If you were limited to ONE handgun, what will you chose?


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el Godfather
April 7, 2012, 03:39 PM
Dear THR,
If you were limited to just one handgun, revolver or semiauto of any brand, which make will you chose? In you response please share the exact model.

As simple as this may seem, it is a very difficult question. I have listed a few popular makes based upon my preference.

Thanks

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Ragnar Danneskjold
April 7, 2012, 04:46 PM
Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm full size.

MrDig
April 7, 2012, 04:49 PM
If I had to choose just one that would be THE one for me.

RedAlert
April 7, 2012, 04:52 PM
Sig P229 in .40 S&W. Hogue grips.

BCRider
April 7, 2012, 04:53 PM
Um, didn't we do this about a month back?

At any rate I'm not going to play. Not unless you make it one gun for each category. Namely semi, SA revolver, DA revolver, Rimfire semi, Rimfire SA revolver, Rimfire DA revolver and finally black powder C&B revolver.

There's simply too many truly fun handguns to deal with the angst of trying to cut back to JUST ONE.

csa77
April 7, 2012, 04:57 PM
browning hi power

357 Terms
April 7, 2012, 05:09 PM
Prepare to be flamed :fire:


So many of these choices have different

calibers
barrel legnths
grip/capacity configurations


must be more specific!

threefeathers
April 7, 2012, 05:18 PM
H K P2k in 357 Sig

huntsman
April 7, 2012, 05:25 PM
BDA

azgun
April 7, 2012, 05:31 PM
glock 21sf. With a 3 lb trigger. I like the gen 3.5 because of the rail

Pyro
April 7, 2012, 05:35 PM
Nagant Revolver.
Stupid reliable.

firesky101
April 7, 2012, 05:39 PM
Pretty sure I would just concentrate on removing the reason for the limit. Whether it be law or financial restraint, etc. They are like potato chips to me "betcha can't have just one".

sirgilligan
April 7, 2012, 05:43 PM
I did vote for the CZ, meaning a CZ 85B or 75B. I stayed with your choices. Unless I overlooked it, I would have picked Browning for a Hi-Power.

dogtown tom
April 7, 2012, 05:43 PM
FN/Browning Hi Power

ColtPythonElite
April 7, 2012, 06:00 PM
Colt King Cobra

burk
April 7, 2012, 06:14 PM
As much as I love my Kimber CDP Pro (main carry gun) and shoot a bit better with it. I would say the Glock 19. The 9mm is a more than adequate personal defense round and the damn Glock just eats everything and keeps on ticking. Mine is heavily modified, with a comp trigger. titanium guide rod, oversized mag release, and Robar Barrel. It shoots real good, comparable to my Kimber. It's also a much easier platform to maintain and service than a 1911 for a mechanical dolt like me.

I'd be the first to admit my 1911 shoots better and my next gun will probably be a five inch 1911 with rail. But one gun, Glock it is.

BHP FAN
April 7, 2012, 06:18 PM
I voted S&W, thinking of my 1917, but upon serious consideration, I'd like to switch my vote to the Browning Hi-Power.

Ranger30-06
April 7, 2012, 06:48 PM
Well my Blackhawk can shoot .357, .38, and 9mm, so I'm going Ruger! :D

I've got my bases covered as far as finding the caliber I need anywhere in the US!

jad0110
April 7, 2012, 07:03 PM
Probably either my 4" S&W Model 19 or 4" Ruger Police Service Six. Both are .357 Magnum. I could use such a gun for home defense, carry, hunting and plinking. For me, the best do it all handgun I own.

imac98374
April 7, 2012, 07:18 PM
G19, easy!

galena
April 7, 2012, 07:18 PM
Smith and Wesson Model-53............22 CF Magnum with .22RF inserts. Keep shootin' and check 6.

Axel Larson
April 7, 2012, 07:24 PM
Smith and Wesson model 629, I can hunt with that gun:).

mongo4567
April 7, 2012, 07:36 PM
Glock 19

Don357
April 7, 2012, 07:54 PM
by BCRider...At any rate I'm not going to play. Not unless you make it one gun for each category. Namely semi, SA revolver, DA revolver, Rimfire semi, Rimfire SA revolver, Rimfire DA revolver and finally black powder C&B revolver.

