Those of you that have shot or owned a lot of different handguns, which are best?

[albanian]

I want to pick the brains of the experienced only here. Those of you that have shot or owned a lot of handguns, which are your favs and why? What brands and models seem to work best for you? It is easy for the guy that has only owned a few handguns to say that gun X is the best but without having shot 99% of the others, it doesn't mean anything.

I have owned or shot a fair number but I bet there are folks here that have shot a good percentage of the common and modern handguns out there and I am really interested in their findings.

There no particular catagories, if there happens to be a pistol that you really like, let us know. What I am most interested in are service type semi-autos and CCW guns. I would still like to hear about the revolvers and target guns as well.

I have owned at least 50 handguns and shot some more so I am just barely scratching the surface of whats out there. I hope there are folks that have shot hunderds of different guns and have some interesting findings.

 

[firefighter4884]

albanian,

I haven't shot a huge number of pistols, probably some where on the order of <10.

For me, I happen to really like the Ruger 22/45 series that I've shot (a Mrk II and a Mrk III). They're extremely accurate, cheap to shoot, and very reliable.

As far as the stuff you were looking at. Personally, I rate my USPc and my co-workeres Sig 226 to be about equal. I've also fired an XD 40 w/ the ported barrels that was nice to shoot.

As long as it goes boom every time I pull the trigger, I'm happy

--Jim

 

[TODD3465]

I tend to rate Sig 220's and 226's as tops from personal use.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'm partial to Pythons and High Standards. That said™, Python prices are ludicrous, and dearly though I love High Standards, I'm looking for a European match pistol: those grand old .22s are just too fragile, and it's impossible to find gunsmiths to work on them any more.

 

[ACP230]

In .22: Ruger Mark II and Smith Model 18.

In 9mm: Browning BHP and Colt Combat Commander.

In .45ACP: Colt 1911, 1991A1 and custom Para-Ordnance.

In .41 Magnum: Smith M57, M58 and M657. (Ruger Redhawks are runners up.)

In .357 Magnum: Ruger Old Model Blackhawk. Smith M28 and M19 2.5 inch.

In .38 Special: Smith Model 649.

 

[bigmike45]

I have probably carried and shot at least 15 different types of handguns and I keep going back to the 1911 style guns and the .45acp caliber for personal defense and just fun shooting.

 

[jAK-47]

I carry a KelTec P32 in HOT weather but I do love the .45 Right now my winter carry is a S&W .38 Airweight or a Glock26. I'm about to "upgrade" to a Glock 36. I LOVE the .45 and feel confident with it so... I'm a PITA about weight and concealment so I'll be interested in the G36 and how it performs; initially they had some problems with the 36 but have fixed it and everyone claims that after 300 rounds they are fine. I'll shoot the hell out of it before I carry it.

It took me a LOT of carry guns and daily carry to decide on my CCW guns. My very first CCW was a Beretta 96 and I got tired of that realy quick. YOU are the only one who will know when you find the right combination of comfort, stopping power, reliability, etc.

The 1911 has a bad rap for it's size, weight, etc. but IMHO, the thickness of the gun is what is important; a lot of 1911s are THINNER than many guns. They are making pretty light 1911s now and the right holster will make it very comfortable to wear. I prefer point-and-shoot guns without safeties but I think everyone should own a 1911. I plan to pick up a Rock Island or a Springfield myself soon. If I get confident in my ability to click off the safety without thinking about it I'll carry it in the winter once in a while and make it a point to practice, practice, practice.

I'm also looking at a "quick acquisition" gun safe for the car. I'll put a Ruger P90 or Glock21 or S&W 6" .357mag in that. Won't care about size, weight or concealability for that one so...

Good luck
jAk-47

 

[Kman]

which are best??

