[Mr. Designer]

If you had to name the top 5 handgun manufactures, what would your list look like?

[SoCalShooter]

Hmm...

Ruger
S&W
SA
Les Baer
COLT

[<SLV>]

Glock
S&W
Ruger
Kimber
Springfield

[glockman19]

In no particular order:
1) Glock
2) S&W
3) Kimber
4) Springfield
5) Strum/Ruger

[cbsbyte]

In no particular order:

1. Glock
2. Smith
3. Sig
4. HK
5. FN (High Power)

Honorable mentions:
Beretta
Colt

My list is based on world wide reputation and current quality.

[phantom45]

Hmm in no particular order I guess I'll say:

S&W
Ruger
CZ
Sig Sauer
H&K

[<SLV>]

(duplicate... sorry)

[<SLV>]

Honorable mention to Kahr in the auto category and Taurus in the revolver category.

[GotGlock]

Sig
Glock
HK
Kahr (my PM9 is awesome)
Smith and Wesson (wheelguns only)

[Ala Dan]

Based soley on A) Mfg. Rep, B) Products, C) Customer Service, and D) Quality
my choices in NO particular order would be:

1. Smith & Wesson
2. Springfield Armory
3. SIG-SAUER/SIGARMS
4. Ruger
5. KEL-TEC

[03Shadowbob]

Springfield
Colt
CZ
Taurus
S&W

[<SLV>]

S&W seems unanimous, Springfield is right behind...

(too bad S&W caved to the government a while back on trigger locks... lost my respect with that one)

[Geronimo45]

Top 5 - good but affordable manufacturers (affordable: under $1000 for most weapons)

1. Sig
2. HK
3. CZ
4. Glock
5. Springfield Armory

That's not a ranked list, now. I rank all five of those as about equal. Springfield Armory, a tad below.

Then there's Taurus, S&W, Ruger, Kimber, Kel-Tec... I don't have enough information to rank them, I don't think. Smith makes great revolvers, don't know a darn thing about their autoloaders. They're reasonably good companies, I just don't want to judge 'em on my very scant reading of the subject.

[1BLINDREF]

1. Sig
2. Hk
3. Glock
4. CZ
5. S&W

[Black Majik]

1) Les Baer
2) Nighthawk
3) Ed Brown
4) Rock River Arms
5) Glock

[Fabi75]

1. SIG
2. CZ
3. Beretta
4. H&K
5. Glock

[M92FS]

In no particular order:
S&W
SIG
Glock
Beretta
H&K

[RNB65]

S&W
Sig Sauer
Ruger
CZ
Glock

Ask me again in 5 minutes and I'll probably give a completely different answer. :)

[TopDog]

Since no specific criteria was given I base this list on bang for the buck, quality for the dollar, not in any particular order:

1. Smith & Wesson
2. Springfield Armory
3. Ruger
4. Taurus
5. Glock

There certainly are other manufactures that make superb handguns, but I think in most cases your paying mainly for the name and not the gun.

[Pecos21]

Glad to see some Berettas making the list.

1. Sig
2. Beretta
3. HK
4. CZ
5. Glock or Ruger or S&W

[qbpc]

Glock, S&W, Ruger, CZ and Sig

[Juna]

H&K
CZ
Ruger
Springfield Armory
Kel-Tec (one of the most innovative & cornered the market on pocket pistols). It's hard to top 7+1 of .380 ACP in your pocket weighing in at 10 oz.

[Eyesac]

1. Smith & Wesson
2. Springfield Armory
3. SIG-SAUER/SIGARMS
4. Ruger
5. KEL-TEC

Kel tec? Seriously? Wow, you guys work for Kel-tec or something? They may make something that no one else makes, I'll give you that but... seriously? I've shot a kel-tec and it was trash, in fact I was amazed at what poor quality it was...

My vote in no particular order is:
1) Glock
2) S&W
3) Sig
4) Springfield
5) Ruger

[GaryP]

In no particular order with Reliability, Durability, & Quality in mind:

Revolvers

1. Ruger
2. S&W
3. Colt
4. Dan Wesson
5. NAA

Semi-Autos

1. Colt
2. HK
3. Beretta
4. Ruger
5. SIG


:evil:

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Ruger
Sig
S&W
H&K
Glock

[RNB65]

H&K appears to be either a love it or hate it company. You don't hear much middle ground with them.

[Gustav]

Colt
Smith & Wesson
Ruger
Glock
Browning

[jeff-10]

You didn't specify revolver or auto so I am assuming both types.

My Top 5:

Sig Sauer
HK
Ruger
Smith & Wesson
Glock-

[TimboKhan]

based solely on companies I like, and in no particular order:

1. Taurus
2. Ruger
3. Smith und Vesson
4. CZ
5. HK

[The Amigo]

Kel tec? Seriously? Wow, you guys work for Kel-tec or something? They may make something that no one else makes, I'll give you that but... seriously? I've shot a kel-tec and it was trash, in fact I was amazed at what poor quality it was...

