easyrider604
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I'd want a bigger stick than all of them combined. No handgun for me. Nothing less than this. Everyone involved will go home unhurt, including myself.
Best All Around Defense Hand Gun
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I'd want a bigger stick than all of them combined. No handgun for me. Nothing less than this. Everyone involved will go home unhurt, including myself.
Defense Minister
Member
I read an account of a guy who carried a Glock .40 and practiced regularly. He was attacked by 6 men, at least some of them armed. He managed to kill 4 and seriously injure a fifth before they killed him.
The best lesson from this story is that you want to avoid the band of thugs. But if you can't, I'm with the previous posters who say "shoulder-fired weapon with at least 20 in the mag".
The best lesson from this story is that you want to avoid the band of thugs. But if you can't, I'm with the previous posters who say "shoulder-fired weapon with at least 20 in the mag".
modifiedbrowning
Member
I would grab my Walther P99. Over 5K downrange without a problem.
jad0110
Member
Hence the best all-around defensive handgun is the one that you shoot the best and are the most confident with (assuming it is reliable). Revolver (DA or even SA) or semi auto. Period, end of story.
There is no one best all around handgun for defense, if there were, we wouldn't have so many choices.
Once you become outnumbered badly enough such as in the example provided, all bets are off. Doesn't matter if you have a 33 round mag, if you get jumped by 6 determined, knife wielding thugs, well, things are going to suck majorly, to put it mildly. Substitute the knives for firearms and things will become even more exciting. Even a confident, well trained person is facing long odds against that many armed attackers.
Carry a reliable gun that you shoot best, and go forth confidently. And pray you never have to use it.
Great replies. Wow.. this web forum is great, and I am studying all the different posts.. As for easyrider, may I ask you, is there any kind of permit I can buy that would let me carry a machine gun around town with me 
. Yeah sure if I had it my way I just be carrying an AR10 or AK with me everywhere I go and I highly doubt I ever get attacked by any group of thugs. Unfortunately, this isn't early 20th century Switzerland and I just cannot do that. So, my best defense is a concealed handgun.
Well, I have to learn more about renting and trying out guns. I don't know much about how to rent guns, but I know we have a pistol firing range around half an hour or so away. From what I hear, most people seem to be leaning on the glocks or S&W .40s. Yeah, well I am a moderately big framed guy, so a gun might stick out less on me than others, but I definately don't want people to know I am packing. In summer with the hawaiian shirt there can be problems, I would have to be creative. I suppose a loose shirt over a flatter style gun in a waist holster would be the best option for carrying a larger size piece.
The bigger the gun I can get on my body the better. I like to carry one bigger size piece and one smaller piece on my body. I remember, many years ago, my DARE police officer showed me that he carried a nice .44 pistol on his side and then showed me his ankle where he carried a real small revolver in a leg holster. I thought it was real cool when I was kid. This same DARE officer unfortunately got shot at by some homicidal gang banger with an AK47 on the freeway, so his pistols actually did him no good in the end. He just took cover in or behind his car and let the bullets miss him. I heard after that occasion he retired from the force, thank God he is alive.
Well, what i said is hypothetical. Sure, I would do everything in my power to avoid a confrontation; the last thing I want is mine or someone else's brains lying on the pavement and innocent bystanders hurt. But, you know when SHTF is what I am portraying here; you know your enemy tries to do you Charlie Manson style. Gotta go and save yourself in worst situations and you want the best and most practical tool to do the job.
. Yeah sure if I had it my way I just be carrying an AR10 or AK with me everywhere I go and I highly doubt I ever get attacked by any group of thugs. Unfortunately, this isn't early 20th century Switzerland and I just cannot do that. So, my best defense is a concealed handgun.Well, I have to learn more about renting and trying out guns. I don't know much about how to rent guns, but I know we have a pistol firing range around half an hour or so away. From what I hear, most people seem to be leaning on the glocks or S&W .40s. Yeah, well I am a moderately big framed guy, so a gun might stick out less on me than others, but I definately don't want people to know I am packing. In summer with the hawaiian shirt there can be problems, I would have to be creative. I suppose a loose shirt over a flatter style gun in a waist holster would be the best option for carrying a larger size piece.
