[wanderinwalker]

I am curious about what answers everybody might have for this question. What would YOU choose for ONE good pistol? (We'll discuss centerfires only here. Everyone NEEDS a .22LR, no matter how many guns he/she owns!)

After having much trigger time on Glocks, a 1911, a Walther P-990 (DAO), several revolvers, and more other pistols than I can remember or shoot well, I would have to say I'd give them all up for a Walther P-99 (DA/SA).

Reasoning? Well, I like the way the frame fits my hand. I trust the 9mm to do the job because I can shoot it quickly and precisely. With enough practice the DA/SA transition is easy to work through. The pistol is just big enough to be comforting and easy to shoot while still being reasonably concealable. Plus, it is very size efficient when you can have 16 rounds in it.

Anybody else care to contribute? This could be interesting. And I apologize if this has been asked before. Thanks in advance all.

[EJ]

I'm a 1911 fan--
It fits my hand perfectly==is a superior cartridge for defense and can be used for hunting in a pinch --(Still better'n a bow)
and they are just beautiful pieces of artistic mechanical design and function--:)

[10-Ring]

Over the last 18 months or so, I've had the most trigger time w/ my USPs. At this moment in time & space, I'd say my USP 9 w/ match trigger.

[cratz2]

Yep... 1911 guy through and through but I'm open to other designs. I have a Taurus PT99 with enough rounds through it to rely on it 100% with no hesitation. Trigger could use some of Langdon's magin. Also have owned several CZ75/EAAs and can't recall one that I was less than extremely pleased with.

If I could only keep one, it would be the 1911. Second choice would be a single action CZ75 design.

[Marko Kloos]

If I was limited to one auto, I'd keep my SIG P226. It's possibly the most reliable pistol on the market, it fits my hand quite well, and it's more accurate than me.

[Karate]

Walther P-99...I believe this to be the most reliable pistol on the market and possible the most advanced design...any caliber is fine with me but I perfer the 40auto.

[dairycreek]

SIG P220! No other choice - really. Good shooting;)

[emann]

Heck I'd just keep my XD in .357 Sig.

[David S]

wow, im impressed how many P99 fans there are............it is my weapon of choice myself. I first heard of it when James Bond Switched to it. I then did extensive research on it and actually found it to be a really good gun. at the time i was shooting a Gen one Glock 17, and when i got my P99, it felt so good in the hand and the decock opened up new doors that glocks simply dont offer. there needs to be a P99 fan forum on this board!

Down with the SW99!! and long life the P99!

[Handy]

I would probably stay with a P7.

One could go on and on about that particular pistols virtues, but if you have only one handgun, I would want something accurate, concealable and extremely durable and made to last. Also safe.

If not the P7 then, some other solid and slim STEEL pistol that will still be in good condition when I'm 80.

[sm]

wanderinwalker wrote:
" I like the way the frame fits my hand... I can shoot it quickly and precisely..."
....................

My criteria is gun has to fit shooter , reliable with ammo in a platform that allows quick accurate shots...

So actually you've answered the question for all us...or directed those in question.

Me? -- prefer 1911 style.

[Croyance]

If it had to be only one, a Commander-sized 1911 would be it for me. The grips can be changed to fit any hands, it is small enough for CCW, while large enough for any other use.
The Browning HiPower and CZ-75 get honorable mentions, but lost out because they are not .45 ACPs.

[denfoote]

Ditto on the P99!!! :)
I just put 20 rounds into the black this weekend!!:eek:

[arinvolvo]

I am a bit biased....but go Steyr all the way....I have been shooting a lot of 9mm pistols in the last few weeks...Springfield XD, Ruger, kahr, Glock, and I am always happy withe the decision I had originally made..steyr M9.

Easiest to shoot out of all of them...trigger is not as mushy as glock...and the bore axis is even lower than glock....I have well over 1000 rounds through mine, no failures of any kind...no visible wear, not even on the top of the breech...and the price cant be beat for the quality you get. I paid under 340, NIB at the local gun store. I have not, however shot the p-99...so i cannot comment on that...but it looks like a fine pistol.

Take a serious look at a steyr.

[Kahr carrier]

1911 Auto:D

[ojibweindian]

CZ-75. What a great pistol! :D

[modifiedbrowning]

P99 for me too.

[lunde]

P99 (SA/DA) for me, regardless of caliber.

[Rebel Gunman HK]

Love the Hk USP's more than any other guns I've shot. Really want to get my hands on a P99 though, looks rad as hell.

[cslinger]

SIG 220 if I could only own one autoloader.

Although there is something to a high quality 1911. You get reliability, concealability and it ooozes nostagia. Not to mention it is a beautiful gun.

[Poohgyrr]

Boy that's not easy for me.

Overall a Hi Power, a MKIII, either 9x19 or .40. Proven & reliable. Concealable under a T shirt if necessary. Night sights, thin grips, and it's good to go.

If better concealment from an auto is required, then the S&W 3913/908 series.

[Jiml3]

Just my opinion! I have 3 semi's that could fit into this catergory.
Sig Sauer P229, CZ 75 PCR and S&W 6906.
The Sig is great but alittle to heavy and thick got carry.
The CZ is also a great little gun, 27oz, 10 + 1 rounds.
The S&W 6906, 26 oz., 12+1 rounds is my pick. Very easy to conceal, 100% reliable, accurate and a good trigger. With the 12 round mag, I don't need to carry an additional mag.

[longeyes]

Tough. Maybe my Glock 30. But I admit I've come to enjoy shooting my Colt and Kimber 1911s a whole lot.

I'll have to try a P-99 one of these days, I guess, from all the fanfare on this board.

[Still Learning]

After putting trigger time in on other models the Walther "fits" you best. Good on ya.