My choice is Ruger and a 1911. And the Ruger company can handle everything BCRider wants and more.:neener:

needmorecowbell
April 7, 2012, 08:11 PM
If I could only own 1 it would probably be a CZ P01. Makes a good HD pistol but also could be carried easily.

wrs840
April 7, 2012, 08:18 PM
If limited to one, I voted S&W since three of the four handguns on my typical CCW menu are S&W.

Walking Dead
April 7, 2012, 08:28 PM
My Sig Sauer SP2022 for multiple reasons. Size, Polymer, Reliable, 9mm, DA/SA.

montanaoffroader
April 7, 2012, 08:41 PM
Colt King Cobra 4"

el Godfather
April 7, 2012, 11:01 PM
Post #11, Nagant revolver?? Are they still being made?

redstategunnut
April 7, 2012, 11:17 PM
I voted Glock. If I could have only one, it would be a Glock 19. It does the most the best.

baylorattorney
April 7, 2012, 11:38 PM
Colt Delta Elite new model. :)

Captain33036
April 8, 2012, 10:15 AM
(I would not give up my SIG P228, but...)

SIG P229 with a rail

Sheepdog1968
April 8, 2012, 11:45 AM
Glock - if live in state without mag capacity issues; will be concealed carrying (weight issues)
SigSauer - live in a state with mag capacity restrictions and it's a gun used in the home

wlewisiii
April 8, 2012, 02:40 PM
Only one? 4" S&W Model 13.

coalman
April 8, 2012, 03:15 PM
If you carry a lot, Glock 26. If not, or if you game a lot, or as mainly a range gun, Glock 17. If some of all, Glock 19.

Auf Grosser Fahrt
April 8, 2012, 03:23 PM
I second the Blackhawk choice. 3 calibers, farm implement durability, simplicity, accuracy. I'm covered from hunting to plinking to self-defense.

For a lifetime.

Hunter125
April 8, 2012, 03:30 PM
I'm on my phone, so I can't see your poll, but I would say a GP100 4" or an SP101 3". I think anything that you need a pistol for can be done by one of these two.

modifiedbrowning
April 8, 2012, 03:34 PM
Walther P99 AS 9mm.

John Van Gelder
April 8, 2012, 06:04 PM
Ruger GP100 durability and the reliability of the .357 magnum.

Legionnaire
April 8, 2012, 06:08 PM
Four-inch Ruger GP 100.

John Van Gelder
April 8, 2012, 06:34 PM
Legionnaire

A couple of speed loaders one with the 125 gr., Remington load for social work and the other with the 180 gr., Buffalo Bore, for those things that go bump in the night in the forest.

XD 45acp
April 8, 2012, 08:23 PM
XD45acp Service

ACP
April 8, 2012, 08:31 PM
S&W Airweight

cashking
April 8, 2012, 08:34 PM
Why are the lowest cost guns the favorite among users? I rather have one nice gun like an Ed Brown or Wilson.

Redneck with a 40
April 8, 2012, 08:48 PM
I'd have to have ONE semi-auto.....my Ruger SR9-C.

I'd also have to have ONE revolver, a Ruger SP-101 357 mag, the 3" barrel.

crews1516
April 8, 2012, 10:29 PM
HK P30 in 40 S&W. My wedding gift from my wife. What a keeper.

kopcicle
April 8, 2012, 10:32 PM
"O" frame

jon86
April 8, 2012, 11:01 PM
I voted for Smith and Wesson. If I was limited to only one handgun, I'd probably want it to be a Smith and wesson no lock M&P 340. Although I'd probably be happy with a 640 or 649 also.

doc2rn
April 9, 2012, 07:42 AM
S&W Mod 10 3" sq. butt and bull barrel with a Hogue Grip!

wildehond
April 9, 2012, 12:10 PM
In South Africa we basically have to make that choice. I choose a Glock 22.
The Glock 19 and CZ75 in 9mm is quite popular here.

bannockburn
April 9, 2012, 01:30 PM
Colt Government Model in .38 Super with an extra barrel assembly and magazines in 9mm. and a .22LR conversion assembly.

