"Best" handgun?
- Thread starter jaymango
- Start date
BanditSRT8
New member
There's a lot of bests, and everyone will have a different opinion.
Truth is, if you stick with the "big names" and find the one that fits your hand, and shooting style the best... then you'll have the best for you.
For me, the best is the HK P7M8, and there are an overwhelming amount of people that would agree with me. But some do not like how it feels in their hand (with the squeeze cock mechanism), and for some it's too heavy for a daily carry, and for others they'd prefer higher capacity. But as far as accuracy, reliability, and ease of use... few can argue its achievements.
For others it would be a warmed over 1911 that's been 'smithed for utter reliability. And for others it could be a Sig.
So it is all subjective really.
Truth is, if you stick with the "big names" and find the one that fits your hand, and shooting style the best... then you'll have the best for you.
For me, the best is the HK P7M8, and there are an overwhelming amount of people that would agree with me. But some do not like how it feels in their hand (with the squeeze cock mechanism), and for some it's too heavy for a daily carry, and for others they'd prefer higher capacity. But as far as accuracy, reliability, and ease of use... few can argue its achievements.
For others it would be a warmed over 1911 that's been 'smithed for utter reliability. And for others it could be a Sig.
So it is all subjective really.
That is a loaded question...no pun intended
What have you been Shooting? Do you have a range that you can go rent a pistol and try it out and see if you like it? I would definately suggest that first. Go a rent a couple of different pistols, run atleast 50 rounds thru them to see what works for you.
Remember, It is all about what feels good in your hand and what you consider a value.
What have you been Shooting? Do you have a range that you can go rent a pistol and try it out and see if you like it? I would definately suggest that first. Go a rent a couple of different pistols, run atleast 50 rounds thru them to see what works for you.
Remember, It is all about what feels good in your hand and what you consider a value.
Technosavant
New member
There's so much that goes into it, there's really no such thing as a "best" handgun. There's just what YOU like that gets the job done.
If you have a target price in mind, whether you want new or are willing to consider used, autoloader vs. revolver, and if you plan to carry the gun all will factor in to it. For some, the best gun is an older medium frame S&W revolver. For others, it is a Glock or CZ. For yet others, it is a Kel-Tec. There's as many best guns as there are people on this board and guns on the market.
If you have a target price in mind, whether you want new or are willing to consider used, autoloader vs. revolver, and if you plan to carry the gun all will factor in to it. For some, the best gun is an older medium frame S&W revolver. For others, it is a Glock or CZ. For yet others, it is a Kel-Tec. There's as many best guns as there are people on this board and guns on the market.
CortJestir
New member
Welcome to TFL, jaymango 
.
You'll soon find out that there's no such thing as "best", especially in terms of reliability, accuracy, maintenance, cost, and effectiveness. However, there is such a thing as "best for you" as has been pointed out.
That being said, the major manufacturers have been successful for a reason. So the the suggestion to start with them is a good one, IMV.
.You'll soon find out that there's no such thing as "best", especially in terms of reliability, accuracy, maintenance, cost, and effectiveness. However, there is such a thing as "best for you" as has been pointed out.
That being said, the major manufacturers have been successful for a reason. So the the suggestion to start with them is a good one, IMV.
bluetopper
New member
Not to cause disagreement, conflict, bad feelings, or anything of the sort but anything non polymer is a step in the right direction.
Well Jaymango since you stated it would be your 1st handgun I would say a 22lr of some kind. Either a Revolver or Autoloader. For a Revolver I don't think you could go wrong with a S&W M17 and if its a Autoloader maybe a Ruger MK1. The reason I say a 22lr is they are fun to shoot and cheap to learn to shoot well. If you don't reload buying a Centerfire Handgun and getting good with it will be a big investment. Also the large Hanguns like Magnums can start you on a path of bad habits that will flow over to all your handgun shooting. Whatever gun you decide to purchase practice with it. If I had to recommend a 1st Hand gun to someone It would be a M17 with a 6" Barrel. Thats my 2 cents worth.
Kreyzhorse
New member
There is no single best. There are lots of great guns and what works, or is best for one, won't be for another.
Help us help you. What price point are you looking for? Revolver or semi auto? Possible CCW gun? Home defense gun? Caliber preference?
