BanditSRT8
New member
BTW: If there actually was a "best" gun, that's the one everyone would own, and the rest of the companies would go out of business. 
"Best" handgun?
- Thread starter jaymango
- Start date
redlevel42
New member
For affordability, reliability, simplicity, versatility, and safety, the absolute best handgun is a Model 66 Smith & Wesson with a four inch barrel.
You can buy a good one for around $400, there is absolutely nothing as reliable, a novice can learn how to operate it in just a few minutes (try that with any semi-auto), you can shoot mild .38 target loads or hot .357 hunting or defense loads, and there is no defensive firearm, ready for instant use, anywhere near as safe as a S&W revolver. It is also very durable in stainless steel, too.
Besides all that, it ain't butt-ugly, either.
I think I'm going to buy one.
You can buy a good one for around $400, there is absolutely nothing as reliable, a novice can learn how to operate it in just a few minutes (try that with any semi-auto), you can shoot mild .38 target loads or hot .357 hunting or defense loads, and there is no defensive firearm, ready for instant use, anywhere near as safe as a S&W revolver. It is also very durable in stainless steel, too.
Besides all that, it ain't butt-ugly, either.
I think I'm going to buy one.
Best?
Good series of posts. "Best" is a loaded word and one that should be avoided in this context. For most guys who post, "best" is what they have found works well for them. That is a VERY subjective set of ideas (not that any one of them is wrong).
Personally (for example), I have little use for 9mm handguns. For others, that may be all they own. Could be the mythical "best" handgun is a 9mm (maybe a Sig 210?) but nines don't fit into what I do with pistols.
Do what has been suggested....try to handle and shoot as many different guns as you can and then decide.
Pete
Good series of posts. "Best" is a loaded word and one that should be avoided in this context. For most guys who post, "best" is what they have found works well for them. That is a VERY subjective set of ideas (not that any one of them is wrong).
Personally (for example), I have little use for 9mm handguns. For others, that may be all they own. Could be the mythical "best" handgun is a 9mm (maybe a Sig 210?) but nines don't fit into what I do with pistols.
Do what has been suggested....try to handle and shoot as many different guns as you can and then decide.
Pete
LightningJoe
New member
Can't tell you which one is best, but you narrowed things down a bit by specifying "handgun."
There's no handgun that's any good at all versus a rifle except in one category: carryability.
So, make sure you get a handgun with plenty of that. It's the only reason to choose a handgun in the first place. I think it's been pretty well documented by SOB chiropractors that strong-side front pocket carry is the best carry mode. So, get a gun and a holster that will allow you to use that carry mode. This will generally mean Kel-Tec. Or maybe J-frame. Or, if you're that kind of guy, Kahr.
There's no handgun that's any good at all versus a rifle except in one category: carryability.
So, make sure you get a handgun with plenty of that. It's the only reason to choose a handgun in the first place. I think it's been pretty well documented by SOB chiropractors that strong-side front pocket carry is the best carry mode. So, get a gun and a holster that will allow you to use that carry mode. This will generally mean Kel-Tec. Or maybe J-frame. Or, if you're that kind of guy, Kahr.
Reply
Thanks for all of the info. I realize there is no "best" handgun, and that I was bound to get many "no best" replies, but I just wanted to get the opinions of knowledgeable gun owners.
A salesman at the local gun shop was pushing me towards a Glock, claiming they will never jam, and are very easy to clean.
On the other hand, a customer in the store claimed you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn because Glocks are so inaccurate.
Does anyone own a Glock 22 or Glock 19?
Thanks for all of the info. I realize there is no "best" handgun, and that I was bound to get many "no best" replies, but I just wanted to get the opinions of knowledgeable gun owners.
A salesman at the local gun shop was pushing me towards a Glock, claiming they will never jam, and are very easy to clean.
On the other hand, a customer in the store claimed you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn because Glocks are so inaccurate.
Does anyone own a Glock 22 or Glock 19?
LightningJoe
New member
Glocks have proven to be a little problematic for people who inadvertently contact the trigger. With a Glock, the holster is the safety. Also, not the most concealable gun.
Unless you just love carrying a gun, you'll probably be better off with something smaller (and thinner) than a Glock.
Also, with a Glock, you'll be pressured to shave your head, to raise money by selling flowers at intersections, and to distribute literature. (Sounds like the guy at the gun store is in the "church").
Unless you just love carrying a gun, you'll probably be better off with something smaller (and thinner) than a Glock.
Also, with a Glock, you'll be pressured to shave your head, to raise money by selling flowers at intersections, and to distribute literature. (Sounds like the guy at the gun store is in the "church").
Just because some people can't shoot Glock accurately doesn't mean the pistol is bad. The trigger takes some getting used to, but once you can handle it Glocks are very accurate pistols. 
scorpion_tyr
New member
Well, my opinion has always been that the best handgun is the one you feel most confident and comfortable in. For me that's a FNP-40, no doubt. It'll be different for everyone else. Taking all the factors you listed into consideration the "best" gun for a first time handgun owner would, IMO, be a Smith & Wesson Sigma either SW9VE (9mm) or SW40VE (.40 S&W). The main reason I say so is because of the price ($300 NIB avg) and the simplicity. Next in line would be any Glock that you like. My first NIB handgun was a SW40VE, and I've never had any problems out of it. I still own one and I love it. Great handgun for the beginner.