JPG19
April 9, 2012, 01:36 PM
Seems like a simple enough question, not sure why some folks can't answer it. Sure, I like all sorts of various handguns, rifles, and shotguns, but the OP wanted to know which one, if forced to choose (for whatever reason), you would pick. As for me, it would have to be a Glock 19. They're simple, reliable, have a rather high capacity magazine, and parts are readily available.

MCgunner
April 9, 2012, 01:43 PM
No way I'm selling any of my 26 handguns.

el Godfather
April 9, 2012, 02:07 PM
Glock seems like the popular choice, but SW with genuine revolver following cannot be discounted, especially due to their 1911s and M&P series.

Boarhunter
April 9, 2012, 03:40 PM
Browning Hi-Power (and I am pleased to see I am not alone in my selection).

Boarhunter

Shoobee
April 9, 2012, 03:44 PM
After researching this question recently, what I concluded is the CZ 97B 45ACP 10 + 1.

T Bran
April 9, 2012, 03:53 PM
My Ruger single six convertable .22 S L LR/.22 MAG will cover all of my bases well enough if not perfectly.
T

Duble Naught Spy
April 9, 2012, 04:09 PM
S/W.

jman74
April 9, 2012, 04:37 PM
Browning HP

Godsgunman
April 9, 2012, 05:08 PM
What?? No Jennings? :p

Manny
April 9, 2012, 05:46 PM
Glock 17L is the one I reach for first, the one I shoot the best, have loads of trust in and have the most ammo for. Kinda makes my choice a no-brainer.

SharpsDressedMan
April 9, 2012, 08:21 PM
Glock 29. The best compromise for power, size, and function out there.

ApacheCoTodd
April 9, 2012, 11:46 PM
I passed on my initial urge to go Dan Wesson .357 for the caliber, barrel, grip versatility and instead went Colt given that among my 1911 platform guns I have 6 calibers and 2 barrel lengths which can go on the same frame which is in fact the handgun.

Fishman777
April 10, 2012, 12:45 AM
For a single gun, I would probably opt for a Ruger revolver.

I'd probably go with a Ruger GP100

My second choice would probably be a M&P 40 with the thumb safety. I'd also pick up the 9mm conversion barrel.

My third choice would be a SP101 in .22 lr.

captain awesome
April 10, 2012, 02:12 AM
tough call. out of my current handguns it would be my S&W 629 4" for functionality reasons. Though, I voted Colt, because I would prefer a 4" Colt Anaconda, as I like my 8" Anaconda better than any Smith I own. If I can only have one, it had better do it all. The Colt Anaconda in 4" is easily packable, its quick, you can hunt with it, its accurate as hell, and its powerful; it'll stop a nefarious human in his tracks, and you can load for bear if necessary, snake shot for little critters and well snakes.. Perhaps a Ruger Redhawk would be a better choice from a durability stand point, but even in that regard the Anaconda is no slouch.

Forgot to mention, its easy on the eyes as well.

ViperActual
April 10, 2012, 02:25 AM
5" gp100

smalls
April 10, 2012, 08:43 AM
I chose Wilson Combat, because I'm a huge fan of their guns. But really any 1911 would do, but they'd be my top choice.

mahansm
April 10, 2012, 10:19 AM
Easy answer; back in the long ago days when I only had one handgun it was (and still is, of course) a Glock 17. Nowadays it has buddies with it in the safe, ranging from .22 LR up through .500 S&W.

Pete D.
April 10, 2012, 10:29 AM
It'd be a 1911. It'd be my Colt Gold Cup NM.

