barrel. I'm surprised at a lot of these votes. Most of my handguns are semi-autos but I can't imagine grabbing ANY semi-auto in an emergency I hadn't already cleaned, lubed, and fired, and knew the working history of, unless I had no alternatives.

[Master Blaster]

A suger redhawk in .44 magnum

Or a 629 in .44 magnum.

Most powerfull, easiest to shoot, most reliable.

[Pistolsmith]

My philosophy is as follows: If I found myself in a desperate situation with an untried handgun and only 2 rounds of ammunition, I'd use one round to see where the weapon hits and make certain of function. This is based on the conclusion that only hits count; it is especially true of a strange handgun with adjustable sights.

[Serpico]

In my mall, next to the gun store is "Metalworld" wihich specializes in 3/4" inch thick steel furniture....I would duck behind the 9,000 pound armoir....or maybe get inside it....

[Peetmoss]

I would have to say a Glock if there was one there. Not because of the standard reliability reasons. But because I am familar with the Glock and I know how to use it. If the SHTF choosing a familar firearm is the best choice.

[amprecon]

Glock 21

[eviltravis]

I'd have to go with the Glock.

[arizona]

Any brand revolver with the longest barrel available in 38 cal. and up. Preferably two revolvers.

If revolvers were not available, I would take any SIG above 9mm.

[goon]

Any good namebrand handgun should do the job well.
I would go with a 9mm with FMJ because in my mind the slight taper to the 9mm cartridge combined with the FMJ shape would make it damn near jam proof.
I would go with a SIG or a CZ, either would do. I have one of each, and their performances have been stellar. Never had a jam with the CZ, and only one with the SIG, which was a stovepipe caused by one of my early, weak handloads that wouldn't cycle the action.
I would stay away from a Kimber, because there is no excuse for making a $900 handgun that won't perform as well as a $300 one.
I would also think that a revolver of .357 persuasion would work about as well as anything could. But I would prefer an automatic though, because in my experience the sights are generally better regulated on an auto.

If rifles were included, I would choose an AK. Despite any differences that anyone may have with them, they are about as prone to work reliably as any weapon ever could be.

I would also hope that the gun store carried cannon fuse. I would need a length of it, a pound of black powder and some bullets or shot.
If the gun didn't work, there are few things that would withstand a good field expedient explosive device.

"You wanna be a suicide bomber, huh?"
"Let me help you with that.";)

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Again FUD My Ole' Friend-

Well, you know me! Time permitting, I would be looking
for a .45 caliber SIG-Sauer P220A and some extra magazines.

If time constraint's exist, I probably would grab a good ole'
revolver in .357 Magnum caliber; as made by Smith
& Wesson, Colt, or Ruger. Would I grab a Taurus? (LOL)
Only as a last resort!:uhoh:

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

[Kahr carrier]

A Springfield 1911 or Glock 21.:)

[cratz2]

Alan: do you actually live somewhere where there are gunshops in malls? I've never seen one--unless you mean a strip mall.

On the north side of Indianapolis, one of the largest gun retailers in Indiana has a location in a major mall, probably in the most liberal area of town. It's actually a sporting goods store but they have a very decent selection of all kinds of guns. Never bought a gun from that location though.

[TRIDENT]

Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec with a box of FMJ 230 ball.

[Blackhawk]

Ruger wheelie.

I don't want to screw around with loading new stiff mags in that kind of situation.

[Poohgyrr]

First, I don't like this place and am shopping anywhere else from now on. :what:

After that I need ammo & guns that match. Two 4" .357's should hit accurately and hard. Glocks/Hi Powers/Sigs should also be reliable out of the box. I'm sure other brands probably work as well.

I still want that carbine though.

[slh02]

My instincts would immediately draw me towards a 4" .357 revolver (GP100). If I had to choose a semi, it would be either a 92fs or a P99 because I have never experienced a failure of any kind out of either.

[Ikari]

Ruger GP-100. Goes bang every time. Also my XD, and any Glock.

[modifiedbrowning]

Based on my experience I would grab a Walther P99, 9mm.

[DerRottweiler]

A Browning Hi Power Mark III !

[chieftain]

Any pump shotgun, with buckshot or slugs.
Auto shot guns, With buckshot or slugs.

Remington, winchester, or browning. These are the ones I am familiar with.

Handguns, although I carry a number of SIG's I would grab a Smith & Wesson, ruger or Colt revolver. 38 or bigger caliber.

New and unfired no pistol is reliable.

