Bug Out/Combat Pistol

[tdubgunner]

So, what do you prioritize as you bug out pistol? What about as your combat pistol?

Native firing accuracy (accuracy with less training)
Ammo caliber weight
Total loadout weight (pistol + magazine (x2))
Ammo caliber availability
Pistol commonality
Perceived stopping power
Magazine capacity
Pistol price
Ammo Price
Magazine Price
Ease of cleaning

etc

Me, after final analysis, I would have to choose native firing accuracy for my bug out pistol.

This is because, with my 1911, I have a high hit rate (at the range). Even though it's a larger/heavier round, magazine only has a capacity of 8 rounds, is a pricier pistol, the magazines are more expensive, is harder to clean for the untrained, if I can hit 6 times out of 8 compared to an average of 4 times out of 10 for other pistols, this makes it more cost effective given a dire situation.

For my combat pistol, I would have to choose the HK USP45 full if I couldn't take a 1911. This is because of the larger capacity magazine to the 1911, near similar sight radius (for me as opposed to the Glock), and my comfortability with the 45 ACP.

What about you?

[NiteQwill]

Whatever I shoot most accurately and has the most capacity.

Glock 17 or M&P9, both loaded with 147 HST

[WilliamAnderson]

PPQ! Why? We all know why...

[bsg]

you might want to throw 'reliability' into the mix; reliability is King.

[pterrell]

As much as I love my 1911(honestly, it's my favorite handgun in my safe), I think I would use my P226 as my bugout pistol.

9mm is a lightweight (comparatively) round, is probably the most common round in circulation to include widespread use by the military, and is field stripped faster and easier with fewer loose parts than an M9 or a 1911 (can't speak for Glocks, maybe someone else can). Also, with the P226, you may have the ability to change calibers with a barrel and magazine swap if you choose. Having a .40 S&W barrel isn't a terrible idea, given that many police forces use .40 S&W over 9mm/.45acp which increases your chances of finding more ammo.

[shortround1]

I love how people insinuate that they can just "find" ammo in a bugout situation. That might work in a Resident Evil video game but you're not going to just find a random box of ammo sitting on some un-attended counter in a store/police station if everything has gone to hell.

[khoimike]

The Glock 17 is my absolute go-to pistol of choice. If the zombies ever come and I need to run, the Glock will probably be my primary. However, if the zombies are angry elephants and I need more stopping power, I'll easily turn to my Delta Elite 10mm.

[Cypriss32]

P226 mk25 or M&P 9. Kiss
No 1911s. I leave that in my truck.

[Stripeknight]

Sling shot.

[DannyInSoCal]

Extar...

[pterrell]

I love how people insinuate that they can just "find" ammo in a bugout situation. That might work in a Resident Evil video game but you're not going to just find a random box of ammo sitting on some un-attended counter in a store/police station if everything has gone to hell.

That's really not what I'm insinuating at all. What I'm saying is that, depending on the situation, if people are dying and these people have guns you are more likely to find rounds in your caliber if you choose 9mm or .40 cal. If anarchy is the rule of the land and I happen to find a dead guy who has a gun, I'm going to relieve him of his ammo.

If you don't like that reason, then how about this one. Ammo manufacturers will make vastly more 9mm, 40S&W, and 45ACP than any other round during a shortage or a crisis. Why? Because that is what will be flying off the shelves. They won't be making the wildcats.

[riderr]

magazine only has a capacity of 8 rounds

You can buy 10rd mag. Mine worked fine with FMJ but FTF-ed with JHP

[optimus-primer]

Really hard to say. What few handguns I have would be better at different stages or uses.

I think though that my trusty ole 6" 686 would be my first choice. Reliable yet has some power. Probably a better hunting handgun than my 9mm, easier to find ammo ESP with two calibers.

The drawback would be the gun weight and the ammo weight. And 6 rounds vs 8-15 in a semi.
One plus might be not having to worry about magazines.

[Excitable Boy]

Really hard to say. What few handguns I have would be better at different stages or uses.

I think though that my trusty ole 6" 686 would be my first choice. Reliable yet has some power. Probably a better hunting handgun than my 9mm, easier to find ammo ESP with two calibers.

The drawback would be the gun weight and the ammo weight. And 6 rounds vs 8-15 in a semi.
One plus might be not having to worry about magazines.

My initial gut reaction was that I would have to choose between the stopping power and 13 round capacity of .45ACP (pre ban mags) in my old school Glock 21 or the portability and wide availability of 9mm of my Kahr P9.

Upon further consideration, I might have to go with my 4" stainless Ruger GP100.

As noted above, a .357 Magnum has several advantages with multiple ammo options and while not noted, no liability of magazine malfunctions. With 1450FPS SJHP, the .357 is clearly a great defense round. The ability to feed it with everything from 180 grain hunting solids down to to wimpy .38 special ammo makes it a very flexible choice. Maybe the best choice?

[UNLTD1487]

XDM 9 4.5" with 19+1 ammo capacity.