Handguns For People Who Use Them

[hitbackfirst]

The latest issue of American Rifleman contains a story on the Kimber SIS, a 1911 that was built specifically for an elite LAPD unit. Modifications include "integral light or accessory rail on the dust cover"; a rear sight with a flat face that allows the slide to be racked by catching the sight on something and pressing forward; and rounded edges to reduce snagging.

My question is this: If you were in a position where there was a significant chance of actually using your handgun in a fight (as opposed to carrying but knowing there is only a very slight chance of ever using it in a fight) what handgun would you choose? If there is no production handgun that suits you, what is the closest and what would need to be done with it in order to make it what you would want?

I realize that most people, if they thought they had a real chance of using their weapon in a fight, would opt for a rifle, shotgun, multiple handguns, M4, or all of the above, but if you had to have just one handgun (I don't know why, because it's the premise of the question, that's why!) which one, or which one with modifications, would you choose?

 

[FireArmFan]

a high quality 1911. Why? because I shoot a 1911 so much better than anything else. I would want a lot of extra mags and maybe a rail for a tac light in case i end up in the dark.

I normally carry a HK P2000 and I trust it with my life but if I knew I was going to handgun and I could choose it would be a 1911. I can get quicker, more accurate follow up shots with a 1911.

 

[Moonclip]

I kind of don't like "if I only could have 1 handgun" threads but if only one, maybe something like a Seecamp .380. It's small enough that I could take it everywhere, even in swimtrunks. If I knew I was always going to be going to be in danger maybe a 1911 pattern, it's very well set up for quickly and efficiently eliminating a threat, light crisp trigger, easy to get into action. Thats why I feel leery I see LE using 1911 patterns as their job involves threat managment/holding someone at gun point a lot.

It takes a lot of practice and dedication to do so with a sa trigger IMHO, I understand some LEO's do master this pattern though, general issued, I'd say no way though. One handgun also maybe a Glock 20 10mm, it's a pretty versatile handgun aslo with a high capacity magazine.

 

[1911 guy]

1911.

I'd choose a 1911 with beavertail grip safety, plain black rear sight, dot front sight, internal extractor, beveled mag well, the best internals I could afford and good magazines. Kinda like my CCW gun, a modified Springfield G.I.

 

[Shawnee]

I shot "action style" competitions with both a Series 70 Gold Cup and a Smith "L"-frame and like them both but if chips were down I would take the revolver - I guess because I shoot it well with either hand and because I've shot it a lot more. I wouldn't feel too lonely with my Super Blackhawk though.

 

[Defensory]

Kimber Pro CDP II

Entirely built in the Kimber Custom Shop for enhanced concealed carry.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/cdp/procdp.php

 

[nero45acp]

This one:





nero

 

[wanderinwalker]

If I had to fight for my life with a handgun, it would be a Glock 17 or 19. Lots of rounds, reliable, I can manage it well with either hand and hit things. Next question.

Now, if I really thought I'd need to fight my way out of someplace with a pistol, I'd call in or go somewhere else...

 

[mes228]

Pistol

Glock 23 .40 cal. with Glock 22 mags and a spacer. I do have two custom .45 that I carry also and really like. However, it's very hard to beat a Glock 23 for actual use. Quick, light, high capacity (16 rounds), accurate, reliable, simple, great out of the box sights (if you don't get the night sights), low maintenance and they pretty much always work, plus they are inexpensive. I think they are pretty much the top of the food chain when it comes to useful, functional hand guns.

 

[Old Fuff]

Well it wouldn't have a flashlight mounted on it, and I could easily forget the strange slide serrations, and stick to having them on the back. In the Old Fuff's book an effective sidearm isn't loaded with more gewgaws then a Christmas tree. I sometimes wonder if some outfits don't have too much money in their budgets...

 

[Wiljen]

Novak built Browning Hi-power. Fits my hand perfectly, small enough to conceal reasonably well. All the features I'd want without any additional junk it doesn't need. 2nd choice would be the 1911 with the arched mainspring housing - again it just fits.

 

[Striker]

2 1/2" or 3" RB K frame .357

 

[Deanimator]

Out and about, my Glock 19 with Winchester White Box 147gr. JHPs. In the house, my S&W 4" Model 29 with Federal .44 Special 200gr. LSWC-HPs

 

[Baba Louie]

My question is this: If you were in a position where there was a significant chance of actually using your handgun in a fight (as opposed to carrying but knowing there is only a very slight chance of ever using it in a fight) what handgun would you choose?

If I guess correctly do I win one?

Maybe, if I KNEW I was going to get in a "handgun-only-fight" today and couldn't bring the big boys out, and while this isn't something I can see myself carrying on a day to day basis, but I really really really want to "not lose" that scheduled "handgun-only-fight", a KelTec PLR-16 with a couple of 20 or 30 rd magazines might just be the ticket when it's trigger pullin' time.

Which, now that I think about it, makes me wonder how much velocity I lose in the .223 round when firing it from a 9.5" barrel? Anyone ever chrono one of those getups?

But probably, more than likely, it'd be a Glock 29 or 30 or their big brothers, since I can't imagine lugging that huge .223 thing around on a daily basis (unless I knew there was a 50/50 chance of me having to use it every day... then I'd learn to deal with that particular discomfort... it might even be comforting in that scenario)

 

[hanno]

Either my Colt 1911 or my S&W 625. Just a matter of "knowing" these guns and shooting my best with them.

 

[1911NM]

Very much a personal choice. I chose a Kimber Custom II 1911. It's my EDC and competition gun. I shoot it often, know the feel, have worked over small things to fit my liking, blended magwell, polished throat, springs, but have only done so after several K rounds through it. No pretties, no rails, black oxide finish is rubbing off with holstering, no target adjustable sights. Picked one (count'em 1), I liked, and practice, practice, practice.

 

[CountGlockula]

An unmodified Glock 35: never jams, accurate and holds high capacity rounds.

 

[Zach S]

Kimber Series I with the correct giude rod and a front night sight (current carry gun, or current BU carry gun). Dawson light rail and a rear 10-8 sight someday. Got a few things on my plate that I have to finish first.

Or a G19 that I've done some grip work to, added an M3, front night sight, and spun the rear sight around backwards (truck/beater pistol).

I've always got one or the other, or both. If I need a pistol, I'll settle for the glock, I'd rather have my Kimber, either one will do.

 

[Treo]

Its A Given Somebody Will Give These Responses

Sooner or later all 3 of these will be posted so let me get it out of the way now
1. Silenced .22, barkless Chiuaua , tactical wheel barrow

2 Shrike laden tactical golf cart complete W/ MP-5 & two glocks taped to your forhead

3. (current favorite) Phased Plasma Rifle 40 Megawatt range.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread.

When I picked my EDC I didn't base my decision based on a 99% chance I will never use it, I went with the 100% chance that if I ever do need it ( I'm 42 & have only even had to present twice) I'm gonna need it real bad. If (soooooooo Never going to happen) I ever became some kinda cop ( or got recalled to active duty ) I'd want to carry what I carry now CZ75B .40 ( & maybe the chiuaua)

 

[Zach S]

When I picked my EDC I didn't base my decision based on a 99% chance I will never use it, I went with the 100% chance that if I ever do need it <snip> I'm gonna need it real bad.

Same here. When I first started CCing, I liked the little guns. I normally carried my 4" Kimber or Model 85. Now I carry a 5" 1911.

 

[Landric]

A Beretta 92G with a "D" hammer spring, Trijicon night sights, and 17-round 90-Two magazines. I'd load it with 124 grain Speer Gold Dot (+P).

Why? Out of all the handguns I have carried and used, the Beretta 92 series has always felt the best to me. Every time I draw and point, my sights are on target, mine have been unfailingly reliable, extremely accurate, and very easy to control.

 

[Tom Servo]

let me get it out of the way now
1. Silenced .22, barkless Chiuaua , tactical wheel barrow
2 Shrike laden tactical golf cart complete W/ MP-5 & two glocks taped to your forhead
3. (current favorite) Phased Plasma Rifle 40 Megawatt range.

Have you been in my basement?

If all I've got is one handgun, I'm really in dire straits. As such, my main plan lies in surviving long enough to find cover, followed by a hasty retreat. Most handguns are good for that.

What would I want? Whatever I shoot well, which is usually what I carry. I'll give a slight edge to a medium-frame revolver based on power, though.

 

[CypherNinja]

My CZ-75. I got it (first rule), I KNOW it works every time, and I am accurate with it.


I really need to practice more, though.

EDIT:

This one:

I give up. What is it?

 

[armoredman]

 

[Ford]

My question is this: If you were in a position where there was a significant chance of actually using your handgun in a fight (as opposed to carrying but knowing there is only a very slight chance of ever using it in a fight) what handgun would you choose?

A quality 1911 with a smooth trigger, 20 or 30 LPI checkering on the front strap, night sights and a light rail. So I am pretty easy to please I guess.
Here is my bedside gun

If we are talking ccw then I prob have one of these on.