Author Topic: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations  (Read 20294 times)

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Offline MountainMan

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Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« on: June 15, 2009, 11:02:55 PM »

I thought this would be a great thread seeing how some of the other threads here have gone this route, but without the important topic.  I know this is a tough thread and I suppose of you have multiple favorites you can post them.   Personally, I really like several handguns and it depends on which day and mood I am as which I will be packin.  I am just like to know what types of gun you prefer or the ones you like carrying, for whatever reason.

My main preference for urban defense is the Smith and Wesson M&P (Military and Police) 45 caliber pistol.  Its lightweight, highly accurate, very durable and with an unbeatable warranty from S&W.  It also has wonderful adjustable grips to fit a variety of hand sizes.  I also like their 9mm and 40 caliber models, but .45 is my caliber of choice.




My main preference for the outdoors is the Smith and Wesson 629 44 caliber revolver which I like to carry in the woods for bear defense.  This gun packs a real punch and can be loaded with some heavy bullets.  Its not nearly as durable they say as Ruger Redhawk, which may be my next .44 revolver when the vault gets reloaded (LOL).      The S&W 629 has a much more sexy appeal than the big ol honkin blocky Ruger though, however some do like the charm of the single action super blackhawks. 




My main preference for pocket carry is the Smith and Wesson 442 airweight blued frame snubnose revolver.  Its very light, packs a hard punch with a .38 special bullet and goes in my pocket everywhere I go.   If you ever get in an armed struggle and your big gun fails you or is taken, whipping out the snubnose from the pocket can be lifesaving.  Since it is a revolver, it can also be fired from your jacket and not be made visible to a would-be attacker.   To me, this is the greatest pocket gun and makes a great choice for the ladies who purse carry.





List your handgun preferences for different situations, I love to hear..  This GUn/Firearms forum needs a little boost..   ;D

Offline Yonah

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2009, 10:08:18 AM »
Any Smith and Wesson J-Frame, but preferably a 340PD because of its extremely light weight and can fire .357 magnum.

If I had to go for a pistol, it would be a Glock.
Obama must use a magic 8-ball, because if he were flipping a coin he'd be right about half of the time.

Offline SW

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2009, 07:25:49 AM »
If the stupid law in Germany would allow weapons I would wear a Browning SFS or Walther P99

Offline SW

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2009, 07:34:12 AM »
If the Dutch weaponlaw didn't exist I would wear 5 revolvers around my waist and at least 2 AK-47's. And of course alot of mags

 ;D

That's Europe..

Offline MountainMan

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #4 on: June 17, 2009, 03:17:08 PM »
Quote
Any Smith and Wesson J-Frame, but preferably a 340PD because of its extremely light weight and can fire .357 magnum.
Nice Gun.. My hand says ouch  with those hot .357's coming out of that ultra lightweight gun :'(    I opted for the 442 because there is no way in heck I am shooting .357 out of a gun that weighs like 12 ounces.  No Thanks.   You also lose a lot of velocity of the projectile, because .357 doesn't utilize near its full potential coming out of a short barrel like that.   Still a great piece if you got the dough.

Quote
If I had to go for a pistol, it would be a Glock.
Consider the S&W M&P semi auto series.. Its everything a glock is supposed to be.  Shall I say, a Glock on steroids?


Quote
If the stupid law in Germany would allow weapons I would wear a Browning SFS or Walther P99
Good choices
 
 
Quote
If the Dutch weaponlaw didn't exist I would wear 5 revolvers around my waist and at least 2 AK-47's. And of course alot of mags

WOW.. 5 revolvers around your waist!!!!  Better get yourself a good belt their buddy!   I can say I admire your spirit..

Time for German and Dutch people to gather together and champion their G-d given rights to bear arms!   Lot of these gun ban laws evolved from the nazis and communists to weakened the populace and make them at the mercy of the bureaucracy.


Anyway, back to the subject.. What are other people's handguns of choice...
« Last Edit: June 17, 2009, 05:22:44 PM by MountainMan »

Offline Yonah

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2009, 07:40:39 PM »
Quote
Any Smith and Wesson J-Frame, but preferably a 340PD because of its extremely light weight and can fire .357 magnum.
Nice Gun.. My hand says ouch  with those hot .357's coming out of that ultra lightweight gun :'(    I opted for the 442 because there is no way in heck I am shooting .357 out of a gun that weighs like 12 ounces.  No Thanks.   You also lose a lot of velocity of the projectile, because .357 doesn't utilize near its full potential coming out of a short barrel like that.   Still a great piece if you got the dough.

