Most Popular Hand Guns?

[hobbesent]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forums here and I'm wondering if someone would be willing to give me some information. I'm looking for some of the most popular guns for conceal carry, specifically semi-auto handguns. I'm interested in compact pistols, etc.

I've found a lot of opinions online but it's difficult to tell whether or not someone was paid to write these reviews. I'm wondering if anyone can help me narrow down four or five models that are relatively new and popular today that I can take a look at. A variety of sizes would be good since several of us are going a-shoppin' at the same time.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

B

 

[jlpskydive]

You're about to get a million different OPINIONS, but I like and carry a Springfield Armory XD40 Sub Compact and I really like it...... NEXT

 

[hobbesent]

Opinions are great as long as they're honest. Thank you for your help, jlpskydive!

 

[Eric F]

Look to the Idpa Shooting sport, by far the most popular two are glock-pick one and a 1911 full size

 

[jfh]

The Kahr SemiAutos--

in whatever fits your taste.

Personally, I like the .40-cal all metal ones.

Jim H.

 

[Hoppy590]

most popular?

3 designes

Browning Style locking lugs. which include 1911, BHP and more

Breech Locking Block which include Glocks, SW M&P's and more

Straight blow back. simpleist and normaly reserved for smaller rounds. normaly .380 .32 .25 etc though some guns, like Hi Points use it for up to .45

then theres revolvers. which i know little about

 

[Commander Guineapig]

Brands/styles?

Glock
Sig
CZ
1911 style
XD

those are the top 4 that come to mind from reading this forum.
The wonderful thing about all these is that they come in a wonderful variety of sizes, shapes, and colors!
No matter what anyone on here says, the color is obviously the most important part of selecting a good CCW weapon.
just kidding.
my only advice is to go fondle each and every one of these, and if anyone adds to this list and it interests you, by all means, add it to your "must fondle" list. My first autoloader did not fit my hand, and when I found one that did, it was a huge improvement.
GP

 

[ExSoldier]

I think the most popular ccw weapon is going to be the one in resting in your holster when the BG starts the event.

No doubt 1911s are extremely popular but I also think that they no longer dominate the field. I used to carry a 1911 exclusively. Now they are completely safe Queens, except for the Combat Commander that is my wife's dedicated HD gun.

I personally favor one of the following: H&K 45, Sig P226 9mm (Blackwater edition) or a S&W M642. When I'm on a trip it's the Sig and 5 15rd mags + 2 17rd mags + 1 20rd mag. I also keep a Streamlight TLR-1 light for those low light situations. It mounts on the P226 in moments.

 

[TRP1]

Glock......................................................

 

[Javelin]

ACK This post is going to go on and on!! Haha.

Glock
-on grounds it is basically a standard internationally (even Iraqi Police use them compliments of the US).

 

[AZ Husker]

I've had them all over the years, but the 1911 just points naturally, and is much easier to conceal with it's thin profile. Plus, I'm a huge .45 fan.

 

[macadore]

Buying a firearm is like buying a vehicle or choosing a spouse, it’s a very personal decision and everyone is sure their choice is the absolutely correct choice. I have a 1911 Colt series 70 and feel it is overrated. Many would disagree. I retired it when I discovered Glocks. I retired the Glock when I discovered CZs. There is nothing wrong with the Glocks. I just like the feel of the CZs better. The CZs are relative new to the U.S. They are as good as anything on the market and priced slightly below their competitors. I expect the price to go up when they get established. I have never handled a Springfield so I can’t comment. Sig and HK make fine firearms, but I don’t like the way the feel and do not feel they are worth the additional money. Many will disagree with that as well.

Keep in mind that everyone’s opinion is just their opinion. All the firearms I mentioned have good reputations. Get one that feels good in your hand. Pointing it should feel as instinctive as pointing your finger. That is very much a matter of personal opinion. All hands are different.