For me it's the 1911.

I like these kinds of questions. You can't really be all wrong or all right.

[wanderinwalker]

After putting trigger time in on other models the Walther "fits" you best. Good on ya.

Yeah, the Walther fits me the best. I do like 1911s though. My only issue is size in relation to capactiy and my mitt. The Walther fits me like a glove, only when fitted with the small backstrap. I can work a 1911, but occasionally fail to positively disengage the thumb safety (I bet an extended safety would cure that though) on presentations.

And yes, the best part of these questions is that there is no wrong answer! And I might just possibly be drifting toward changing my answer already! ;)

[firestar]

Beretta 92fs.

If you put the time in with this gun, it an be very accurate and fast. I would carry the monster but for home defense it is a top pick for pistols.

[TheFrontRange]

Five-inch 1911 in .45ACP for me! :)

[Still Learning]

This is not a common complaint that I hear. I've heard a few shooters complain about having trouble getting the safety back on. Some dry fire drills may help you in this area.

The thumb safeties on my Kimbers are a little larger than on my earlier Colts. Some of the aftermarket, extended thumb safeties being offered are a little too big for CCW use in my opinion. Just too easy for them to disengage.

[wanderinwalker]

Okay, I think my answer has changed now. Either a P-99 OR a nice high-end 1911. The thumb safety issue is disengaging it, mostly because it is a small mil-spec unit on the 1911 I have "played" with. I am fairly confident an extended unit would solve the problem.

[provalov]

Springfield XD -- probably 9mm due to higher capacity with pre-ban mags. Why the XD? Safety, accuracy, reliability and best of all, a perfect fit for my hand.

[Bob Locke]

Glock 21 for me.

Little brother (G19) is a distant second place.

[Dave Markowitz]

My first choice is a Browning High Power Practical, then a SIG P228, followed by a Springfield XD-9.

[Shane]

If only one semi-auto pistol.....

I'd pick Sig Sauer P220ST, or the soon-to-be-released Sig Sauer P226ST. I like heavy pistols for target shooting, and when possible I try to avoid the alloy frames.

[Safety First]

Why,you ask?....It's the only one I own or have experience with!!
But why is the walther p-99 so popular???? It must be one heck of a sweet shooter..

[David S]

oh yes, the P99 is the sweetest shooter.............think about it, there is a REASOn bond carries it............cause its just THAT good

[Skunkabilly]

Just one...

P7M8 I guess?

I shoot my Beretta the best but with the P7M8, I gain more concealability than I lose shootability.

I have half the capacity, but I suppose I can carry an extra magazine or three.

[Sactown]

A nice single action big mouth 1911.

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

I'd stick to my CZ-75, I would say a Hi-Power but I like to have DA though. Steel, fits the hand, easy to find hi-caps, hits what I point at, and reliable.

[Ala Dan]

SIG-Sauer P228

Why?

Accurate, Reliable, Fine Craftsmanship


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

[meathammer]

A full sized 1911 in .45ACP.

[stiletto raggio]

Glock 29. The 10mm is more powerful than a .45 and the G29 has higher capacity than a G30. It is also much more concealable than a full sized anything. If you want an auto that will cover all bases reasonably well, this is it.

[Dr.Rob]

BHP or Colt 1911.

Both work the same, though the BHP field strips quicker and with less parts, both wiegh about the same fully loaded and with the right grips almost feel the same in my hand. I like steel pistols. I like single action pistols. I like proven designs. And sometimes I like to "fiddle" (the downfall of EVERY 1911 owner).

But honestly right out of the box a Hi-Power is tough to beat.

[HIPOWER]

Tough question, but I would have to say the Glock 17. It is dang near indestructible, easy to maintain, easy to work on if necessary, parts and accessories are plentiful, simple to operate and holds a whole bunch of ammo in a readily available caliber. The dang thing is accurate, if ugly. G17 is what I'd want if the S ever hit the F.

[45R]

It'd be between my P99 and 1911. :) I'd have to take one for each hand. They both feel great no matter which hand I hold them in. :D

[JimC]

This isn't easy by any means. :(

I really want to go with the P99 in either caliber but...I have to go with my Walther FS P88 with its three standard capacity magazines. :what: Yup, the FS P88.

[wanderinwalker]

JimC,

Yeah, the P-88 is a nice pistol. I have played with one a little, from my uncle's collection. Definitely not a bad choice.

I think my answer is still going to be P-99 or 1911. Depends on whether or not I feel like making a big hole in something with a few .45" bullets or a handful of .355" bullets! ;)

[JimC]

wanderinwalker,

Like I said, "this isn't easy by any means".

I thought about what I had in the safe and what I would like and trust in my hands if...?

I kept coming back to the FS P88 with it's 15+1 and two extra mags. ;)

http://jimcostanza.com/p1010035_10x7.5.jpg

[amprecon]

Originally owned a Glock 21, then went through a series of handguns and am now back with the Glock 21. It is the one and only I feel that good enough about to stick with for the duration. Like they say....once you go black, you never go back.

[Minute_Of_Torso]

Gotta be a full-sized 1911 in .45.

Having said that, I'll go with my Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 . . . all stock with no need for any mods.

Oh, and a couple hundred magazines with about 50,000 rounds . . .just in case.

[agony]

....and it would have to be any variation of the SIG P220.

[makdaddy03]

Makarov.

[harrydog]

5" steel 1911

[chaim]

Only one, a CZ 75B, though a 1911 could come close. Very few guns are up to the level of the CZ for its combination of accuracy, reliability and fit and finish and fewer yet fit my hand like the CZ. Only a good 1911 comes close.

[jimbo]

SIG-Sauer P220 in a dead heat with about 4 other models. Ouch, bruised my brain!:confused: