The most proven handgun...

A

AdamSean

New member
I know I am not the only one who owns many different handguns and calibers. It mostly comes down to comfort, but the most important thing is proven function. So I am going to ask, 'What is the most proven handgun?'

Let's try to leave .22s out of this. I am mainly looking at .380 auto and up. It is pretty difficult to get real life statistics on handguns. I would like to take into account guns that have been used, what was the situation and how effective was the gun used in that particular situation. Also, is there any documentation to prove the effectiveness? I usually carry either a Kel-Tec P-3AT in my back pocket and a Taurus PT-745 on my belt if I can comfortably. I think I may go back to the .38 spl +P IWB for the comfort and power ratio. I am trying to feel secure with my handgun and caliber choice.
 
This is an impossible question to answer with any certainty and without bias. This is like saying "What's the best car ever made?" or "Who's the hottest woman ever?" Sure, there would be countdowns and lists and whatnot, but there is just no way you can answer a question like this. The best gun, the most proven gun, whatever, is the one you shoot the best and is most reliable for you. If you have a Kel Tec 380 that has never jammed or had a problem and you can shoot with it, it's better than a $3000 custom 1911 that you can't shoot well enough to hit the broad side of a barn from the inside. You also have not set forth any guidelines. CCW, hunting, silhouette shooting? There are way too many variables and too much bias to even hazard a guess on this.
 
Most proven handgun. Well, we could debate whether it is the 1860 Colt, Colt model P, S&W M&P, Colt 1911A1, Browning Hi-power, Walther P38, Walther PP series. Given the number of copies of the Walther PP series and their collective proven reliability it might win. If you mean cartridge the debate will never end on that one either. You carry a .380. So do I. I like a .38 special better but not enough to carry the bulkier gun. a .357 magnum is more versatile than the .38 special. .45 ACP advocates can be knotheads but the cartridge isn't "wrong".... etc., etc.. The conclusive answer only exists when YOU make YOUR choice.
 
glocks, 1911s, revolvers, colt, s&w, ruger, cz, beretta, hk, sig, hipower, walther, and depending on who you ask, hi-point

these are all equally proven


everything else is less proven
 
The one that goes bang when you need it to. Any of the "name brand" firearms will have equal reliability. Even in the best of them you can experience a failure. For home/self defense knowing how to quickly and effectively solve a FTF, FTE, etc, is just as important as knowing how to shoot the weapon. I've always told friends that if they've heard the brand name in a rap song it's a good gun.
 
I don't know the answer...

...but I have to think the SIG P226 would be a top contender. Absolutely reliable, extremely accurate, high capacity, combat calibers, long-time military and police history. If I could only grab one, heading out the door, it would be my 226.
 
Most proven? Hmmm, well probably the S&W K, L, and N-Frame revolvers (they're all the same basic design). They were used by various militaries (including the U.S.) in both World Wars and to a lesser extent Korea and Vietnam, countless police agencies, and millions of civillians for 109 years. The S&W Model 10 Military & Police has been in continuous production longer than any other handgun (1899-present) and the number of examples produced reaches into the tens of millions.
 
I agree with all the great handguns throughout the years mentioned, but I also want to add the Makarov to the mix. I have heard it has been the most manufactured handgun in history???
 
Generally, a 1911 platform handgun I think is the most reliable handgun for self defense carry and for range gun. But not all 1911 even the expensive one is superior than the less expensive made 1911.

I just sold my Para PX Ltd cal 40, because I experienced jammed lately. Now I am eyeing on the Colt gov't model. In my country Colt gov't model price is 75k pesos with an exchange rate of php 50/dollar. The para PX ltd is 86k.
 
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i would guess a 38 or 357 Smith and Wesson is fairly proven.

Colt too i guess, but ive never had one and they seem a bit more scarce.
 
Another vote for the 357 revolver. I think whatever tops this list has to be a revolver. Well, I guess a single shot would be more reliable, but I doubt anyone wants one of those when needed, unless that's all s/he can get to.
 
Most reliable and proven handgun?

AUTOMATICS: With all things being equal and reasonably priced, I would have to say my Glock 23 or my Sig Sauer P220 are two of the the most reliable automatic pistols out there. Never failed for me and i have a ton of bullets downrange on both of them.

REVOLVERS: The revolver would probably be considered the most reliable pistol (the way in which it functions) of all pistols. Especially if you choose a mfg like S&W, Ruger or Colt. My favorite is a model 19 S&W in .357 mag, (you can shoot regular .38 spcl, .38+P or .357 mag).
Good luck.
 
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Agree with what webleymkv said above. I think more S&W revolvers have been sold, carried, and actually used more times over many years than any other handgun. This makes them the "most proven" handgun, IMO. This doesn't mean, however, that other revolvers, like the older Ruger "Six" series and the newer GP-100 and SP-101s aren't just as reliable and effective. They've been out plenty long enough to prove themselves, but not for 100 years like the Smiths.
 
There are a number of considerations. The proven gun must be chambered for a proven caliber. Some calibers are good, but not all are "proven." .45 Auto is undoubtedly the most proven. I suspect better calibers exist, but none as proven.


The 1911 platform is certainly among the most proven. Among handguns issues by armies, it can't have many if any equals when it comes to being proven.


The police nationwide used double-action revolvers for generations, but have almost entirely abandoned them now. That is very nearly the opposite of proven.


The US military has in the main abandoned the 1911 for a high-capacity 9mm, but the cartridge is I think conspicuously less proven than .45 Auto and the gun, while perhaps better, is less proven.


So, I'm going to say the M1911A1 chambered for .45 Auto.
 
Pistol; 1911A1 in .45 ACP that has "Colt" on it.

Revolver; Smith Wesson model 10 in .38 spl.

Single Shot Pistol; Thompson Center Contender...

All basic, proven, rugged guns.
 
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