[firestar]

Just curious what most people think the most important thing a handgun will do is.

[only1asterisk]

My handguns are for fighting until I can my hands on something better or get away, whichever comes first. Any other use is incedental. I've done all the things on your list with them.

David

[Grump]

Nominal-scale surveys like this really NEED to have "other" so all answers will be included in the result (even if not separately named).

Anyway, my cranky "other" is: To protect against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

I've taken my oath twice and take is quite seriously. It's far more than self-defense. But keeping sharp is good for the heart and soul, too.

[Ala Dan]

I agree with Grump.:D As protection* is first and
foremost!:) Everything else would be secondary.

*FootNote- includes self-protection in the form of a CCW,
as well as home defense.

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

[Zach S]

I voted home defense, since I've got at least one, ususally two out for that purpose, 24/7/365.

[22luvr]

"ALL OF THE ABOVE." I would have put a dot beside that one.

However, I did vote for CCW as primary, but all of the others do matter, to some extent.

[foghornl]

Since we STILL don't have CCW here in Ohio [thanks Guv. Booby Daft, and Spineless Ohio Senate], I voted Home Defense.

But then, I always considered that my weapons were for the Security of my Home & Land.

[taoshooter]

Voted Home Defense but it was hard between that and concealed carry for the most important service my gun provides. Would have voted "Protection" which would have included both equally but wasn't available.

[clubsoda22]

all of the above, If not, FIGHTING MY WAY OVER TO WHERE I KEEP THE SHOTGUN!

[WhoKnowsWho]

I voted for Home Defense but it is really for all of it. That is why I have some for Home Defense, some for CCW, some to look good while shooting, etc.

[BHPshooter]

The main reasons that I got my pistol were to learn to be proficient with one, and for home defense.

But, as has been mentioned many times, It does almost all the other criteria, and does them well.

Cheers,
Wes

[RandyC]

I voted concealed carrry. At home I'd try to grab my Mossberg 500 first.

By the way, don't know about other cities but home invasions are on the rise in Nashville.

[10-Ring]

I bought my first handgun for self defense & my guns are purchased w/ that as their 1st & most important mission. But over the years, the stress relief of going shooting & hanging out w/ the fellas has proven valuable too.

[444]

Plinking would be my answer out of the choices given. I don't do any formal target shooting, but I do most of my shooting at paper targets. I shoot IDPA or IPSC when I get the chance. I attend formal shooting schools when I get the chance. I also do some plain old plinking. I very seldom carry concealed although I have a CCW. I don't keep a loaded gun in the house very often, although I sometimes do.
I mainly own handguns because I like them. I like the look of them, I like the history of them, I like to shoot them. Recreational shooting is what I do 99% of the time with my handguns and the vast majority of them were purchased with recreational shooting in mind.

[DMK]

All those other roles could easily be filled by a long gun, possibly a carbine. For most of them a long gun is actually much better.

Realistically though, only a handgun makes a good concealed carry weapon for everyday use.

[Chupacabra]

For me the most important is CCW and home defense.

[David4516]

I voted for carry. For me, a handguns main role is for fighting. Hunting and plinking are jobs for a rifle. Sure you can plink with a hangun, but I wouldn't buy one with plinking in mind.

[BunsenH]

Since you asked two seperate questions, I'll answer both.

"a handgun" - defense

"your handgun" (as in mine) - plinking (fun)

[Spot77]

The purpose of buying my first gun....was BECAUSE I COULD.

With all of these yap-yap liberals taking away citizens' rights, I decided that I was going to buy one essentially just because I still could.

THEN I realized how freaking fun and addictive this hobby is.

THEN I started sleeping better at night knowing I was getting as armed as most of the criminal element around here.

So with that being said (typed?), the primary reasons for having guns are home defense and FUN; although maybe not in that order.

[txgolfer45]

All of the above except open carry because I'm not an LEO.

Scott

[denfoote]

All my guns have served as carry pistols at one time or another!! Even the Luger. (It was a joke, however. Done to beat a dare!!)

[RCL]

Hunting.

[YodaVader]

"I mainly own handguns because I like them. I like the look of them, I like the history of them, I like to shoot them. Recreational shooting is what I do 99% of the time with my handguns and the vast majority of them were purchased with recreational shooting in mind."

Pretty much says it for me as well!

[Majic]

I'm a devoted plinker. A handgun is first and foremost fun with me. It can serve other uses (and does), but 99% of the time I pull the trigger on one it's to have fun. I know alot of people train for combat and practice all sorts of drills, but I'm not going to try and out draw someone and if you can hit shotgun hulls, pine cones, or dirt clods at various unkown ranges then hitting something as large as a BG should be no problem. Throw them combat targets aside one day and try bouncing a tin can around. There's truth in the old saying "Aim small....Shoot small".

[Stickjockey]

Voted Home Defense. Reason? I don't have my CHL.

YET

[HeavyHaul]

Another vote for "All of the above".

[Moparmike]

Without having read the thread before I voted and responding to my interpretation of "What is the most important role a handgun serves?", I voted for "Duty, LEO, etc (to mean armed forces as well)". I believe that because a handgun is most important when being used for good (LEO, when its actually employed) and in AF use because it is helping the AF's and serving our country, etc.

I would have voted for "protecting life" in a general sense as the above is essentially what it does.

However, I would have voted for the more vague "Protecting Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" I.E. CCW, LEO, AF, HD, and others as well.

[Amegatek]

Another Ohioan here so I voted: Home defense. Also I go to the range regulary to hone my skills; It's just plain fun and a way to blow of some steam! :D

[Tacblack]

My carry guns are like the seat belts in my cars. I always wear them, I didn't need the one in my car for 31 years, thank God I had it on when I needed it or I would not be here making this post. Lets hope I never have to test the guns.

Guns are like seat belts, you never plan on using them.

[Kenneth Lew]

Cracking walnuts :neener:

[coldshot03/04]

All of the above.:D

[J Miller]

What is the most important role that your handgun serve?

I couldn't do the poll, you needed an "all of the above". Mine don't have a "most" function.

Right now I'm using it as a paper weight on my desk. :rolleyes:

[ialevy]

Self Defense

Hunting Dangerous and Deliciuos Animals

and

Keeping the King of England out of your face!

-Krusty

[jon1481]

To protect my family and myself.

[Poohgyrr]

Umm, handguns are handy, long guns aren't. Protection is the main purpose of handyguns. Other things are important too, but Protection is the mian purpose.

[sm]

Voted CC

Most important is personal protection.
My handgun protects in other ways too.
This "protection" has a deeper meaning for me. Yet it means I train, and support 2A. Not limited to handguns--all firearms.

See the post by Dennis: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=31817&highlight=metal+wood

[Hypnogator]

Mostly for concealed carry, but also for home (motorhome) defense. For home defense when we had a house, my Rossi Coach Gun, 12-ga double-barrel served fine.:)