You can only own ONE handgun

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so: if you could only have one handgun (and no rifle or shotgun) what would it be? or, if you were suddenly forced to sell your entire collection and only keep one handgun, which would it be?
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Easy: Colt’s 1911 Model O1970 (Series 70 Reissue). Accurate, reliable, powerful, beautiful. Great range gun, perfect for HD.
 
Wow, I thought these "one gun" threads were imaginary situations. But at least you're allowed to have a handgun in NYC. Not in Chicago!

Anyway, I'd probably get a Sig P210. This was a Swiss duty arm in the 50s, but their national sport is shooting, so it is also a target pistol. They are not made any more, and nice used ones go for upwards of $2k.

9mm is a good choice because it costs half as much as 45 ACP to shoot. (but still a lot more than 22LR)

If it has got to be something new & modern, I'd vote for an HK, whichever one is equivalent to the HK45.
 
It takes a very large hand and very long fingers to properly grip that HK mark23. It feel like it was built for a gorilla. That is the very top of the HK line though. It's nice. It also comes in desert tan. It's used by one of the branched of the US special forces. I forget which one. Seals maybe?
 
My M92FS Inox (early model with straight dust cover and Italian made). Currently my car gun, and I love it dearly. Never once failed me, and fits my hand like a glove. 15 rounds of +p 9mm rounds are nothing to argue with, and it is by far the smoothest and most accurate pistol that I own.
 
Quote and snippets from your post:

You can only own ONE handgun

must be an autoloader. i'm just more comfortable with them, that's why.

i already called my local range and they say i can't shoot a pistol there until i have my license (although for some reason you can shoot a 22lr rifle w/o a license, so i'm doing that in the meantime).