The bigger the gun I can get on my body the better. I like to carry one bigger size piece and one smaller piece on my body. I remember, many years ago, my DARE police officer showed me that he carried a nice .44 pistol on his side and then showed me his ankle where he carried a real small revolver in a leg holster. I thought it was real cool when I was kid. This same DARE officer unfortunately got shot at by some homicidal gang banger with an AK47 on the freeway, so his pistols actually did him no good in the end. He just took cover in or behind his car and let the bullets miss him. I heard after that occasion he retired from the force, thank God he is alive.
Well, what i said is hypothetical. Sure, I would do everything in my power to avoid a confrontation; the last thing I want is mine or someone else's brains lying on the pavement and innocent bystanders hurt. But, you know when SHTF is what I am portraying here; you know your enemy tries to do you Charlie Manson style. Gotta go and save yourself in worst situations and you want the best and most practical tool to do the job.
jad0110
Member
The only thing more fun and adicting than this website are guns themselves.
Given a good quality gun belt and holster and the proper attire (somewhat loose fitting shirts with patterns/prints - no solid colors), you'll find that you can hide about anything well. Though double stack autos can be a bit more difficult, what with the bulbous rump to hide and all.
I reguraly carry the below pictured 5" 1911 without problems, given the right attire and the aforementioned sturdy gunbelt and holster. I can't conceal it wearing a tighter fitting, light colored polo, but otherwise it isn't much of a problem. In fact, I barely notice it as I type this. The fact that it is a thin, single stack gun probably helps.
BTW, the as others said, try before you buy. My 1911 may not agree with you.
I will say though that sometimes it is really nice having a compact handgun that you can throw in a pocket holster and go. My S&W 642 serves the purpose perfectly for me (also pictured below). Actually, I am carrying both right now - 1911 IWB strong side (primary), 642 weak side pocket (BUG).
So you may find yourself with a small and a medium to large handgun. And you've gotta get a 22 at some point for cheap, flinch-free practice. See, it is never ending! Just look at my sig line ... guns are like potato chips, you can never have just one ... or two ... or five!
The best all around defensive handgun is at least .380 caliber, 100% reliable and the user has well over 5000 rounds through it. At least 1000 of those while in a training environment.
The firearm is a tool, the user is the weapon. That is like asking what kind of car will make me an F1 champ, or what kind of guitar will make me a rock star.
The firearm is a tool, the user is the weapon. That is like asking what kind of car will make me an F1 champ, or what kind of guitar will make me a rock star.
mljdeckard
Member
You need to go to a rental range and try a LOT of different pistols and revolvers before you decide. The best one is the one that fits you and you shoot the best. It's NOT the same for everyone. Spend $100, get some experience.
Having said that, when I need to steer a new guy to a gun that works easily, reliably, every time, used, new, unknown origin, I always say Glock.
Having said that, when I need to steer a new guy to a gun that works easily, reliably, every time, used, new, unknown origin, I always say Glock.
Gun Slinger
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- Jul 25, 2007
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- 777
If a group of thugs were coming after to you to beat you to death...
Fragmentation grenades for me, please.
Fragmentation grenades for me, please.
franconialocal
Member
Sig p220
SIG P220
The only thing that I DON'T like is the mag. capacity.....a bit short, but otherwise the BEST .45 I've ever shot.
I also have a Springfield EMP 1911 style 9mm that I absolutely love. It's really a toss up between these two for me, the SIG be a big ol' full size auto and the Springfield being a great ccw.
SIG P220
The only thing that I DON'T like is the mag. capacity.....a bit short, but otherwise the BEST .45 I've ever shot.
I also have a Springfield EMP 1911 style 9mm that I absolutely love. It's really a toss up between these two for me, the SIG be a big ol' full size auto and the Springfield being a great ccw.
cliffy
member
How many thugs in a "group?"
A .45 ACP hollowpoint XTP by Hornady can't count past eight, but if one drops eight assailants, whimp tough-guys stop counting after two. I can't recommend a .380 or 9mm for sheer intimidation. A 1911 Clone in any physical-size speaks in aces. cliffy
A .45 ACP hollowpoint XTP by Hornady can't count past eight, but if one drops eight assailants, whimp tough-guys stop counting after two. I can't recommend a .380 or 9mm for sheer intimidation. A 1911 Clone in any physical-size speaks in aces. cliffy
Best defense gun? I will go with #1 rule of a gun fight, bring a gun. personally I have a affinity with a .357, but I also like my .40, and my 380 for ease of carry.
I can say alot about many great weapons, nothing like a Ma Duece to make people put there heads down but its hell to carry, then again they have this nice little .22 that fits in a watch pocket but would I trust my life with it.
Can't way what the best one is, will say that everyone is different. everyone has different needs, that is why the best defense gun is so hard to answer.
I can say alot about many great weapons, nothing like a Ma Duece to make people put there heads down but its hell to carry, then again they have this nice little .22 that fits in a watch pocket but would I trust my life with it.
Can't way what the best one is, will say that everyone is different. everyone has different needs, that is why the best defense gun is so hard to answer.
HighNoon777
Member
I have to choose one gun, and it has to be a pistol. Ok.
Could you be more specific somehow?
High-capacity, good energy, good bullet. No way I'd choose a revolver of any caliber when higher-capacity options exist in the same size.
Sig 226 with 17 rounds of 127-grain Ranger +P 9mm bullets is what I have in the nightstand. That's what I'd pick, along with the extra full magazine in the nightstand.
This thread is about handguns, right?
Sig 226 with 17 rounds of 127-grain Ranger +P 9mm bullets is what I have in the nightstand. That's what I'd pick, along with the extra full magazine in the nightstand.
This thread is about handguns, right?
This is what I tell people when they ask my opinion
about buying a gun for self defense. If I have to go into a gun store and buy a handgun to go to a gun fight right now, it is going to be a Glock or probably 2 Glocks. In my opinion, they are the most reliable out of the box gun that there is. I currently own 2, a model 23 in 40 S&W and, a 32 in 357 Sig. Neither of these have ever had a failure to fire with factory ammo and only one in the 40 with reloads. That was my fault not the guns. I carry one or the other daily, right now it is the 357 Sig, along with 2 spare mags for a total 40 rounds. Even as well armed as I am, I would not want to have to face down an armed gang of thugs. As the others have said find what works for you and get some good training. Practice goes a long way too. I prefer the 40 S&W over the 9mm for carry but I don't think I'd wet my pants over carrying a 9mm. What I suggest to a lot of people is to buy a Glock in 40 S&W and a conversion barrel in 9mm for practice. Someday I will take my own advice and buy that 9mm barrel, right now I am throwing a lot of 40 cal BULLETS DOWNRANGE
. I did buy a spare barrel for the 357 sig in 40 S&W. I am not saying that the Glock is right for everybody, it is right for me. Some Like the Springfield XD, I hated the one I bought and couldn't sell it fast enough, but they do have a reputation for reliability. The other gun I would like to try is the S&W M&P. They feel good in my hand, but that is all I know about them right now. I like revolvers and it is true that they are reliable. The problem is that they are heavy and bulky. Unless you are Jerry Miculek, I can fire off 14 shots and be reloaded in the time it takes you to fire 6 and reload. I know someone is gonna brag about how fast they reload their revolver.:banghead: My point is that it doesn't take a lot of practice to reload a Semi-auto quickly and efficiently.
about buying a gun for self defense. If I have to go into a gun store and buy a handgun to go to a gun fight right now, it is going to be a Glock or probably 2 Glocks. In my opinion, they are the most reliable out of the box gun that there is. I currently own 2, a model 23 in 40 S&W and, a 32 in 357 Sig. Neither of these have ever had a failure to fire with factory ammo and only one in the 40 with reloads. That was my fault not the guns. I carry one or the other daily, right now it is the 357 Sig, along with 2 spare mags for a total 40 rounds. Even as well armed as I am, I would not want to have to face down an armed gang of thugs. As the others have said find what works for you and get some good training. Practice goes a long way too. I prefer the 40 S&W over the 9mm for carry but I don't think I'd wet my pants over carrying a 9mm. What I suggest to a lot of people is to buy a Glock in 40 S&W and a conversion barrel in 9mm for practice. Someday I will take my own advice and buy that 9mm barrel, right now I am throwing a lot of 40 cal BULLETS DOWNRANGE
. I did buy a spare barrel for the 357 sig in 40 S&W. I am not saying that the Glock is right for everybody, it is right for me. Some Like the Springfield XD, I hated the one I bought and couldn't sell it fast enough, but they do have a reputation for reliability. The other gun I would like to try is the S&W M&P. They feel good in my hand, but that is all I know about them right now. I like revolvers and it is true that they are reliable. The problem is that they are heavy and bulky. Unless you are Jerry Miculek, I can fire off 14 shots and be reloaded in the time it takes you to fire 6 and reload. I know someone is gonna brag about how fast they reload their revolver.:banghead: My point is that it doesn't take a lot of practice to reload a Semi-auto quickly and efficiently.6" Ruger Security Six revolver in .357 if this choice is limited to pistols. Its accurate, reliable, and powerful and I've shot it for years. Its a bit big for normal carry, thus I have recently acquired a 4" Ruger revolver in .357 (same model), and am looking for an even shorter-barrelled .357 (yes, same model).
