YOU choose your sidearm... WWII...

[natedog]

What handgun would you take into WWII if you could have any handgun that existed in that era? Make mine a 1911 or a P-35.

 

[natedog]

Or a "registered' S&W .357 Magnum (it was the only .357 available at the time, correct?)

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

1911, cause it's a 1911.

 

[jar]

S&W 1917.

 

[Soap]

1911

 

[Oracle]

Webley Mark VI. Those things are just so cool.

 

[RWK]

"No brainer", at least for me: The 1911A1. Would have preferred one in WWII, carried one throughout the Cold War and in Southeast Asian combat, carry them today, and see NO reason to alter this long-term, comprehensively considered decision.

 

[mgjohn]

Samething that I carry today 2 1911 pattern guns.

 

[Dr.Rob]

P-35 or 1911.

SW 1917 runner up.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The M1911A1, hands down -- the only handgun in the world whose popularity is stronger now than it was in its heyday.

 

[556A2]

P-35

 

[Nightcrawler]

M1917 and/or M1911, most likely. I like 1911s, and I like N-Frames. A New Service in .45 Colt would've been nice for more power.

 

[Spieler]

P-38

 

[Zip06]

In SE Asia I carried a 1911a1. Haven't noticed anything better since.

 

[Ala Dan]

1911A1

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

 

[lee n. field]

Webley Mark VI. Those things are just so cool.

I second that.

 

[10-Ring]

WW2 handgun...hmmm...I'll go 1911 please

 

[C.R.Sam]

1911 or 1911-A1
(Both issued in WWII and I drew an early 1911 in 67.)

Sam

 

[jercamp45]

Hmmmmmm. Tough Choice!!!! NOT!!!

A Colt National Match with optional high visibility fixed sights!
Any other 1911 or A1 if first choice was unavailable.
Lotsa mags.

 

[T.Stahl]

BHP - high capacity in a caliber that gives much more penetration and range than .45ACP.

 

[Shaughn Leayme]

Except for better sights, a stock 1911.

Tight enough to be accurate, but loose enough to keep working should foreign material try and gum up the works.

You could always pick up a Browning or a P-38 later

 

[Old Fuff]

Some of the mentioned guns were not easily available in the 1940’s. The Browning Hi-Power being an example. Also there is a question of ammunition - 9mm was somewhat available in the European Theater, but not in the Pacific.

I would first chose a commercial Colt Government Model. Parts, magazines, accessories and ammunition would not pose a problem, and it couldn’t be beat for a reliable, close-range manstopper - especially when using ball ammunition.

Second choice would be a S&W (first) or Colt (second) .38 revolver. Again ammunition would be easier too come by. Keep in mind one might get into trouble if that pistol wasn’t loaded with FMJ ball cartridges.

Also the rank or grade of the individual could greatly effect the number of available options. As in most wars, "choice" was often determined by what could be taken away from the enemy.

 

[Ky Larry]

Same as now. 1911.

 

[Meowhead]

Thompson SMG.

Whaddayamean that's not a sidearm?! Take off the shoulder stock, put in a stick magazine and it'll fit in a (custom) holster just fine.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Ever carry a Colt New Service? Thats a HEAP big revolver to carry while I'm packing the BAR.