Handgun of Our Time
- Thread starter IanS
- Start date
I think it has to be the Glock.
It is the number 1 issued sidearm for U.S. agencies
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Capitol Police & Capitol Police Crisis Reaction Team
Drug Enforcement Agency
FBI
NASA Special Operations Team (at the JFK Space Center)
US Department of Energy, Nuclear Security Patrol
US Marshals Service
US National Park Service
The list goes on and then you get into how many state and local LEAs have adopted it.
Then there is this aspect – how many pistols now are copying the basic Glock principles. How many guns on the market have a trigger that looks like the Glock trigger? How many companies started putting out polymer framed pistols after Glock’s introduction?
The Glock definitely has had a huge influence, and it you are talking about “our time” being the last 20 or so years – or even since 2000, I’d say the Glock like it or not is the gun of our times.
It is the number 1 issued sidearm for U.S. agencies
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Capitol Police & Capitol Police Crisis Reaction Team
Drug Enforcement Agency
FBI
NASA Special Operations Team (at the JFK Space Center)
US Department of Energy, Nuclear Security Patrol
US Marshals Service
US National Park Service
The list goes on and then you get into how many state and local LEAs have adopted it.
Then there is this aspect – how many pistols now are copying the basic Glock principles. How many guns on the market have a trigger that looks like the Glock trigger? How many companies started putting out polymer framed pistols after Glock’s introduction?
The Glock definitely has had a huge influence, and it you are talking about “our time” being the last 20 or so years – or even since 2000, I’d say the Glock like it or not is the gun of our times.
Its the Glock.
Just like the Colt/GI 1911's in the 70's, and to some respect, the High Powers soon after, the fact that now everyone and their brother is trying to copy them, and seems to think they know better, and they need "improved", with all the aftermarket add ons and mods, just goes to prove it.
Unfortunately, if things go like they did for the 1911's, its doom on Glock. Once everyone knows better, the good things begin to suffer. Lucky for us, the "box stock" originals are still available and at still reasonable prices.
To bad about the 1911's.
I got mine back when they were "real", and still have a couple. They work just like my Glocks too.
Just like the Colt/GI 1911's in the 70's, and to some respect, the High Powers soon after, the fact that now everyone and their brother is trying to copy them, and seems to think they know better, and they need "improved", with all the aftermarket add ons and mods, just goes to prove it.
Unfortunately, if things go like they did for the 1911's, its doom on Glock. Once everyone knows better, the good things begin to suffer. Lucky for us, the "box stock" originals are still available and at still reasonable prices.
To bad about the 1911's.
I got mine back when they were "real", and still have a couple. They work just like my Glocks too.
Amin Parker
New member
Perfection means different things to different people.
A 1911 can be perfect for almost anyone. The after market parts are there to personalise the great design. It makes it perfect for the widest amount of shooters. Its an industry that we must keep supporting.
You make it perfect for your own tastes or keep it stock . That is perfection.
A 1911 can be perfect for almost anyone. The after market parts are there to personalise the great design. It makes it perfect for the widest amount of shooters. Its an industry that we must keep supporting.
You make it perfect for your own tastes or keep it stock . That is perfection.
When I think of different handguns for different time periods, this is what comes to mind:
Old West: Classic Single Action revolvers like the Colt SAA, S&W Schofield, and Remington Model 1875 as well as the Remington Double Derringers
Early 20th Century: Classic DA revolvers like the S&W M&P and Triple Lock, Colt New Army and New Service, or Webley Mk. I-VI
World Wars: 1911, Luger, and Tokarev TT-33
1950's-1970's: S&W M19 and M29, CZ-75, Makarov
1980's-1990's: Wonder Nines like the S&W 5906, Sig 226, and Glock 17
2000-Present: Small carry guns like the Ruger LCP and S&W J-Frames.
The reason for the last one is that the concealed carry movement seems to have gained substantial steam in the last decade or so. The handgun industry seems to be reacting to this by bringing out more and more small CCW-oriented guns. The market for such guns was very limited in decades past due to CC being either outright illegal, or very difficult. The .380 ACP cartridge has exploded in popularity and the .38 Special is enjoying a substantial resurgence itself due in no small part to this phenomenon.
