Down to 3 choices, opinions?

[NapaCountyShooter]

So, over the past year, I`ve gotten rid of all of my handguns and now I feel the need (want) for adding one back to my collection. I`ve narrowed it down to 3 choices as of right now that fit what I`m trying to spend. The uses are HD (primary), range time, and to a lesser degree, a camping/woods gun. Keep in mind, I have no room to reload at the moment, but do want to in the future.

1) Glock 17
pros- capacity, cheap ammo, light rail for HD.
cons- Limited uses of 9mm cartridge.

2) Ruger gp100
pros- revolver reliability, 38 special for the range, +p for HD, .357 mag for the woods.
cons- capacity, price and availability of magnum and +p ammo

3) Glock 20
pros- I love the idea of this gun. High capacity, powerful cartridges available, option of buying a .40 barrel and recoil spring for range time.
cons- the almost prohibitive lack of availability of 10mm ammo, and the cost of it when you can find it.

So that`s what I`m down to. I would appreciate the input of the knowledgable members here. Thanks.

[POLICESTATE]

IMO if it's the first handgun (and possibly even the only) I would go with 9mm or .45 and definately not 10mm.

I would go for the Glock 19 vs the 17 though (a little more compact).

If you could afford something a little nicer I'd look at the Springfield Armory entry level 1911's and the Rock River Arms 1911's, you can always upgrade it as time goes by and the .45 ACP as well as the 1911 platform are time proven.

[drunktank]

Assuming you dont own preban mags and are limited to 10 rounds, i vote for the glock 20 since you mention hd and camping use. i like the .357 but prefer 10 rounds of 10mm. plus you mentioned a .40 barrel and possible reloading for a cut in cost regarding range plinking.

[DTOM CA!]

Simple answer is the 17 for reliability, cost of gun and ammo, capacity etc. When you are ready to reload you will be able to sell at a reasonable price as well if you want. Now if your in Grizzly Bear territory..........................

[gearhead15]

I'd get the 17 AND the GP100, just because it's difficult for one single gun to do all you want it to do. If you're set on just one gun, get the 20 and the barrel for keeping .40 in it whenever you're not in the woods.

[Unit74]

Get the G17. Cheap to shoot, easy for the wife to handle, hadles +p loads, uber reliable.....best HD gun out there IMHO.

[Z ME FLY]

Assuming you dont own preban mags and are limited to 10 rounds, i vote for the glock 20 since you mention hd and camping use. i like the .357 but prefer 10 rounds of 10mm. plus you mentioned a .40 barrel and possible reloading for a cut in cost regarding range plinking.

Actually I rather get the GP100 instead.

A 10MM for HD? Yes you can do it but I rather get something a little easier on the recoil. Yes I have shot a G20 and a G29, I use to own a G29. I use to also have a S&W610 (that I miss). With that being said, I prefer the revolver because you have the option to practice with .38 special and load .357 for HD.

Camping/Backpacking was not high on the list and I think the .357 will do fine for this job. My second option would be the G17 and third would be G20. That's just me.

[Z ME FLY]

I'd get the 17 AND the GP100, just because it's difficult for one single gun to do all you want it to do. If you're set on just one gun, get the 20 and the barrel for keeping .40 in it whenever you're not in the woods.

While a good idea for a range toy to switch to 40s&w, I wouldn't do it for HD. Yeah it will probably work 100% fine and you can shoot the 1000's of rounds without a problem but there is always that slight chance. I prefer to keep my guns as stock as possible.

[Miltiades]

Comments

I would tend to eliminate the Glock 17 unless you have full capacity magazines for it - putting a 10 rounder in a grip made for a 17 rounder seems like a terrible waste. I would also eliminate the 10mm Glock for the reason you gave - finding ammo is very difficult. I've had a 10mm Colt for 10 years, and have spent too much time searching for ammo. I got my last 500 rounds from Georgia Arms, and had to wait 5 months for delivery.

I think the Ruger .357 revolver is a solid choice that will cover your intended uses very well.

If you want a Glock, you should look at the Glock 30 in .45 caliber. It holds about 10 rounds with the stock magazine, and would be good for home defense or hiking in the woods.

[BamBam-31]

Actually I rather get the GP100 instead.

A 10MM for HD? Yes you can do it but I rather get something a little easier on the recoil. Yes I have shot a G20 and a G29, I use to own a G29. I use to also have a S&W610 (that I miss). With that being said, I prefer the revolver because you have the option to practice with .38 special and load .357 for HD.

Camping/Backpacking was not high on the list and I think the .357 will do fine for this job. My second option would be the G17 and third would be G20. That's just me.

^^^+1. The GP100 is a bit more flexible than either the G17 or G20. And I'm a big Glock fan, too.

[cineski]

There's several online places to buy 10mm ammo right now, not really that hard. Places to buy practice ammo priced about the same as 45. The 10mm makes a better woods gun than HD gun, although that is ammo reliant.

[ChrisTKHarris]

G17.

[sigfan91]

If you are limited to a single handgun for all the things you want to do, I'd go for a nice revolver in 357 magnum. You can get one with up to 8-shot capacity. It will be a big (relatively) revolver, but not a problem if concealed carry is not needed. You will have a wide range of ammo selection from magnum to 38 special and even shot shells for pest control. These revolvers also come in a variety of barrel lengths, something autos don't normally have.

[Rekrab]

Ruger for certain.

My policy on HD handguns is that they only come out after my shotgun is empty. For all of the uses you listed, the Ruger is an awesome choice. If you empty your shotgun and the Ruger, you can always beat someone over the head with it.

[gorenut]

^^^+1. The GP100 is a bit more flexible than either the G17 or G20. And I'm a big Glock fan, too.

For the same reasons why this guy agrees.