[TonyB]

Or at LEAST a place to start...
1) 22 semi auto
2) 357 revolver(2 to 4 inch)
3) 9mm semi auto
4) 45 acp.
Discuss.........PS I'm only short a 45 on this list!!!:D

[Skunkabilly]

Fur mich:
1. Beretta 92 conversion kit. If a separate gun is a must, then probably a Neos or 87 Target.
2. I dunno, but I'd get a 2.5" M66 if I had to buy one.
3. Beretta 92G
4. HK USP45

[10-Ring]

Okay,
1. I've got a Ruger Mk II & a 22 revolver
2. S&W mod 19 4" barrel
3. This one's tough, I have so many 9mm pistols...Top of the list is my P7M8 & my USP 9
4. HK Expert 45 (if I could only have one)

[Tamara]

Two of every kind ever made.

Could be tricky with a .45 Luger...

[Smoke]

The only one I'll ever Need?

Para Ordnance P14.45 limited

The only ones I'll ever want.....

The reasonable list probably tops 250 head;)

[firestar]

Bare bones collection?

1. .22 target pistol. I have several but if I had to keep just one it would be my Ruger MKII 5.5" bull bbl SS

2. Kel-Tec P-32. Concealed carry.

3. Kahr PM9 or S&W ultralight snub for a bigger CCW.

4. Browning Hi Power GP or other semi target hi cap 9mm. This gun could serve as a HD weapon and target/competition pistol.

IF I could only have two handguns it would be #2 and #4 from above.

[10-Ring]

I see NO good coming from this thread! :what: I have justified ALL my handgun purchases as needs, if I suddenly only "need" 4 guns, the rest have become wants ! :scrutiny: Nope, no good, no good at all!

[Mark IV Series 80]

1) Ruger Mark II Target Auto. - .22 LR
2) Smith & Wesson Model 638 - .38 Special
3) Smith & Wesson Model 66 - .357 Magnum
4) Colt Combat Commander - .45 ACP

If I lived in an area where I needed a handgun for Bear Protection or Hunting, I would trade one of these for a .44 Magnum, a hot .45 Colt, .454 Casul, or .480 Ruger.

[Schuey2002]

Here comes some more "no good" info..:D

1) a Glock 9mm (G17/or G19)
2) H&K USPc 9mm
3) H&K P2000 (it will be a must have when it arrives) :banghead:
4) H&K P7M8 ( one of these days..) :o
5) Ruger Mark II in .22lr.

I'll stop there..:neener:

[Dr.Rob]

What you need:

You need a .22 Auto target pistol, after all you'll be teaching others to shoot, right?

You need a .357 revolver, it even shoots 38 specials and gosh darn it doesn't jam like an autoloader. It comes in all sorts of variations from snubbys to Pythons and everyone should have one.

You need a 1911. You are an American. You need an American's weapon. Besides, everyone knows the .45 is the must have.

You need a hi-cap wondernine. Why? You'll shoot it more than the 1911, it costs less when you fill you range bag with ammo for your next competition. You'll have an excuse to buy "inexpensive hi-caps" when you find them.

You need a cowboy gun. Yes you do. Don't tell me you didn't watch High Plains Drifter 55 times with the sound turned off saying every one of Clint's lines. It can be a new one or an old one or a replica.

You need a story gun. You know that ancient piece of steel and wood carried home from a far off land by your dad/uncle/brother/some guy you met in a bar that has a special feel and character that makes you smile every time you show it off.

You need a BBQ gun. That's you fancy duds gone to sunday-meeting while fashionably strapped enough to not offend the Governer's wife. This will have fancy grips, perhaps be engraved. This will NOT be a Glock.

You need a BUG. Yep. You need a lil pistole' that would take a full frisk from the opposite sex to reveal, even if ya don't have a ccw. Mouseguns are just fun to shoot. Besides, the tiny fireball from a fiocchi .25 is kinda neat in its own way.

