What's the most rugged handgun in the world?

GLOCKS ARE MIGHTY...but...THE 1911 IS THE ALMIGHTY :)
In my opinion nothing comes close to the service of the 1911, and my 45 to the frame would destroy the Glock. However my 1911 may be ok. ;) Just messing with ya, I actually have a growing fondness for Glocks.
 
So it appears to be narrowed down to:
1. Well built 1911's
2. Glocks and H&K polymer handguns
3. Ruger and S&W Revolvers

Ok...maybe it's not really that narrow. But I do appreciate everyone's input and opinions as this is a very interesting topic. I never expected for us to narrow it down to one MOST RUGGED handgun...that is impossible.

Personally I like the revolvers. But here's a question:

Aren't revolvers more fragile against drops and physical abuse as the cylinders can go out-of-timing? If true, do you think that this fact alone will take the revolvers out of the running as of the most rugged handgun?
 
JerryHN-- That is actually a very good little list of the most rugged handguns, However you did forget 3rd Gen Smiths one of the most underated series of pistols ever.
 
So it appears to be narrowed down to:
1. Well built 1911's
2. Glocks and H&K polymer handguns
3. Ruger and S&W Revolvers

Ok...maybe it's not really that narrow. But I do appreciate everyone's input and opinions as this is a very interesting topic. I never expected for us to narrow it down to one MOST RUGGED handgun...that is impossible.

Personally I like the revolvers. But here's a question:

Aren't revolvers more fragile against drops and physical abuse as the cylinders can go out-of-timing? If true, do you think that this fact alone will take the revolvers out of the running as of the most rugged handgun?
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If a revolver goes belly up, . . . it most usually is a "gunsmith required" situation, . . . whereas a 1911 or polymer semi auto can usually come back to life with a tap & rack and/or mag change.

I chose the 1911 over the polymer simply because it is a known and proven category, . . . 100 solid years of service, . . . and there are many, many examples out there (that sell for big $$$$ ) of the turn of the century semi autos.

Anecdotal experience with all plastics is that given a bit of time, . . . they tend to go south, . . . that would be really bad in a world where replacements and/or replacement parts were not readily available.

By attrition, . . . I still vote for the 1911 as the most rugged.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
A house fire is a good torture test. A Ruger blackhawk has a better chance than a gooey piece of plastic.
 
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Thats my biggest grip with polymer, it cant take a beating like steel can. A glock shot by a BG in the polymer part will disable the gun. However, the same could happem to a 1911-- Something steel and not destory the gun maybe dent it a bit. I just like the all Steel or Steel/Aluminum nothing else feels really right.
 
IMO:

Maks and Toks are are pretty rugged. Old H&R .22 revolvers are good contenders, too. They never die. Star MOD 30s are built like '51 Buicks; they scream "rugged."
 
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#102

OP

JerryHN


So it appears to be narrowed down to:
1. Well built 1911's
2. Glocks and H&K polymer handguns
3. Ruger and S&W Revolvers
Click to expand...


Holy cow!!

Your the king of research, I have to assume, your an expert by now! :eek:
 
Simple answer. Glock. Doesn't matter what model or caliber. except maybe the .380 models. no experience with those as they aren't U.S. Legal
 
It seems to me in days gone by target revolvers and semiautos were the hand guns that were fired the most. Ed McGivern showed pictures of tight groups fired through some S&W K-22s that had over 200,000 rounds fired through them.
I am a long retired Army Reserve officer and I do not like the M9 and have no desire to purchase one (owning one is another matter).
 
In this order,

1. Ruger Blackhawk
2. Ruger Security Six
3. Glock 17
4. Springfield 1911

My choice, not yours. They all have their good points and their issues but that how I'd grab them.
 
Umm... it kills me nobody is mentioning single-shot pistols.
For the vague criteria set forth by the OP, none of the semi-autos or revolvers are going to beat a T/C Encore or Contender pistol for reliability over thousands of rounds, since there's nothing to go wrong. Even better, the T/C pistol can share rounds with your mid-power assault rifle. :D
 
SadistAssassin

Any all steel Smith Revolver or ANY Ruger revolver!!
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Agreed for revolver people and the same can be said for the 1911 and 92 for those that prefer semis. There is just something about the feel of that rock solid steel platform that speaks to durability.
Yet I am sure that the poly guns are rock solid as well but still don't have that 100+ year traditional feel.

-Cheers
 
JerryHN-- That is actually a very good little list of the most rugged handguns, However you did forget 3rd Gen Smiths one of the most underated series of pistols ever.
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Holy "Smith" Tyler you are right, I did forget about those heavy boat anchors, solid hunks of stainless steel that are incredibly accurate. My 4006 is one of my favorites and the 10 series 10mm autos... what beasts. Rock on 3rd gen Smiths… totally forgot about her... I must take her for a spin tomorrow to make amends.

SmithWesson1006.jpg
 
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