[G23Jake]

I am new to THR so this may have been done. I am curious which manufacture is the most popular, give reasons for likes and dislikes. This may be to general or not enough options, let me know and i can change it if need be. This should be fun.
I think you can tell I prefer Glock's

[10-Ring]

1st off, welcome to THR!

As for your question. I prefer 2 manufacturers...Beretta & HK simply because I have found samples of their guns that work particularly well for me.

[Minute_Of_Torso]

This is going to be purely subjective because I haven't owned or even fired some of the more reputable manufacturer's guns, like SIG or HK.

My personal favorites are (in order):

1. Ruger (price vs. value, reliability, durability)
2. Springfield Armory (reliability, durability, craftsmanship)
3. Beretta (craftsmanship!!!, reliability)

My experience with these companies is that they produce great firearms (can only vouch for the ones I've owned) and have great customer service.

[Sunray]

You know you need one of each don't you? It's not like you married your Glock and it won't mind sharing your lock up with other pistols.

[arinvolvo]

I happen to like

Ruger: butt ugly, affordable, ultimately reliable.

Steyr: Innovative design, affordable, reliable.

[mons meg]

Where's the CZ option? :confused:

[Rich357]

My favorite manufacturers of semi-autos:
SIG
Glock
Performance Center at S&W
Valtro (I hope. It won't be ready until Dec.)


Good but not my favorites:
Colt
Ruger
Browning
S&W
Walther

If I can ever get a Hammerli in California, it may
go to the top of my favorites list.

Rich

[trooper]

SIG, of course...

I mean, I can't deny my German heritage, right? After all, I am a liberal (well, sort of :-), 9mm-shooting European which probably makes me a weirdo around here...


Regards,

Trooper

[Skunkabilly]

For competition, Beretta, for concealment, HK. I voted Beretta though.

[355sigfan]

I would trust my life to just about any GLock, Sig, HK, Beretta 92 or Cougar, or a quality 1911. The 1911 is one I have had 50 50 results with. There are good ones and when you get it hang on to it.
PAT

[Beorn]

I love S&W revolvers.

I love my S&W1911.

I'd have said Glock, but I got a lot of history with S&W...

It's a family thing really.:)

[denfoote]

I have Rugers, Glocks, Walthers, and one Kahr.
It's an MK9 Elite. I've pretty much decided that it is gunna be my primary carry gun, replacing the Glock 26, which was purloined by my lovely wife. :rolleyes:
As touching the reason, I have long come to the conclusion that in the concealed carry world, small is a good thing. The MK9 is smaller than the G26, is an all steel gun, and was specifically designed for +P+ ammunition loaded to 1300 fps. I held my former Glock the other day and it felt fat in my hands compared to the MK!!! :eek: The MK9 is a pistol that can be carried quite comfortably in the pocket, side, or ankle. :cool: This is the pistol that has dragged me, kicking and screaming, back from the clutches of the Dark Side!!! :what:

[caz223]

Anything on that list except taurus.
Voted H&K.
I'll take anything they currently make.
Same with SIGs, I just don't lust for 'em like a schoolboy.

[Ky Larry]

My favorite fun guns are CZs. They are accurate, reliable, and are reasonably priced. Plus they eat anything I feed them. I own a 75BD 9mm. a 75B .40 S&W, a CZ 550 Varmint rifle in .22-250 and have a .22 rifle on order. As soon as the CZ 2075 RAMI becomes available, it may replace my Kimber .45 ACP for CCW.
I've never owned a Glock. They just don't feel right in my hand.
S&W has great customer service.

[Smoke]

Para Ordnance and Kimber.

Don't make me choose which one I like best.

Kimber has very nice fit and finish for a production gun. Para Ordnance has performed for me flawlessly (except for mag catches :banghead: ) nad those big double stack grips sure do fit my hand well.

I'll give Springfield honorable mention.

[G23Jake]

where's the CZ option

Sorry i knew i was leaving something out. I tryed to change it but couldn't sorry dude. Maybe a moderator would ad that for us.
I honestly thought glock would be kicking butt, i guess i've spent too much time at glocktalk.com.:uhoh:

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's and Welcome Aboard-

My preference's are:

1. SIG-Sauer "Classic" P-series self-loader's

2. Browning Hi-Power 9m/m

3. 70 Series Colt self-loader's

4. Glock's

5. H&K's


SIG-Sauer's "Classic" P-series self-loaders are known
for utter RELIABILITY; that is MY criteria for being
voted number 1.

