After reading many of the opinions I have come to an opinion that "best" is more subjective than scientific. Nonetheless, I value the experience of those who have been doing it for awhile. I am presently in the process of getting my concealed handgun license and have to learn from those who have gone on before me.
Which Pistol is best?
- Thread starter Solomon
- Start date
Welcome Solomon. Objective to the degree of eliminating unreliable merchandise. Subjective in each propounding the merits of their favorite. Betcha we even get discussion of the definition of "pistol". The younguns call autoloaders pistols and the creaky ones call all handguns pistols.
Myself; I like older S&W revolvers for defense and autoloaders for offence.
Sam....warmness is a happy gun.
Myself; I like older S&W revolvers for defense and autoloaders for offence.
Sam....warmness is a happy gun.
To clarify what I mean by pistol, I am thinking of semi-autos like Glock or Beretta,etc. I presently have a S&W .357 but I will rent a semi to take the concealed license class. MY 6 inch S&W is a bit big for concealed carry. I would like to buy a semi-auto to carry. I know that the Army went to the Beretta 92(?) but many tout Glock. On my budget I can't afford to buy and then find one I like better after the fact. So cost, reliability and concealability are high priorities. Of two experts, one recommended the Glock 23 and the other the Glock 26. I figure that the more info I can get, the better my decision will be.
selfdefense4me
New member
Since you mention that you are in the process of obtaining a concealed carry permit, look for a gun that is concealable. Factors to consider are the climate in which you live (e.g., if you never have to wear a fall/winter overjacket, that rules out some of the larger-sized models), what you have to wear to work (casual or suit and tie), and the weight of the gun.
I'd suggest renting/borrowing any model you find yourself interested in. Remember, what works well for one person may not work at all for someone else.
------------------
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed, and hence clamorous to be led to safety, by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary." -- H.L. Mencken
I'd suggest renting/borrowing any model you find yourself interested in. Remember, what works well for one person may not work at all for someone else.
------------------
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed, and hence clamorous to be led to safety, by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary." -- H.L. Mencken
Without a doubt, the BEST GUN EVER is...
A Glock!
Or is it a 1911?
How about a CZ?
No, I think it's a J frame revolver...
It's going to depend on who answers, but there are some with DEFINITE opinions... (Then there are the guys who have answered already who are a lot closer to the truth...)
The best part about so many hard headed stubborn people who SWEAR that their gun is the ONLY gun and that yours is inferior is this... There are obviously a lot of different guns worth these guys (and gals) total, complete devotion.
If anyone else tries to tell you there's only one, put that one on the list of worth looking at's.
(HK is best!
)
My $.02
[This message has been edited by Onslaught (edited September 28, 2000).]
A Glock!
Or is it a 1911?
How about a CZ?
No, I think it's a J frame revolver...
It's going to depend on who answers, but there are some with DEFINITE opinions... (Then there are the guys who have answered already who are a lot closer to the truth...)
The best part about so many hard headed stubborn people who SWEAR that their gun is the ONLY gun and that yours is inferior is this... There are obviously a lot of different guns worth these guys (and gals) total, complete devotion.
If anyone else tries to tell you there's only one, put that one on the list of worth looking at's.
(HK is best!
)My $.02
[This message has been edited by Onslaught (edited September 28, 2000).]
The best is the one you have confidence in, train and become proficient with, fits your hand, easily controllable, reliable and is easily concealed on your person. Only you can decide which you feel is best as it will be you who will be trusting their life with it.
With that said look for a pistol that's manufactured by the top names such as S&W, Glock, Ruger, Colt, HK, Sig, Beretta, Taurus and Springfield Armory. Another notable manufacturer that is proving it's worth to me is CZ.
------------------
Rick
With that said look for a pistol that's manufactured by the top names such as S&W, Glock, Ruger, Colt, HK, Sig, Beretta, Taurus and Springfield Armory. Another notable manufacturer that is proving it's worth to me is CZ.
------------------
Rick
The best for concealability? Well that is easy! It's the one you'll actually carry with you! Too often people go out and get a beautiful semi-auto to find that it's too "difficult" to conceal. Little do they realize the importance of a good holster and gun belt.
Take into consideration, caliber, weight, and of course, how it feels in your hand.
For many, Glocks are the ideal carry gun. For others, it may be a J Frame. For me, it's a full size 1911.
