What do you consider to be the best handgun in the world and why?

12 Responses

1. elChupacabra!

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   That is such a broad question, it’s almost impossible to answer… but I’ll give it a shot.

   Since my affections tend to lean towards practical, defensive firearms (I look at guns as weapons and appreciate those that are the most effective weapons over any other characteristic), for the pistol, I would have to say its a toss up between a custom 1911 in .45ACP and the Heckler & Koch P2000 in .40S&W.

   The 1911 is, by most regards, truly the best handgun in the world, due to its legendary service record, powerful cartridge and pure shootability. The fact that such professionals as Delta Force and Marine Force Recon exclusively choose the 1911 as a fighting pistol over all others says alot to me about its quality, reliability and usefulness.

   The HK P2000, which I carry in .40S&W, is a somewhat different animal than the 1911 – sleeker, simpler to operate, smaller and chambered in a different cartridge. However, due to the extraordinary quality HK builds into their firearms, I’ve found my P2000 to be utterly reliable, accurate, ergonomic, and an overall fine weapon. Im so happy carrying the P2000, in fact, that I doubt I’ll ever replace it as a carry piece – it’s that perfect for its intended role.

   As for rifles, I’m partial to the AR-15 design as a truly classic American long gun. Incredibly accurate, modular and really more powerful than many give it credit for, the AR-15 (and its military counterparts the M16A2 / A4 and M4A1) is a beautiful rifle. Mine, configured along the lines of the USMC SAM-R (Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle) is capable of shooting .75" groups at 100m, yet may be employed as a combat arm in less than ideal conditions (doesn’t require a bipod and sandbags to fight effectively with). Although other weapons like the AK-47 may be somewhat more reliable when neglected, a committment to keep your weapon in proper working order is all that is required for the AR-15 to truly out-shine the AK, and I don’t have any problem making that committment.

   For shotguns, again from a defensive / tactical perspective, it’s difficult to argue with the quality of Benelli shotguns. Long considered the gold standard of tactical gagues, the Benelli M1 and M3 Super 90 have faithfully served tactical teams and militaries for some time. Today, the Benelli M4, serving the US Military in combat operations around the world, is an accurate, reliable and powerful shotgun, and I would love to call one my own.

   Calibers are largely a matter of opinion. However, I favor .40S&W and .45ACP in handguns, although 9mm also has a proper place – small, hideaway defensive firearms may be more controllable in 9mm than in .45ACP, which may make them more effective in the hands of some. I like .40S&W in a carry gun and .45ACP in a combat handgun. In rifles, .223 is a largely under-rated cartridge, with 55-grain M193 projectiles fragmenting violently and lethally out to 200 yards from a 20" barreled rifle, and 77-grain Mk262 Mod 1 rounds being even more effective, and accurate, than the M193. For longer-range shooting, .308 Winchester really is king, accurate and effective out to 1000 yards. Finally, for shotguns, nothing is like a 12 Gauge – manageable recoil coupled with incredible power up close in #4 or 00 Buck make it tops for close combat.

   This is my opinion on what’s best out there – plenty of people will disagree, but it’s where my chips lie.

2. Tom T

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   H&K USP 40 very accurate.

3. pathfinder

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   Semi-auto- the Colt 1911/ A1 series, followed by the Glock in .40 S&W Cal. and .45 ACP cal.

   Shotgun- the venerable Remington 870 with an 18 " barrel and 7 shot capability.

   Rifle- the Ruger Mini-14 in .223, or the Ruger Mini 30 in 7.62×39

   With these weapons you are well armed, and should do well in protecting yourself and your family in emergencies, when the law cease to function.

4. brad

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   LOL, the best handgun is the one you have on you when you need it… There is no one "best"… If I’m deep undercover as law enforcement, then a small compact handgun is best. If I’m in bear country than that small compact does me nothing, I want a big freakin revolver… This is a generic, over asked question that has no correct answer. The best is the one you have b/c if you don’t have it and can’t use it, it don’t really matter does it??? For rifles, same thing… Some say the AR or AK is the best but if I’m hunting Elk and need a big round to shoot at 800 yards, the 5.56 or 7.62 don’t really cut it, I want a bolt action shooting a big caliber. If I’m in Iraq, that big caliber bolt gun don’t do me a whole lot in house to house fighting, I want an M-4 or an AK…. Do you get the idea, if there was one gun that was best for everything then there would only be one type of handgun, one type of rifle and one type of shotgun in the world, but since they can have so many different applications, we modify them to meet the needs of different applications… Kind of like cars, there is no one car that is best. If you live near the autobahn then a Ferrari would be sweet but if you live in the backwoods of KY, a Ferrari isn’t the best choice for gravel and dirt roads.. Your question is generic, kind of ignorant, asked way too much and there is no correct answer. If there is one, its the gun you own b/c no matter how awesome that colt is at the local gun shop, it does you no good if you have a cheap Bersa and a bad guy is coming at you… Same with caliber, no one caliber is better than all others, a smaller caliber is good for home defense so it doesn’t penetrate walls and hit family or neighbors on missed shots but does you no good if you’re carrying it for bear protection or big game hunting…

   Accept the fact there is no "one" handgun, rifle or shotgun better than all others. There are good manufacturers and good weapons for each category but you can’t say one is better than all others b/c they’re all suited to some type of specific application. You wouldn’t carry a bolt action 300 win mag into a close quarter firefight and you wouldn’t take an AK deer hunting… You wouldn’t carry a 9 mm subcompact in bear country and you wouldn’t carry a 6 inch 357 magnum going undercover…

5. blah

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   the one you have when you need it

6. p0rtside

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   They’re all good until they jamb on you.