Piston
April 10, 2012, 10:32 AM
yes i said a OA98...my end of the world package
1) 223...5.56 yes in know the limitations...i believe during "the zombie apocalypse"(LOL) that the 223 will be the most plentiful round
2) AR...since i have gone with the 223...might as well use the AR system both pistol and rifle...however i want very specific ar's...
3) piston impingment and yes i know you law enforcement types are about to cringe..but i want them both suppressed...its never a good idea in my opinion to announce your presence to the world
Parting shot...like the cowboys of old i'm liking the utility of one round for both pistol and rifle...cuts down on weight...don't have to carry so many rounds...plus w/the ar you can even use the same mag

Readyrod
April 10, 2012, 10:46 AM
My mind says Blackhawk convertible for the round versatility, but my heart says 1911 for the beauty.

Certaindeaf
April 10, 2012, 11:02 AM
Hi-Power.

easyg
April 10, 2012, 11:34 AM
If i could have only one, it would be my Ruger SR9c....

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/allenXdog/photobucket-4437-1332972933758.jpg

Teachu2
April 10, 2012, 11:53 AM
In spite of being a fan of both Colt 1911s and S&W revolvers, I'd pick my Glock 30. Eleven rounds of .45acp, light weight, concealable, self cleaning, nearly as accurate as my 1911s, and (oh yeah!) eleven rounds of .45acp! It's as homely as can be, but it'll get just about any job a handgun can do done.

rio nueces
April 10, 2012, 12:46 PM
Ruger, Security-6, 4" .357.

el Godfather
April 10, 2012, 05:22 PM
I see that quite a few people are leaning towards utility guns when given the limitation of one handgun rule.

bt93
April 10, 2012, 06:04 PM
Beretta 92

CDR_Glock
April 10, 2012, 06:11 PM
Ed Brown Special Forces 1911. It is my most accurate gun. I have been able to hit 8" plates at 50 and 75 yards, freehand standing. I have made a cluster of one hole from 7 yards, center of mass. It's easily concealable and I like the 45 ACP. With an 8 round magazine, it's hard to beat. It's my best range and carry gun.

If we were talking about Revolvers, my Smith and Wesson, model 627, 8 shot 357 with a 4" barrel is hard to beat.

Lifetime NRA Member
US Navy Veteran, CDR

weblance
April 10, 2012, 07:35 PM
Ruger P95... Ruger Single Six Convertible... Ruger P95... Ruger Single Six Convertible... Oh God... I hate these kind of posts... :banghead: But you get the idea. Honestly, probably the SS Convertible.

Nicky Santoro
April 10, 2012, 07:41 PM
One handgun? Smith 686. I don't own one. I have all those bases covered, but with more that one gun.

browningguy
April 11, 2012, 10:46 AM
Browning Hipower.

But if I was limited to just one gun I would probably just take up knitting.

el Godfather
April 11, 2012, 02:54 PM
How will 686 cover all basis, unless a 3'' may be.

B!ngo
April 11, 2012, 03:48 PM
I am a hard-core H&K shooter. Have a bunch, love them all, think they are extremely well-made, very reliable, eats anything I load in (most) of them (the P7's can be finicky). But I voted 'Glock', specifically the 19 because everything I read and hear tells me that they are the most reliable. I have little personal knowledge of this, but when pro-shooters and amateurs alike present overwhelming evidence (albeit most often non-scientific), I am compelled to believe it.
Am I likely to buy one in the near future? Not sure. But that wasn't the question.

Certaindeaf
April 11, 2012, 03:52 PM
^
Well then why don't you buy/carry one? Any gun may well be your only/last. It kind of works like that.

B!ngo
April 11, 2012, 03:56 PM
^
Well then why don't you buy/carry one? Any gun may well be your only/last. It kind of works like that.
Fair point, and I've begun to look. I've just been too OCD to break up the H&K squad I have at home. For handguns at least. Sigh...
But I suspect in a month or two there will be one Gen 3 19 in the safe. Oh and in CA, 'carry' is an abstract concept.

Bushpilot
April 11, 2012, 04:09 PM
Dan Wesson .357 That way I could switch barrels for target, hunting and carry.

bikerdoc
April 11, 2012, 04:19 PM
Opps! I voted CZ and lo and behold I put on a ruger today.

But to answer the question of just one, it would be a CZ.

el Godfather
April 12, 2012, 12:19 AM
Bingo,
I have heard same veiws on Glock 19 from many people. The size and reliability factor are just amazing.

