Just ONE handgun?

[johnwilliamson062]

I too would go with 357 GP100 6 inch stainless. It isn't perfect for much, but is more than adequate for almost anything.
I would feel pretty good with a Glock also.

 

[Ian0351]

I'm thinking maybe I should change my vote...

In light of many of the posts written so far in this thread and go with a .357. In my mind this was an end all be all gun to save your life scenario... in which case I probably don't want to worry about springs, safeties and the myriad other complications that arise in even the most reliable autos. So officially changing my vote to 4" .357 Security-Six... although I have seriously been considering selling mine as the cylinder is starting to get kind of sticky and I would rather have a new gun than pay to have this one fixed. I am considering a GP100 or a Taurus Tracker... Either way I have a buddy whose dad wants to buy the Security-Six for $500 ("they don't make 'em like that anymore") So it will be pretty much a straight across trade.

Standing by for Taurus flogging...

 

[Firepower!]

I am surprised that in a condition where you can have only one handgun, most people are opting for a revolver. I thought a semi would be the choice for its capacity.

 

[jgcoastie]

Glock 20 - 10mm Auto
.357mag power + tons to spare
15rd capacity
A reload in a hairy situation is a heckuva lot faster than a wheelgun
I've got tons of ammo for it, and all the reloading components for it.


That being said, I'd rather have a .50 cal machine gun mounted on top of my roof if I can only have one gun.

 

[gb_in_ga]

I've already got my "1 handgun" handgun.

My 4" S&W 686 no-dash.

I am surprised that in a condition where you can have only one handgun, most people are opting for a revolver. I thought a semi would be the choice for its capacity.

Nope. And I've got the "hi-cap" bottom feeders. They're nice, but if I were to be limited to just 1, I'd want that .357 Mag wheelgun. It is rock solid reliable, extremely versatile, and with 6 rounds it has enough capacity to do the job. If I need more oomph or capacity than the wheelgun supplies it's time for a long gun anyway, and the wheel gun gives me enough capacity to fight my way to it or flee, as appropriate.

The versatility thing is the clincher. With the same gun, I can plink away with .38 Spl wad cutters that are just about as mild as shooting .22s. Accurate, too! Or, I can load it with "standard strength" .38 Spl ammo if I choose. I can load it with .38 Spl +P self defense ammo, or .357 Mag self defense ammo, my choice, no changes needed to the gun. I can load it up with heavy .357 Mag hunting/field defense loads -- again, no changes needed to the gun. I can select my bullet shape to suit what I'm trying to accomplish without regard to feeding (within reason -- speed loader and OAL issues).

Add in the more traditional, less threatening look (to the sheeple) as opposed to your "tacti-cool" polymer frame bottom feeder, and the fact that I happen to like the looks of the thing. Even though it is >only< just shy of 30 years old, it is still "old school". That counts for something, right?

 

[levrluvr]

Definitely a .357mag. Security Six, GP, Smith or Dan Wesson.
I'll stick with my DW, since it's quite versatile

 

[Van55]

I voted Ruger -- GP100 is what I had in mind. It was my first purchase for a reason.

If I had to choose a semi-auto, my answer would be different.

 

[lawboy]

Colt Defender. For me, CCW would take priority over all other shooting needs at that point. That one gun also would do fine for HD, and IDPA. If I could only have one, that one would do what I need to get done.

I will add that my S&W 66-2 3-inch 357 Magnum was given serious consideration. It is a more versatile gun than the Defender. However, although I did carry the S&W M66 for several years on a daily basis with a lot of satisfaction, as a daily carry, it is significantly less capable than the 3-inch 1911. That one fact weighed heavily against it.

 

[azredhawk44]

Hard choice.

Colt Commander, I think.

 

[boycan]

This is embarrassing to admit but I chose Smith & Wesson because I do ONLY have one handgun But I chose a 325 thunder ranch edition 45 acp so for sentimental purposes it should be my favorite for awhile Also it will be too big to conceal comfortably so when I take my CHL class (hopefully this summer) I will have an excuse for the little lady to let me buy a 45 semi Guess I am getting a late start in this hobby but better late than never!

 

[wea5el]

I'll agree with the 357 Revolver crowd. From lo power wad cutters to hi power hardcast rounds, it has flexibility. S&W or Ruger, but I'd have to go with a 4" Ruger Stainless Security Six because that's what's on hand already. Carries nice and multi-purpose.

 

[C/O]

I voted Ruger, because if I could only keep one gun it would be my SP101 .357.

 

[Deet]

Ruger GP100

 

[djohn]

I voted Glock and would be my G19 9mm for the following, excellent all around gun and very simple to maintaine and is the extremley reliable, just goes bang every time with accuracy.It has 2000+ rounds with No FTF or FTE.It may not be the best looking of the bunch but its well balance with smooth recoil and the reliablity has been remarkeable.

 

[38superhero]

4 inch S&w 8 shot .357 magnum or ruger same specifications

 

[djohn]

I voted Glock and would be my G19 9mm for the following, excellent all around gun and very simple to maintaine and is the extremley reliable, just goes bang every time with accuracy.It has 2000+ rounds with No FTF or FTE.It may not be the best looking of the bunch but its well balance with smooth recoil and the reliablity has been remarkeable.

Sorry its seems I have double posted opps.

 

[Webleymkv]

Give me a S&W DA revolver if I'm limited to only one.

 

[OttoJara]

S&W 64

S&W model 64 snubby, was my dads, will be one of my kids, and then grandkids.

 

[drewbogdony]

my good old Colt 1911

 

[Firepower!]

Where are all the Glocksters. I thought they would be all over this poll..and whats with HK and 6 votes?