7. nikomat77

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   H&K mk 23

   pre ’64 winchester model 70 or remington 700

   remington 870

   the mk 23 (socom) in terms of reliablity does everything that people think their glocks can do and it has the military tests results to back it up, and has match grade accuracy to boot, not to mention it beat out the 1911.

   pre ’64 are accurate, the same rifle that worked for my grandfather works for me and will work for my grandchildren someday, since winchester lost their appreaction for quality remington took their place.

   the 870 has a milled steel reciever, something that mossberg doesnt offer.

8. motosiri

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   "Best" is too subjective, as there are a lot of different opinions that can’t be proven over the internet. However, I can list several choices that virtually all experienced and unbiased gun owners would agree are quite good. I’m going to assume you’re talking about firearms intended for self-defense purposes.

   Handguns:

   Upper price range—Kimber Compact CDP II (M1911 .45 ACP) .
   http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/cdp/compact_cdp_II/

   Middle price range—Springfield Armory XD Compact (Polymer .45 ACP).
   http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?version=111

   Shotguns:

   Upper price range—Benelli M2 Tactical 12-gauge Autoloader (with ComforTech stock for substantial reduction of felt recoil and muzzle rise).
   http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/specialpurpose.tpl

   Middle price range—Mossberg 930 Special Purpose Field /Security Combo 12-gauge Autoloader.
   http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=32&display=specs

   Rifles:

   Upper price range—Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad (7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester) with black fiberglass stock.
   http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=37

   Middle price range—Olympic Arms AR-15 Plinker Plus Carbine (5.56 NATO with 16" barrel)
   http://www.olyarms.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=50&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37&vmcchk=1&Itemid=37

9. C_F_45

   March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   >>What do you consider to be the best handgun or rifle in the world<<

   I’m going to take that to mean a regular production firearm and not a custom one.

   Best handgun
   Korth
   http://www.korthwaffen.com

   Best rifle
   Blaser
   http://www.blaser-usa.com

10. vulpix_grant

    March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

    No such thing as best. If their was a single best pistol, their wouldnt’ be so many different sizes, types, and calibers of pistols out their.

    If your in need of a conceiled weapon for self defence. Then something like a .25 Raven or a good .32 is BEST. Small, easy to concele, and has enough power to hurt and maybe kill a human assalent. Anything bigger can’t be conceiled easily which could give you away and make you a target.

    If your out camping and a grizley decides you look like dinner, then a large frame revolver champered for .44 mag or .50 action express is best. It will put that bear down in one or two shots. Try using a small conceiled weapon and your lunch.

    If your fighting in a war, then a large semi auto with high capacity magazines chambered in .45 would be best. The .45 is great at putting down human size targets, but not as good as a Mag .44 at larger targets.

    If you recreational shooting, then a .22 Caliber is best. Affordable to own, super cheep to shoot, and can put a hole through a soda can as good as something bigger.

    If your using for home defence / glove box defence. Then this one is debatable. A revolver chambered in a good size round such as a .38 or a .357 is possibley best. Sturdy gun, no springs to wear out sitting in a loaded magazine. Or a Semi Auto like a 9mm or 40s&w could also be best because they can hold up to 4 times the ammo as the revolver.

    And the mid size caliber is best so you have enough power to put a intruder down, but not so much power as to travel through intruder, through house structure, through neighbor’s house and into neighbor.

    So best is in the catagory you need it.

    For best in the world. I have no idea? Probably the SOCUM USP developed for U.S. Special Forces. Super gun, super expensive.

    Best in the world Rifle? AK 47 or AK 74. Unbelievabley reliable, powerful, and they just can’t be damaged! They will shoot every time! ***Not as accurate as a M16 or M4.

    Best Shotgun? Could be any. Super simple weapon, so any top manufactures should be nearley identical in performance.

    Best caliber, this is debatable again. Best against Humans, either a .357 revolver cartridge or a .45acp Auto. Both best for taking down assalents. Best against bunny’s, a .22 LR. Best against Bison, a Mag .44 or .50 Action Express. ***unless were talking rifle rounds now.***

    Anyhew, my fingers are tiard now.

    Hope this helps.

11. don't know

    March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

    colt .45 acp

12. H

    March 15th, 2010 at 1:14 am

    Best handgun in the world? Best rifle/shotgun? Caliber???

    Wow! Bunch of questions to address at one time so…

    Broadly speaking the best hangun/rifle/shotgun in the world is the one that just happens to be in your hands when you most need it.

    Best handgun? Service automatic: Glock Model 20 10mm; Revolver: Colt Python .357 Magnum.

    Best rifle? Hunting North American Big Game: Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter in .30-06 Springfield. Combat rifle? FN FAl in 7.62×51 NATO.

    Shotgun? All around: Reminton 870 12 gauge.

    Why? You’re merely asking for an opinion and that’s my opinion.

    H

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