Second part of the question is Why?
Let's provide some multiple choice answers for those that list types or brands of handguns, but give no reason(s).
A. ______ is a "budget" gun and I'm a gun snob.
B. ______ is made in a foreign country
that's not Germany and I'm a gun snob.
C. ______ are POS, because my buddy's dad had one and didn't like it.
D. ______ is too ugly for me, and perception matters.
E._______ is not issued to any top tier operators.
F._______ makes bad guns and I believe everything I read on the internet.
G._______ was getting slammed on the internet gun forums back in 2006 for its horrible customer service and that matters to me.
H _______ is a brand I will never buy again because I bought one in its early production and it malfunctioned, so I moved on.
I.________ is a gun I have never seen a cop carry and our military doesn't use it.
J.________ was getting great reviews in the firearms periodicals, and since they're all shills for the industry, I don't believe it's any good.
K. The guy at the gun counter told me that even though his store sells out every _______ they get in, it's not any good, because he did a tour in Iraq.
L. The guy at the gun counter told me that only noobs buy ______, and he knows, because he did a tour in Iraq.
M. Because, Taurus, and I believe all the haters on the internet, regardless of how many millions of people buy and use them.
N. Because, Kimber, and I still remember all the hate on the internet for two years back in the day, and I have a really, really good memory.
O. Because Colt is a shadow of its former self and went through too many ownership and management changes, so they suck, even though I've never even shot one.
P. Because, The Lock.
Q. I refuse to carry a pistol with a manual safety.
R. I refuse to carry a pistol that doesn't have a manual safety.
S. I don't need to own or shoot a handgun to know that it's crap.
T. Because it's all metal, too big and heavy.
U. Because it's too small, and I have big, manly man hands.
V. Because my wife won't let me spend the money for _______, so it's way overpriced.
W. Because _______ is manufactured in a state with restrictive gun laws and I believe in the Second Amendment.
X. Because, Hi-Point. And I'm way too cool to even be seen with one of these.
Y. Because it's a mouse gun, and I'm way too manly to have to shoot a bad guy with a caliber that doesn't start with 4.
Z. Because, Glock
Hope this helps.