so: if you could only have one handgun (and no rifle or shotgun) what would it be? or, if you were suddenly forced to sell your entire collection and only keep one handgun, which would it be?

~~~~~

You said that it must be a semi automatic pistol because that is what you love and WANT to buy. You said that you did NOT want a 22LR caliber for your pistol for self defense and/or to plink with. I was going to mention some semi automatic and revolvers in 22LR but I will skip that here.

I suggest the following:

9MM

Glock Model 19C, Model 19 or a Model 17. Standard issue. Use the extra money in your 'budget' that you mentioned for ammunition and PRACTICE. If you can reload and buy ammunition... do that too. Buy a simple and quality reloading set and the die for 9MM. Maybe 2 9MM dies if you feel like it - an extra one. You don't need the fanciest equipment just quality equipment in my opinion. I don't reload but my husband does. He has 2 kinds of reloading sets and many 'dies' for ALL kinds of calibers for handguns and for rifles.

You already are shooting a 22LR Rifle so do you own that one or are you using a friend's rifle? If you OWN one - keep it and STOCK UP on 22LR ammunition if you LOVE and OWN that 22LR rifle. What type of rifle are you shooting now in 22LR?

You asked if I could ONLY have 1 handgun and NO rifle or shotgun. It would depend on WHERE I LIVE and where I GO. CCW or NO CCW? Vehicle carry allowed plus my house or open carry?

Disclaimer: I do not own a shotgun and rarely shoot my husband's or friends shotguns. I do not want to buy a shotgun. Handguns are my favorite GUN and I learned on handguns. I do own a couple of rifles.

If I lived in NYC in a house, apartment or condo... I would choose a Ruger Single Action in 22LR. I would have 25, 30 to ? (Grin.) BOXES of bulk ammunition - 550 cartridges per box in 22LR Federal. I believe in stocking up, sales and gifts of ammunition! No offense. I would choose my Bisley in 22LR - FIRST CHOICE and my Super Single Six for my second CHOICE using 22LR - I rarely ever shoot WMR = Winchester Magnum Rimfire in it anyway! My placement shots with my single actions in 22LR and in 45Colt are very good so that is WHY I said that I would go with this FIRST. I do practice self defense shooting and have used many calibers in the past and present. (22LR, 9MM, 38Special Plus P, 357Magnum, 44Special/44Magnum and 45Colt aka long colt. I have never owned a 45ACP but I have shot one before. I have owned and still own some guns in the listed calibers not counting my Marlin rifle in 30-30.)

Since I do not live in NYC and I do frequent the wilderness and off the beaten path places... I would choose my Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt aka long colt. Ammunition - I would do the same for stocking up. Factory ammunition and 'reloads'. I would build UP my SUPPLY and replace it after I shot it up. This all takes TIME, MONEY and putting your ammunition above other STUFF to buy that may NOT be in your daily BUDGET. Ammunition before junk buying! My motto! Don't buy junk to begin with - another motto! Grin. I have BOTH - my husband 'loads' for me. Good for 2 legged and 4 legged creatures if I needed it = 45Colt.

If I did NOT have my Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt - I would choose my Smith and Wesson Model 686 in 357Magnum and use that ammunition or 38Special Plus P - hollow points but I do have other ammunition for that too. Six inch barrel, 6 shot, Hogue or wood grips, full lug and she is a VERY good gun. I am a very good shot with this gun too. (I like 357Magnum in Ruger single actions but I have never owned one. I have shot them before though.)

I am sure that I will get 'heat' for mentioning a 22LR for self defense and/or plinking. I practice OFTEN but many people don't due to ammunition costs, mileage, places to shoot, etc. I get a LOT of bang for my buck and if all I could afford living in NYC or if I had to worry about 'walls' - it would be a 22LR that I could practice with OFTEN and become an expert shooter with my gun for that situation. It is not my situation but since he asked... I answered for NYC and for Montana!

Take care and best wishes to YOU in NYC.

Catherine
Montana Territory
 
i should have seen this coming, but all the suggestions are only making my daydreaming less conclusive, as i find new (pictures on the internet of) guns to drool over

(regarding magazine capacity limits: i am 99% sure there is no limit in nyc. i have searched through the relevant statutes and found nothing about limits, but i'm putting it on the list of questions to ask at my interview. i presume no licensed dealer would sell me a gun i couldn't register anyway; i wonder if i "obtained" one somehow if i'd get in trouble at the range? for another thread.)
 
Caliban, based on your criteria: I'd pick the Springfield Armory "Loaded" .45 acp.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=24

At around $1,000, it is well within your budget. It is a full size 1911 auto pistol, in .45 acp, which you say you are willing to try for recoil. I chose .45 acp over 9 mm because a .45 bullet need not expand to work, you just need to place your shot well. You say you will go to the range for target practice, right? BTW, take a HD course as well.

