3 must own handguns?

I think that some of these posts are assuming an awful lot. Why in the world would a .44 magnum be a "must have" handgun for someone who lives in Kansas city, doesn't handgun hunt, and has no intention of going anywhere that's populated by bears or elephants? Why is a $1,000 + combat 1911 in .45 a mandatory thing for someone who has no intent to carry it?

Everyone who owns firearms should start out, IMO, with a .22 caliber handgun, semiauto or revolver, DA or SA revolver, in a 4" or larger barrel, capable of paper punching.

A .357 or .38 revolver in 4" barrel as a nightstand gun.

The third should be a compact handgun for concealed carry or car carry, for example, a .38 snub or compact 9mm. Even if there is no intent to carry routinely, the option should be available

I don't see any requirement for a semiauto handgun at all. Why is it mandatory? This also applies to big bore guns like a .45 acp, or .44 magnum. Why is this a mandatory purchase, when the greatest percentage of shooters will never need, or even want one?
 
Good quality .22
.357 revolver with at least a 4" barrel
Service size semi-auto

My 4th choice would be a j frame smith or compact 9 for concealed carry but if I could only have 3, I would make do with the above.
 
I don't do "range guns" or "plinkers," the only reason I have handguns is to conceal carry them, so my list begins and ends with carry guns, which will do any of the "range gun"/"plinker" functions that one might like to do, too:

1. Glock 19
2. S&W j-frame

Frankly, I could stop here, but the OP asked for three, so:

3. A quality 5" 1911.
 
I have 3 now.
1. EAA Witness which I love.
2. Ruger Single six that is 25 years old.
3. Charter arms Undercover.

My BIL has a Smith 915 and a Glock 17 to go with his 1911.

I also have a Model 94 30:30, a Winchester 67 .22 rifle, and an older J C Higgins pump shotgun.

My next will be a 1911 of my own.
 
This list is from the guns that I already own. At least this is my current list.

NO.1 Ruger Single Six 22LR/22MAG stainless with a 6 1/2" barrel.

NO.2 Smith & Wesson Model 14 38SPL. with a 6" barrel

NO.3 Ruger 357MAG Anniversary Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel

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In my humble opinon.

1. A quality 22 of some sort, with big easy to see sights. Cheap trigger time, fundamentals, accurate. Say a Ruger Single Six/Ten for revolver buffs, one of the Ruger Mark somethings in semi auto flavor. My choices for both, Ruger Single Six and Smith and Wesson 422.

2. A medium sized mid-bore of some sort. Less offensive trigger time, reasonably powerful and handy. Say a 3-4 inch barreled 38/357 or mid sized 9mm. My choices here, Smith and Wesson Model 19 and Glock 19

3. A shortish barreled large bore. Something long enough to shoot easily, yet not something that resembles a buntline. Powerful enough for serious business, but not a wrist breaker. In this category, I think the revolver shines due to the multiple power levels. From mouse fart loads to bear busters. For me, a 4 inch 629 will handle anything that needs handlin, while being handy enough to tote around. Course I'm a big guy and spend most of my time in the boontoolies. When I still owned a Glock 20, I used that a ton. Heavy lead Double Taps mostly, blazers to plink.

Of course this is all my opinion, and what works/has worked for me. I could have said it all by stating whatever 3 make you happy.
 
A Davis .22
A Lorcin 9mm
A S&W 380 Sigma

:eek:

After owning these three guns, you would truly learn to appreciate the next weapons you purchase!
 
Ruger Single Six in 22 lr/.22 mag. (OK, so exchangeable cylinders may stretch
the OP's parameters a bit, but this is a great revolver.)

Colt Officer's model 1911 in .45

S&W model 686 in .357 mag.

Hard to go wrong with these three, regardless of circumstances.
 
While thanking God I don't have to make such a decision....I could live with the OPs original 3 picks, as long as the .22 rimfire is a magnum.

But, my top 3 favorite and most utilized guns are:

Walther PPS-9
Kimber Pro CDP II .45 ACP
Ruger LCP
 
Not Fancy, Flashy, or Expensive...

My gun collection is far from fancy, flashy, or expensive. They are functional and dependable, though. They are work horses. And, I could pick 3 of them and be satisfied for life.

If I were to choose the line-up would be:

1) H&R 686 5.5" .22LR/.22 Magnum Revolver
2) Glock 17 Gen 4 with a half-dozen+ magazines
3) Dan Wesson Model 15-2 .357 Magnum with its 4" and 6" barrels
 
1). A quality 357 revolver(S&W66, 4 in. for me)
2). Beretta 92FS/M9(Because there's no fighting auto-pistol more trustworthy)
3). 1911(For too many reasons to list)
 
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