Kel Tec does put out a product that the normal man can get to (affordable). Not everyone have 600-1000$+ to put up for protection. Mine has been 100%reliable not to mention lite weight as hell. And its an American Made. Just cause some thing cost a lot dont make it a good product and just cause its affordable dont means its crap. Not to mention their customer service have been the best when i ordered spare parts (not repair). And have a lifetime warranty. And no I do not work for KelTec. My 2 centavos.

1. GLOCK
2. KEL TEC
3. S&W
4.RUGGER
5.TAURUS

[MustangHowie]

Sig Sauer
Glock
HK
Kimber
Ruger

[Shipwreck]

I say

Walther
HK
Glock (even though I am not a big Glock fan)
Sig (Not a Sig fan either, but they do make good guns)
S&W

[armoredman]

CZ
CZ
CZ
CZ
Smith and Wesson

Based on what I own.:neener:
Though I wouldn't sneeze at adding a SiG P220, or a Ruger Old Army.:cool:

[TexasP226]

Sig
Sig
Sig
Sig
HK

[marksman13]

CZ (best in it's class, maybe best period)
Springfield Armory (just wish they would sell parts)
Taurus (hard to beat for the price)
Colt
Smith and Wesson

[Geno]

Top 2 Are Co-Equals, Alphabetically Listed:

1) Colt 1911 STS, Series 70 re-issue based on a 3,000-round (no cleaning...oil only) torture test with 0 failures.

2) Glock 17 based on a 3,000-round (no cleaning...oil only) torture test with 0 failures.

***********************************************
The Next Two Also Defensive Pistols Are Close in Quality, etc. to #1 & 2:

3) BHP 9MM Luger: Because they have exceptional pointability, reliability and accuracy.

4) Kel-Tec P3AT Hard-chromed because it has never failed, is accurate and small enough to hide anywhere.

************************************************

Enough of Defensive-only handguns...let’s change the pace. T/C’s Contender is the world's single-most extraordinary pistol of all-time!

5) T/C Contender because they have a reasonable price, interchangeable barrels, never fail. Even after all these years, the Contender still holds the World Record set with iron sights at 500 yards: 1" X 3.5"!!!!!

[Quiet]

In no particular order...

Česká Zbrojovka Uherský Brod
Fabrique Nationale de Herstal
Glock
Heckler & Koch
Sigarms

[MountainBear]

I guess I don't mind putting down my top five in order:

1: Smith and Wesson
2: Colt
3: Berretta
4: Sig
5: Ruger

I tend to leave out some of the smaller custom manufacturers...

and if I had to go on, Taurus, Glock, SA, IMI, H&K, and perhaps CZ and Browning would be in the top ten...

[rc135]

1. S&W
2. Heritage Manufacturing (SA only)
3. NAA
4. Colt (SA)
5. pick 'em

Sam: Hey, what’s happenin’, Norm?
Norm: Well, it’s a dog-eat-dog world Sammy, and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear. -- "Cheers"

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." -- Winston Churchill

"I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, natural, wholesome things that money can buy." -- Tom Clancy

"A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its trousers on." -- Winston Churchill

[normal]

Springfield Armory
S&W
H&K
Sig
Taurus
Ruger
Glock
Colt
Kimber
Is that more than 5?
It is cruel and unusual to limit to 5!
There are far too many quality handgun companies out there (lucky us!) to limit myself to 5.

[ftierson]

For 1993, 1994, and 1995, for pistols excluding revolvers, see...

http://www.amfire.com/php/container.php?content=../htm/statistics/pistolsCompany.htm

Forrest

[briansp82593]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/beretta96/9mms1-2-07a.jpg
nuff' said

[MrBigStuff]

:DHi Point
Lorcin
Jennings/Bryco/Phoenix Ams
Charter Arms
Davis

[possum]

glock, not because they are the best or anyhing but there products are in use by more people and governments around the world.
spring-field because they are the best!
ruger
s&w
h&k

[CB900F]

Fella's;

I find it hard to believe this thread got this far without Freedom Arms being mentioned. They aren't cheap, the best never is, but damn are they good!

Freedom Arms, S&W, Manhurin, H&K, Ruger

900F

[Baba Louie]

If you had to name the top 5 handgun manufactures, what would your list look like?Based on what? Sales? Personal preferences? Ownership? Warranty?