Don’t let others ‘push’ you into anything. Get a gun you want and like, something that catches your eye and makes your heart beat a little faster. Guns and gun-buying are supposed to be fun.
It’s unfortunate so many new gun owners end up with Glocks because the new gun owner has not sampled all that is available. It’s the ‘safe’ buy in what can be a daunting and confusing world of firearms. A gun shop owner is going to sell what’s best for him, not you. Sample as many guns as possible – handle them, point them, ask about them. Then make your decision based on what you want. There are many excellent guns out there that are as accurate and reliable as a Glock, perhaps more so – go find yours and enjoy.
The Meatman
New member
My first autoloader..
I bought a Ruger P95 from Academy Sports. It's built like a brick, heavy enough that the recoil is nothing, and easy to clean. The price fit my budget, and ammo for a 9mm is still comparitively cheap. My 10 y/o son loves to shoot it, and my wife quickly claimed it as "Her Gun!" One of the reasons she loves it so well is the fact that a heavier gun does not kill your hand. I say this based on my own observations, having shot Glocks, and the XD line, and after shooting a 21 in .40 my wife wouldn't shoot one again. Sorry for the long answer to a simple question. Maybe you should clarify some of the mitigating factors in your choice. Who will be shooting it? Where are you going to shoot, and what do you want out of your gun? Just remember that half the fun is in the research, and choosing.
I bought a Ruger P95 from Academy Sports. It's built like a brick, heavy enough that the recoil is nothing, and easy to clean. The price fit my budget, and ammo for a 9mm is still comparitively cheap. My 10 y/o son loves to shoot it, and my wife quickly claimed it as "Her Gun!" One of the reasons she loves it so well is the fact that a heavier gun does not kill your hand. I say this based on my own observations, having shot Glocks, and the XD line, and after shooting a 21 in .40 my wife wouldn't shoot one again. Sorry for the long answer to a simple question. Maybe you should clarify some of the mitigating factors in your choice. Who will be shooting it? Where are you going to shoot, and what do you want out of your gun? Just remember that half the fun is in the research, and choosing.
ElectricHellfire
New member
Glock. No need to elaborate.
As the other have stated, there is no "Best". You did not specify your experience, how much shooting you have done. For a beginner, a .22 LR is "best", light recoiling, little muzzle blast and flash, the ammunition is cheap enough that you can practice enough without breaking the bank. I usually recommend getting a centerfire automatic with a .22 conversion unit, the CZ with the CZ Cadet is the "best" example of a factory unit at present. You learn to shoot with the rimfire, when you make the transition to centerfire you
know the fell of the gun, the controls are the same, the sight picture, etc. I have a CZ in my future, at present I have Ciener units for my Browning HP and Colt Mark IV. A good DA revolver is a good choice for a beginner, no magazines to lose or fumble with, plus it's a little easier to clear the revolver.
The Dan Wesson is the one I recommend there. In used guns, an S&W K-22
is one to look for.
know the fell of the gun, the controls are the same, the sight picture, etc. I have a CZ in my future, at present I have Ciener units for my Browning HP and Colt Mark IV. A good DA revolver is a good choice for a beginner, no magazines to lose or fumble with, plus it's a little easier to clear the revolver.
The Dan Wesson is the one I recommend there. In used guns, an S&W K-22
is one to look for.
ElectricHellfire
New member
Exactly, so run out and grab yourself a Jennings.
Winchester_73
New member
It really depends on what you want it for. If you want to learn, then you should definitely buy a 22 LR. I recommend a S&W 17, 617, 18 as far as a revolver. You can find them used for around $400 sometimes. Their 22a's and 22s's (semi) aren't bad. I never shot a browning buckmark, but I've heard a lot of good stuff about them. When I was in your position a few years ago, I bought a ruger mk III. I bought it primarily to learn to shoot a handgun since I had no experience. Its stainless with a bull, its the target model. Theres a lot of after market accessories for ruger 22 semis, which is cool. I also have a glock 19 and a s&w 686. If I could only have ONE pistol/revolver, to practice with, carry, etc, it would be the 686. It has power, accuracy, quality, classic looks, etc. I never got use to my glocks trigger, but they are dependable as far as function, when your life is on the line, its at least very reliable. The reason I got that is because I was able to get it for $400 brand new, which is a great price. The tie breaker with getting the first pistol or revolver is the fact that without having shot pistol often, you need to be proficient before you should think about ever defending yourself. Also, if you're going to look at S&W 357s, look at the 686 or maybe 586 since they are on a better frame (the L frame). The model 19, 66, 65 are all on the K frame. The 686 was made to improve that design so theres no reason look at the K frames OVER a L frame.
The last gun I would recommend to a 1st time buyer is a Glock. A Glock is a great handgun but it is not a gun for 1st time buyer/handgun shooter. Get a 22lr. And about 2 bricks of ammo. Learn to shoot. Take some SD Classes or join a range. Get good with the 22lr then move to either a revolver or a Autoloader. No one jumps into a Race Car and posts good times on the 1st try. Shooting is like any other pursuit you have to practice to get good. The best shots shoot a lot. All That said once you are confidant in your abilities and understand good gun handling then.......Get a Glock or a 1911. They are the best combat handguns around but they are not beginners guns.