IMO, recoil shyness is a psychological stumbling block easily overcome with proper orientation and instruction. You said HD and target use (not for carry), this pistol will serve both purposes no problemo. If you are like many people, you will love the 1911, so the SA Loaded can be a keeper as well. It is in stainless steel, what can be more long-lived than that material?

Now if you were open to revolvers, I'd say a S&W PC Model-627 .357 magnum. Within your budget, its N-Frame will transmit less recoil than smaller revolvers, the .357 mag is reputed to be the best one-shot stopper in 125 grain JHP loads (if that means anything to you), and it is a lot of fun at the range. Again, a stainless steel keeper that will last more than one lifetime.

Whatever you choose, buy lots of ammo and practice.
 
regarding magazine capacity limits: i am 99% sure there is no limit in nyc
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I made a mistake. There's a rifle capacity limit of 5. My friends lives there and was complaining about it a while back. I somehow confused things.

He has chummed up with a gun store owner and, when he sees something he wants, he has it sent to the store, where they'll hold it for him until his next buying "window" opens. That way, when the 90 or 180 day buying increment rolls around, he doesn't have to shop in a rush or pay top dollar because a store owner knows he only has a limited time in which to purchase.

Still, check out a Makarov. C'est magnifique!
 
New York Rifle and Pistol Association should be able to help you with purchasing info and any restrictions:

http://www.nysrpa.org/

-------------------------

Guns!

You should remember that support gear can be expensive. You'll need a cleaning kit, spare magazines, holster, belt, and so forth.

Even if you don't carry the gun, get a good holster, belt, and mag holder. If SHTF/TEOTWAWKI, you'll want to have that gun on you as you flee NYC. Additionally, you can get gear that is accepted in competitions such as IDPA and IPSC.

Any one of the service pistols would be fine. 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 10mm, 45 ACP...they're all good rounds for target shooting and defense.

I do recommend that you get into reloading. Not only will your ammunition costs drop, so will your TV time. It's a great hobby. You can get into it for under $400. Look at RCBS, Lee, and so on. I have a Lee Turret Press and it works just fine. Dillon Precision is really good, but more expensive.

I have found 45 ACP to be VERY easy to reload, especially if you have to manually place the bullet in the case mouth. There are a gazillion recipes for ammunition. Procedurally, 9mm is a bit more difficult because of the small case mouth. I just prefer to reload for 45 ACP because it's a low pressure round that's forgiving. I just purchase 9mm ammo unless I'm doing something specific.

Gunwise: there are so many choices, it's almost pointless to make a recommendation. Stick with the major brands that build reliable firearms AND provide excellent customer service. Companies that have terrible service, like HK, Kimber, and Taurus, shouldn't even be on your list. It's just not worth the hassle when other companies provide a similar product with great support.

I would recommend that you get a service style weapon for under $750 and spend the rest on ammo, gear, books, training and reloading stuff. Training is the most important part anyway.
 
My CZ 85 Combat and Kadet .22lr Upper. You can have both for under 1 K.

Once you hold and fire a CZ, you'll want one.
 
I believe NYC has a ten rd. mag limit. It sounds like you could afford to feed any caliber you choose. I'd look at a nice full size 10mm or .45 1911. You've got a very accurate platform and plenty of weight to soak up recoil. You may as well have a powerful caliber since you only get 11 rds. max before a mag change. There are plenty of very nice 1911's under $1,000 and even more options under $1,500.

The tricky part is going to be getting reasonably priced ammo in NYC. I order all of mine off the internet and I can't think of anywhere that ships to NYC. New York state, some. If you have a friend in Pennsylvania or outside the city or something, you could order a bunch to their house or work and pick it up. I can't imagine ammo being cheap off the shelves in NYC since they basically have you by the cojones. All the ranges I know of even in the Great Free State of Florida rip you off real politely like if you purchase their ammo.
 
Any one of the service pistols would be fine. 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 10mm, 45 ACP...they're all good rounds for target shooting and defense.
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A large-frame Witness would cover all of those, plus .22LR, with just one gun. That's why I mentioned it earlier. I'd probably start with the 10mm model and get an extra .40S&W barrel.
 
If I could only have ONE handgun, and size was not a concern, it would be my Glock 21/21SF. If concealed carry was an option making size was a concern, I would go to the Glock 30/30SF.

