If you only had one...what would it be?

[brotherslims]

Okay, I'm fighting back the tears as I type this...I've been kicking around the idea of downsizing to one, yes just one hand lead thrower . I find that i'm not as interested in my handguns as I use to be. My collection has shrunk over the last 5 years. I went from over (20) to (6) currently. My question is this...If you only had one handgun, what would it be? This my friends is my dilema. So what's the best option/balance for CCW, range work, on going training and things that go bump in the night? I guess I would prefer something in 9mm to keep my range trips under $100 per session . If more firepower was needed the shotties, AR's and sks's are available for consult. Thanks for your feedback !

[jaysong]

I do NOT like this question. Only one? Come on. You will regret that terribly. Two is one and one is none, but who doesn't like a threesome?
Wilson Combat CQB
Sig 220
S&W 642 or any J frame 38 Spl or 357.

One? Sorry I couldn't answer that.

[mnglocker]

Only 1? sadistic aren't you... I'd go for a 4"GP100 with a nice trigger job, just like my 6" GP100.

[cobb]

Fun question to think about.

My answer, don't have one, and if I did, I would lie anyway.

[ttousi]

no such thing as one tough question

[macphisto]

I don't own anything in 40 caliber and don't even really like it, although that's not for rational reasons. If I could own only one handgun, it would probably be an XD40 Service with a Springer trigger job.

Of course, you can't go wrong with a nice 1911, but that's not practical for carry in all situations.

[JonL]

I think cutting back to one is a very good idea. Maybe even clearing them all out if you're not shooting much. They probably just keep getting in the way. Quite a bother really.


.... what you sellin' & how much you want ....

[cobb]

Of course, you can't go wrong with a nice 1911, but that's not practical for carry in all situations.

Why? A 1911 is slimmer and would be more concealable than a XD40, which you pick as your one choice as practical in all situations.

Mac, us 1911 owners need to know.

Now if you are making a general statement, then I agree. I carry an alloy frame, 4" 1911 in .45 acp when ever I can, but at those times that I can't, for several reasons, then I prefer one of the small pocket 9mm that I have.

[macphisto]

Of course, you can't go wrong with a nice 1911, but that's not practical for carry in all situations.

Why? A 1911 is slimmer and would be more concealable than a XD40, which you pick as your one choice as practical in all situations.

Mac, us 1911 owners need to know.

Now if you are making a general statement, then I agree. I carry an alloy frame, 4" 1911 in .45 acp when ever I can, but at those times that I can't, for several reasons, then I prefer one of the small pocket 9mm that I have.

I guess when I think 1911, I think Government model since that's what I own. I know there are much more concealable 1911's. Grip size, overall length, and weight make mine impractical much of the time, but you're absolutely right about the thickness (thinness). I'll have to add an alloy-framed Commander or Officer model to the collection at some point.

[Pat Cannon]

When I only had 1, it was a 1911.

However, I've since converted to the Church of the Revolver so, like mnglocker, I might recommend the GP100. Or its little brother the SP101; I have both. I'm with the "2 is 1 and 1 is none" camp. I can't afford to shoot but I do anyway, and I feel I gotta have two guns. You need a second one for when one breaks, or for when the police take the one you used to defend yourself.

Here's my minimalist arsenal:

[phorvick]

Glock 19 or Glock 23 if it is a carry gun. If only to see duty as a house gun, then a S&W 686 (7 shooter version), 6" barrel.

[MNBud]

Springfield Micro compact in 45 caliber.

[brotherslims]

okay so after some research, Here are the front runners...in no certain order...

1) Glock 19
2) HK USP9 Compact
3) Sig P228
4) Beretta PX4
5) S&W MP9 Full size
6) HK P30 (I would have to handle and shoot one )
7) Sig P250 (I would have to handle and shoot one )
8) CZ sp01
9) Walther P99
10) Springfield XD9 Service

Now on to the narrowing process.

[Keith]

Is this a trick question?
I'll give the same answer I give whenever this question pops up......

GLOCK 18!!!!!!!!

Hey, you didn't specify it had to be a legal handgun.


But, you really can't go wrong with a Glock 19.

[Pinnacle]

okay so after some research, Here are the front runners...in no certain order...

1) Glock 19
2) HK USP9 Compact
3) Sig P228
4) Beretta PX4
5) S&W MP9 Full size
6) HK P30 (I would have to handle and shoot one )
7) Sig P250 (I would have to handle and shoot one )
8) CZ sp01
9) Walther P99
10) Springfield XD9 Service


Now on to the narrowing process.

The first thing that came to mind is the G19 or a similar sized 9mm (Mid Sized)

Compacts are great - but they are hell on the range during a long session and they have their limitations.

As much as I hate to admit it the G19 is about the best all around gun out there - it is about perfect - Big Gun performance and mechanics and handling - in a slightly smaller package. I think that it is a good benchmark and they are really about as reliable as a gun can get in my experience.

Here would be my list.

1. G19
2. Sig 228 or even the 225 (these are pretty big guns with high bore axis)
3. Commander Sized 1911 in 9mm
4. Any 4" revolver as long as it says S&W on it in 357 (that is for you Pat)
5. If you feel the need to go small - the Springfield EMP in 9mm is a great gun