Quote
If I had to go for a pistol, it would be a Glock.
Consider the S&W M&P semi auto series.. Its everything a glock is supposed to be.  Shall I say, a Glock on steroids?

I've never fired from a 340PD; I hear it's really bad. I've fired .38+P from a steel J-frame and didn't think it was too bad, but if I bought a 340PD it would be to carry and only fire if I absolutely had to.

I like Glocks for a number of reasons, ranging from accuracy to engineering; the only flaws I can think of are that they look and feel cheap, and are uncomfortable to hold without an added wraparound grip.

I was last in the US when the M&P had just been released, so I saw one in a shop but never fired from one. It was comfortable to hold and I thought it was quite nice. Size wise, how does a compact .40 compare to a Glock 27? Is there an internal lock?
Obama must use a magic 8-ball, because if he were flipping a coin he'd be right about half of the time.

Offline MountainMan

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #6 on: June 17, 2009, 10:31:26 PM »
Quote
I like Glocks for a number of reasons, ranging from accuracy to engineering; the only flaws I can think of are that they look and feel cheap, and are uncomfortable to hold without an added wraparound grip.
Well one thing Glocks got going for them is that they are cheap, parts are replaceable and they are very popular.  However, as for as engineering I have to contest.  I have spoken to a police sniper who did some rugged field testing of the Glocks, lets say firing 10,000+ rounds,  and his conclusion was they were a throw away gun.  Basically, they tend to deteriorate and suffer great performance problems after 5,000 round range.  Other polymer semi auto guns have been able to outperform and outlast Glocks on several occassions.  This is coming from a guy who is a firearm instructor for law enforcement for many years.    ALso, the grip on a glock is just G-d awful, what can I say.  It is like holding a brick and I think results in a great decrease in precision, since you cannot get a good hold on the gun, unless you have king kong hands.    My personal opinion , Glocks are overrated, cheap, poorly designed, plastic pieces of garbage.. I know many will come and beat me down for this bold comment; pardon me for being so direct.

Quote
was last in the US when the M&P had just been released, so I saw one in a shop but never fired from one. It was comfortable to hold and I thought it was quite nice. Size wise, how does a compact .40 compare to a Glock 27? Is there an internal lock?

Some models come with internal lock, but mine doesn't have it.  You can get it with or wihtout the lock.   What many models do have is a magazine disconnect safety that prevents the gun from firing when the magazine is removed.  Some may consider this an advantage or disadvantage.  My personal view is it is one more thing that can go wrong on the gun, but some think they may get in an armed wrestling match with a perpetrator that will require them to quickly disconnect the mag.   YOu can also purchase the gun without the mag disconnect safety.   Ambidextrous safeties are optional, I prefer just relying on the trigger for safety.

I have fired a couple compact models of S&W M&P and it blows away the glock because of the superior grips which mold into your hand.  I personally don't care for compact guns, even though I have the semi-compact Sig Sauer P229 which is a bit larger framed than a compact glock.   The various grips on the S&W and superior construction make it quite a tack driver compared to a glock.  If you strip the M&P you will see its modeled after a glock, but has several improvements.  The design has been carefully engineered and evolved. I personally believe this gun can outperform even a more expensive Hechkler and Koch, HK45.  The frame on the M&P is quite slim compared to a glock and you may even feel comfortable carrying the full size model.    I believe the barrels on .40 caliber are around 4.5" which are not hard to conceal, the compact models contain 3.5" barrels.  After feeling the lovely light DA trigger pull on the M&P, that alone may convince you to throw the plastic brick (Glock) into the recycle bin.    Would be worth it to investigate.. Let me know if you get your hands on it.. Many ranges will rent out the M&P's as well.  Shooting their 9mm was a lot of fun and it shoots way better than I do..  Due to the lightweight the .45 has some kick, but nothing too bad when u get use to it, I enjoy shooting it one handed as well.