SUPRonin
April 12, 2012, 12:28 AM
I like my G22 pretty well. For a while it was the only pistol I owned so I'm staying loyal to her.

SabbathWolf
April 12, 2012, 12:42 AM
Another vote for the new Ruger Blackhawk Convertible.
It's tough to beat a gun that will fire 357mag, 38spl AND 9mm.
In a SHTF type deal when ammo could be hard to come by for example, I think it would make an excellent survival pistol compared to something that can only fire (1) and "only" (1) caliber.

That said however, I have nothing but love for my HK USP .45acp as well with a tac-light and 12 round mags.
It's been dead nutz reliable and accurate.
So this is a tough question....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Swampdragon/9b838dd8.jpg

iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns
April 12, 2012, 03:42 AM
My simple answer is a S&W 1911 .45acp with .22lr Kimber conversion kit too

brnmuenchow
April 12, 2012, 09:46 AM
I would go with an STI Intl. of some .45 ACP type. There are too many models really to choose from, maybe the "Guardian" (Smaller frame) for a CHL use. STI makes really great pistols, and because they are within driving distance from me that makes them very accessible.

el Godfather
April 12, 2012, 03:59 PM
Many 1911 fans say, a Colt is a Colt is a Colt, but that is not reflected in the poll results. Why?

Certaindeaf
April 12, 2012, 04:28 PM
^
Everybody makes a "Colt" these days (har), that's why.

el Godfather
April 12, 2012, 04:31 PM
You mean Colt 1911 clones :)

19-3Ben
April 12, 2012, 05:27 PM
Ruger Sp101 3". It will do absolutely every job I can think of for a handgun except hunting.

CCW- Done
HD- Done
Range toy- Done

It also has the versatility of being a delight to shoot with light .38spl loads, and still being able to handle monster .357mag loads. All it needs is an XS front sight, and you're good to go for anything for which you'd NEED a handgun.
I'd say "IMHO", but it's not. It's just fact. :neener:

el Godfather
April 13, 2012, 03:56 AM
The more I think about this, I am leaning towards either a Colt Python 4" or a Commander size 1911.

el Godfather
April 13, 2012, 11:31 AM
SW has been mostly playing catch up with Glock on this poll. However now Glock is slightly taking the lead.

ChopMeat
April 14, 2012, 12:35 AM
The Glock 17, because it is the closest thing to me that is loaded...

RockyMtnTactical
April 14, 2012, 10:38 PM
Glock 26

Snubshooter
April 14, 2012, 10:55 PM
I'd be happy with my 3" gp100 or .357/9 Blackhawk or my G26, in that order.

el Godfather
April 15, 2012, 01:44 AM
Snubshooter, your usernames explains your choices.

Poohgyrr
April 15, 2012, 08:18 PM
Right now, I'd pick a S&W, the 640-1.

Revolvers are self contained, no magazines to worry about. And this one is small enough to be an always gun no matter how you are dressed. A 357 Magnum can run a variety of ammo.

For autoloaders, a Glock 31 with barrels for 40S&W and 9X19. Parts are easily stocked up and it runs three calibers.

thefamcnaj
April 15, 2012, 08:38 PM
Glock 19. Reliable, accurate,easy to conceal, lots of rounds(15+1, 17+1, or 33+1).
Great all around gun that will fill many tasks.

GRIZ22
April 15, 2012, 09:39 PM
4" stainless GP100. You can do just about anything with it.

CharlieDeltaJuliet
April 15, 2012, 09:58 PM
I would take my P220. Love the .45 and it is the closest thing to the classic 1911, but with a reliable double action.

GLOOB
April 16, 2012, 01:10 PM
Well having 1 handgun changes things. I've never even shot a 10mm, but if this scenario ever came up I'd have to give a G20SF a spin. With an extra 40SW barrel to boot, of course.

murphys_law
April 16, 2012, 01:29 PM
My sig sp2022

reb27
April 16, 2012, 02:27 PM
GLOCK 19, no question.

el Godfather
April 16, 2012, 02:54 PM
Glock and SW. They seem to be clear top choices. I dont know how many people actually vote here, but Glock seems to have taken the day.

