What influences your handgun preferences?

[bannockburn]

The four things that influence me the most with my handgun preferences and are absolutely essential are: 1) Accuracy 2) Reliability 3) Durability, and 4) Ergonomics. Being all steel with wood grips are always a plus but I'm more than happy to have a gun that uses aluminum or polymer in it's construction, as long as it adheres to the four must haves. Doesn't matter if it's a revolver or a semi-auto, of which I tend to prefer single action triggers in both types of handguns; the gun must be accurate (as long as I do my part too), must work first time...every time, must hold up over the long haul, and must fit my hand correctly and comfortably.

I like single action revolvers, like those from Ruger and Uberti, double action revolvers (favorites are typically S&Ws), also 1911s made by Colt, the Browning Hi-Power, and double action/single action pistols such as the SIG P229 and the CZ P01.

 

[Winkman822]

For me it's just a matter of what works (i.e. is reliable and allows me to get hits on target), comfortable in my hand (i.e. doesn't feel like holding a 2x4) and is easy enough to conceal on me all the time, by this I'm not referring to a gun being comfortable to carry, but more so something that doesn't make a big giant bulge on my hip that screams gun...or massive tumor.

 

[Labguy47]

My first gun did double duty as the house security gun, and my training gun. It was a Ruger standard .22lr that sat in my dad's sock drawer. He went halves with me on it back in 1982. I was allowed to take it out shooting whenever I bought shells (which where $0.59 / box of 50) as a pre-teen. It still sits in the gun safe at my brothers house and my nephew uses it when he goes to the range with his dad. Because of what I grew up shooting I have a preference of all steel guns. They last a long time and can give multiple generations of use. Like the Remington sportman 48 that my great grandpa had fitted for me when I was 12. He had it for at least 25 years before giving it to me and I will pass it on to either my daughter or nephew. My daughter has already laid claim to my Ruger 77/22 in .22 WMR. So I am going to have to go with quality craftsmanship as my determining factor on which weapon systems I buy.

 

[RedlegRick]

Simplicity, durability, and price seem to be my influences. I don't like handguns with a lot of moving parts, I'm admittedly rough on my gear, and I don't have a ton of money to throw around. I'm also partial to weapons that don't cost a lot to feed and aren't known to be too picky, my Walther P22 being the lone exception to my rule, but I'm shortly about to correct that mistake.

 

[dbmjr1]

Why I like a certain handgun?
I like cheap .25acp's because I marvel at the economy of scale.
I like Single Action Revolvers because, ; Clint Eastwood and John Wayne
I like Double action revolvers because I hate chasing my brass.
I like German Lugers because of the amazing precision and the unusual locking system
I like 1911's because I shoot them so well. Nostalgic of my issued service gun in the Army too.
I like Colt Woodsmans because : JMB
I like Ruger Marks because they shoot so very well.


I could do this all day.

Fact is: I like all handguns.

Well, . . . , Except for Glocks, and Nambu. They're both uglier than an old brick. I'd probably take a Nambu though, if you were giving it away.

 

[Hertzer]

My reasoning has evolved a great deal from a beginning shooter first was usability and affordability, then came for specific use (hunting, bullseye target, free pistol, run & gun, etc.) now it's just because I want it & I can afford it.

 

[Riomouse911]

My reasoning has evolved a great deal from a beginning shooter first was usability and affordability, then came for specific use (hunting, bullseye target, free pistol, run & gun, etc.) now it's just because I want it & I can afford it.

Same here. I have more than I could ever possibly “need”, so now it’s strictly “whatever I want” .


Stay safe!

 

[Ironicaintit]

I don't know if it was nature or nurture, but my favorites are pretty much exactly the same as my dads were.
could be that I have his hands?

Ruger revolvers, (double stack)1911s, and most especially my hi-powers just feel right to me.

they carry memories good and bad, but they just kindof feel like home

 

[cfullgraf]

What influences my gun purchases?

It depends on the use.

Guns I plan to use of self defense have different criteria than guns I purchase for collecting, plinking, competition, or any of any number of other uses.

I learned long ago that no one gun can serve all purposes.

 

[Tallball]

Originally, when I was young and poor, the main questions were "Will it do what I need it to do?" and "Can I afford it?"

