Handgun of the year (2014)

The XDs and Shield came out prior to 2014.

For 2014, I'd vote the Wilson/Beretta 92G Brigadier Tactical. Why? Because I just got mine and its a hell of a shooter and incorporates everything I want in a 92.

The S&W 69 is a tie, just for what it is........a small 44 mag. A number of us have wanted that for years.

The answers are going to be totally biased based on preference.

It was a good year for handguns, but the Remington R51 contributed nothing to the party.

I'd vote for the Sig P320 and HK VP9. Finally some striker fire guns that are a pleasant experience to shoot!

I'll second the Sig P320.

Greatest hits.....

If you say the best is a new handgun or design that started in 2014, Id agree that the Glock 42 .380acp or maybe the SIG 320 series may get the title.
I like the Ruger Wiley Clapp Ruger GP100 .357magnum too but I think it started in 2012.
The Walther PPQ pistols in the "long slide" format offers a lot. I can't recall reading or seeing any - reviews/problems with the PPQs.
I wouldn't mind buying a new PPQ long slide pistol but that's not a priority for me. The FNH-USA(which I think is now FNH America) has the long slide FNS series in 9x19mm & .40S&W. Those pistols do not include manual safety designs but I think military & sworn LE can request it.

I'll close by saying the Glock 41 .45acp is impressive but it's basically a + size version of the Glock 21SF in a gen 04 format. Id buy a 41 too but that's best for match use or home defense not regular CCW.
Let's see what 2015 has in store......

I think CZ introduced the redesigned P-07 in early 2014, that's definitely my favorite of any mentioned above. Perfect combination of size and capacity for CCW to me, for an alternative to a Glock 19.

But I'm probably biased as its my new EDC.

I'm not familiar with every new 2014 released gun but I'd have to go with the Glock 42. The fact that it was touted as "DOA" and unwanted, too late to the party, and that it had all kinds of "problems" just before and immediately after it's release doubles up my appreciation for the Glock that was seriously unloved when it hit the streets.

She made a pretty good showing in sales and it's my vote for 2014 gunof the year.

VooDoo

I'd pick the VP9. It is a game changer for me, and will probably prove to be one of HK's most important products to their health/survival. It's the easiest 9mm to shoot well I've ever found, and everyone who's shot mine has shot it well even the very first mag. It runs flat and fast, is accurate, and is reliable. It uses the same mags and sighs as a P30 so no waiting for mags and sights to catch up. Simply a fantastic gun, and the first striker fired gun I've ever owned that I really love unconditionally. It has me rethinking my view on striker guns.

To a lesser degree I think Ruger had some important guns in 2014, too. The new striker fired LC9s seems like a terrific gun, and their immediate decision to listen to consumers and release the LC9S Pro is a great sign that they finally understand CS. And the AR556 could be an epic win for the company if it's well received. A real, genuine AR with a forward assist and everything for $650? That's nuts! I couldn't help but notice that the price of the M&P15 was cut by $100 at the LGS since the release of the new Ruger. It could really drive prices down across the board. Lastly Ruger's new 3" LCRx is kind of a big deal, too. This could really be a shot in the arm for their revolver sales, especially if it leads to a .22LR version soon.

i agree with the Glock 42 also. It will help get many more people into concealed carry who otherwise might not have due to its ease of use and light recoil.

I'd pick the VP9. It is a game changer for me, and will probably prove to be one of HK's most important products to their health/survival. It's the easiest 9mm to shoot well I've ever found, and everyone who's shot mine has shot it well even the very first mag. It runs flat and fast, is accurate, and is reliable. It uses the same mags and sighs as a P30 so no waiting for mags and sights to catch up. Simply a fantastic gun, and the first striker fired gun I've ever owned that I really love unconditionally. It has me rethinking my view on striker guns.

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I would put the VP9 in the top running also. It represents a shift in the HK world.

Glock 42. A reliable CCW .380 that isn't a useless ultra mini .380.

Dan Wesson Valkyrie

Glock 41

Glock 42. A reliable CCW .380 that isn't a useless ultra mini .380.

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cause its an oversized worthless 380???



I will vote for the Sig with the modular chassis assembly that can be swapped into differing frames.



The VP9 is great for HK but its not a defining pistol IMO... They had the same basic premise 40 years ago..

Taurus Curve.... anyone?? anyone?????

tarosean said:

The VP9 is great for HK but its not a defining pistol IMO... They had the same basic premise 40 years ago.

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Yeah, but the VP9 has maybe already sold as many in the US as the VP70 ever did. Import restrictions resulted in very few of them reach America and the gun wasn't a huge success. It's hardly an iconic gun, despite being pretty darned significant historically.

Moreover the "failure" of the VP70 has little impact on HK overall. But the success of the VP9 is possibly going to be critical to the survival of the company. I think it will be a big success and hopefully lead to a new family of HK sidearms.

Taurus Curve.... anyone?? anyone?????

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cool concept, but I dont think it was actually on store shelves last year?

tarosean said:

cool concept, but I dont think it was actually on store shelves last year?

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There have been published reviews and its release was announced in 2014... that's good enough for me.

I was being more sarcastic than anything, even though I am curious about it

Taurus Curve.... anyone?? anyone?????

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For sure! It's totally innovative. In doing research on it I found this picture from their assembly line.

heyjoe said:

i agree with the Glock 42 also. It will help get many more people into concealed carry......

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I'll second that opinion ~ we bought two of them for the family

Glock 42. A reliable CCW .380 that isn't a useless ultra mini .380.

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Not the one my friend got. Four different brands of .380 ammo and it wouldn't empty a magazine without either a feed failure or an ejection failure -- several times multiple times in a single magazine. Problems were with both magazines.

Granted it was brand new so maybe it'll get better with some shooting, but I shot the only magazine that ran 100% first and after that it failed for every other shooter, so I tried again and it then failed for me too. But all the ammo was fine in the SIG P238 and S&W Bodyguard 380 for the other shooters.

460Kodiak said:

The XDs and Shield came out prior to 2014.

For 2014, I'd vote the Wilson/Beretta 92G Brigadier Tactical. Why? Because I just got mine and its a hell of a shooter and incorporates everything I want in a 92.

The S&W 69 is a tie, just for what it is........a small 44 mag. A number of us have wanted that for years.

The answers are going to be totally biased based on preference.

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thumbs up for kodiak 460-- I whole heartedly agree-- the WC/Beretta is my favorite of 2014--and new collection favorite period!!!!!

TurboFC3S said:

I'd vote for the Sig P320 and HK VP9. Finally some striker fire guns that are a pleasant experience to shoot!

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walther ppq(not a new release) is far better than either the vp9 or the p320( I own them all---and glocks too) hands down the walther ppq

Glock 42. A reliable CCW .380 that isn't a useless ultra mini .380.

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Oh yeah... you mean like the LC380 that predates it?

For me, I would have to say the S&W model 69. It's the first of its kind, and I can't wait till it comes out in a 3"bbl version with Novak night sights. Now that would be one sweet wheel gun!

Don't forget the smith revolvers...but my pick for best of the bunch is from Ruger. The Bearcat Shopkeeper Special is my vote for #1. #2 spot in my book goes the a s uprising company. RIA putting out the 22tcm/9mm combo...yes please.

Smith & Wesson models 66 and 69. Keep the revolvers coming!