Why?

el Godfather
April 17, 2012, 09:00 PM
Nothing for freedom arms.

kvtcomdo
April 17, 2012, 09:14 PM
Colt Anaconda 4" 44 Mag/44spc.

Personal defense and feed the family; it can do it all.;)

walk soft
April 17, 2012, 09:31 PM
If I actually had to choose one I'd have to buy it.(G19).Out of the ones I have it'd be the Gen 4 G17 with a 2.2lbs. trigger.I have others I'd probably trust as much but this is the one I shoot best and have run almost three cases of ammo through it.

miles1
April 17, 2012, 09:57 PM
Glock 19.

honorable mention:Ruger GP 100

OARNGESI
April 18, 2012, 12:21 AM
glock 17 not the nicest but its simple accurate and i have faith in it

el Godfather
April 18, 2012, 01:28 AM
Now I am thinking may be GP100 in 4'' is not a bad idea at all.

Work horse in a very potent caliber. How can it be beat?

Kiln
April 18, 2012, 05:10 AM
Springfield XDM. Holds up well to heavy use, has a high capacity, doesn't require oil for the poly frame, has light recoil, and is very accurate.

el Godfather
April 18, 2012, 11:17 AM
Well that would be the case with any quality polymer.

Kiln
April 18, 2012, 04:15 PM
Well that would be the case with any quality polymer.
I know, I was just stating my preference of the XD-XDM series when it comes to poly framed guns.

SlamFire1
April 18, 2012, 04:24 PM
It is going to be a S&W revolver.

Which one, I have not decided yet.

That would be a tough decision. Lets see, 38 Spl, 357, 44 Spl, 45 LC, 44 Mag.

The whole idea makes my head hurt, so I will stop thinking about it now. :D

PUNISHER56
April 18, 2012, 10:24 PM
As reb27 and miles1 stated....Glock 19...no question

DocRx
April 19, 2012, 12:04 PM
I know I will get a lot of flack for this selection, but for versatility, i.e.-protection, either personal or home, or hunting, either medium game or field, I would select (actually have one), a Taurus Judge Tracker .45/.410 with 6.5in. barrel. I have shot both calibers many times, both are accurate and deadly (have a deer and several Pheasants under my belt). Take care and be safe.( Just for carry or SD, a Kahr CM9, or Ruger KLCR .357Mag.)

Ghost Tracker
April 19, 2012, 12:15 PM
I know I will get a lot of flack for this selection Yep, IMHO, I consider your choice...completely flacked. But since you're a good enough shot to take pheasants with a handgun, I AM NOT gonna' to tell you that to your face. :D

snakeman
April 19, 2012, 12:22 PM
I would take my single six.

el Godfather
April 19, 2012, 04:14 PM
Still nothing for freedom arms

rxspeed88
April 20, 2012, 01:25 PM
glock 21sf. I own 4 other 45's, all 1911's, and if the shtf I feel 1000% comfortable with the 21. It took a few mods on each 1911 (springers and one taurus) to get them to 100%. The glock was already there out of the box.

el Godfather
April 21, 2012, 08:33 AM
I have never understood the shtf* scenario. It's like preparing for WWIII.

lawboy
April 21, 2012, 09:14 AM
Les Baer 5-inch 1911 in .45ACP ...
With two top ends in 22lr -- one with iron sight, one with red dot sight ...
That gun would cover carry, competition, plinking, teaching, training, hunting.
I know, I have that set up now and could live with it and nothing else. Hope it never comes to that though.

SabbathWolf
April 21, 2012, 06:31 PM
I have never understood the shtf* scenario. It's like preparing for WWIII.

A SHTF situation can come in many different forms really.
It's not necessarily all about total war.
I think of it more along the lines of just being able to defend yourself, feed yourself, clothe yourself and protect your loved ones in the wake of an unexpected event.

