The best hand gun that money can buy

I'll have to agree that the Colt Python is one of the prettiest handguns in existence. With the Colt Diamondback running a close second. And this comes from a diehard S&W fan! Here's an example of one that's "all scratched up".

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Any Pre-1966 S&W Magnum revolver has the build quality and a tremendous eye-appeal. From the Model 19, (example below) with .357 Magnum power matching up to it's beautifully balanced medium sized frame, to the larger and and more powerful full-size N-Frame Magnum revolvers in the much more
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powerful cartridges, like .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt. These stout workhorses have the same eye appeal on a larger scale that enhances the graceful curves of the firearm.
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For me, "best" changes every day.

From a Python to a Colt 1911 to a Rohrbaugh... there is no absolute best.

There is only best as perceived by the person who is pondering the concept, and best will be derived by a combination of those features that the person pondering feels are inherent in the piece he is considering, and also the order of priority that those features are applied to the piece.

The OP was specific in his "best" requirements:
"in beauty and in quality"
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For the first, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so no one can help him there. He has to decide his own "beauty" standard.

For the second, a determination of quality, in a general way, is easy.

Since price is no object, then production revolvers like the Python or semi-autos like the Sig-210 might be considered at the "low end" for the OP since price is evidently not an issue.

So perhaps the OP might like to start with one of those pistols (if he thinks they're beautiful) and send it in to a highly regarded custom smith for major surgery and a hairdo.

To add my personal .02, my "best" guns are those that have the most "value", that is, those that are highest in (production) quality-of-build that can be had for less than custom prices. In other words, guns that may not be the "very best", but offer a great package without paying the "very most".
So for my list of "best", I'd list:
Colt Python
Colt 1911
Rohrbaugh R9s Stealth
Smith Models 19, 66, and 686
Trophy and Victor High Standards made before they were moved to Houston
Smith Model 41
 
I think Freedom Arms- and Korth revolvers / faktory guns. SIG pistos good enough for my. :cool:
 
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An Heirloom Precisions Signature Grade Colt 1911 done to my specs and a S&W 3.5" Bbl Registered Magnum.
 
I think Freedom Arms- and Kort revolvers / faktory guns. SIG pistos good enough for my.
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Fine functional pieces but do not have the artistic flare of an old Colt or Browning. Maybe the Korth but not the FA and Sig.
 
Best money can buy? No such thing, because we all have uniquely individual criteria for making that determination.

Up to me, I'd take a twin Bofors 40mm cannon mount and a couple of loaders to go along with it.
 
My Smith 1076

I would buy another if I could find one that wasnt modified. The trigger could be improved but reliability is no issue and will out shoot my new glock. Why they dont make them anymore is beyond me.
 
Not to be rude, but it sounds like you're trying to buy guns to impress people with, rather than getting involved in guns and finding out what you actually like yourself.

I've got tons of guns and some of the ones that I consider "the finest" wouldn't raise an eyebrow to others. The joy of owning guns to me is finding the ones that work the best for and appeal to me. I could care less if others like or go ooh and ahhh over them.
 
No sarv...most of these folks have been around weapons their whole lives and the level of expertise and semi-expertise found here is unmatched. These folks know and when they can afford,love to own quality pieces.
Not that we mind showing them off!
 
My 'best' may not be your 'best' & visa versa so to ask may not entirely fair. For a handgun that works well & that looks good & to some degree customizable to the shooter's tastes -- I'd go 1911. You could build one up in a variety of calibers. Me, I'd go w/ a Caspian frame & slide to start -- find a qualified gun smith & go nuts ;)
 
Your best will be a personal thing.

For me, I find the workmanship of older guns very attractive and appealing. Some of my favorites would include the Colt Woodsman, Smith Registered Magnum, Colt 1903 auto. I have an early S&W .32 hand ejector in very good condition that is a pleasure to shoot, and an attractive piece to boot. An early 1911 would certainly be worthwhile.

For the more modern firearms, I tend to go for interesting concepts. For example, H&K P9S, which is the first polymer frame handgun, and also has a unique roller-block mechanism. For that matter, the H&K P7 is a wonderful 9mm with a gas-retarded blowback operation, unique to that series of pistol. Many think it's the finest 9mm ever made. (Many would also dispute that). It may not fit the "concept" view, but the Colt Python or Diamondback is a gorgeous addition to the list.

I think a nice collection of early-to-mid-20th century pistols in at least 98% condition would be an excellent investment, a pleasure to handle and shoot, and to some degree of some historical significance. Before the days of computer-aided machining, these guns were hand-assembled by people with both skill and pride. This is an era that will not come again in our lifetimes, and for my part I can't possibly own too many of these firearms.

Visual appeal and detailed hand workmanship, quality materials and functionality are not always found in one place. When they are, they go onto my list.

So tell us, what features are important to you? What would the basis of "best you can buy" be for you?
 
Korth with its roller sear is a very fine gun.
I suggest you buy a new in the box Colt Python. While they are not made anymore you can find one that was never shot on www.gunbroker.com.
For an auto I would get a Wilson Combat. Those two are the best in revolver and auto! Have you ever shot, looked at or handled a Python?
E-mail me or PM me as I might be a help.
 
In the 2002 Guns and Ammo Handguns magazine, I saw an article written by Leroy Thompson about a S&W Model 27 eight shooter with a five inch barrel. It was not a 627 ( which is a great gun) but a classic looking 27 with the wood stocks. According to the article, only 200 were produced. The Bangers Distributing of Birmingham Al commissioned the S&W Performance Center to make these revolvers. I would love to have one and would consider that right up there with the best money handgun money could buy.

I also see Lew Horton's name associtated with some find handguns: http://www.lewhorton.com/index.html
 
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Something that rings my bell, may not raise an eyebrow on you.

If I had $10K-$12K to blow on nice handguns, I'd get 4 or 5 of these in various calibers.

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Freedom Arms Model 353 ( 357 mag )

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SIG P210 forged heavy frame, P79136.

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Many late production CNC-framed P210 variants have heavy frames. However, only several hundred of the original, forged milspec guns were made with heavy frames. Unlike the SIGARMS imports, these guns do not feature cast hammer action housings or MIM firing systems. All of their internal parts are machined out of forgings. This one also features the rare optional milled trigger. It was test fired on my 15th birthday. I bought it brand new a year ago. A comparable gun would cost around $6,000, delivered to the U.S. It's worth every penny.
 
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