Heres a pic of the Smith and Wesson 40c, compare it to the ugly glock  :laugh:



P.S. Notice the little tactical rail on the gun, for mounting your lasers, lights, etc.   ;D


The ugly duckling, the G23


And its ugly little friend, the G27 .. The G27 is more the equivalent ofthe 40c..  Same barrel length, subcompact.  Good luck getting tight groups at 40 yards with this one.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2009, 10:39:47 PM by MountainMan »

Offline Yonah

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2009, 06:50:50 PM »
I'll try to check one out next time I go to the US - what I've been able to read about it so far as all seemed pretty good.
Obama must use a magic 8-ball, because if he were flipping a coin he'd be right about half of the time.

Offline mord

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2009, 07:48:25 AM »
I have used both Glocks and  Berettas ,Berretas in my opinion are so much better on all counts and yes they look good
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Offline Zelhar

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2009, 08:03:23 AM »
Why would people still use revolvers today ?

Offline SW

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #10 on: June 19, 2009, 08:11:11 AM »
Why would people still use revolvers today ?

I don't know.. may because they are classic old guns. Also they are more reliable than normal pistols

Offline cjd

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #11 on: June 19, 2009, 09:24:37 AM »
Why would people still use revolvers today ?

I don't know.. may because they are classic old guns. Also they are more reliable than normal pistols
I think you will see revolvers for many years to come. They are nice simple guns that are less likely to give problems for the occasional user. Even someone who has very basic knowledge of guns can see whats going on. Less chance of jambing, less chance of people shooting themselves or others with rounds left in the chamber and decent fire power for home defence. What more could anyone ask for.
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Offline Yonah

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #12 on: June 19, 2009, 12:24:50 PM »
I prefer revolvers; you can get more power out of a smaller package, they don't print as easily, I prefer the balance, they've been technically developed to the point of perfection and there's very little that could go wrong.

Also, you can wrap a revolver up in a rag or fire it from inside a pocket repeatedly, and should your round turn out to be a dud, you can just pull the trigger again to cycle and fire the next; no need to have to pull the slide back to extract it.
Obama must use a magic 8-ball, because if he were flipping a coin he'd be right about half of the time.

Offline MountainMan

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #13 on: June 20, 2009, 10:13:11 PM »
Why would people still use revolvers today ?


+1 to everyone else' explanation...  Besides the fact that revolvers are very sexy looking  ;D,  revolvers have the ability to chamber rounds much larger than you can practically put into a magazine fed gun.   As everyone else here stated revolvers are very reliable and are simpler to maintain than your average semi auto magazine fed handgun.  A revolver will generally out live you and perhaps your children too; hence why some of these old antique cowboy guns you see still function well.

Now you tell me, what semi auto mag fed pistol do you know of can house a .500 S&W Magnum round ?   One of these suckers can take out a 1000lb (appx 450kg) grizzly bear in one shot; assuming you're good enough tohit a vital part of a grizz.  Fisherman, rangers and hunters in Alaska carry one of these around for a reason..  Check her out:



Compare S&W 500 to other handgun cartridges.  Use the popular 44 magnum as your point of refence.  Note that 44 magnum is larger than 45 ACP.




I love my revolvers..  As Yonah said, revolvers also have the ability to shoot even when pushed against a surface, your semi auto will jam in many cases in this scenario.  That is why a pocket revolver is so much more reliable and better than a pocket pistol like a Kahr or Kel-Tec.

Also, you can use speed loaders or moon clips to quickly load your revolvers in a magazine like fashion, so you don't have to load each chamber at a time in a time critical situation.

« Last Edit: June 20, 2009, 10:19:45 PM by MountainMan »

Offline Zelhar

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #14 on: June 21, 2009, 11:59:25 AM »
I see, then there are distinct advantages for revolvers.

Oh, and I came up with another reason- revolvers don't auto eject the casing and I think there are several advantages for this  property.