You need a "Collection" you know pick a brand name or style and have a few "variations" of the model to show off to your knowledgeable pals. This may include some of the guns from the above list or may not. You might pick one model or one MFG, or one "class" of guns.. like cowboy guns, or derringers, or pre-war Colts or ?

You need a "bedroom gun" yep, the one you'll go to when things go bump in the night. Again, it MAY be one from the list above but doesn't HAVE to be. This piece should be the one you know the best, free of bells and whistles and all business.

You need a CCW piece, again it doesn't have to be from the list above. Let's say your bedroom gun is a pristine 6 inch Colt Python.. well hold on there Texas you can't just shove that monster down your pants and walk out for a latte... no sir. You'll need something a little more discreet like a Detective Special... or a Magnum Carry. Or a Stainless Kahr .40.. or?

Your wife/girlfriend/shack up honey needs a gun too. Otherwise she'll wear yours out. Get her her own. Maybe she'll suprise you someday and declare that you can't buy that bass boat because SHE bought a new Beretta.

Now you see how easy that was? Now you have all kinds of excuses to buy more guns.

[Marko Kloos]

Two of every kind ever made.

Could be tricky with a .45 Luger...

They did make two of those, you know....

Now a Baby Luger would be tricky. Only one was ever made, and that was Georg Luger's personal gun. Nobody knows where it is, but if it ever resurfaces, it'll be the most expensive collector's gun ever.

[Carbon_15]

Glock 20...It can do just about anything resonably expected from a handgun. From home defence, to concealed carry with a jacket, to gathering medium game out to 100 yards with the right load. If I could only have one handgun that would be it.
If I was limited to 4 for the rest of my life the list would go:

1: Glock 20 with lots of High-caps
2: Glock 29 for summer CC
3: S&W 41 .22 for small game and cheap plinking
4: a P7M8 Hard chromed with brushed flats for BBQ's and weddings;)

[Desert Dog]

Not enough .45's or bigger on your list:

Redhawk - .480 Ruger

Blackhawk - .45 Colt

HK USP - .45 ACP

S&W .500 Magnum

Freedom Arms Model 83 - .454 Casull

Thompson Contender - 10" 45-70 barrel

And of course the requisite:

Old Colt Python

Ruger Mark II

...and that is just a start... :D

I don't need two of everything... I will settle for just one... :rolleyes:

[Blackhawk]

I make it a point to really need every handgun I want. Saves a lot of discussion.... :D

[Prodigalshooter]

If we're going to go with "need", then I've already got the bases covered. But hey, I still don't have a S&W model 41, or a big bore snubbie or...

well, I think you can see where this is going;)

[arinvolvo]

This would be my list:

1. Some sort of "tactical" poly or steel gun, like a glock, steyr, HK or similar chambered in 9 or 40...possibly 357 sig.

2. A short barreled revolver 357 of some sort...a house gun...loaded with 38 +p or 357 if you prefer.

3. A PPK style, or similar sized 380 or 9mm...Something that can be worn easily when situations wont allow the bulk of the gun in list #1.

4. A mouse gun in 32 or 380....Something like a NAA guardian....Something that you can just slip in your pocket when you need it.

5. And some sort of 22 plinker pistol...This will offer you the most trigger time for you money...and trigger time is essential to make confident and accurate shooters....this will give you the handgun experience and confidence you will need if you ever have to use a gun for self defense.

I am yet to fill out my own list...there are a few guns that need obtained before I can call my collection "functionally" complete...but you know as well as I do...the collection is NEVER complete..
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Lennyjoe]

The only handgun I'll ever need is a G19.

Everything else is just a hobby.

Next on my list is a .45 though.;)

[Ian11]

Glock 23

Glock 27

Glock 21

Sig Sauer P226 9mm

Colt M1991A1

But I'd also love to have a Les Baer TRS, Stainless Colt Gold Cup Nat'l Match, H&K P7M8, S&W 686 2 1/2", Sig Sauer P228 or P225, Sig Sauer P226 in .357 Sig, and a S&W 640. But I think I can make do with what I've got.:p

[TonyB]

Dr.Rob....I stand corrected!;)

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

I think you need:

[list=1]
A .22 rimfire. SA, DA, auto, whatever. .22's are to teach you to shoot a handgun, and are all about trigger control and sight alignment. Handguns are pretty hard to use, and you can't miss fast enough. Lots of cheap practice makes it possible to not miss, if not easy.