First of all it is a Glock, they have pretty much become legend for reliability and durability. They are easy to maintain and a simple design with parts and accessories readily (and affordably) available.

Any Glock is clearly in your price range. I have a Gray Guns enhanced P229ST, an HK P7, an X-Five and a few other "expensive" guns. If I had to shoot in self-defense, I wouldn't reach for any of them. It would be the Glocks or the M&P. Why? They are all great guns and would certainly be up to the task, but if the choice was available I would much rather have a Glock taken away as "evidence". Fact of life, even in fully justified and "legal" shooting, you most likey will have the gun taken away while things are investigated. It may or may not come back. If it does, it may be marred or damaged. I have heard of some agenceis that engrave case or tracking numbers on evidence. I would hate for one of my "nice" guns suffer such a fate. If it was ruined or not returned, a Glock is easily replaced.

.45ACP is a well regarded round with plenty of "oomph" for self-defense. Recoil is not excessive, in fact very comfortable in the G21, with less perceived recoil than on any 1911 I have shot.

Glock 21 is very accurate, delivering a single ragged hole at 21' with 13 round magazine.

13 round magazine, means 14 rounds total. With a Pearce +2 base plate, that gets bumped to 16 rounds on tap. If you do have a 10 round limit, Glock magazines are the least expensive of any brand and can be had brand new for as little as $18.

For a house gun, I recommend something with a rail. G21 has that covered as well.

822g21.jpg
 
1911, and a .22 conversion kit. Then a 9mm slide, barrel, and mags all fitted up.

One pistol, three calibers.
 
I second the Glock 17 longslide. Accurate, long sight radius, high cap, and very reliable with less expensive practice ammo. Not carrying, so size is not an issue. Good HD ammo available.

Second choice would be one of the full sized Glocks in .40. The 35, if you can find one. If cost of ammo and recoil are not an issue, I guess this might be my FIRST choice.

I carry Paraord 1911's, but I think they are harder to keep running than a glock (my experience), so if I had to pick ONE pistol, it would be one with a lower chance of being in the shop when I needed it. YMMV.

Steve
 
Companies that have terrible service, like HK, Kimber, and Taurus, shouldn't even be on your list.
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are HK and Kimber customer service really that bad? at this point i'm looking for any reason to take guns OFF the short list (which is not short at all).
 
What a dumb law. As if you can use more than one pistol at a time anyways! Some government morons are watching too many shoot-em-up movies.

I don't think a revolver is the right choice. You are allowed one handgun at a time, not one handgun EVER. If I needed one handgun to last from now until the end of my life, then yeah, I would choose a revolver. But nothing says you can't replace a gun eventually.

Are you sure you don't have magazine capacity restrictions? I know a bunch of those stupid cities classify guns with more than 10 rounds of capacity as "machine guns" and other ridiculous things.

If you have no magazine capacity limits, I would get the highest capacity 9mm I could find. Think EAA Witness Match/Elite. They are 18+1. (Nice side effect is that you can change slides... probably.)

If you do have magazine capacity limits, then I would make each shot count and get a 10mm.
 
Colt 1911 XSE .45 ACP
Extra 8 rd Mags: Wilson Combat ETM
or Chip McCormick Power Mags
.22 LR Conversion kit - consists of slide, barrel
recoil spring and magazine. Marvel and Chiner
can have feeding issues and the slide doesn't stay
locked back after the last round which is what the
1911 does with .45 ACP regular operation.
Advantage Arms makes a .22 LR conv kit and the slide
lockes back on the last shot.

.45 ACP standard pressure hollowpoints stay below the
speed of sound approx. 1,120 FPS so there's no sonic boom
and less muzzle flash which is a consideration for Home defense
and firing a handgun indoors.

The 1911 drove the target revolvers off the firing line at Camp
Perry by the early 1960s, as well as it being the greatest combat
handgun of the 20th century. A gull size 1911 although heavy at
almost 40 oz. empty, soaks up the recoiil, and unlike revolvers with the
bulge of a cylinder it's flat - I carry one CCW with a multi-pocketed
fishing' vest most times, but a sport coat or light windbreaker would also work,

My S&W 1911 was $1.050 MSRP I found a new one online for about
$800 after S&H and Transfer.
Quality holster from MIlt SParks $105
and a 1 1/2" Milt Sparks GUN Belt $80
seems like a lot for a belt but it's two pieces
of 6 1/2-7 oz leather glued and stitched
together and makes a great support for
the gun/holster

.45 ACP isn't that great a recoil over 9MM Luger,

If you do go with a Sig, they have a great rep. for
reliability and accuracy, and I heard that SIg is now offering
.22 LR Conversion kits.

Good luck with your choice.

Randall
 
theken206 -

I know, when I read what I posted it sounds poorly written.

But hope you agreed on the choice of Les Baer
 
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