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

[Mastrogiacomo]

I'd choose the Beretta -- one of the most accurate guns out of the box. I love mine and have never been disappointed by how they perform. I'd trust them with my life they're that good. But...one is tough to choose so if I could have a second, it's H&K no question about it. Still....I wouldn't mind a Sig in the mix with a Glock 19 and 26 thrown in...:D

[Tamara]

My life would probably be a whole lot simpler (and cheaper) if I had a "favorite manufacturer", "favorite gun", "favorite caliber", et cetera. I don't see how y'all do it... :uhoh:

[Quintin Likely]

Where's the "all of the above" option?

If it goes "bang" and sends bullets downrange, I'm in. :D

[45R]

I prefer

SIG: best "fighting" and range gun I have.
Walther P99 series: most reliable
Kimber:Most accurate
Ruger:Goes bang everytime I shoot them. Rugged, VERY rugged.
Springfield XD's.....ugly but they work :)

[PCRCCW]

Your inquiry about "the best" is strictly opinion and everyone has different views.
Proven designs that perform at a level to be considered "among" the best no 1911's are:
Kahr
H&K
Glock
Sig
Beretta
CZ
S&W (3rd gen)
Taurus steel framed auto's
Browning/FN
and lots of others...

Shoot well

[El Tejon]

They are just tools. Whatever you got.

[10-Ring]

Voted HK because they are jus more consistent & work best for me.

[355sigfan]

They are just tools. Whatever you got.

END

Not all tools are created equal.
PAT

[El Tejon]

True, but software is to hardware as 100 is to 1.

G23, get a pistol that works, then get another just like it. Then worry about software and more software.

[jacketch]

I didn't see Browning/FN!

[.45Ruger]

My two favorites are pobably Springfield Armory and Ruger.
THe XD line offers a great postol that is accurate and reliable. The Ruger P series are a great value for e money just a bit big to wear all day, but also very reliable.

[eviltravis]

but I don't see it on the list.

[jacketch]

MY favorits are :
1. Browning/FN
2. SIG
3. CZ
4. Kahr
5. Walther

However, what works for me in relation to ergonomics, sights, calibers and cost may be very different for you.

[cratz2]

I'd imagine that the most popular (decent guns) across the shooting public in the last few years would be in no particular order:

Glock
SIG
Taurus
Beretta
Kimber

I've owned at least one from each company which isn't really enough to formulate a good opinion on. I really like Springfield personally. Lots of variety, excellent quality recently. The Glocks don't interest me a whole lot mostly because I don't dig on the poly guns. SIGs don't fit my hand quite so well. Beretta can be had for half the cost in the form of the Taurus copies. Kimbers are OK but I prefer Springfield or Colt to them.

Kahr has their little niche market as does KelTec. I own both and am completely happy with both.

If I were to be stuck with Springfield and CZ forever, I think I'd be pretty happy.

[355sigfan]

A taurus is not Beretta its a 1 to 1 scale model that can't be expected to run reliably or have good triggers or sights. I prefer Kimber to Springfield due to reliability issues.
PAT

[Mal H]

CZ, Browning and Walther added.

[Mal H]

I am assuming the implication is that there is only one manufacturer left on earth. For that reason, I ignored the "this is the handguns forum" argument and voted Ruger; not because they have the best of any one particular model, but for their diversity and overall good quality. All you'll get from Glock, H&K, S&W, etc. is pistols. Try some very long range hunting with a pistol. CZ is a very close second, but they don't make revolvers, IIRC.

[Deuce]

I've tried very hard for years to hate Glock.

What can I say? They don't give me everything I could possibly want ... not even close. But, a lot closer than anyone else with a strong emphasis on reliability and, believe it or not, for me, accuracy.

If someone were to produce some 1911 variants (LDA in AL frame and such) with high-quality, non-MIM parts and external extractors (beaten to death I'm sure), I think they would easily oust Glock in my book.

