WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE COMBAT HANDGUN & WHY?

Some may say, It's the one I have with me. I couldn't agree more. But I had an interesting experience not long ago, where I took three guns of different makes (Beretta 96, Sig 226 (.40), Glock 22) all in the same caliber to the range...I had strong opinions of what worked best, but I was really supprised at the results...The handgun I liked the least, shot the best and it was also the fastest...I now own to many of them.

What is your experience.

Prospector

EVERY TUB HAS TO SIT ON ITS OWN BOTTOM.

My 1952 Colt Comander .38 Super.
Why? Cause I have been carrying it for over 30 years and it always does what I ask, when I ask, WELL!

I don't think you can do better than a Model 1911 variant .45 ACP. For the reasons, see my post on the Model 1911 .45.

As far as history and nostalgia, hands down the M1911 .45 ACP.

Today, I still think it is a good handgun, just not the best. I like the H&Ks if for no other reason than my long fingers like to rap around that double stack grip. The single stacks like the Ruger my dad has and the 1911s I have handled balance fine but just don't feel as "right" as the thicker grips. I also like the availability of options--9 or so trigger groups, ect--module, very nice. Personal preference, thats all.

Browning Hi-power pratical in .40 cal. with Speigal "thin" grips. Why? because I can hit well and fast with it!
Virgil B.

I've got a Colt Series 70, Mk.4 that is my best. I've had it for over 30 yrs. I've had it modified, or modified it myself, many times. It is 100% reliable, and it will take a beating and still do the job. I have great faith in it.
But, more than anything, my "hand(s)" know it. In the dark, when I'm half asleep, when I need to act w/o thinking. I never fumble with it. E

SIG 220 in 45acp......It is light and works each and every time I pull the trigger....it is accurate and fuctions well with a proven peformer ammo and for me it fits my hand and the double action avoids the cocked and locked "legal aftermath" problem either real or contrived but still a concederation......with a smoothed trigger action by a gunsmith and good solid visible sights it has worked well for my use in a open carry or concealed large gun....for times something smaller is needed or wanted or as a second gun the smith 37 airweight in 38s is always close at hand.......to each his/her own......

A real Colt 1911, either in full size or Commander. Caliber? .45ACP or .38 Super.

You can't argue with success...and parts are available all over the world...

Revolver = S&W .357 Magnum, 3" Model 66 F-Comp in a Milt Sparks Versa Max2 IWB holster.
Semiauto = SIG .45 ACP Model 245 in a Milt Sparks Versa Max2 IWB holster.

Why? Both guns conceal easily, are comfortable to carry in their holsters, are very accurate, 100% reliable with a wide range of ammo, shoot powerful loads with good 'stopping power', and I don't miss often with either of 'em at reasonable distances. Dennis

DennisE

I like your holster selection. I have a box full of old holsters that I have tried over the last 38 years and I finally found one I really like (I have 3 of them) that is the "Milt Sparks" 55BNHS www.miltsparks.com

You can't go wrong with the firearms you picked.

Prospector

EVERY TUB HAS TO SIT ON ITS OWN BOTTOM.

I have five favorites:

1. The one I pick when my life depends on it (2-legged) and don't need to conceal: Glock 21 because it fits me, I shoot it well and I am confident with it. Carries night sights, Lasermax and flashlight. Next to the couch (potato).

2. The one I pick when my life depends on it (4-legged): S&W 629 4" similar reasons to the above. I shoot it well, It fits me and I am confident with it. Kydex holster.

3. The one I pick when my life depends on it and need light concealment: Glock 30 because it fits me, I shoot it well, I am confident with it and it is about as small a package as ten rds. of .45 acp. can be. Carries night sights and Lasermax. Fanny Pack.

4. The one I pick for deep concealment. The smallest one that I am confident with is my Keltec P40 in .40 S&W. Pocket holster.

5. The most fun: Para-Ordnance .223 pistol with AR-15 magazines. It's a real hoot and would be very, very effective in clearing a fun house. Carries a flashlight.


<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

#1 Kimber custom 5" .45acp-This pisol is udderly reliable and I shoot it well.
#2 Ruger GP-100 4" .357 mag-the same reasons as above.

1911. It always works, and shoots exactly where I point it.

Prospector: Hi! I don't think you can find better holsters that those offered by Milt Sparks! I've got the strongside 55BN for my SIG239 as well as the IWB Versa Max 2s I mentioned above. They make concealment comfortable! Dennis

I like my Ithaka Deerslayer 12 ga. I hold it with both hands.

Don

What happens when you have to pee? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Prospector

Hi prospector. This combat stuff turns me off. But someone has to do it like the police and military.

Just don't bring a pistol to a shotgun fight.

Don, the police are primarily there to investigate the murder AFTER its been committed. Don't expect them to defend your life for you. That's your responsibility, first and foremost.

I guess I will have to show my age. For my money the best is the Browning HP. I carried one in my two trips to Vietnam. They are reliable, accurate and as dependable as an undertakers business potential.
I have a lot of respect for the M1911, but the Browning seems to fit me better. I am not sure either of them are one shot weapons, but you can always shoot them twice.
I do think John Browning learned a few things between 1911 and 1935.

In this order, Glocks, 1911s, Hi-Powers and K frame Smiths. I'd love to be able to carry a shotgun too but it's too hard finding leather for it.

Star PD. It was OK for Col. Cooper back in the 70s and it's still OK for me. Thanks...

A 1911 for me and at the top of my list of reasons is the triggerpull. Short and crisp! Quick followup shots. "This ain't Dodge City and you ain't Bill Hickok." Quigley Down Under. Half fast training will get you killed. Happy trails.

Although I own a Springfield 1911 I carry a Glock 23. Good size with plenty of rounds. Excellent cal (.40) which equlas or exceeds the .357 or .45. It will shoot anything and on a man size target hit a vital area. It has NO down side. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I believe that most of us that are not connected with the police or with the military where our ammo is free or close to it, are better off with military calibers.
There are many of us that use the 9MM Parabellum, or the Makarov that can afford to practice more and become better marksmen.
I will always believe it is better to hit something with a tack hammer than to miss it with a sledge hammer.