As others have mentioned, I consider a handgun as a sort of stop-gap measure at best, til I can either get to a shotgun or rifle or flee the scene.
As others have mentioned, I consider a handgun as a sort of stop-gap measure at best, til I can either get to a shotgun or rifle or flee the scene.
jad0110
Member
I can road a typical revolver about as a single stack 1911. There, happened sooner than you thought, didn't it
!Good practice is necessary with either platform. Even when spending a nice day out plinking, it isn't that hard to fumble a slippery magazine. Add a little bit of stress and shoving a magazine in backwards is a realistic possibility. Revolver reloads can be bungled too though, so carry what works best for you and practice as perfectly as you can.
The one you are trained in.
Just carrying a gun doesn't impart knowledge, accuracy or responsibility to the person. It is what you are carrying between your ears that will help you to survive in a hostile world.
If you bought a $10,000 Japanese sword would this make you a Samurai? Whatever gun anyone recommends will have absolutely nothing to do with your ability to operate it.
Just carrying a gun doesn't impart knowledge, accuracy or responsibility to the person. It is what you are carrying between your ears that will help you to survive in a hostile world.
If you bought a $10,000 Japanese sword would this make you a Samurai? Whatever gun anyone recommends will have absolutely nothing to do with your ability to operate it.
jbauch357
Member
Buy a G35 and get a 9mm conversion barrel for it plus 9mm mags.
That way if you want punch shoot with the factory .40 S&W barrel/mags and still get 17rd capacity.
If you want supreme capacity load the 9mm barrel with the factory GLOCK 33rd magazines.
FWIW I have a G35 with the conversion barrel and love it - also have a G26 which goes with me everywhere...
That way if you want punch shoot with the factory .40 S&W barrel/mags and still get 17rd capacity.
If you want supreme capacity load the 9mm barrel with the factory GLOCK 33rd magazines.
FWIW I have a G35 with the conversion barrel and love it - also have a G26 which goes with me everywhere...
Brian Dale
Member
My first choice: take my car and be elsewhere. Second: grab a long gun.
For choosing a handgun: as others have written, buy the one that fits you and which you shoot the best. I'm surprised that no one has written yet in this thread about the Cornered Cat. Lots of wisdom there about choosing and using handguns.
For choosing a handgun: as others have written, buy the one that fits you and which you shoot the best. I'm surprised that no one has written yet in this thread about the Cornered Cat. Lots of wisdom there about choosing and using handguns.
gglass
Member
The M&P line of handguns. I got rid of my Glock 17 and rarely take my pore Springfield 1911 Loaded out of the closet since I got my M&P 9 and M&P 40.
Yes they are really that good.
This is not just my opinion. Check out some of the latest reviews:
* http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=777
* http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/20_1/features/Full-Size-Pistol-Comparison5574-1.html
* http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/polysh_032707/
* http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/swmp_032906/
* http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/mp_080806/
* http://www.policelink.com/products/products/368-smith-wesson-mp-40
It's not too hard to find a good review of just about any handgun, but it is hard to find such universal praise in such a competitive landscape.
Yes they are really that good.
This is not just my opinion. Check out some of the latest reviews:
* http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=777
* http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/20_1/features/Full-Size-Pistol-Comparison5574-1.html
* http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/polysh_032707/
* http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/swmp_032906/
* http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/mp_080806/
* http://www.policelink.com/products/products/368-smith-wesson-mp-40
It's not too hard to find a good review of just about any handgun, but it is hard to find such universal praise in such a competitive landscape.
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