Everybody will have their own personal preference. To state something is the best is just a personal opinion.
Take into consideration, caliber, weight, and of course, how it feels in your hand.
For many, Glocks are the ideal carry gun. For others, it may be a J Frame. For me, it's a full size 1911.
Everybody will have their own personal preference. To state something is the best is just a personal opinion.
Bullwinkle
New member
Get out to a range that rents alot of different makes and models. If you know anyone with a selection of guns, offer to buy the ammo.
You dont say what part of the country you are in but I'd bet there is a TFL member somewhere nearby who would be happy to oblige.
You should also come to terms with the fact that this is a learning process and the gun that is right for you will probably not be the first one you buy. Sorry, that just how it is sometimes, live and learn and all that.
On general principal for CCW reliability is king so that means quality; sig sauer, glock, Kahr, HK, Ruger, revolver. All of those makes can be expected to be reliable out of the box 98% of the time.
After reliability I consider size appropriateness to be next in line. If you cant carry it nothing else matters. Get a feel for the available carry methods and try to figure out what will fit in with your lifestyle/dress code. Strong side belt holster under a covering garmet is ideal if you can swing it, many cant. Most who cannot wear a gun on their belt end up with either pocket guns or ankle guns.
Once you decide that you will spend the $'s for a good gun and you decide where you can carry the list of available options should be pretty short.
------------------
Bullwinkle
Sonny, anybody with his gears meshed wants to be free, doesnt matter what sex or age, and freedom always calls for a little hardware."
Lucy Kropotkin
You dont say what part of the country you are in but I'd bet there is a TFL member somewhere nearby who would be happy to oblige.
You should also come to terms with the fact that this is a learning process and the gun that is right for you will probably not be the first one you buy. Sorry, that just how it is sometimes, live and learn and all that.
On general principal for CCW reliability is king so that means quality; sig sauer, glock, Kahr, HK, Ruger, revolver. All of those makes can be expected to be reliable out of the box 98% of the time.
After reliability I consider size appropriateness to be next in line. If you cant carry it nothing else matters. Get a feel for the available carry methods and try to figure out what will fit in with your lifestyle/dress code. Strong side belt holster under a covering garmet is ideal if you can swing it, many cant. Most who cannot wear a gun on their belt end up with either pocket guns or ankle guns.
Once you decide that you will spend the $'s for a good gun and you decide where you can carry the list of available options should be pretty short.
------------------
Bullwinkle
Sonny, anybody with his gears meshed wants to be free, doesnt matter what sex or age, and freedom always calls for a little hardware."
Lucy Kropotkin
I think onslaught said it best , except maybe for the part about HK! Personally, I would like to have one of everything! I do have a liking for the compact 1911's. Especially the Kimber CDP's. But If I wanted a budget buy pistol to carry concealed,I would have to take a serious look at a Makorov. Or was it a Kel Tec? Nah, It was a Kimber Ultra CDP! ----C.L.
----C.L.George Hill
Staff Alumnus
The best gun is the gun that is held by a Shootist.
If you are on a budget take a look at a Makarov,It will save you money on purchase and save you money on practice ammo. They are good guns and are Timex tough. 
I carry one from time to time. My favorite one now is a Glock 27. But as others have said you must buy what works for you and what you can manage with your budget
Hope this helps
------------------
We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
I carry one from time to time. My favorite one now is a Glock 27. But as others have said you must buy what works for you and what you can manage with your budget Hope this helps
------------------
We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
I can tell you that the beretta 92FS is pretty much too big to conceal and carry. If you are looking for a concealable beretta though there are smaller versions of the 92, ie. 92 compact and 92 centurion. You can count on these being acccurate, reliable and not as $$$ as some others. You need to rent them and shoot them before you decide though! Buy what fits and feels good! Good luck!
Heed not the advice of those who tell you to go get ***** type of gun. They are not you. Rather, do what many before advised...do a lot of research. Obviously you have started that part. Think about capacity and caliber, actions and safeties and all that...then go do the most important kind of research:
Borrow or rent guns and SHOOT A LOT. And don't rush to a decision. Take the time to let it gel. Eventually some real preferences will make themselves known. And that all-important 'feel'...you can't get a 'feel' for a gun by downloading info of the net or listening to some grizzled oldbie tell you that you want this sorta gun, sonny. You gotta go shoot it yourself.
