What's the best defensive handgun?

[GoldMatch92]

I am already familiar with many of the popular platforms but am curious to see if others prefer different ones than me. Maybe I've been overlooking something great! What's your favorite and why?

[highpower790]

Whats the best defensive handgun?...hmmm=the one that puts a hole in your opposition!

[ramtab]

Whats the best defensive handgun?...hmmm=the one that puts a hole in your opposition!

^
Thaths the best one!

[SureShot241]

The one that you shoot best. Most modern handguns are quite reliable (withing the $300-600 price range). It all depends on what feels good to you, and what you shoot the most accurate with.


That being said, my favorite is the S&W M&P. Mine is in 9mm, however, I was going to buy the .40 S&W (fell off roster before I had the funds).

With the .40, you can convert it to 9mm and .357 Sig.

[JoshuaS]

Since you asked what are our personal favorites, and minding that people are different in what they handle best, my top three are

1. My SR-45. Full size, I shoot it well.

2. SP-101 (I can shoot it well enough close quarters, can't follow up as quickly but when I visit Arizona in a few months it will be my CCW option)

3. This one is odd. My Ruger Vaquero. Yeah I can't reload it fairly quickly (can reload it faster than reloading a magazine... so if you only had one magazine for a gun, wouldn't make as much of a different). But I can shoot it quickly and on target and all day long (unlike the SP 101). It actually would make a good woods gun, where you can open carry

But my experience is limited. Ones I had enough experience with to judge that I do not rank as highly

1. My XD40sc. I shot it fairly well, but it was too fat and blocky to be a great CCW piece and if at home or open carrying, a full size is better.

2. Sigma 9mm. It was a lot better after doing the trigger mod, but I shot it poorly (more me than the gun).

3. Glock 17

4. Colt New Army Special (but in fairness who would use a 90+ year old gun for defense?)

5. Baby Browning. Fun, tiny. You may be able to hit the broadside of a barn... if you are within 10 ft.



That said I have tried other guns (first semiauto I fired was a Sig in .357 Sig, Secret Service issued actually... it was enjoyable but I fired a magazine, and had little to compare it to). But not enough to really judge them.

[titan2]

What's the best defensive handgun?

Ans: The one you carry vs. the one in the safe!!!

[CSACANNONEER]

A Liberator would be the best if that's what you have available when you need it.

[SDM44]

James Yeager says the Glock 19, so it must be the G19 since he's from the internet.

[neouser]

Most modern pistols run extremely reliably, so it's whatever pistol you shoot well.

[iluvmycolt]

Misread.....what everyone else has stated already, "whatever pistol you shoot well with."

[GoldMatch92]

Thanks guys but I was actually just asking what your personal favorite SHTF handgun is. I carry a Dan Wesson Duty Coat VBOB and I have no problem shooting it well but I was actually referring to the pistol that you would grab (in addition to your AR) in the case of a real emergency like a severe natural disaster. For example, mine would probably be my PPQ...especially if I lived in a state that allowed hi-cap mags. Maybe I should have asked what your sidearm would be if you were serving overseas but were allowed to use hollow points (to make 9mm a worthwhile cartridge). So given that clarification, what would it be?

[Bralowe]

I'd choose a gun that was reliable, accurate, easy to maintain, simple ergonomics, etc. A Glock!

[SonofWWIIDI]

Whichever one you shoot the best with and can function under high stress conditions.

If you fumble with the safeties, slide or mags, or can't shoot it straight under high adrenaline, it's not the right one.

[NATEWA]

Thanks guys but I was actually just asking what your personal favorite SHTF handgun is. I carry a Dan Wesson Duty Coat VBOB and I have no problem shooting it well but I was actually referring to the pistol that you would grab (in addition to your AR) in the case of a real emergency like a severe natural disaster. For example, mine would probably be my PPQ...especially if I lived in a state that allowed hi-cap mags. Maybe I should have asked what your sidearm would be if you were serving overseas but were allowed to use hollow points (to make 9mm a worthwhile cartridge). So given that clarification, what would it be?

G17

[Best sale]

this is kalifornia man, you should be a democrat and listen to the Authorities. The best defensive handgun is your cellphone, call the police.
But for me, I stick with my 45.