My Top 5 tier: (Journeyman level handgun)
Beretta (that US Gov't contract thing)
Colt (historical)
Glock (marketing)
S&W (variety, historical and comeback kid lock or not)
Springfield (new kid makes good w/ foreign production sales)

My 2nd top 5 (or is it 6?) tier:
CZ (coming on stronger w/ every passing year, bound for the top 5)
HK (Beemer/Mercedes of the plastic fantastic handgun world)
Kimber (want a 1911 variant only?)
Ruger (variety is good)
SIG (Sviss und Cherman qvality... almost got the US Gov't contract thing)
Taurus (pricepoint & variety flooding the US market near you)

World of Custom quality level top 5: (but each pretty much a well rehearsed and performing one trick pony)
Baer
Brown
Freedom Arms
RRA/Nighthawk
Wilson

Based on what I have owned:
Colt (a few 1911 models)
S&W (DA revolvers and a semi auto or two)
Ruger (think cowboy and .22 semi auto's)
Glock (I drank the kool-aid for awhile)
CZ (understated wow)

[American_Pit_Bull]

SIG
HK
Glock
Springfield
S&W

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Eyesac My Friend-

No Sir- I don't work for KEL-TEC but as I understand it, their customer service
is first class in every respect; and that is why they are in my TOP 5. A young,
growing, and upcoming company that stands behind their products needs our
fan base and support; or else they night just fold up shop, and fade away.
Luckily, I have NEVER needed to call on their customer service or warranty
repair department; as my P3AT .380 is a good example of fit N' finish. And,
combined with reliability, and "combat accuarcy" out to 'bout 15 yards makes
it a very handy and useful carry gun. I'm sorry that you have had some sort'a
bad experience with the KEL TEC, but I'm also quite sure that the company
would solve your problems- NO QUARMS~!

[Jomax]

1. Glock
2. S&W
3. Ruger
4. Sig
5. Beretta

[Eightball]

General, based on whatever criteria I decided when I was filling the slot, probably numbers seen around my area:

1. S&W
2. Springfield Armory
3. Glock
4. Ruger
5. Taurus/Kimber (see about an equal number of 'em, depends on which end of town)
6. Colt

[Pilot]

CZ
HK
Sig
Ruger
S&W
Beretta

[GeorgiaGlocker]

Glock
Glock
Glock
Glock
Glock

[targatop]

"(too bad S&W caved to the government a while back on trigger locks... lost my respect with that one)"

My brand new S&W M&P does NOT have trigger locks.

[txmason]

In no particular order:
Colt
Kimber
S&W
Taurus
SIG

[larry starling]

1. Colt
2. S&W
3. FN
4. Browning
5. Sig

[Lonestar49]

...

Variety is the Spice of Life


LS

[Stevie-Ray]

Colt
Ruger
S&W
Glock
Kimber

[Autolycus]

1. Heckler & Koch (HK)
2. Sigarms
3. Glock
4. Springfield Armory (not sure if this counts as the XD is just an import)
5. Smith and Wesson

Honorable mention would be to Beretta. It really depends what your looking at. If it is sales then it would be (according to my perceptions!)...

1. Beretta (US Mil Contract)
2. Glock (Most LE agencies including local, state, and federal)
3. Sigarms
4. Smith and Wesson
5. H&K

If it is for preference...

1. H&K
2. Sig
3. 1911 of some sort (preferable Colt or Springfield)
4. Walther
5. Glock

In my opinion it changes in the context of the question.

[P97]

Ruger
S & W
Colt
Sig
Glock

[nathan]

Sig, ruger, colt ...

[bestseller92]

Ruger
Glock
Smith and Wesson
Taurus
SIG

Why do I include Taurus? Because they make good quality weapons available to people of modest means, and I applaud that.

[Dravur]

The Gangbanger list.

Lorcin
Hi Point
Jennings
Rohm

And for the Gangbanger elite.

Glock

[lmccrock]

1. STI
2. Glock
3. ....(not sure what is next)

Lee

[jonsidneyb]

CZ
Korth
S&W
Manurin
Sig

[jon_in_wv]

No particular order...
1. CZ
2. Smith & Wesson
3. Beretta
4. Glock
5. Kel-Tec....For having excellent customer service and for being the ONLY company that realizes that the working Shlub has a tough time paying 800 bucks for a pistol. They make a quality pistol for 200-300 bucks and they back it up. Good for them, I hope they sell a billion of them.
6. I can't leave out SIGARMS. SIGs rock.

[10-Ring]

Top 5 (in no particular order):
Colt, HK, S&W, Beretta & Glock

[MarshallDodge]

Top five from my collection, in order:

1. Kimber (I don't know if I would buy a new one today but I really like my pre-series II Custom Target)
2. S&W
3. Sig
4. Springfield Armory
5. Ruger

[threefeathers]

Wow.

In no particular order amd I have others that work just fine.

Colt
HK
Sig
Browning
Smith and Wesson

[Silvanus]

Glock
Smith & Wesson
Sig
CZ
Walther/H&K (can't decide)

Not based on facts or sales or something, just my personal preference.