And yeah, if you live near any TFLer, I'll bet they'll meet you at a range for show-n-tell
Mike
PS BTW, its easy to get lost in the caliber debate...take for instance the 9mm vs .45 caliber wars. My opinion on this? If they're still f'n arguing after 60+ years about which is better, the differnces can't be all that big. Just my NSHO.
------------------
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein
They are not you. Rather, do what many before advised...do a lot of research. Obviously you have started that part. Think about capacity and caliber, actions and safeties and all that...then go do the most important kind of research:Borrow or rent guns and SHOOT A LOT. And don't rush to a decision. Take the time to let it gel. Eventually some real preferences will make themselves known. And that all-important 'feel'...you can't get a 'feel' for a gun by downloading info of the net or listening to some grizzled oldbie tell you that you want this sorta gun, sonny. You gotta go shoot it yourself.
And yeah, if you live near any TFLer, I'll bet they'll meet you at a range for show-n-tell
Mike
PS BTW, its easy to get lost in the caliber debate...take for instance the 9mm vs .45 caliber wars. My opinion on this? If they're still f'n arguing after 60+ years about which is better, the differnces can't be all that big. Just my NSHO.
------------------
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein
Dont listen to anyone that tells you "**** is the best" because they are wrong. There is no BEST pistol. There are lots of BAD pistols, maybe you should be asking what NOT to consider? Lorcin, Jennings, Bryco come to mind. There are a bunch of bottom-barrel cast pig metal guns out there, STAY AWAY from them. Make sure what you choose is made by a quality company: S&W, Colt, HK, Springfield, Browning, Glock, Taurus, Berretta, CZ, SIG, Kahr, Keltec, etc.., you know the names, if you've never heard of them, best bet is not to consider it.
IMO, get something .380 or higher in caliber (380 is really pushing it). Go to ranges that have rental guns, try 'em out. I spent YEARS buying guns and trying them, and selling them, and buying more, to find out what I want in a gun and I really didn't loose any money because I bought smart and sold smart. So don't be afraid to buy something if it feels right, 'cause you can sell it later if it turns out not to be.
IMO, get something .380 or higher in caliber (380 is really pushing it). Go to ranges that have rental guns, try 'em out. I spent YEARS buying guns and trying them, and selling them, and buying more, to find out what I want in a gun and I really didn't loose any money because I bought smart and sold smart. So don't be afraid to buy something if it feels right, 'cause you can sell it later if it turns out not to be.
I'm with BB. There is no best pistol, just as there is no best car. All of them have advantages and disadvantages. The best compromise of features for me might not be the best compromise of features for you. I recommend that you look at 9mm and above.
The most important things are that the pistol is 1) reliable and 2) fits your hand. People with small hands often have trouble with double-stack designs. People with weak hands/arms often have trouble racking the slides of some semi-autos (particularly the compact ones).
What you prefer really winds up to be personal taste.
First, decide what type of action you want: single action (SA), double-action (DA/SA), double-action-only (DAO, or striker-fired (e.g., Glock). Each has advantages and disadvantages. I prefer a gun that has a consistent trigger pull, that is an SA, DAO, or striker-fired. In contrast, a DA/SA gun has two different trigger pulls that you have to learn: a long, hard double-action first shot, and short, easy follow up shots. You can learn the transition, but I believe it takes more training than learning how to operate the safety on an M1911. YMMV.
Some folks don't like single-action M1911s and some folks swear by them. You can get a very nice, short, crisp trigger pull on an M1911. But you also must learn how to operate the safety.
The Glock and Kahr are striker fired, have a consistent trigger pull, and no manual safety. The stock Glock trigger is about 5-6 lbs with a short trigger pull, but it is kind of mushy with a "sproing" when the striker finally releases. I find the Glock trigger hard to master, but it can be done. I've seen some folks shoot very accurately and quickly with Glocks; it's just not my favorite. You can also change the trigger very easily on the Glock, with options of 3.5, 5-6, 8.5, and 10+ lbs. Glocks are very reliable.
In contrast, the Kahr has a longer, smoother trigger pull. I prefer the Kahr trigger, but the longer pull does slow down followup shots. My three Kahrs have been very reliable as well.
Some DAO guns have very nice trigger pulls (e.g., S&W 3953), others are pretty nasty. Some folks like having a manual safety. Some folks won't carry a gun with a manual safety. Your choice.