I mean, smaller examples could be stuff like the Rodney King riots, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, looting and pillaging after a tornado hits a town, etc.....
It may not affect the rest of the world, but if "you" are directly involved in it, it can have horrible consequences if you are not prepared at all.

funnelcake
April 22, 2012, 10:34 AM
Colt '69 Mk III Officers Model, barrel trimmed to 4", fiber-optic front sight, & an extra, fitted cylinder in .357.

Funnel

Prorock
April 22, 2012, 02:31 PM
This might sound strange but I would go with my Sig P238 just for the fact I can (and do) take it almost everywhere. As a bonus it is fun to shoot.

788Ham
April 22, 2012, 02:48 PM
My feelings "right now" would be my SP 101 3" .357, might change later to my 629 6", but for close in work, the 101 !

Ian Johnson
April 22, 2012, 02:50 PM
sig 226 9mm

Desert Duck
April 23, 2012, 12:03 AM
Glock 21SF was my first Glock. Owned several. Took it with me to Front Sight. It is #1with with me.

Never had an FTE with it. Eats up everything. Reloads, fodder and all junk i throw at it. Over 1,500 rounds and maintained with Ballistol. Glockmeister installed everything for it including better nights and a 3.5 trigger job.
Reliability, simplicity, durability, economical and practical home defense.

Desert Duck
April 23, 2012, 12:31 AM
I also have a Glock 23 that is same size as the 19. Seen several here give high compliments to 19 for size and all around best characteristics.

What I like about the G23 is that I have a Lone Wolf Conversion Barrel, called a 40 to 9 barrel. allows me to shoot 9mm with the 40 to 9 barrel and 40 S&W with the factory Glock barrel. two guns in one when you have conversion barrel.

the Glock 23 is in second place to my Glock 21SF.... but barely. :D

carbuncle
April 23, 2012, 01:39 AM
Glock 23: simple, reliable and readily-available parts.

The-Reaver
April 23, 2012, 02:01 AM
Colt SAA in 45 LC

evan price
April 23, 2012, 06:11 AM
.41 caliber Volcanic pistol.

pockets
April 23, 2012, 07:33 AM
In that good ol' imaginary, video-game-inspired, SHTF scenario (pick one of the many).....
I would use whatever handgun (or big stick, pipe, bat, wrench, etc) was readily available to give me the quickest access to a RIFLE.


.

fatcat4620
April 23, 2012, 10:38 AM
Glock 23 because it can do almost anything you need a gun to do.

Rexster
April 23, 2012, 11:34 AM
A magnum revolver can reach farther than most handguns.

With selected JHP ammo, the .357 Magnum is proven effective against humans, and with selected controlled-expansion and hardcast ammo, also perform decently against larger animals.

The GP100's original factory grip fits me like it was designed by my long-lost twin, from whom I was separated at birth.

The GP100's trigger is just about the perfect shape for the way I like my finger to engage and stroke a DA trigger.

I have one particular GP100 with which I fired the one decisive shot that ended an encounter that was in the gravest extreme, with no second place winner. This one is a keeper. ("In the gravest extreme" quoted Mas Ayoob, from his
book's title, and "no second place winner" quoted Bill Jordan, from his book's
title. These are excellent books!)

My employer, a PD, requires me to use one of several specified DA .40 auto pistols as primary, and we must buy our own, but as this poll and thread is merely a hypothetical exercise, I figured I could factor-out my job requirements. There is NO way I would want my only handgun to be a .40 auto.

AABEN
April 23, 2012, 11:42 AM
I would keep my S&W 41mag Or my Dan Wesson 375

contender
April 23, 2012, 02:41 PM
s&w model 60 with 3" barrel and adj sights....357/38spl.

concealed carry is first priority therefore a "j" frame.
ammo flexability is a priority so the 357/38spl
field usage bringing up the rear therefore the 3" barrel adj sights.

i hate compromises........

Bristol Mt.Man
April 23, 2012, 02:54 PM
I own many fine handguns including several mentioned as other peoples favorites. If it came down to only having one, I would, without hesitation, choose my 4" 629. I reload, so I can shoot everything from #9 bird shot to 300gr bear droppers. Any questions?

el Godfather
April 23, 2012, 03:36 PM
Whats the facination with .41 as many have shown?