Old West: Classic Single Action revolvers like the Colt SAA, S&W Schofield, and Remington Model 1875 as well as the Remington Double Derringers
Early 20th Century: Classic DA revolvers like the S&W M&P and Triple Lock, Colt New Army and New Service, or Webley Mk. I-VI
World Wars: 1911, Luger, and Tokarev TT-33
1950's-1970's: S&W M19 and M29, CZ-75, Makarov
1980's-1990's: Wonder Nines like the S&W 5906, Sig 226, and Glock 17
2000-Present: Small carry guns like the Ruger LCP and S&W J-Frames.
The reason for the last one is that the concealed carry movement seems to have gained substantial steam in the last decade or so. The handgun industry seems to be reacting to this by bringing out more and more small CCW-oriented guns. The market for such guns was very limited in decades past due to CC being either outright illegal, or very difficult. The .380 ACP cartridge has exploded in popularity and the .38 Special is enjoying a substantial resurgence itself due in no small part to this phenomenon.
Southern Rebel
New member
There are just too many good hanguns on the market in that time period - certainly GLOCK has been a major contributor, but they have been somewhat quiet lately in terms of new innovations. I suspect that Kel-tec has been the innovative company lately.
If popularity vote is the major measurement, I suppose that GLOCK would be the winner. However, as political elections has shown us, popularity is a poor way of measuring competence. Opinions tend to change quite rapidly in a few years. (That is why we have to do it all over again ever four years, I guess.
)
If popularity vote is the major measurement, I suppose that GLOCK would be the winner. However, as political elections has shown us, popularity is a poor way of measuring competence. Opinions tend to change quite rapidly in a few years. (That is why we have to do it all over again ever four years, I guess.
)Glocks and their ilk are kinda the rap music of the gun world. Who woulda thunk they would be popular as long as they are. Bunches of PDs jumped on the Glock band wagon just like a lot of PDs jumped on the 40 S&W band wagon.
Having said that, the 1911 is still the primo handgun of our times and will remain so until someone comes up with a platform that is as accurate, reliable and user friendly....and there is a studly?, cool?, I dunno factor too. John Browning was 130years ahead of his time, and maybe then some.
Having said that, the 1911 is still the primo handgun of our times and will remain so until someone comes up with a platform that is as accurate, reliable and user friendly....and there is a studly?, cool?, I dunno factor too. John Browning was 130years ahead of his time, and maybe then some.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Do we really need another Glock bash vs 1911 thread? If that's all you are going to say - boring - that's a hint.
Glenn
Glenn
I'd have to agree with Glock being the handgun of our times, especially as there has yet to be another design to influence handgun development as drastically as Gaston Glock's design has.
If you haven't already noticed, almost every other handgun manufacturer is competing to beat Glock with their own Glock-like design.
If you haven't already noticed, almost every other handgun manufacturer is competing to beat Glock with their own Glock-like design.
38superhero
New member
Glock...close 2nd Berretta
Obambulate
New member
The modern sidearm is largely a concealed handgun, so I would say the S&W 642/442 most epitomizes the current era.
THE XD!!!!!
lol... I think the Springfield XD represents the Handgun of our time! It's a newer pistol that is VERY popular. And has a good reputation for those who dont dig too deep.
I kind of think the XD represents the U.S.A in it's curent form. It's made in another country. It's a good idea, but it doesnt always work. Marketing is of great importance. They changed the apperance to make you think it's better and more of what you want... but it still doesnt always work. It was somone else's idea brought here to America. ummmm. you get the idea. This is of course a fairly unrealistic compairison, but those of you who know what I mean, know what I mean, lol... Thats why I think the Springfield XD is the Handgun of our time
Another way of looking at it is like somone else said. The 1911 has come full circle, and I know lots of young guys who own them and lust after them. It's Americas gun and they are better now than ever. And they are as popular now as ever! Especially with it being 2011!