If you can, shoot the firearm before you buy it. Some firearms feel good until you shoot them. Then they cut your hand, pinch your trigger finger or do something else undesirable. Many of the small pocket pistols feel great until you fire them. My daughter was sure she wanted a P64 until she shot mine. She liked it because it was small and cute. I told her she would not like it after she shot it but she was adamant. After one shot, she gave it back decided she would stay with her J frame S&W.

 

[doc2rn]

Macadore makes alot of sense. I carry my Glock 32 because it is the gun I shoot with 2nd best. Yup it has a mixture of accuracy and power, which is why I like it for CCW. I shoot my Ruger MkI with better accuracy, but it is what it is a .22. My most comfortable carry comes from a S&W 10-4 in a Galco Highrise. I carry 24/7 so all 3 get range time. Join a shooting club and rent as many as you can. They all feel and shoot different.

 

[Mortech]

My advice , see if theres a range that rents hangunds near you , shot a variety over a period of time to see what you like . No need to spend a wad of cash on something you'll never learn to love and shoot well .

 

[DWARREN123]

Two that I have had no problems with and I like are a Bersa Thunder in 380 ACP and a CZ 75 Compact in 9mm. These two have been very good and the CZ is extra accurate in my opinion.
Like said before you will get as many as many answers as people answering.
Good luck in your search.

 

[massglockman]

i would recommend any of the glocks but hey its your gun go for what fits u

 

[Autolycus]

Most popular or most used for CCW? I think it will vary. I doubt Bersa or Kimber has much of an international reputation. While they are good guns I dont think they are quite as internationally known as Glock or Sig. HK also comes to mind.

 

[Chris0403]

I would go with glock or sig you cant go wrong

 

[possum]

glocks
sa xd's
1911 style pistols
sigs

that is a few that i think are at the top of the food chain. btw welcome to THR.

 

[Walkalong]

I have a 1911 Colt series 70 and feel it is overrated. Many would disagree. I retired it when I discovered Glocks. I retired the Glock when I discovered CZs.

I never "retired" my 1911, but tried others. I always come back to 1911's and am looking to buy another one or two.

Guns are like women. You gotta find the one that is right for you. There are plenty of quailty guns out there. You just need to try some out.

I have a CZ clone (Witness), actually two of them, and like them a lot. They just will never replace my 1911's.

I will never have a Glock, but they are fine weapons.

I love my little XD SC, but........1911.

Welcome to THR

 

[DENALI]

Hobbesent you come across as a little inexperienced with firearms and as such if you are you would be much wiser to go with a small revolver. They are very easy to maintain and simple to operate. If you'll excuse the term they are also largely idiot proof and remarkably easy and comfortable to pack. Between S&W and Tauras you should be able to find at least half a dozen models to fit your needs and probably double that. I firmly believe that inexperianced shooters and experts alike are best served by simplicity. I hope I'm not coming across as condescending, thats not my intent. Regardless autos are much harder to operate under stress than the little wheelguns, that said if it's gotta be an auto go with the Glock-19 or 26...Good luck!

 

[Rexster]

Reading the original post, I must ask WHY there is an interest in the most popular guns. School research paper? Idle curiosity? Considering a personal purchase? If considering a personal purchase, and inexperienced with firearms, going with the most popular may not the the best idea. Glocks and 1911 pistols might be the most popular, but neither is a good beginner pistol, especially in the absence of an instructor, as neither is forgiving of mistakes.

 

[AJD]

http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/stats/afmer/afmer2005.pdf

Last published report for handguns made in the US in 2005.

S&W is by far the most popular for revolvers and pistols combined. They produced nearly 300,000 of them. Then it would be Ruger with around 180,000 handguns produced. These are handguns produced in the US. I have no idea how many foreign pistols come into the US for sale each year.

Interestingly, Colt managed to produce around 19,000 handguns depsite being out of business.

Concering compact handguns for carry. It seems alot of people like some of Kahr and Glock's products. A S&W J-frame for revolvers seems to be very popular as well.