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Posted: 12/14/2002 8:21:11 PM EDT
[#1]
If you are going to purchase one handgun to bet YOUR LIFE on then get one that has a reputation for ultimate reliability. And get one in a caliber that works... no "pimp guns or calibers".
I recommend a Sig P-220 in 45 ACP. Cough up the dough or your friend will regret it !! |
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Posted: 12/14/2002 8:27:13 PM EDT
[#2]
Well, normally I would suggest a 1911 of one type or another, but I believe you are on the right track going with a mid-sized wheel gun. Pretty much idiot proof for the guy that might not train as much as he should. pull the trigger, if it doesn't go bang, pull it again and try a fresh round. It doesn't get much easier than that.
Just my .02 Dirk |
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Posted: 12/14/2002 8:38:03 PM EDT
[#3]
Yep....S&W 686 4inch .357 Like Col.Cooper says,"Anything else is just a contraption."
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Posted: 12/14/2002 8:45:59 PM EDT
[#4]
If my life depended on it:
Glock of course. FREE |
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Posted: 12/14/2002 8:51:12 PM EDT
[#5]
I would recommend either a 38/357magnum or a Glock 17.
The revolver is a better choice for a beginner, but if for some reason he wants an auto, go with the Glock. Easy to take down and reliable. |
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Posted: 12/14/2002 9:57:48 PM EDT
[#6]
Another vote for the 686.
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Posted: 12/14/2002 10:11:02 PM EDT
[#7]
The choice would be totally drive by the budget available for the purchase. To get in cheap, I'd go with a GP-100 Ruger in .357 or one of their P-Series pistols. For practical reasons, I prefer a 1911. A Charles Daily model could get you in cheap, while Kimber would be a mid-range purchase and Wilson the ultimate 1911 puchase,
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Posted: 12/14/2002 10:15:46 PM EDT
[#8]
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Posted: 12/15/2002 7:17:06 AM EDT
[#9]
Today 12/15/02 is the last day to buy a S&W centerfire and recieve a free range bag.
OSA |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 7:35:06 AM EDT
[#10]
Glock, of course.
Why would you put him 20 years behind the curve with a wheel gun? |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 7:38:23 AM EDT
[#11]
SIG P226 in 9mm...No manual safety to mess with, 15rd mags plentiful for around $50 each, easily controllable round for the newbie, ammo is readily availabe regardless of locale (international, etc.).
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Posted: 12/15/2002 7:48:47 AM EDT
[#12]
1911
Flat and easy to conceal (including the magazines). Parts available everywhere (and one of the few handguns I can detail strip to the last part without worries). Ammunition available anywhere. Reliable magazines are cheap enough that I can leave spares in the center console of my vehicle and not worry about someone stealing my $60+ hi-cap. Small enough grip and short,light trigger that even my daughters can handle effectively. Most of all, its the type of gun Ive mainly carried since I was old enough. My second choice would be my SIG P226. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 8:24:04 AM EDT
[#13]
I would get the S&W 686+ 4", 7 shots on the same frame . I have one and of all my handguns it is my favorite pistol.
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Posted: 12/15/2002 8:32:37 AM EDT
[#14]
S&W Model 66 4" .357mag
Not as heavy as the 686 and still has the same punch power. I have seen pictures of Seal Team 6 training with Model 66's. Why ? Because they are quick to point and reliable as hell. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 8:35:26 AM EDT
[#15]
LMAO. Has anyone ever bought one and only one gun? I don't think it's possible. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 8:57:33 AM EDT
[#16]
Forget buying for the moment. Take him to the range and let him shoot as many different pistols as possible. Let him try semis and revolvers, larger calibers and smaller, single and double actions, striker fired and hammer fired handguns.
The best gun (although it will surely be a first gun not an only gun) is the one that feels best and that he shoots best. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 9:02:13 AM EDT
[#17]
Definately a Glock.
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Posted: 12/15/2002 10:08:42 AM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 12/15/2002 10:21:15 AM EDT
[#19]
I didn't say only one gun. This guy has several rifles and shotguns, now he wants a handgun for backup when hunting and general home/self defense. He has plenty of experience shooting, but isn't really sure what one handgun would suit his needs. Because he wants to use one gun for everything I figured a 4-inch .357 would be the natural choice. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 10:30:11 AM EDT
[#20]
HK USP 45
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Posted: 12/15/2002 10:30:46 AM EDT
[#21]
or a HK p7m8 9mm
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Posted: 12/15/2002 10:51:32 AM EDT
[#22]
i agree, why would a person want only one handgun? |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 11:51:02 AM EDT
[#23]
Your friend can't go wrong with the 4" .357mag for a revolver.
If he wants an auto, I would go with the Glock 20(10mm), 21(.45), or 31(.357sig). |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 1:25:11 PM EDT
[#24]
Fools, all of you. The correct answer is:
Mauser c1896 Broomhandle (model 1930 is okay if you're cheap). If it's good enough for Winston Churchill, the Kaiser and Han Solo, it's good enough for your friend.  Plus - finding ammo for it can become a hobby in itself! |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 2:43:33 PM EDT
[#25]
A Ruger SP101 DAO in 357 Magnum
It isn't the BEST handgun for home defense, but since the restriction is only ONE handgun: I say get this Ruger. It is small enough to use as a carry gun. And while not the best for home defense..it will do the job. IF it is to be a HOME defense handgun..then a Ruger Stainless Steel GP100 with a 6 inch barrel would be a good choice. S&W will have a better trigger. But the Rugers are stronger and will last longer. Another possibility is to get a Wesson Revolver. These revolvers have the ability to allow the owner to easily swap barrels. So they are rather versatile. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 3:51:58 PM EDT
[#26]
That changes everything then. 4" .357 IMHO. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 5:28:18 PM EDT
[#27]
A Smith & Wesson K or L frame 357 magnum with a 3 inch barrel and round butt configuration. These are probably the most versatile handguns ever made. They are good for home or personal defense gun, relatively easy to carry and conceal. Not bad as a back up or short range hunter. They won't do anything great but it will do everything well.
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Posted: 12/15/2002 6:43:22 PM EDT
[#28]
I agree with the 686 for your friend. A decent wheelgun is a good choice for the person who just 'wants a gun'.
For me it would be a Kimber Series I with spare parts kits, McCormick magazines and a .22 conversion unit. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 6:47:08 PM EDT
[#29]
This was exactly my way of thinking. I don't think this guy is looking for the latest and greatest, just a good handgun that works. Thanks for the replies. |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 6:48:03 PM EDT
[#30]
Anyway, if the guy wants it for backup for hunting and self defense I think .357 is the only reasonable choice (although a 10mm revolver would work also) |
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Posted: 12/15/2002 8:26:29 PM EDT
[#31]
Seriously:
www.ruger-firearms.com/rvpages/gpf331.html  (sorry for the red X) A blued 3" medium-large frame .357 with fixed sights that's tougher than shit and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. A leather holster from HighNoon or someone is a MUST. Pancake style that rides high so it's comfortable and the guy will use it without having to buy a new wardrobe for IWB style holsters. This is a great choice for one handgun (to start with). I hope you consider this one. Good luck. |
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Posted: 12/16/2002 7:23:29 PM EDT
[#32]
Ok--
Thanks for all the replies and input, BUT, my genius friend ended up buying a cheap, FIE, buffalo or something .22 revolver from somewhere for $50 and is just tickled pink!! Ever wonder why they even ask? |
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