For concealed carry, I find that thin, single stack designs are easier to conceal. However, the single stack design also gives up ammunition capacity. Personally, I carry a Kahr MK9 (6+1 9mm) most often. But there are a lot of folks who would prefer a 10+1 Glock 26. The Glock 26 is wider, however.
There are a lot of good guns to consider, including Sig, HK, Beretta, Glock, Kahr, S&W. Some particular models to consider would be the Sig P239, HK USP Compact, Glock compact and subcompacts (19/23/etc., 26/27/etc.), Kahr K9/P9/MK9, S&W single stack (3913/3953/4053/etc.).
Shorter barrels are more comfortable for me to carry, especially when carrying IWB. But the shorter barrels typically result in a heavier recoil spring, making it harder to rack the slide. More importantly, the shorter barrels give you a shorter sight radius, making them harder to shoot accurately. Examples are the Kahr MK9, vs. the Kahr K9, or the Glock 26 vs. the Glock 19. You'll have to decide whether the tradeoff of easier concealability versus less shootability is worth it to you.
M1911
The most important things are that the pistol is 1) reliable and 2) fits your hand. People with small hands often have trouble with double-stack designs. People with weak hands/arms often have trouble racking the slides of some semi-autos (particularly the compact ones).
What you prefer really winds up to be personal taste.
First, decide what type of action you want: single action (SA), double-action (DA/SA), double-action-only (DAO, or striker-fired (e.g., Glock). Each has advantages and disadvantages. I prefer a gun that has a consistent trigger pull, that is an SA, DAO, or striker-fired. In contrast, a DA/SA gun has two different trigger pulls that you have to learn: a long, hard double-action first shot, and short, easy follow up shots. You can learn the transition, but I believe it takes more training than learning how to operate the safety on an M1911. YMMV.
Some folks don't like single-action M1911s and some folks swear by them. You can get a very nice, short, crisp trigger pull on an M1911. But you also must learn how to operate the safety.
The Glock and Kahr are striker fired, have a consistent trigger pull, and no manual safety. The stock Glock trigger is about 5-6 lbs with a short trigger pull, but it is kind of mushy with a "sproing" when the striker finally releases. I find the Glock trigger hard to master, but it can be done. I've seen some folks shoot very accurately and quickly with Glocks; it's just not my favorite. You can also change the trigger very easily on the Glock, with options of 3.5, 5-6, 8.5, and 10+ lbs. Glocks are very reliable.
In contrast, the Kahr has a longer, smoother trigger pull. I prefer the Kahr trigger, but the longer pull does slow down followup shots. My three Kahrs have been very reliable as well.
Some DAO guns have very nice trigger pulls (e.g., S&W 3953), others are pretty nasty. Some folks like having a manual safety. Some folks won't carry a gun with a manual safety. Your choice.
For concealed carry, I find that thin, single stack designs are easier to conceal. However, the single stack design also gives up ammunition capacity. Personally, I carry a Kahr MK9 (6+1 9mm) most often. But there are a lot of folks who would prefer a 10+1 Glock 26. The Glock 26 is wider, however.
There are a lot of good guns to consider, including Sig, HK, Beretta, Glock, Kahr, S&W. Some particular models to consider would be the Sig P239, HK USP Compact, Glock compact and subcompacts (19/23/etc., 26/27/etc.), Kahr K9/P9/MK9, S&W single stack (3913/3953/4053/etc.).
Shorter barrels are more comfortable for me to carry, especially when carrying IWB. But the shorter barrels typically result in a heavier recoil spring, making it harder to rack the slide. More importantly, the shorter barrels give you a shorter sight radius, making them harder to shoot accurately. Examples are the Kahr MK9, vs. the Kahr K9, or the Glock 26 vs. the Glock 19. You'll have to decide whether the tradeoff of easier concealability versus less shootability is worth it to you.
M1911
There is "NO BEST"; this is highly subjective
to each individual user of a particular firearm. In some case's, when "deep cover"
is required the North American Arms .22 Mag
with 1-1/8 inch barrel might be the ideal
choice; whereas other times (and situations)
may dictate the need for something larger and
with more firepower!!! Just my thought's.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
to each individual user of a particular firearm. In some case's, when "deep cover"
is required the North American Arms .22 Mag
with 1-1/8 inch barrel might be the ideal
choice; whereas other times (and situations)
may dictate the need for something larger and
with more firepower!!!
Just my thought's.Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member