I'm assuming you mean value for your dollar. Which handguns function as intended and offer it at a competitive price. Well, from what I've learned, Glock has probably got the best functioning automatic handgun, no it ain't pretty, but it does work as intended. As for the pretty 1911 style, it used to be hard to beat a Kimber, dollar for dollar. Now I think that's arguable as many manufacturers have seen the demand for 1911's. But Kimber still makes a damn nice pistol, I owned a Classic custom once that a gunsmith said the trigger couldn't be improved, "don't mess with it, it's perfect." " I can install a magwell, new sights, but the trigger is perfect." I took it to the range, he was right. As for revolvers, S&W's are probably the best value. Now I know some taurus owners are going to cry foul, but an older pinned barrel S&W will out shoot a like size taurus, and they can still be had for just a few dollars more.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Kimbers
Makarovs
S&W

 

[Moonclip]

S&W revolvers, though I do not buy or shoot ones with the lock, can't comment on newer ones.

Makarovs best dollar to performance, quality ratio I've seen in a while.

HK USP is very good for a polymer framed pistol

SIG/SIG Sauer, can't go wrong although my one used sigpro sucked.

 

[Gary H]

I have owned at least 50 handguns and shot some more so I am just barely scratching the surface of whats out there.

I use to have the same question when dating. Very expensive..the answer.that is.

 

[Black Majik]

I've shot most modern brands, whether its been rented at the range, or shooting others or owning them. But I've basically shot em' all... CZ, Glock, Ruger, the many ranges of 1911s, SIG, maks, Berettas, HKs, XD, Walther, this, that... etc.... etc...

And, still nothing comes close to the 1911 trigger. Thats the biggest winner.

Next, the ergonomics, FOR ME... 1911s feel best.

For the DA/SA platform, I really enjoy shooting all the SIG line of pistols. Two favorite platforms would be the 1911s and the Classic P-series SIGs.

Everything else, they're fun to shoot just for variety sake.

 

[Wags]

Browning Auto's and S&W wheel guns. Very reliable service from both over the years.

 

[Ridge]

For me a Smith&Wesson Model10 and 12 have the best feel,balance,and are just dead reliable.

I know alot of guys say bigger is better (I'm not trying to start a caliber war) but the good old 38. Special has never failed me.

I've shot two Glocks onE in 9mm the other in 45. while they functioned fine I just didn't like the way the trigger felt,Hi-point pistols are pretty good for the price but are just a bit too blocky for my taste.

When it comes to 22.'s again I'm going to go with a smith model 63 it shot very well,I would love to be able to find one.

The Tuarus PT-22 is also a nice little pocket pistol,I plan on buying one when I have money to spare.

The Ruger 22/45 MKII is also a good shooting little target pistol,I love mine and will most likely never get rid of it.

 

[Onmilo]

Smith and Wesson N Frame revolvers.

Smith and Wesson J frame revolvers.

Most all 1911s that retail brand new for above $500.00
.38 Supers and 9mms will shoot just as accurate and reliable as the .45s when you keep to this pricing structure.

The Glocks in 9mm

The EAA Witness for a 10mm caliber pistol.

Walthers are outdated and just plain fun.

The H&K USP line of handguns.

The S&W Model 41 for a .22 semi auto.

The S&W Model 17 for a .22 caliber revolver.

A Smith and Wesson Model 10 is a hard handgun to beat if you can only have but one.

 

[Cueball]

SIG P230
H&K USP
S&W Model 10

 

[Dienekes]

Something stone reliable, decent sights, decent accuracy, decent trigger--preferably with at least one or two wars under its belt.

K frame S&W or old Ruger Security Six;

Basic 1911; (BHP for those that prefer them.

All of which have been "to hell and back". They will take care of business just fine so you can get on to other pressing and important things.

At least those are my opinions after 46 years of pistol work. But since I don't read every issue of Guns, Bullets, and Bling magazine I could be full of it.

 

[TooTaxed]

I currently own 18 handguns and have traded a number of others. I'll list the ones I find I shoot the most (I do handload!):

.22 LR (4 guns): High Standard Target which regrettably is out of action until I replace the mainspring, CZ .22 conversion on a CZ-75B.

9-mm Makarov (3 guns): toss up between my Russian 10-shot and Romanian 8-shot Maks.

9 x19 mm (2 guns): CZ-75B.

.38-Spl (4 guns): S&W K-38 Masterpiece

.357 Mag (1 gun): Ruger SS Blackhawk

.40 S&W (1 gun): CZ-75B.

