What Makes a Good Gun

M

microtech

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I am curious to see what people consider a good gun and why. what are in the makings of a good gun? What should a perfect gun consist of as far as parts and manufacturing goes? I personally think that the slide should be machined from a solid block in the ideal gun, not stamped.
 
A good gun can mean different things to different people in different situations. Generally, there are three elements to a "good" gun:

1. Good design for intended purpose -- this includes a design that creates a gun that is reliable, ergonomic, and accurate for its intended use.

2. Quality parts -- In some cases, forged steel. In other cases, polymer.

3. Craftsmanship in assembly/manufacture. Is the gun put together the way it is supposed to be? Some guns may require hours of hand fitting. Others, only lego style assembly but paying attention to uniformity of parts size and quality.
 
That's kind of a tough question. I like steel autos, DA, exposed hammer, four inch barrel, single stack, accuracy and reliability. Anything with those characteristics, I would consider a "good gun".
 
Wow, there must be a dozen ways to answer this question.

I'll go this route: A gun is good, IMO, when it doesn't rattle incessantly if you give it a little shake. It's got to have quality, visible sights. It's got to have a decent, predictable trigger with a solid, predictable reset. If it's got a manual safety, it needs to be in a place that works without radically altering your hold on it. Obviously, it needs to run without stopping.

After all of that, I'd like to be able to put all my shots on a small paper plate at 15 yards shooting two handed, standing, slow fire. And I expect it to do much better from a rest.
 
quality + durability + accuracy + power = survivability (sounds like my CZ 75BD or my Colt Trooper Mark III)
 
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What the mission is for the gun is what makes it a good gun. For example I have a Glock 17. It's not a bullseye gun but it's accurate enough to hit an enemy.
It is so reliable I think that it would feed a garbage can and not malfunction.

I'd say that it's a good gun.
 
Jo6Pack and MidlandWalther beat me to it...

... and JohnKSA added a thing or two I'd have put in the "nice to have" category, but they are good things...

... but for me, a "good gun" has reliability, accuracy, durability (which might just include quality parts and good fit/finish), and good ergonomics for ME (comfortable grip, comfortable trigger reach, smooth trigger, easy-to-reach controls, fast-acquiring sights).

Good ergonomics for me may be horrible ergonomics for somebody with shorter fingers.

As autos go, the best fit for me is the CZ75B or S&W M&P. As revolvers go, S&W K-frames are hard to beat, once outfitted with after-market grips or a Tyler T-grip adaptor.

As I think about it, the guns that best suit me are also rather attractive in appearance; so, for that matter, is my truck.... hmmm.... JohnKSA may be onto something....
 
Reliability, durability, functionality, ergonomics, fit, finish, appearance.
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+1 on this with the emphasis on the first two. If it isn't reliable and durable, it's not good enough to trust my life on it being there if/when I need it.
 
It goes bang, and a bullet comes out of the muzzle.
Now ask what makes a great gun!!!
1. Reliability
2. Accuracy
3. Fit and finish
4. Overall design
5. Combined beauty of craftsmanship, design, and finish.
 
These are things I look for (in no particular order):

Accuracy
Longevity
quality materials and workmanship
Reliability
Uncomplicated design
Easy to use
Easy to clean
Size and strength match the cartridge it's chambered for
Points naturally
Feels good in the hand(s)

Daryl
 
Above all else is reliability.

Good ergonomics, Fit & Finish, Accuracy also add to it.

Basically, how well it does everything you expect from a gun!
 
Reliable.

Accurate.

Good trigger.

Good ergonomics.

Good sights.

Big enough bullet.

Doesn't go "boom" if you drop it :).

Has enough ammo.

And yeah, the "has enough ammo" part is way down on the list. That's my personal opinion.
 
what makes a good gun
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The person pulling the trigger.

Actually it has everything to do with reliability,after that it's all fun and games.

I've had Rossi revolvers that were great and i've had Colts (semi and revolver)that weren't.I still have my 686 that has more than 15,000 rounds through it without the first flaw.I've had Glocks that were great,along with Sigs.


Final answer is reliability,if a gun won't go bang then you aint in the game.
 
I think another important part for a gun is a well designed feed ramp and ejector and extractor. without these crucially important parts being reliable i think the gun may be just about useless.
 
A good gun to me is one that will do what I want, when I want. Also one that's low on maintenance, and fits my personal preferences.
 
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