Best choice for emergency, social unrest, etc... GLock? Ruger? S&W?

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Kymasabe

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I'm not a doomsdayer or zombie hunter. But, was wondering, if there was some natural disaster that affected national infrastructure and there was civil unrest, what sidearm would I want at my side.
I'm a big fan of some of the S&W's I've had, especially the CS9 I just had to get rid of for financial reasons (and can't buy back, darn it!). Also had good luck with Ruger SR9c, was a nice gun I shot well. But, am thinking, there are probably more Glocks in America than any other handgun, huge aftermarket support, and if things ever got all pear shaped, probably a large market for parts and used Glocks. Reliable, simple, easy to break down and clean.
Problem is, they don't point naturally for me and I don't shoot them particularly well. But, from a practical point of view, the handgun as a tool to protect yourself and family, is there a better choice than a Glock or choices as good as a Glock?
 
I'd argue that the best one for you is the one that you have that is accurate, reliable and you can shoot well.
 
With the remote chance that it could occur, I will be carrying the SA XDm 4.5 in .45 ACP. 14 rounds of .45 ACP, 17 rounds in .40 S&W and 20 rounds in 9mm. That's just the capacity issue. Then there are thing like full support of the casehead in all calibers, relieved ejection ports which Glocks don't come with and the conventionally rifled Match Grade barrels so you won't have issues shooting cast lead loads like the 200 gr. SWC load that I shoot a lot of. The XDm and the M&P are both newer and better designs compared to the Glock. The front slide rails are incorporated into the solid locking block like the SIG/Sauer P-22X series and use the same camming design and the locking block is removable from the frame. The XDms are tackdrivers. For my money it is the best polymer framed pistol made today! ;)
 
Keeping this focused solely on the pros and cons of certain firearms based on scarce or non-existant resupply and I would say you would want the most common firearm you could find in the most common caliber. Discussing any other variables will shut down the thread.
 
The one you have. I have a preference for Glocks, but could make most any work. Ruger would be a strong contender as well.
 
6946. No reason, other than I like 3rd gen S&Ws and trust them; plus 9mm can be found anywhere and carried easily.
 
Whatever you have already as long as it's reliable and you have spare mags and springs (and of course ammo). If you're looking to buy something you couldn't do much better than Glock for the purposes you are describing. Reliable and parts and mags are plentiful and cheap. Since the scenarios you describe precludes just going down to the store or going online to buy mags/parts it would be easier to find Glock items in your locale.
 
Kymasabe said:
But, am thinking, there are probably more Glocks in America than any other handgun, huge aftermarket support, and if things ever got all pear shaped, probably a large market for parts and used Glocks. Reliable, simple, easy to break down and clean.
Click to expand...

That's always been one of the reasons that I like the Glocks. Their easy to learn to do a detail strip on 'em with nothing more than a 3/16ths punch and re-assembly is a cinch.

Kymasabe said:
Problem is, they don't point naturally for me and I don't shoot them particularly well. But, from a practical point of view, the handgun as a tool to protect yourself and family, is there a better choice than a Glock or choices as good as a Glock?
Click to expand...

They didn't point well for me in the beginning, but I adapted over time. Second nature now. You can too, if you try.

Of course there are good guns other than Glock. XDs, M&Ps, USPs, etc.
 
My friend says the only brass on the ground would be either 9x19 or .38 special.
 
Any modern pistol with a few serviceable magazines is likely to last far longer than even the most lurid scenarios. If not, then what you have on you in the beginning will be completely irrelevant.
 
The one you shoot the best, i.e. the most powerful and reliable one you can shoot accurately and consistently.

Having lived through two "emergency" situations, I can tell you without a doubt a handgun is now nothing more than a "purchasing agent" for me. Buys me time to get my shotgun or battle rifle. Same for the wife since she's had the same experiences I have.
 
Pablo brings up an intesting point, and if his friend is to be believed, 9mm and .38 special is going to be the most readily available ammo around?
.40 cal is real popular with police departments and .45 has been around for ever, I'm surprised they're not considered as popular. As someone mentioned earlier, a S&W Model 10 revolver would work as well, simple, reliable, but I'd think would be harder to find parts for if needed.

If something like solar flares take out power grid and society comes to a grinding halt, no trucking, no manufacturing, I'd love to think Ruger and S&W would have a stockpile of parts if needed and there'd be someway to get them if needed, but...I still bet Glock would be easier to find parts for.

So, if GLock is the right tool for the job. I'm thinking maybe...G19 3rd gen?
 
In a total SHTF/TEOTWAWKI event, I think Glock will be the pistol that outlasts all others. The darn things run almost forever with little to no TLC, and they are the simplest things in the world to work on. Have some spare parts, or some cannibal guns, and you have a sidearm that will last longer than you will.

The other thing I like is that they have interchangeable mags within the same caliber. My Glock 26 can handle any 9mm Glock mag. A lot of people say that the Glock 17 or Glock 19 is the way to go. I disagree. A 17 won't take 19 or 26 mags. A 19 won't take 26 mags. A 26 takes THEM ALL.

For the reasons above, I proclaim the Glock 26 to be the premier SHTF/TEOTWAWKI handgun. :)
 
And it is just as simple to cut down a 17 or 19. Since the world would be ending and all, the resale value wouldn't be a factor:)
 
Any handgun that you can commit to carrying concealed every day, and is also duty-capable. There are a bunch of 'right answers' that fit this criteria.
 
Well, we did go through that with Katrina in South Mississippi - the eye wall passed over head and we were without power/gas for weeks.

I thought I would carry my CZ-75 but ended up being more comfortable with my Witness 45acp. Regardless of opinion on caliber size, I was more comfortable (psychologically) with the bigger bore. I wore the 45 one day in the immediate wreckage of the storm but folks in my town are more civilized and there were no problems. Everybody was too busy cleaning up/cutting trees to waste time looting or shooting, so on day two, the pistol was put away.

The Tanfoglio has never failed me, is solid, and so has earned my trust. I discovered it really matters little what make you have as long as you trust it. My steel-framed pistols are as rugged and reliable as any poly-frame pistol - especially considering the relative short periods the arm would be needed.
 
Kymasabe said:
AM wondering though, do they make a grip extension if using a mag from a 19 or 17 in a 26?
Click to expand...
Yep, A&G and Promag make 'em. I have several of both brands (use G19 mags in G26 and G23 mags in G27) and they work well. Locked them in place with the little set screw and I get no finger pinching.

With the sleeves in place, the subcompacts don't feel exactly like the compacts, but the difference is insignificant.
 
Glock 17/19.The G19 is the most popular in the line with the full size 17 a close second. Glocks are easy to repair and the parts do not cost too much.Most common repairs would not need special tooling. They are very reliable and have a pretty good track record. 9mm is common and easy to get. 9mm ball is the cheapest center fire pistol ammo out there and can be stockpiled without breaking the piggy bank.
 
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