.45 Auto (3 guns): Norinco 1911A1 clone.

.45 Colt (1 gun): Ruger Blackhawk

(And, yes, that does not add up to 18! The rest are cap and ball. )

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Best?

9mm the sig 210 series
10mm (grumble grumble grumble) the glock 20 (although I truly hate it)
45acp Any of the Baer 1911's

Revolvers:
Pre-numbered 5 screw N frames are pretty much tops in my book for 38, 357, and 45. (I don't shoot 44 revolvers).

Guns that I just really enjoy?
Python/Diamondbacks. Just like they way they shoot.
Automags
H&K P7PSP's

 

[albanian]

I was kinding of hoping to see some kind of pattern. I was expecting to see just a few guns being mentioned over and over but I really don't see that to any large extent. I expected to see a lot of 1911 posts and Glock posts because they are two of the most popular designs but nothing surprising or interesting as yet.

It looks like some people just have their favorites and have stuck to them. What I was hoping to see was posts from more people that have tried LOTS of handguns and after a lifetime of experimenting with everything they could get their hands on, they felt like they found something that stood out.

I know a lot of old timers like the 1911 and the BHP but I am not sure if they like it because it is the best or because they are used to it. The 1911 and BHP don't do much for me. I don't hate either gun and respect them for all they can and have done but in my hands, a 1911 doesn't feel like it was made for me anymore than a SA XD-9 does. I can probably shoot my new XD-9 as well or better than a 1911. I have shot 1911s for years and the XD-9 for only a few weeks so that tells me that the XD takes less getting used to than the 1911 for me. Everyone should have at least one 1911 but only to say they have one. It wouldn't be my first choice as a self defense gun. They are good range guns and target guns and good for gun games but for serious self defense, I think their time is running out. There will be 1911 for many years to come because they are great target guns but most Police and military have already passed on them for more modern designs.

 

[Fly Navy]

SIG P226 9mm

It was my first firearm, and it is still my most trusted. Never ever had a problem with it, it is extremely accurate, and easy to shoot. I trust my life with it and I would never sell it.

Glock 23

A close runner-up to the SIG. I used to hate Glocks. This thing is very accurate and very easy to maintain. Reason it isn't my top is because of the increased "snap" when the magazine gets light. Of course, this is typical of polymer firearms.

 

[dakotasin]

i think the best autos are sig, specifically the 229, then the 226.
i really like the 1911, but there are so many different ways to do one up from dozens of different sources that it is too hard to advise on those.

i think the best revolvers are s&w, specifically the 586/686.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I suppose I've shot my fair share. In self-defense automatics, I'd recommend M1911A1s -- particularly Government-issue guns (Remington Rand, for example) and the Argentine M1927. I've never personally shot a bad Springfield or Kimber, and all the Colts I have owned and shot were fine guns -- but I have heard that quality in those three lines depends on when they were made.

I don't recommend "compact" versions of the M1911 -- the geometry of tilt-barrel guns is such that it takes a lot more than just shortening the slide and barrel, and some makers don't understand that.

In .22 Automatics, I like the Ruger MK II -- I've owned several MK Is and IIs. I have had a Colt Huntsman (made about 1976) that was a dog, and while I'd like another one, I think I'd look for one made in the 1950s. I also have a Colt Service Ace conversion kit (the old all-steel kit with the floating chamber) mounted on an Argentine M1927, and this gun will give my Rugers a run for their money.

In revolvers, I admit that I like Colts. I have a Colt Officer's Model Target (made in the 1930s) that is the most accurate .22 handgun I've ever owned. I carried a Colt M357 my first tour in Viet Nam, and it never let me down. I sometimes carry a Colt Detective Special, and I also own an SAA (in .357) and a New Service (in .45 Colt.)

For a gun to carry afield, whether afoot or ahorse, I vary my choices -- often I carry a .22, and sometimes my SAA in .357, but more and more I'm coming to like the Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt.

 

[Vitamin G]

I'll take a 1911 of any caliber please

Runner up : Browning Hi-Power.

 

[Gary G23]

I've owned several over the last half century. Right now I own CZ's, XD's, and one Sig. Those are my choices.