Now it's more like "Do I already own one?" If so, the answer is no. If not, I will start to consider it.

 

[jeepnik]

Different choices for different uses. But, if pushed I'd say my preference is for the 1911A1. Why, because of personal experience. I don't need a movie or heroic event or any other external influences. I guess I'm just a guy who uses what works and is happy with it. Fancy never did any better than plain in the right hands.

 

[.308 Norma]

While some specific, individual guns might have the kind of backstory that makes them an heirloom or gives them sentimental value to us, for this discussion, I’m more interested in the way a particular type or model’s background influences what you think of it.

Different choices for different uses. But, if pushed I'd say my preference is for the 1911A1. Why, because of personal experience. I don't need a movie or heroic event or any other external influences. I guess I'm just a guy who uses what works and is happy with it. Fancy never did any better than plain in the right hands

I’m with you jeepnik. I like different handguns for different uses. One of the handguns I like is my 1911A1, 45ACP. It’s my bedside gun, and has been for a long time. I like the way 1911s feel in my hand, I like the way they naturally point for me, I am very familiar with their operation, I’ve never had one that wasn’t reliable, and I figure the 45ACP cartridge is as good of a handgun cartridge for self/home defense as any handgun cartridge.

However, as far as I’m concerned, the 1911’s “background” (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, designed by a said genius firearms designer, etc.) is just icing on the cake. I keep a 1911A1 on my nightstand primarily because of the reasons listed in the above paragraph, not because of the model’s “background.”

 

[John Joseph]

First, safety. I don't want a gun that has design flaws or poor parts/materials/assembly.
Second, reliability. It has to go bang when I want to to go bang, and consistently.
Third, accuracy. Only accurate firearms are interesting.
Fourth, fit. If it feels good, the sights are easily picked up, and the trigger is juuuust right, I'll get that plastic out of my wallet

 

[1MoreFord]

It all depends. I've still got my first purchased new pistol. It's a Smith 39-2. Don't think I'll ever part with it. Then there's my dad's Smith 19 that's pinned and recessed. Never part with it either. Then there's my first 1911. It's a Gold Cup. Lifer too. Finally a Browning HP that's been through the C&S shop. Not going anywhere either. Then the new stuff. A LCP Custom, a Sig P290RS, and a couple of versions of a Sig P250's. They are the disposable carry guns that can sit in a property room.

 

[BigBore44]

That’s a good question. When I get done cleaning my 1911, I’ll get back to you on that.

 

[Slamfire]

How does a gun model’s backstory affect what you think of it?

We as a species are greatly influenced by narrative.

I heard about this study:

Significant Objects

http://significantobjects.com/

The project auctioned off thrift-store objects via eBay; for item descriptions, short stories purpose-written by over 200 contributing writers. The objects, purchased for $1.25 apiece on average, sold for nearly $8,000.00 in total.

You can read the rules, one of which was:

http://significantobjects.com/about/

A participating writer is paired with an object. He or she then writes a fictional story, in any style or voice, about the object. Voila! An unremarkable, castoff thingamajig has suddenly become a “significant” object!

We are not rational creatures, a good story, true or not, increases the value of an object to a human. This is true about firearms, we see this all the time, romance increasing the value of hunks of metal. I am currently seeing this with the CMP M1911's. People really want these old US Army M1911's, and it is all due to the stories in their heads. I am not interested in an old gun made out of inferior metals that may or may not shoot well. I want to shoot my stuff, and I want the best equipment I can find. History, the story attached to that model, the people who used them, these characteristics have become less and less appealing to me, than perfect and reliable function. So when am asked by friends am I going to buy a CMP 1911, I surprise them by saying no. But, I did buy a Rock Island M1911, and I am happy with the thing. It is tight, the trigger is good, it goes bang each time. The metallurgy and machining are much better than any WW2 era pistol. I can't see the sights well enough to be a judge of accuracy, but it seems to shoot well at 25 yards. And the price was right.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I know what my preferences are but I'm not sure specifically what influenced them.

The first handgun I ever owned was a S&W Model 915. A 915 is roughly the size of a Glock 19 and I have preferred smaller handguns since.