Help us help you. What price point are you looking for? Revolver or semi auto? Possible CCW gun? Home defense gun? Caliber preference?
AirForceShooter
New member
There is no best.
There are many good guns and some great one's out there.
But no one gun is best
AFS
There are many good guns and some great one's out there.
But no one gun is best
AFS
Playboypenguin
Moderator
There are sevaral guns that are the best...
...and there is no one gun that is the best. Both statements are true. It all comes down to personal preference after a few initial criteria are met. There are five things you shoud always take into consideration.
1. Reliability- That is issue number one for any handgun that will be used for SD
2. Comfort- The gun has to fit your hand and you have to be comfortable with the recoil and operation
3. Purpose- What is the intended and most likely use of the firearm
4. Personal preference
5. Even more personal preference
...and there is no one gun that is the best. Both statements are true. It all comes down to personal preference after a few initial criteria are met. There are five things you shoud always take into consideration.
1. Reliability- That is issue number one for any handgun that will be used for SD
2. Comfort- The gun has to fit your hand and you have to be comfortable with the recoil and operation
3. Purpose- What is the intended and most likely use of the firearm
4. Personal preference
5. Even more personal preference
Phonetic Diabetic
New member
Hi-Point.
No contest.
No contest.
El Paso Joe
New member
This is kinda like the blond vs brunette question IMHO.
I've got a couple "bests" that work for me. The reason they are best is that I really like to shoot them and practice a lot. I would suggest (as was suggested by another post) that you rent and try until you find one (usually one to start with) that you like and commit to a regimen of at least a box of ammo a week until you can do the drill (safely and accurately) with out thinking about it. And it feels good...
I've got a couple "bests" that work for me. The reason they are best is that I really like to shoot them and practice a lot. I would suggest (as was suggested by another post) that you rent and try until you find one (usually one to start with) that you like and commit to a regimen of at least a box of ammo a week until you can do the drill (safely and accurately) with out thinking about it. And it feels good...
THE GENERAL
Inactive
H&k USP!
I've shot everything from a junky kel-teck to the swat addition kimber. The kimber is so nice but will bite a hole in your wallet. The USP ain't cheap, but its a little less pricer than the kimber. Glocks are fine but the grip was to small. My brother has a sig 229, it shoots great. The only thing I dont like is the action, its kind of stiff. Now you also need to pick a good round. I chose the .40 cal. Its the best of the .45 and the 9mm put into one. If you have friends that own handguns get them to let you shoot and compare how you shoot with diffrent models.
I've shot everything from a junky kel-teck to the swat addition kimber. The kimber is so nice but will bite a hole in your wallet. The USP ain't cheap, but its a little less pricer than the kimber. Glocks are fine but the grip was to small. My brother has a sig 229, it shoots great. The only thing I dont like is the action, its kind of stiff. Now you also need to pick a good round. I chose the .40 cal. Its the best of the .45 and the 9mm put into one. If you have friends that own handguns get them to let you shoot and compare how you shoot with diffrent models.
Like others said. There is no "The Best" I like S&W, Ruger, Taurus, and a few others. Any will do the job.
You need to think about what you will be using the gun for exactly. Daily carry, occasional carry, hunting, etc. A good 357 mag for daily carry to me is an excellant gun. Anymore most disagree with that since they want and believe you have to have 12rnds or better in the gun to make it worth carrying. I disagree with that.
But, you need to find what fits your hands and figure out what you want the gun for. I have a Taurus model 94 22lr to just have fun with. But, I'm a deadly shot with it also.
If you are a 1st time gun owner, I would highly recomend a good Revolver to learn with. More accurate, easier to shoot and less to go wrong with it.
You need to think about what you will be using the gun for exactly. Daily carry, occasional carry, hunting, etc. A good 357 mag for daily carry to me is an excellant gun. Anymore most disagree with that since they want and believe you have to have 12rnds or better in the gun to make it worth carrying. I disagree with that.
But, you need to find what fits your hands and figure out what you want the gun for. I have a Taurus model 94 22lr to just have fun with. But, I'm a deadly shot with it also.
If you are a 1st time gun owner, I would highly recomend a good Revolver to learn with. More accurate, easier to shoot and less to go wrong with it.