A .357 Service gun. General purpose gun. Target loads to Mags. Medium power, easy to use/teach, inexpensive centerfire ammo, house gun. I suppose you could substitue a 9mm here, but this is revolver-specific to me, as EVERYONE is supposed to be able to use this one without gobs of training to prevent AD's/ND's. Most auto's don't lend themselves to that...too many buttons and critical orders of operation too mess up in a pinch.

A CCW piece. A small revolver like a J-frame or Detective Special, or a dinky auto like a Keltec, Taurus Milennium or a Makarov or PA-63 or some such. Whatever it is, it goes with you most places, so it's easier if it's small and light.

A Belt Boomer. Something full-size to wear on your hip when you're outside town or you know it's coming to backup the rifle or shotgun. Either revolver or auto, so long as the caliber starts with .4 or bigger.
[/list=1]

Basically basic. :)

[Kahr carrier]

1 MARK-2 22LR 2 S&W 686 357Magnum 3 Glock 34 9MM 4 1911 Springfield 45Acp 5 Redhawk 44 Magnum

[MLH]

Is the one in your hand when the SHTF!;)

[tlhelmer]

Dont have a .22 handgun
S&W 686 4"
Glock 19
Sig 220 .45

I would also throw in my Sig 229 in .40

[Smoke]

What an imbecile I've been....

Thank you, Dr.Rob for setting me straight!:D

[Soap]

My minimalist list would be:

-22LR like a Single Six or a MkII

-Two Baer/Wilson/Valtro/etc. full size 1911s

-5.5" Bisley in .44mag

[VictorLouis]

NEED? Just the one(two, or three:) ) you have on you, I suppose.:p

[Poohgyrr]

Ummm, for a minimum:

1. S&W 640
2. BHP 9x19 or .40

if I get more, then add:

3. S&W M24
4. another Hi Power

[cratz2]

If needbe, I could limit my handgun use to a Dan Wesson 22 revolver and my Springfield Loaded Stainless Target 45ACP. I could also substitute either my Taurus PT99AF 9mm or EAA Witness Silver Team 40 S&W if I could also keep my P32 for 'always' wear.

[4v50 Gary]

.38 revolver in Alaska. All you need so you won't feel the pain of a bear clamping its jaws on you.

[Schuey2002]

LOL !!

Wait a sec, i need to stop laughing..:D :D

[Stevie-Ray]

Dr. Rob:D So true!

I couldn't make it with just 4.:banghead: I consider the many I have a good start!

Good God, you need at least 3 .45s alone! Small 1911 carry piece, larger double-action for home defense, and a custom 1911 for playtime.

[Gewehr98]

Could be tricky with a .45 Luger...

Just expensive. Mr. John Martz is the guy, the much-worshiped Ichiro Nagata did a spread on his guns a while back. John is the creator of all things Luger, including those gorgeous .22 Magnum, .38 Super and .45 ACP Lugers.

MARTZ CUSTOM GERMAN LUGERS AND P-38s
John V. Martz
8060 Lakeview Ln., Lincoln, CA 95648; (916) 645-2250, FAX (916) 645-3815

Gunsmithing and customizing original German Lugers and WWII P-38s. Some original parts available for the Luger. Patented MSTR (Martz Safe Toggle Release) can be installed on any non-grip-safety Luger.