Revolvers rarely ever fail to fire.

It is a probability game. go for the best probability.

Fred

God Speed for our troops in Harmsway

God, Country, and Corps, things you can live with.

[GlocksRock]

Any Glock, preferably in 10mm :)

[Topgun]

In the situation, I would feel a distinct disadvantage with a 10 day wait.

:D

[Shake]

Any H&K USP. . .

BOOM!

Shake

[Rheinlander]

as much as I love my 92FS... I am going to have to jump off the bandwagons and pick a Springfield XD40 :D

I am still shockingly amazed I haven't had a single mis feed even shooting reloads with my XD.

EDIT: I mistakenly put mis fire when I went mis feed.

[chieftain]

With respect,

Are you that used to misfires, in all your guns?


And as to the Reloads,

That is more a reflection of the reloaders skill as a reloader than the gun.

Fred

Godspeed to all our Troops in Harmsway

God, Country and Corps, the things you can believe in

[SouthpawShootr]

Too bad you said handgun. My first response would be a 10 gauge shotgun, 3.5 inch chamber (I think mossberg makes one of these) and some 000 buck.

Now here's my answer within your specifications:

Glock 20 or 29. I doubt there's many problems a 10 mm wouldn't tackle.

[Poohgyrr]

My first want is still a short carbine, a Trapper 30-30 would do well here. But otherwise definite dittos to Southpaw.

[45R]

Sig P226: Its been reliable since day 1.

[M58]

Smith or Ruger revolver.

[Shane]

Sig P239.

[emann]

Probably a Hi-Point because it's the only gun I've ever bought and shot without oiling it or anything. In fact I've yet to oil or clean my Hi-Point yet and have shot a couple thousand rounds through it now and no this isn't a joke. :eek:

[Rally Vincent]

If I was in a situation where I had to choose between a HI-point and a Nambu.........that nambu would be busting.


Anyways...........If I had to choose one gun to go bang everytime thats brandspanking new and my life would depend on it no doubt.....well then a Colt Python would be in my hands.

I mean lets face it people........If you were really in that situation and you had a choice.........a revolver would be your pick...you know it.:neener:

[coonan357]

give me a s&w 686 with a 4" tube if none of those avail then a model66 or a mdl28 , if none of those the a gp100 or 2 full lugs in .357 , revolers are easiest to load and not as common to break or jam .. but then again I was trained to use these and speed load 2 at a time , carts.not guns ..:D

[jimbo]

Beretta 92. Not that I wouldn't trust a Sig, Glock or HK to feed an entire mag the first time through. Sig is by far my favorite handgun. But if I had to know it would fire without first being able to clean and lube it, I would feel most comfortable with a Beretta 92.

[G. Glock]

Any glock.

[Nineisfine]

CZ75B for me.

[Cliff]

1. Revolver .357
2. ANY modern semiauto out of the box.

[zahc]

USP 45 (and make sure the internal lock has been disengaged!)

What are you guys talking about, this 'lock' on USP's?:scrutiny:

[sig970]

I'd pass up my beloved Kimbers and Sig's and pick up one of the most perfect IMHO handguns ever made.
A Beretta 96 .40 Border Marshal with Trijicon NS

I'd spit out .40 180gr Federal HS's, and then use the thing as a club when my ammo ran out. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that.:D

[zahc]

internal lock......:scrutiny:

[P95Carry]

GP 100 or something ''N'' frame like my M27 Smith ...... and a large pocketful of decent .357 ammo!

[Acolyte]

Topgun, that's just what I was thinking! :D
"Sir, I'll be back to deal with you in a week, and boy will you be sorry then!" :fire:

[Mastrogiacomo]

Any Beretta really, but assuming I have time to just grab anything, I'd make it the 92FS. Reliable, easy to use and "dead on balls accurate." :D :D :D

[CZF]

I see some votes for CZs! I'd take any CZ in any caliber..
as i'm most accurate with a Cee-Zed and trust them.
The point that a CZ75B would probably have a beautiful
CZ factory Hi-Cap would be an added bonus:)

A Glock 17 or Taurus/Beretta 92FS as second choice. Like with my
CZs, i've never had one malfunction.

[RCL]

Grab the first two fixed sight big bore revolvers I saw and a box of ammo.

[Snowman92D]

Sign me up for the Beretta 92-series pistol, although I've yet to pick up a 3rd generation Smith auto that wasn't in the same league.

[Griff]

None. Life's worth more than that.