If you were in the army and got to pick your handgun what would it be?

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M1911A1

I used it as a infantryman in SE Asia. After crawling around in rice paddy silt, you shake the big chunks off and it fires EVERYTIME.

As an infantryman the pistol is not for extended us, 7 rounds is more then enough, (though changing mags is quick).

Crawling around in dark slimy stinking tunnels if gives you confidence.

Pistols are more for self protection when long guns aren't practical. For example if you are a Machine Gunner in a place where weapon carry is required, its a lot easier to go through a chow line carrying a pistol then a M-60.

I like the Beretta, mine is extremely reliable but I've never fired it covered with the mud and gunk I've seen on the US M1911A1
 
Although this is the auto sub forum and you stated that price is no object,
I'd opt for a 6-inch blued Python, fully engraved with gold leafing, rosewood
grips with gold inlayed initial for my name and a matching swagger stick, again gilded in gold and a "Corinthean" leather grip, and pummel with gold lettered
initials.

I won't mention the holster I'd need but suffice to say it would complement the Python and so treated that it wouidn't sweat any dye onto my green camo silk shirt nor my Ralph Lauren jeans.
 
I used the 1911 ( A LOT!) when I was a Marine and I never had it fail me. I'd go back to it, ----or perhaps a Springfield XD in 45. I'd be happy with either one.
 
The most useful piece of equipment I ever carried was a radio.

It could deliver the most firepower I've ever seen on one spot.

As I understand it now, they are a tad smaller these days. Probably made of some polymer and have high capacity batteries. I'm sure Glock makes one.
 
I think I would go with a Smith & Wesson M&P. If I'm going to have to be carrying it around all day I'll go with a polymer gun and the M&P is by far my favorite.
 
I'd opt for another three mags for my rifle

The utility of an handgun for combat soldiers is far less than extra ammo
 
CZ P-01.

I carried and shot an M9 extensively for my first two years active duty and never once had an issue with it. The bigger problem is the ball ammo we are issued!
 
1911 I used it as a infantryman in SE Asia. After crawling around in rice paddy silt, you shake the big chunks off and it fires EVERYTIME. Never loaded more than five rounds in the 1911 and only 17 in M-16. Worked for me.
 
What's the handgun for? Primary weapon? Secondary to a long gun that I'm supposed to always have with me?
I read a good book, written by a guy who humped a M60 across SE Asia, and he thought a snubnose .38 might be the ideal military handgun. Small, light, etc.
A gun that you are going to use would probably have a different set of requirements than a gun that you hope you never have to use.
 
Colt single action army with ivory grips for open carry.

See who salutes.:D Hey, it looked cool on Gen. Patton.

Or more likely my stainless Ruger Vaquero with .45 ACP conversion cylinder, just in case I ever had the opportunity to put any rounds downrange and needed ammo resupply.

Edit: Oops, I just noticed I posted in the semi-auto forum, so my more serious semi-auto answer would be Glock 30.:o Not too big, not too small.
 
OP: To answer your question, I'd never join the Army ;). But if I was back in the Marine Corps infantry I'd want a Glock 19. It's smaller and more lightweight than a full-size, but it still has the handling and capacity of a full-size. Plus it's pretty darn reliable and durable.

And weight and size are important, because the vast majority of soldiers and Marines -- even ones who have seen combat -- don't use a pistol. And even the ones who carry them rarely ever use them. The M9s that we used were only for officers who didn't want to carry a rifle, or for machine-gunners and SMAW gunners who needed a personal weapon in addition to the crew-served weapons they carried.
 
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