What's the most rugged handgun in the world?

In my opinion it would be the 1911 GI service grade. My grandpa used one in Vietnam that had been originally issued in WWII. He was in the 1st Cav and saw some pretty harsh service. According to him it never failed when needed.

Nearly any gun designed to be a military sidearm and adopted for that reason by a major nation should suffice. Even some that weren't selected should do the trick. I would trust a CZ P-01 to hold up as well as a 1911 or M9 or HK USP.
 
Well my vote goes for the Colt 1911-A1 or the 1917 Smith or Colt revolver, in that order. The 1911 & 1911A1 as well as 1917 revolvers served in two World Wars, Korea, Viet Nam, and god knows how many smaller conflicts around the world without failure, I would say that alone is proof enough.
Mace
 
A 1945 M1911A1 in stainless steel :-)

Edit: What? I've been a member here for more than a year and this is my first post? Dayumn.
 
MikeNice81 wrote:

In my opinion it would be the 1911 GI service grade. My grandpa used one in Vietnam that had been originally issued in WWII.
Click to expand...

That certainly speaks to the absolute marvel of John Moses Browning's 1911.:)
 
That's the almost impossible question. From my personal experience I would choose the USGI M 1911 A1. There are many other fine choices, as you all know. Of the new, less steel varieties that I've had, I like the Ruger P series.
 
FBI Pro Model

My vote is for the Springfield Armory 1911 FBI Pro Model. Only because mine is on order and a 10000 round acceptance/accuracy test.
 
For me to consider something "rugged" my criteria is:

1. it has to be highly rust resistant;
2. it can't be melted with a Bic lighter;
3. minimum number of springs;
4. least number of parts
5. no aluminum
6. it has to be over-engineered for the round used in it
7. sights have to be fixed
8. it can't be finicky about ammunition.

So, based on that, most revolvers are going to win hands down - That S&W 500 is looking like a great contender. But, you could go with a stainless S&W .357 or maybe even a Colt .357.

I've already given my semi-auto suggestion (Smith 659 - a chunk of stainless that can't be destroyed by any 9mm round), but it has a lot more parts and springs than a revolver.
 
The reason for the lack of SIG Sauer P226 love in this thread - it really needs lube on the slide (lack of lube was a requirement of the original post). I have no problem with that, I love my P226 and wouldn't trade it for anything. Greased and ready :D.

An interesting twist on the original post: of the guns recommended, which will continue to fire when limp-wristed? You never know, during a gun battle or altercation, you may lose your ability to give the proper 'grip and hold' to fire a semi-auto.. some of them are likely to jam, yet others will continue to cycle. Look up 'limp wrist' or 'limp wrist test' test on youtube - you may be surprised at what you see ;).
 
My vote is for the Springfield Armory 1911 FBI Pro Model. Only because mine is on order and a 10000 round acceptance/accuracy test.
Click to expand...

The reason I chose the Hk MK23 was the 30000 round, salt water immersion, reliability and accuracy tests. This is the gun that spawned the outstanding USP line but the MK23 is a whole different beast.
 
If anything is more rugged than my Redhawk, it is a either a Super Redhawk or made by Freedom Arms. In autos I'd go with a steel-framed 1911A1.
 
Stevie-Ray wrote:

If anything is more rugged than my Redhawk, it is a either a Super Redhawk or made by Freedom Arms. In autos I'd go with a steel-framed 1911A1.
Click to expand...

Stevie-Ray,

I agree with the steel-framed 1911 recommendation--The same applies to the M9/92/PT-92 model as well if one prefers steel-framed models in 9mm instead of .45 (I never could get used to the 9mm 1911A1--it just felt weird to me but to each their own).
 
"...passed the U.S. Military trials..." Selected for political reasons. Other NATO countries complained about the balance of trade of military kit being heavily in favour of the U.S.
No firearm will keep functioning without regular maintenance. Some tend to 'take' more abuse than others though. Stock military handguns, for example.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top