I like my HK's, but, with my renewed love for 1911's and a lot of Glock shooting, I just can't hit anything with 'em anymore.

I love my S&W revo's, but, I prefer semi-auto's and S&W just doesn't come close to many others as far as I'm concerned.

[sm]

I get it, you sell anti-depressents and anxiety meds...:)

I can't do this, I'm not married to any brand name--per se. I have some I won't buy though.

I like 1911's, I have my druthers, but based on metal, features, not name--again I have some brands I will not even look at.

I'm partial to old smiths, in particular to K frames. I wil not have one made after say '80-'82, I like the older ones, and there is that political thing. I like some Rugers, and some other revos. Again , some you couldn't give me.

I'm worse when it comes to shotguns and rifles.

Platform, metallurgy, MOA, --Yes I'm opinionated and PITA...you asked.

[J Miller]

If you had to choose one which is it?

Well, I saw this poll yesterday and couldn't answer it. Then just now I had an inspiration.
Rather than vote on one particular gun, I decided to look at each brand and see which one offered me the most.

I chose Ruger.

Because, your question did not tell me if I were chosing a DA or a SA revolver, or an auto, or a .22. Or what.

So Ruger gets my vote. Reguardless of what kind of gun I might need, Ruger has it covered.

[JeepDriver]

1A. Sig P series - They just work. I shoot them fairly well, they work every time, and they just feel right. I've only found 1 other pistol that fits as well

1B. Beretta 92FS Same reasons as above.

[G23Jake]

CZ, Browning and Walther added.
Thanks Mal H you saved my butt on this one. Keep an eye out for other complaints if you can.

[ShaiVong]

I voted for Glock because its all i have! Although i would like to try one of those Kimber Custom II's... :what:

[P95Carry]

Incredible .... this Glock following....... must mean something.

[russlate]

I voted CZ cause of the CZ83 being the Police Positive of auto pistols. Small frame, large capacity. If, as one of the gun mag writers has said, a 38 spl is never a bad choice, the same should go for the 380.

[JeepDriver]

I vote Sig. Although Beretta is a very close second.

Both work very well for me. Which means they feel better to shoot then the others and I'm able to shoot better groups.

As Far as reliability Sig, Beretta, Ruger, and Glock have been 100% reliable for me. The only failures I have had have been in other peoples hands when they have limp wristed the guns while I was teaching them to shoot. One of them was my wife and the other a Baltimore City Police Officer. The police officer limp wristed a Beretta with a 16# recoil spring and my wife limp wristed my P-95.

[Poohgyrr]

Hmm, this is difficult, and it wasn't easy.

Browning distributes one handgun (Hi Power) I like a lot and don't want to be without.

S&W makes and sells a bunch (2" Centennials, 3" to 4" K & L frames, 3.5" and longer N frames, the 3913 family, and even the 5906's). So Smith gets picked, for now anyway ;)....

[Scott13]

The auto's i like most are

The Beretta 92fs - beacuse it's very reliable , and has always felt right in my hand . And imo it's probably the nicest looking auto
around . The only complaint i have on it is the trigger pull .

The Sig P226 - Reliable , nice trigger pull , and VERY accurate in my
opion , more accurate than the Beretta. The only thing i notice on these is the finish doesnt hold up well.

The colt government 1911 - All around classic great gun , and reliable compared to many other 1911 models.

[cool45auto]

l
l
l
V;)

[Dobe]

Kimber, Smith and Ruger, but if just one, it would be Kimber. I have had great luck and service with those Kimbers I own.

[chaim]

Hmm, only one manufacturer? Which, revolver or auto? Or do you mean only one make for either?

If one for each, I love my CZ so I'd have to say CZ for autos (though there are better, and worse, makers) simply so I could keep my CZ 75B and S&W for revolvers so I could keep my S&W 65LS, 586, M19 and get more S&W revolvers in the future. There are other good makers of autos out there but I don't want to part w/ my 75- it has a great trigger (I know, not all CZs do, but mine does- it is even better than my best friend's 85Combat, the one that is supposed to have an improved trigger, and he has done some trigger work on his), it is reliable, it is accurate. I love that gun. For me I do like Taurus revolvers (they are an incredible value) but nothing has the class plus functionality of a good used S&W wheelgun.