Of course I could also say the Glock. They have so many models out, they are even selling gen 3's and 4's at the same time. Everyone has atleast shot a Glock if not own one. I think they are very representative of the 80's and 90's, but they still tend to be the go to pistol for the majority of people who are serious about self defense. The Glock continues to make it's mark and hold it's own.
But once again.... when I look back at this time in history... I'll remember the XD as being the new gota have it handgun. And really, I think the U.S.A has more problems than the XD pistol has
In support of my idea. I own an XD. It's been failing at least once every range trip, regardless of ammo. Actually the guy next to me at the range the other day said he was new to shooting and he had his XD 9 with him. He said his slide has failed to hold open on the last round a few times. My friend had an XDM, the slide failed to hold open on him a few times before he sold it. I've heard in person of other people who had problems with their XD's... and of course if you look, there are a good amount of people on the internet who have had issues with the XD and XDM. The XD is a nice shooting gun, and it works most of the time. It was the first polymer handgun brought out by a US company to replace the Glock (that I know of), but with a feel more representative of the 1911... It was hugely popular when it came out... And the XDM has resurected it's popularity. And I still know lots of people who say they hate Glocks but love the XD.
lol... I think the Springfield XD represents the Handgun of our time! It's a newer pistol that is VERY popular. And has a good reputation for those who dont dig too deep.
I kind of think the XD represents the U.S.A in it's curent form. It's made in another country. It's a good idea, but it doesnt always work. Marketing is of great importance. They changed the apperance to make you think it's better and more of what you want... but it still doesnt always work. It was somone else's idea brought here to America. ummmm. you get the idea. This is of course a fairly unrealistic compairison, but those of you who know what I mean, know what I mean, lol... Thats why I think the Springfield XD is the Handgun of our time
Another way of looking at it is like somone else said. The 1911 has come full circle, and I know lots of young guys who own them and lust after them. It's Americas gun and they are better now than ever. And they are as popular now as ever! Especially with it being 2011!
Of course I could also say the Glock. They have so many models out, they are even selling gen 3's and 4's at the same time. Everyone has atleast shot a Glock if not own one. I think they are very representative of the 80's and 90's, but they still tend to be the go to pistol for the majority of people who are serious about self defense. The Glock continues to make it's mark and hold it's own.
But once again.... when I look back at this time in history... I'll remember the XD as being the new gota have it handgun. And really, I think the U.S.A has more problems than the XD pistol has
In support of my idea. I own an XD. It's been failing at least once every range trip, regardless of ammo. Actually the guy next to me at the range the other day said he was new to shooting and he had his XD 9 with him. He said his slide has failed to hold open on the last round a few times. My friend had an XDM, the slide failed to hold open on him a few times before he sold it. I've heard in person of other people who had problems with their XD's... and of course if you look, there are a good amount of people on the internet who have had issues with the XD and XDM. The XD is a nice shooting gun, and it works most of the time. It was the first polymer handgun brought out by a US company to replace the Glock (that I know of), but with a feel more representative of the 1911... It was hugely popular when it came out... And the XDM has resurected it's popularity. And I still know lots of people who say they hate Glocks but love the XD.
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Glock again.
I would have to say Glock also.I personally don't care for Glock, rap, hip hop, or Fast and Furious movies, but unfortunately that's the age we live in. I don't own a Glock, but it seems every time a firearms discussion comes up a Glock gets mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking anybody else's choice. It is just not my choice.
I would have to say Glock also.I personally don't care for Glock, rap, hip hop, or Fast and Furious movies, but unfortunately that's the age we live in. I don't own a Glock, but it seems every time a firearms discussion comes up a Glock gets mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking anybody else's choice. It is just not my choice.
TylerD45ACP
New member
THE 1911 45ACP as a symbol of freedom and winning WWI and WWII. It has been doing an excellent job of putting people down for over 100 yrs.
TylerD45ACP
New member
It is the Glock isnt it
Jeremiah/Az
New member
With more states allowing concealed carry & more people carrying, I think it will be the smaller lighter carry guns.