[Just Jim]

So the hard part is the decision on what is the best gun in each caliber for handguns? It is difficult to say that a best is out there but certianly you will have an opinion. Only one gun per caliber and no also ran:neener:

45acp --1911

45colt--Colt Saa

44mag--Smith 29

44 special--Colt New Fronteer

41mag--Smith 57

10mm---Colt Delta Elite

40 Smith--Glock 23

357--Colt Python

38special--Model 14 Smith

9mm--Browning Highpower

380--Beretta 84

32--Seacamp

25--Colt pocket

22 --Colt Diamondback revolver.

Did I miss any???:D:D
jj

[Jim K]

I doubt there is any general concensus; those are your opinions and I agree on some of them. But you also have to indicate your criteria. Why select the Colt SAA over the much better and more reliable Rugers? Why the Colt Python over an S&W Model 27? Why the SA BHP over any of dozens of newer DA type autos in 9mm with equal or larger magazines?

I could go on, but to each his own in this kind of thing.

Jim

[Geno]

I disagree Re: "380--Beretta 84". I say the PPK-S.

[Vern Humphrey]

There are 4 1/2 useful handgun cartridges:

.22 LR -- in Colt Woodsman or Colt Officer's Model Target.

.38 Special (that's the 1/2) shot either in .357s or a Colt Detective Special.

.357 -- I'll grant you the Python. My gun is a Colt M357, predecessor to the Python. I also have a 2nd Generation SAA in that caliber.

.45 ACP -- in an M1911

.45 Colt -- in a Ruger Blackhawk or Colt New Service.

[Just Jim]

I doubt there is any general concensus; those are your opinions and I agree on some of them. But you also have to indicate your criteria. Why select the Colt SAA over the much better and more reliable Rugers? Why the Colt Python over an S&W Model 27? Why the SA BHP over any of dozens of newer DA type autos in 9mm with equal or larger magazines?

Colt SAA was made back in 1873 and has a history of being the great gun that it is. Beyond personal feel ect the Colt has shown the test of time and war which Ruger hasn't. However you are right that it is my personal taste:D To me therde is no gun that feels like a 4and 3/4 45 colt SAA

The Pythons fit and finish is a step above the Model 27 in my opinion. The tapered rifling has made the guns shoot dead on and the fit of the lockwork is as tight as a gun can be. The Blue is the best visually I have ever seen and the balance of the gun in 6 inch is perfect for a 357 mag.

9mm is a war gun caliber. Double actions are for police. The BHP with it's single action trigger make for more precise shooting in a hurry. Add to this the feel of the gun with it's low bore to trigger relationship and the gun preforms better than all the double action types, in my opinion of course:D

Now if you would have said the glock 9mm then I might have crawfished a bit;)

jj

[Just Jim]

I disagree Re: "380--Beretta 84". I say the PPK-S.

The PPK series has too many sharp edges for those even with smaller hands. I have had more jams with a series of ppks guns than any other model. Even worse I have had the gun fail to fire on the first pull of the trigger. Just my opinion from my own shooting of the PPKS.

jj

[parisite]

Threads like this make me tired.

[GaryArkansas]

.380 - Bersa Thunder (The PPK may be the archetype, but its an expensive hand biter).

9mm - CZ 75B, Col. Jeff Cooper agreed.

.44 Special - Smith & Wesson Thunder Ranch (Model 21-4)

.45 Colt - Ruger Blackhawk

[Black Adder LXX]

I'm surprised somebody hasn't come along and said, "Glock, evey caliber" :rolleyes:

[CU74]

+1 parisite............

[Mortech]

This isn't a hard question at all , simple answer is : What ever YOU like best in the caliber you prefer .

[MDW GUNS]

Best for what??
Best for compitation?
Best in the woods?
Best for CCW??

Still, overall:
.45 acp > 1911
45colt--Ruger Vaquero
44mag--Smith 629
44 special--Colt New Fronteer
41mag--Smith 57
40 Smith--Glock 22
357--Colt Python
38special--Model 14 Smith
9mm--HK P7M8 or M13
380--Beretta 84
32--PPK/S
25--no such thing, that caliber should be just forgotten!
22 -- CZ Kadet or S&W 617

You forgot .357 SIG >>> HK P2000

[Just Jim]

Best for what??
Best for compitation?
Best in the woods?
Best for CCW??

Best is what you would have above all others in a chosen caliber. If you choose concealment then the caliber and gun you would stay alive with.

jj

[ArchAngelCD]

You also forgot the:
10mm
45 GAP
9X18mm = German Makarov
32 S&W
32 S&W Long = S&W .32 Hand Ejector (Pre-Model 30)
32 Colt
32 H&R Magnum

[DMK]

Some of my favorites for each caliber:

45Colt - Ruger Vaquero
45ACP - Colt CCO
40S&W - CZ-40B
357Mag - S&W Model 27
9mm - CZ75B
38 Special - S&W Combat Masterpiece
9x18 - CZ-82
32ACP - CZ-70
22LR - Ruger Mk II

[Walkalong]

Not a bad list............this should be fun.

I like your choices for .25 - .32 - 9MM - .38 - .41 - .45 Colt - .45 ACP

I say XD for .40. :)

[Just Jim]

A list of what is best gives us a collection to strive for:D:D If you haven't tried some of these guns out then you ain't out shooting enough:neener:

jj

[CajunBass]

Well that was really nice.

[CypherNinja]

10mm--Dan Wesson Razorback

9mm--CZ-75 Pre-B

380--Bersa Thunder

25--Beretta Jetfire

22 --Ruger MKII


Fixed a couple. :neener:

[mavracer]

44mag-redhawk
40S&W-S&W610
380-walther pp
22-Ruger mk2

[Baneblade]

Jim, I have to enthusiastically agree on 45 acp, 45 lc, 40 s&w, and 44 mag.
For the 38 special I would choose the Smith model 10, not because it is the best, but like the Colt 45 LC, it is just "THE" gun for the caliber.

My favorite 22 lr is actualy an advantage arms conversion kit on the Glock 23.

[Just Jim]

I chose the 14 in 38 special because they are so accurate and has adjustable sites for all bullet weights. However you are right and not chooseing the 10 was a mistake. I agree with your assesment that as an "all around gun" the ten is better.

[461]

Do a search, you'll find that each one of them is the best gun ever made. :D