Compatablity has always been important to me. But I think the Great Obama Ammo Famine made it a priority. I own 6 hand guns. 5 of them are 9mm and 3 of the 5 are Glocks. That will accept 17, 18 or 19 magazines. The only gun on my buying list is a Glock 26.

 

[JR24]

Carry guns get the nod with what I shoot/carry best. Dont much care about the looks or history. This mostly ends up being Glocks. In fact my favored carry gun, the 19X, is in a color I dont care for (I prefer my autos black or blue) but it works so nicely for me I got over it.

My sometimes carry, usually range favorites are 1911s. I love the lines, the history, the beauty. For revolvers I prefer SAA clones for field and range, again the beauty and history of the design calls to me.

Yet, when I needed a "be there, go bang" bear gun a 4" redhawk got the nod. Not terribly beautiful but kinda sleek in the "stubby mess you up if you get it mad" kinda way, much like the Glock.

 

[JeffG]

My first handgun was a Colt Commando .38 special, thanks Dad. I wore it slung on a cowboy belt on my trap line. It was a constant companion, I never shot it except at tin cans in the dump. I was 15. I always had a romantic backstory of becoming a cowboy, hence the Ruger Blackhawks, Navy cap and ball guns, and Vaqueros that have graced my holster in the woods since.

The Marines taught me how to tame the monster (1911) and make it my friend. Shooting NRA bulls-eyes at 50 yards is a beautiful thing. I have always had one, or four since. I carried everything from S&W model 10's to Pythons, Model 29's, 28's and 686's during my early police years. Police chiefs and sheriffs of that era were set against auto pistols for patrol officers.

Although they served me well, I was very happy to trade revolvers for 1911's and eventually Glocks. Glocks have been the "fiberglass handled framing hammer" of my career". We would bring a Glock to the range, to shoot the 9mm reloads that the subguns wouldn't digest. Glocks are admittedly ugly, but reliable, and easy to maintain through tens of thousands of rounds. Chest deep water, mud, snow and -20 degree weather is all the same to a Glock.

So yes, different guns for different missions, locations venues and memories. I still hear the theme song from "The High Chaparral" When I slide my Vaquero into my holster and go, "Up North".

 

[Don Dayacetah]

For me it's just a matter of what works (i.e. is reliable and allows me to get hits on target), comfortable in my hand (i.e. doesn't feel like holding a 2x4) and is easy enough to conceal on me all the time, by this I'm not referring to a gun being comfortable to carry, but more so something that doesn't make a big giant bulge on my hip that screams gun...or massive tumor.

This all isn't bad, but let's step back, over a century ago, and have a look at the FN1900. A slim pistol, even by today's Kahr standards, it was the first production autoloader with a slide. It's said that Teddy Roosevelt held one of these as an EDC and night stand gun for many years. Designed by JMB, as a seven-shot 32, it was a potent pocket pistol for it's time, and is still a respectable firearm to this very day.

You can see the design influence in the hump at the rear of the slide of the Tokarev TT30, the North Koreans even made a copy, called the Type 64.

 

[The Exile]

Personally I've always just thought glocks looked pretty; a lot of people say they are ugly but they work and that's all they need to do like a good hammer but the boxy look is stylistic IMO; the legendary reliability,low cost, and how every glock is mostly the same gun just scaled up or down or stretched for a new caliber also makes me appreciate them, and that price tag; my runner up choice would be something stainless with very well made artistic wood panel grips like a sig 226 but that price tag really is a deal breaker compared to the glock.

 

[RA40]

The two of historical use that influenced me were the Hi Power and 1911. Outside of that the brand reputation from other shooters comments that were of quality build. There are very few that tempt me being in CA though. I adjust based on what is available and that sucks so I've not felt motivated to buy.

 

[gulogulo1970]

Reliability first, does it point well for me, that is second.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

The main things that influence me are ease of use, (racking slide, comfort shooting), looks, reliability, ease of cleaning, price.

 

[Llama Bob]

There's two handgun designs I've ever shot that just felt right - one is the 1911, the other is the Python. I'll never go away from those. Some other guns feel OK but not great, but have other desirable characteristics like the Ruger LC9s.

Beyond that, reliability and chambering matter.