Be advised, I saw one of his Luger carbines go for just shy of $20K at auction, and I have no idea what he charges for a .45 ACP toggletop. Probably enough to go on Ramen Noodle rations for some time... ;)

[hansolo]

Y'all must have some really special ammo if you can knockdown a hungry bear with a .38 Special! .....unless you sneak-up from behind and put one or two in the ear, Mob-style:uhoh:

[357Man]

I'd trade your 9mm for a .44 mag or .45 Colt of some kind, but other than that I think your list is right on the money.
Here's my list:
Ruger Mk II .22 auto
Kimber .45 ACP
S&W 686 .357
Ruger or S&W .44
There are lots of great handguns out there, but if you get right down to it, you could do just about everything that you could really expect to do with a handgun with this list.

[Min]

Um, excuse me...

10mm

and a .22

Thank you.

[Dave Markowitz]

1. Browning Micro Buckmark
2. Smith & Wesson Model 28
3. Browning High Power Practical
4. Smith & Wesson 1938 Brazilian Contract "M1917" (OK, so it ain't a semiauto.)

Aside from all that, you NEED a good .22 revolver, e.g. my S&W Model 18 and/or Old Model Ruger Single Six.

:D

[Boiler_G]

Right now I only have 1 gun on the list though!

4. Colt Gov't 80 series 1991A1 (w/ new roll mark)

Guns to fill out the list

1. Ruger MKII 22/45 5 1/2"
2. S&W 60 3"
3. Can't Decide b/t Beretta 92FS Compact, CZ 75B, or BHP
4. See above

I would also add ...

5. Colt SAA 4 3/4" .45 LC (Not a complete collection w/o one)
6. Cimarron Thunderer (Birdshead) 3 1/2" .38 spl
7. Ruger Bearcat .22 (Can you see the CAS coming out in me :D )

[Trebor]

1. Ruger Mk 11. OR CZ 75 .22 Kadet kit

2. S&W M28

3. CZ-75

4. 1911A1

[Shalako]

1. 2 Ruger MkIIs (one w/ a red dot)
2. 2 1911A1 Governments (one says Prop. of U.S. Army)
3. 2 .357s (ones a cute lil J-Frame)
4. 1 Glock 19 (Because that's all you really need anyway!)

:D

[sonoranjack]

2 handguns. 1 primary. 1 secondary. Both the same. Example 2 Glock 17s. The only pistol I would rather have then a Glock 17 is a 1911. 2 Colt new rollmark 91A1s. I've learned that a handgun collection is a wast of time/money. All I need is 2 handguns. 1 primary. 1 secondary. Both the same.

[zxc]

Current basic 4: Mod 49, Speed 6 in 357, CZ75 9mm, and SA Milspec 45. Nice to see parallel ideas on handgun choices. my 22 is a 50 dollar Rom trainer.

[Shane]

Only 4, huh?

1. .22 LR/.22 magnum Single Six (gives more flexibility than a .22 LR semi-auto)
2. .357 magnum, 6" short-shroud barrel (GP 100)
3. .357 magnum, 4" full-shourd barrel (GP 100)
4. Full sized .45 ACP semi-automatic. (Glock 21)

[Bainx]

1. 22 lr....ruger MKII
2. .38 Chief's Special
3. Keltec P32
4. Glock Model 30, .45 ACP

With these, you can hunt, plink, defend and brag.;)

[WESHOOT2]

This flat out does not compute :scrutiny:

[.45Ruger]

Ruger Mark II for cheap practice and plinking
S.A. 1911 Ultra Compact for concealed carry
Springfield XD-40 for times when I can carry a bigger gun
Ruger P95- cheap centerfire practice.

[arinvolvo]

Hansolo...the 38 special isnt for use on the bear...it is for use on YOURSELF if a bear was attacking you....like a suicide pill.

[T.Stahl]

For me:
1) A large 9mm for competition and HD - Glock 17L.
2) A .22lr for inexpensive training, training beginners and plinking - 6" Hämmerli X-esse (SIG Trailside).
3) A high-power pistol - Glock 20 w/ 6" barrel.
4a) A more precise 9mm for competition - CZ75 Sport II or SIG 210-5 Sport HF
or - if I was allowed to carry
4b) A compact 9mm - Glock 19.