Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns If you could only own 1 - what handgun?

Try the 329 with the Factory wooden Combats..
Like elective root canal..

My full size Beretta APX in FDE.

That's how I shot mine 'til I found a set of round butt N frame boot grips. They're a little wider across the back strap. It's still effing brutal but for me, there is a tangible .. hate to say "improvement", that's too complimentary, so lets call it a still high but lesser degree of "God awful". However, whatever truth may be spoken about the recoil, it sure puts that first shot where I aim it. Not missing can do a lot to reduce the need to fire a second shot.

I understand others' rationale for the .22 but for me, it also leaves me functionally unarmed in places that I go where that seems a very bad idea Will it kill? Yes. Will it STOP things fast enough to save my ass from whatever gets shot while it is dying? No. End of story for me. If I could have two, then a .22 is a real, real solid second, but it doesn't cut it as one and only.

I think a lot of this comes down to country mouse verse city mouse. I shoot a handgun several times a week. Not just carry it. I'm also at the age I just don't go to places I think I'll need a gun, and the places I do go I don't care if you see I'm carrying or not. I want a gun I use several times a week, not just a gun to carry.

As I said before, it would be really hard to choose between the FA97 and a good Ruger 22. Just this last week I shot 7 armadillos with the 22. It's always around and gets used a lot. I'd also not worry about my chances with carrying the FA97 either.

As much as I like revolvers, I would lean towards a semi-auto for me. More firepower and faster reloads. I initially thought 1911, but thinking more it would probably be my Ruger Mk III 22/45 lite. A pretty useful sidearm. 2nd choice would be a 1911. Distant 3rd choice would be my Dan Wesson 741. It has rifle-like accuracy and can be loaded up or down. A small double-stack 9mm would be pretty useful, too, but i don't own one (yet). YMMV

I dunno, Hemingway himself said “… standing in one corner of a boxing ring with a .22 caliber Colt automatic pistol, shooting a bullet weighing only 40 grains and with a striking energy of 51 foot pounds at 25 feet from the muzzle, I will guarantee to kill either Gene Tunney or Joe Louis before they get to me from the opposite corner.”

Hence the Woodsman that I posted as MY choice, if only one..... Me and Ernie, baby......

My grandfather had a 3rd generation (I think) Woodsman that my dad got when his father died in '84. It has adjustable sights that are very clear and precise. I've shot it a few times and it's an awesome gun. Very easy to hit with. It's in my dad's will for me to inherit it, but I'm in no hurry. Hopefully Father Time agrees

I think this might well be a hill we should all get comfortable with the thought of dying on.

Campfire Hill...

If ever truly limited to one only, of my current crop it would be my GP100 Match Champion. 357. Can fill a lot of roles. Pennsylvania doesn't allow semis for hunting.

Lots of great choices and feedback.

I must say I never was intrigued about a G17 until I seen the one above, with Adjustable sights. Owner mentioned Dawson and Meopro.....are those Meopro?

Enjoying the posts everyone!

Grat thread ! For what I need a handgun for ? My H & K P7M8.

I guess I would have to flip a coin between these two


6" 357 mag or a nighthawk 45, either one would work for me.

This one would be in the running. 27-2 .357 5" with Herrett's Ropers, slightly modified by the late, great Skeeter Skelton.
Bob

I've always had a soft spot for BHPs. Either one of these would work, if I wasn't shooting a whole lot. Easy to carry, accurate enough and totally reliable. 5 lb triggers are excellent, both by Don Williams.
Bob

Objectively, I agree with the Ruger 22 argument for a one-gun/SHTF set of trade offs and plan to outfit one in a bug out bag for that reason.

If it’s more a pick-one-gun-because-you-aren’t-a-gun-enthusiast-and-just-need-one-sidearm…I see good arguments for a full size 1911, a 4” model 19, or a Browning Hi Power. You could also make an argument for an N frame 44 or 45 in Grizzly country. Of these…I’d probably choose the 19.


I have never liked or shot well with most modern semi auto designs and so discount them.

Bob, Are you saying just the grips are modified or the gun itself?

Also…do you mean personally modified by SS? If so, how did that come about?

If I could only have one handgun its a toss up between my old Colt Trooper MK lll and my S&W mod 16 in 32 long. I don't shoot my handguns enough and only shoot cast bullets. For survival I believe both would work. If I felt I needed deer or elk think I'd stick with the 150gr Keith type bullet or mostly small game 90gr RN cast. If big game was what I wanted I'd get a rifle. I'm pretty confident in the 38 spec using that 159ge Keith type bullet but it ain't gonna work as well on big game but better on small game. If it's one gun period, handgun is out.

My mistake for not being more clear. Skeeter modified the Roper grip by making it slimmer and taking out the palm swells of the original Roper design. It feels mucho better when shooting. Mr Skelton mentioned these stocks in one of his articles on the 5" 27. He also had them on a 4" 19. Herretts has sold these stocks thru their custom shop for many years. I've had several sets.
Bob