If you mean one for either I'd go S&W. I could keep my S&W revolvers and they do make some nice autos too (I'd have to get a 3913 and/or 908 right away). Plus, to make it a complete "no brainer" they now make 1911s. Only one make, and there is a manufacturer that makes both 1911s AND revolvers plus some nice DA/SA autos. No question, make mine S&W.

[Dr. J]

1. STI
2. SIG single-stack
3. Kahr
4. Tie: Springfield Armory & Walther P99

[G23Jake]

Let me put the question like this. In the year 2008 the United States government has passed a law that says every houshold can only have one pistol. Which would you choose?

[faustulus]

Let me put the question like this. In the year 2008 the United States government has passed a law that says every houshold can only have one pistol. Which would you choose?

I think most of us would be dead.
If you mean i could only save one from a burning building, it would be my Hi Power.

[Safety First]

Welcome to THR Jake...Sig is my one and only favorite,but I will be in the market in the coming months for my second handgun..will probably look at another Sig. I also will look at Beretta and a few others, I will be looking for a pocket gun and a starter gun for my wife ( if I can ever convince her to learn to shoot)

[Majic]

I have to go with Colt. They originated the 1911 fame. The Python set the style that manufactors copy today. The Official Police Match Target was hard to beat in it's day. THE most reconizable handgun in the world is the SAA. Colt as spun more clones than any other maker on the market.

[Tamara]

Let me put the question like this. In the year 2008 the United States government has passed a law that says every houshold can only have one pistol. Which would you choose?

Revolution. :D

[PATH]

I like my Walther P99. I just like it. Sue me!

[sm]

quote :
"Let me put the question like this. In the year 2008 the United States government has passed a law that says every houshold can only have one pistol. Which would you choose?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tamara replied:

Revolution. :D
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have an idea where one Fort/Arsenal/Safe Haven will be located.

:D

" " you know it just ain't your day working for BATFE...when your assignment is the TN Mafia"

[Stay Low]

Glock tops the poles so far. G34 with hi caps and a tac light for me. Gimme that and it's all good.

[MR.G]

S&W, because I am currently into revolvers. When it was autos, the brand was different.

[Poohgyrr]

IIRC, the Soviet Army found all manner of AK 47's in the hands of "the people" the last time they invaded Soviet Georgia, or another of the satellite countries. Of course it had been illegal for "the people" to have firearms for quite a while. That, and other Historical Lessons, give food for thought........ Interesting that our politicians are still trying to take away my Hi Power. :fire:

[GlocksRock]

Hmmm..... Glock.

[kalibear45]

sHEESh.... All of the above of course :D

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

The number one spot is a toss up between Browning/FN and CZ. Browning makes my favorite gun, but thats about it while CZ makes everything I really like. So its a tough decision.

2. Beretta
3. Glock

[cratz2]

I could happily live with Springfields and CZs.

I could happily live without Glocks and SIGs though there's nothing wrong with them. Funny how that works... personal preference and all. :p

[Neil Casper]

In semi-autos I have many favorites, but they are either one of several manufacturers 1911, or the Browning HiPower. I have both Springfield and Kimber 1911 pistols and really like them both.

But because my ultimate favorite is the S&W Model 19, I had to pick S&W. However I do not care for their semi-autos for purely ergonomic reasons.

[Preacherman]

I've owned pistols made by Astra, Beretta, Browning, Colt (and competitors in the 1911 market), CZ, Glock, HK, Kahr, Kel-Tec, Phoenix, Ruger, S&W, Star and Taurus. However, the more I shoot, the more I find myself coming back to Glock. There are now multiple Glocks in my safe, and few other pistols.

I think Tamara put it very well some time ago when she commented that there's not much to love about a Glock, but a lot to like. They're outstandingly reliable, accurate enough, and fairly light and "packable". I've put tens of thousands of rounds through my Glocks, and the only malfunctions I've had were ammunition-related (one dud primer, and one cartridge without a flash hole between primer and powder). They stand up to heat, dust, rain, mud, and every other climatic condition you care to mention. In terms of reliability, they have become my standard of excellence against which I measure all other pistols: and in a defensive weapon, there is no more important attribute than reliability!