SabbathWolf
April 23, 2012, 10:27 PM
Whats the facination with .41 as many have show?

I don't know either. Good question.
It's an odd-ball cartridge hard to come by compared to standard loads available all over the place.

I've shot two different 41 revolvers and admit I "do" like the cartridge...but...not enough to place those kinds of limits on myself.
I actually like the 36 cal black powder revolvers too, but I'd still consider that as a hobby load....not a primary weapon load.

sgtstryker
April 23, 2012, 10:30 PM
Glock 17 with plenty ammo, of course..

Cactus Jack Arizona
April 24, 2012, 03:20 AM
Geez, this is like taking your kids into a candy shop and telling them that they can only have a single jelly bean. :what:

Cactus Jack Arizona
April 24, 2012, 03:25 AM
Geez, this is like taking your kids into a candy shop and telling them that they can only have a single jelly bean. :what: How Cruel! :neener:

Mike_B
April 24, 2012, 03:34 AM
Ok- nobody laugh.....If I could only keep 1 gun, it would be my LCP. I would keep it because I can take it anywhere.

I can even carry it AIWB wearing nothing but my boxers! Add a tshirt and you can't see it either. Try that with a 1911!

Ok now- you can laugh now. Just remember: He who laughs last laughs loudest.....

el Godfather
April 24, 2012, 04:23 AM
I think in these sort of polls we often forget practicality and that we are civilians with normal life. I would also like to pick, if only one, something I can have with me all the time without having problem to conceal it or having to change my clothing to accommodate my weapon. In that aspect and snub .357 SW may be..... I have changed my mind several times in this thread.

dirtengineer
April 24, 2012, 04:30 AM
Four-inch Ruger GP 100.
This^^ You could substitute another 4" .357 from another quality company. It is about as versatile a gun as they come. Simple, wide range of power and bullet choices in both .38 special and .357 Magnum. Can be used for a trail gun, house gun, plinker, and even concealed carry if the need arose.

Retcop
April 24, 2012, 05:00 AM
Only One? :( OK then If only one, it would probably be my S&W model 64.

SabbathWolf
April 24, 2012, 05:10 AM
And Freedom Arms still ranks at zero!
lol.....:D

45bthompson
April 24, 2012, 05:17 AM
Glock 18 with a shoulder stock.

B!ngo
April 24, 2012, 05:19 AM
deleted

cluznar
April 24, 2012, 06:44 AM
Probably my Ruger SR9c love the trigger and has enough punch.

But then I also like my Bersa Thunder .380

el Godfather
April 27, 2012, 05:23 PM
Glock seems to have won the day.

SabbathWolf
April 27, 2012, 05:30 PM
Glock seems to have won the day.


Yep.
And I don't even own a Glock...:what:


:D

Brian Williams
April 28, 2012, 03:03 AM
S&W 586 de-lugged and round gripped, moonclipped.

BCCL
April 28, 2012, 09:26 AM
Ruger Blackhawk .38/.357-9mm convertible.

SabbathWolf
April 28, 2012, 05:31 PM
Ruger Blackhawk .38/.357-9mm convertible.


Like this one?
I like 'em too.....lol


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Swampdragon/a632c901.jpg

Old krow
April 28, 2012, 05:56 PM
It's a difficult question to answer for sure. I voted Dan Wesson. My pick would be the DW 15-2. That's probably close to cheating like saying" I'd pick an AR-15 for a rifle and six different uppers", but, the 15-2 comes with the extra barrels and can be well suited for a number of uses.

Guns&Religion
August 18, 2012, 02:12 PM
Ruger GP-100 .357 Mag (and my wife could use it with the .38 Sp) Though I admit it would be very hard to be limited to just one. Or maybe a S&W Model 66

Erik M
August 18, 2012, 11:45 PM
Single action Vaquero, or a GP100. Caliber would be a harder choice.

303tom
August 19, 2012, 12:11 AM
That would have to be my Blackhawk............

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