If You Could Have But ONE Handgun....

[mdauben]

Like an overwhelming majority of posters, If I could only have *one* handgun I would go for a 4 inch, medium frame .357 revolver like the 686. While there are better guns for particular nitches, it can do just about everything I can think to do with a handgun pretty well.

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[NMGonzo]

3 inch sp101

Most useful so far.

 

[tomrkba]

I'm nearly 20 years into handgunning and still cannot answer the question. I guess the comment regarding "your carry piece" is as good as any.

 

[C0untZer0]

Hk p7m8

I been shooting it since 1985, I've never had a single failure with it.

I also thought it was the best answer ever for the safety debate. I didn't worry about having to remember to take the manual safety off, on the other hand I didn't have to worry about it being cocked on a live round. The trigger is great - I never had to deal with DA/SA or DOA issues.

 

[Averageman]

I've really become pretty proficent with a Glock 17 Lately.
I was a 1911 guy for years, but have come to appreciate the Glock and find it pretty easy to shoot. 50 yd torso shot are easy.
I would imagine if only one it would be my G17 with the RMR on it.

 

[justice06rr]

Tough decision, but one of my top choices would probably be a H&K USP45 Tactical.

 

[beatledog7]

If a semi-auto, my Gen4 Glock 22. Has never failed and carries more than enough firepower in 22-round mags.

If a revolver, Security Six "snubby."

If not specified, probably the Ruger for its flexibility and firepower.

 

[56hawk]

I have to agree with everyone on the HK P7 series pistols. I love my P7M13. The original author must have been confused though because I don't think HK made a stainless P7. I think they made some that were nickle or chrome plated though.

 

[PabloJ]

I would keep 4" S&W Model 53 revolver.

 

[Confederate]

There is no right/wrong answer on this...just curious to find out what others think.

And not one of you picked the article's pick!

The answer is: The Ruger Mark II/III T512:

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I'm a little more inclined towards the newer 22/45s because of their weight and balance, but overall if I had but one handgun to own, it would be a Ruger .22LR. I like their rate of fire, the fact that they take .22LR, that they last indefinitely without parts replacements and they do a respectful job at self defense and hunting.

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The Rugers can be easily carried with substantial amounts of ammo and are accurate to a fault. In fact, they're so accurate that I can see why a 1980s might prefer it over a .357 as a duty weapon. I'm not quite to that point yet, but running and shooting are definitely easier with a Ruger .22LR, and if I could only have one handgun the Ruger would be it!

That said, on its heels would be a Ruger Security-Six .357. And I might go with it if I could have an assortment of ammo and an unlimited supply of it. But if I could only have cases and cases of one type of ammo, stuff I could shove into my pockets and go with, the Ruger T-512 can't be beat! For the .357 to be worth it, I'd have to have .357 125gr JHPs, 158gr JHPs, 158gr JSPs, etc., etc., and I probably would need lower powered stuff as well. But a Ruger .22LR can pretty much eat anything and do anything.




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[helitack32f1]

I don't have a lot of handguns but I still cannot make up my mind. I would probably have to keep the Gen4 G17 just because it is reliable, ammo is plentiful and you can do just about anything with it from self defense to putting food on the table. Maybe I would just keep the Colt Woodsman. Dunno.

 

[Rail Driver]

A "Black Army" Colt M1911

 

[Jacob L Freeman]

If I could have only one hangun, or any one gun period, it would be a stainless Colt 1911, sans the huge "COLT" on the slide.

 

[mcdonl]

I chose .22, but given that I am a trapper if I could only own one gun it would be the one in my trapping bag, Heritage .22 revolver... Never fails me, cheap ammo and accurate 'nuff

That being said I would use my 1911 to fight to keep my .22

 

[MCgunner]

There is no right/wrong answer on this...just curious to find out what others think.

And not one of you picked the article's pick!

The answer is: The Ruger Mark II/III T512:

I can understand picking an accurate, reliable, lasts forever .22 like the Mk 2/3. Despite the detractors, .22LR is a very versatile round if the round can be placed with precision and ammo is cheap, doesn't require handloading. I think I'd want a more concealable one, though, like my SR22. I'd sure hate to give up my Mk2, though. For anything that DOESN'T require concealment, it's a superior firearm.

 

[skoro]

Mine would be a S&W k-frame revolver in 357/38.

 

[easyg]

If I could have only one handgun it would be the Ruger SR9c.
It can do everything that I require of a handgun.

 

[Telekinesis]

When you get down to it your carry is what you live and may die with. Its the fundamental reason to own a handgun, because you can carry a handgun but not a rifle or shotgun.

I agree with this completely. If I was limited to one handgun, it would be my primary carry gun, a Sig P228. It was my first gun, at several points it has been my only gun, and it will be the last gun I ever give up.

 

[raveneap]

My 686 +. Even tho it has the "dreaded lock."

 

[Furncliff]

If I just get one, it's got to be reliable and expensive, I'll be shooting it a lot because I only get one. A 1911 .45acp custom made.

 

[smkummer]

Python .357. 4 in. so I could carry it. I must have 40-50 handguns and they are almost all Colts. I hope I never have to make this choice in fact I don't want to play this silly game anymore.

 

[19-3Ben]

3 inch sp101

Most useful so far.

Sooper-dooper mega plus one for this.
CCW- done.
HD- done.
Plinking- done.
hiking/camping/woods- done.

Everything you could need of a handgun- done.

As both a former owner, and a future owner, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is the most versatile handgun I've owned.

 

[Agsalaska]

A .357 revolver(take your pick)

 

[AABEN]

My 586 or my 41 mag S & W it is very hard to pick jest one!!!

 

[YankeeFlyr]

Easy...

My bone-stock, 2006 production Beretta 92FS.