If you were in the army and got to pick your handgun what would it be?
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huskybiker
New member
M&P 45. That's the platform I know and shoot the best.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
The Inspector General has issued a report saying the replacing the M4 was stupid at this time.
Thus, the chances of replacing the M9 - which is not a core weapons - are nil. But it is fun to speculate and name everything out there. That's happening as I said.
Thus, the chances of replacing the M9 - which is not a core weapons - are nil. But it is fun to speculate and name everything out there. That's happening as I said.
marine6680
New member
Not that I would do the Army thing... 
I would have trouble choosing a pistol though. The M9 is a good pistol, I am not a fan of the safety myself, but besides that, I do think there are better pistols overall available.
I love my CZ75 and Sig 226, both proven designs, and would serve well. I would choose one of them most likely. There are other viable options available though.
A Glock 17 gen 4 may work, I am not a huge fan of Glock, but they are reliable pistols.
I am partial to the PPQ trigger and ergos, but I don't think it is as proven a design. I have a new Sig 320 that seems solid, but is too new for me to trust it for the purpose of this. The new HK VP9 seems good, and has a nice trigger, also too new a design for me... Walther, Sig and HK make fine pistols though, so I am sure they would work well.
Some on here would rather have a few extra mags for their primary... and that is a good option. But I would think that it really depends on your training and overall fighting philosophy... The Marines were teaching more advanced drills even to support personnel when they started making standard units SOC. Advanced drills consisted of transition to the pistol for malfunctions and empty mags during assault maneuvers, as you are not in cover and "violence of action" was the ideology; so sustaining fire was important, and reloads or immediate action was not conducive.
I would have trouble choosing a pistol though. The M9 is a good pistol, I am not a fan of the safety myself, but besides that, I do think there are better pistols overall available.I love my CZ75 and Sig 226, both proven designs, and would serve well. I would choose one of them most likely. There are other viable options available though.
A Glock 17 gen 4 may work, I am not a huge fan of Glock, but they are reliable pistols.
I am partial to the PPQ trigger and ergos, but I don't think it is as proven a design. I have a new Sig 320 that seems solid, but is too new for me to trust it for the purpose of this. The new HK VP9 seems good, and has a nice trigger, also too new a design for me... Walther, Sig and HK make fine pistols though, so I am sure they would work well.
Some on here would rather have a few extra mags for their primary... and that is a good option. But I would think that it really depends on your training and overall fighting philosophy... The Marines were teaching more advanced drills even to support personnel when they started making standard units SOC. Advanced drills consisted of transition to the pistol for malfunctions and empty mags during assault maneuvers, as you are not in cover and "violence of action" was the ideology; so sustaining fire was important, and reloads or immediate action was not conducive.
Sight Unseen
New member
If I could carry JHP, I would go with the M&P 9mm.
But with the ball ammo I would undoubtedly be stuck with I would go with the FNP 45.
Being left handed I like the idea of fully ambidextrous handguns.
But with the ball ammo I would undoubtedly be stuck with I would go with the FNP 45.
Being left handed I like the idea of fully ambidextrous handguns.
Some of you guys clearly have never served in the military, even in peacetime. Colt Python? Give me a break. That would have lasted about two days in Vietnam. Maybe a week in Iraq?
When I was in the 1ID, I was authorized to have no handgun, only the M-16, and I'm hard pressed to think of a time I would have preferred to use the M1911 over the M-16. Remember, the handguns used in Korea and Vietnam were all made during WWII, so they were not exactly new items. I do own a 1911 now, a Colt XSE, and of all the handguns I own or have owned, it is the one I shoot best.
Other practical shooters here have suggested the G19. I sold my G19 three years ago and have regretted it ever since. It is easily the best all-purpose (concealed carry, home defense, target shooting) handgun ever made. Small, light, yet still with a 4" barrel, full 3-finger grip, and 15 rd magazine.
However, if I were back in the army, limited to FMJ ammo, I'd lean toward a 45ACP handgun. And as much as I like shooting the 1911, I think I would have to go for hi-cap with something like my XDM-45 4.5" with its 13-round magazines. 14 shots of 230gr lead before a reload. Like the army execs, though, I'd add a thumb safety in addition to the grip safety of the XDM. I like the S&W M&P-45, but that 10-round mag that really only takes 9 in most samples, is a downside, although it is available with a thumb safety.
And I sure would like to have had a dozen 30-round Magpul mags back in 'Nam...along with that XDM45.
When I was in the 1ID, I was authorized to have no handgun, only the M-16, and I'm hard pressed to think of a time I would have preferred to use the M1911 over the M-16. Remember, the handguns used in Korea and Vietnam were all made during WWII, so they were not exactly new items. I do own a 1911 now, a Colt XSE, and of all the handguns I own or have owned, it is the one I shoot best.
Other practical shooters here have suggested the G19. I sold my G19 three years ago and have regretted it ever since. It is easily the best all-purpose (concealed carry, home defense, target shooting) handgun ever made. Small, light, yet still with a 4" barrel, full 3-finger grip, and 15 rd magazine.
However, if I were back in the army, limited to FMJ ammo, I'd lean toward a 45ACP handgun. And as much as I like shooting the 1911, I think I would have to go for hi-cap with something like my XDM-45 4.5" with its 13-round magazines. 14 shots of 230gr lead before a reload. Like the army execs, though, I'd add a thumb safety in addition to the grip safety of the XDM. I like the S&W M&P-45, but that 10-round mag that really only takes 9 in most samples, is a downside, although it is available with a thumb safety.
And I sure would like to have had a dozen 30-round Magpul mags back in 'Nam...along with that XDM45.
Uncle Malice
New member
A hard decision. if we're staying with 9mm, I'd go either Glock 17 or P226... I would be happy and confident with either.
In .45 I would be satisfied with the Gen 4 Glock 21, HK 45, or FNX 45.
In .45 I would be satisfied with the Gen 4 Glock 21, HK 45, or FNX 45.
I'll be that guy and say the FNH Five-seveN because the recurring thread among army vets I've met throughout my life has been that they carry too damn much weight. The FNH and three extra mags weighs less than anything similar while retaining A) lots of rounds B) useful level of power that can defeat some armor C) a full size that can be easily controlled. Sounds perfect for something worn constantly that is very unlikely to ever see use, but will work right and be adequate if needed. Alas, we'll never know because H&K queered the deal with NATO for FNH...
TCB
TCB
S&W 340 PD with a Blackhawk coil lanyard. 158 gr LSWC HPs if I can get away with it. With a nylon molle holster, total deployed weight is about 1 pound. Probably add 12 rounds on stripper clips. Anything short of point blank range, I'm either working to get to my rifle, or working to get my rifle into the fight.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Sigh - every silly gun is being named. I suggest dual Judges carried on each leg as they can clear the battle field with one shot from each. 
Glock or 1911 - either would keep the forums under control.
Glock or 1911 - either would keep the forums under control.
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