Offline ProudAndZionist

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #15 on: June 21, 2009, 12:07:38 PM »
If the stupid law in Germany would allow weapons I would wear a Browning SFS or Walther P99

I have Walther P99, but air pistol. (not airsoft!!!)
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Offline ProudAndZionist

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #16 on: June 21, 2009, 02:43:40 PM »
Heckler & Koch are world-famous. If I were you, I would buy that. ;)
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Offline MountainMan

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #17 on: June 21, 2009, 05:31:34 PM »
Now that I found out about the gun laws in The Netherlands (see topic: bought an ak47), I can post here:

what is the best pistol/revolver for close quarters, rapid fire with the most power and deadly, but no so deadly you kill someone by shooting in his leg(read: you blow his leg off) I don't want something too powerfull. I was thinking about something like this:

http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1365&rub=wapens&srub=pistolen
or
http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1391&rub=wapens&srub=revolvers
or maybe even this
http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1346&rub=wapens&srub=kogelgeweren

Sanguis, the H&K (Heckler & Koch) pistol you have displayed is an older model. If I were you I would consider purchasing their newer model the HK45 or if you must have a 9mm , you can go with the H&K P30 pistol.  These guns really are very pretty to look at and have adjustable front, rear and side grips.  These are, perhaps, the most ergonomic handgun on the market today.  I do have to warn you though that many have said that H&K's have real crappy triggers and many do claim that their accuracy and construction doesn't match the high price tag.  With H&K's you really are paying a lot for the name.  I have spoken with some police gun specialists and they say from their testings that the H&K does not hold up as well as it use to; the quality has decreased over the years. This information, Take it or leave it.  I still would choose an aluminum frame Sig 220 or Sig 229 over the H&K or even better, if you can get it, save yourself $300 and buy a Smith & Wesson M&P 45 or 9mm.  Many have claimed the S&W M&P has better construction and the accuracy is same or better than the H&K for less price.   Maybe in Europe, where you live, H&K's are a bit cheaper, I still think CZ is a superior brand pistol to h&K.

If you are seriously considering the revolver listed for self defense, then I would like you to reconsdier getting a 22LR revolver.  You say you don't want something too powerful?  Do you realize if you are in an armed confrontation your goal will be to disable your attacker before he can hurt you.  If you use a 22LR, it is likely you will shoot him and he will be able to shoot you and he may be dead 3 hours later, after your dead.   22LR's are great for target practice and plinking, but are not good as self-defense firearms.  Seriously, if you cannot handle the recoil of a 44 magnum revolver, there are many, many options available.  Smith and WEsson makes an 8 round .357 revolver which would be ideal for both urban and rural defense.  A .357 revolver has light recoil in a steel framed revolver and will be more powerful than any semi auto pistol round.  THey also make revolvers in 38,45LC, 10mm and other calibers that should still have managable recoil but will penetrate plenty.   You want to knock ur enemy down as fast as possible, not piss him off.
 
As far as the AK, I would advise looking into Saigas and having a conversion performed.  I am not an expert by any means on rifles, especially not AKs, but I know a lot of AKs you get in USA are constructed from inferior parts in junkyard factories.  I think with an AK you cannot go wrong with a Russian Saiga, Bulgarian Arsenal SLR series with milled receiver, or Yugo.   If you can find any of these they are good.  I will say Sig Sauer and H&K make some dang good semi auto rifles and you may want to check out the Sig 5.56 or if you are lucky find a H&K 308.  H&K 308 rifles were banned in USA and to purchase one in uSA now you must pay around $4000 (rough guess).  However, I am not sure if you can still purchase these types of guns, but I know in Switzerland they are very affordable.

Offline Yonah

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #18 on: June 21, 2009, 07:18:03 PM »
Now that I found out about the gun laws in The Netherlands (see topic: bought an ak47), I can post here:

what is the best pistol/revolver for close quarters, rapid fire with the most power and deadly, but no so deadly you kill someone by shooting in his leg(read: you blow his leg off) I don't want something too powerfull. I was thinking about something like this:

http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1365&rub=wapens&srub=pistolen
or
http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1391&rub=wapens&srub=revolvers
or maybe even this
http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1346&rub=wapens&srub=kogelgeweren

No handgun is "too powerful", but even a .22 shot to the leg could easily prove fatal.

You should probably learn a lot more about guns and how to use them before you consider buying one.
Obama must use a magic 8-ball, because if he were flipping a coin he'd be right about half of the time.

Offline ProudAndZionist

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2009, 11:32:05 PM »
Now that I found out about the gun laws in The Netherlands (see topic: bought an ak47), I can post here:

what is the best pistol/revolver for close quarters, rapid fire with the most power and deadly, but no so deadly you kill someone by shooting in his leg(read: you blow his leg off) I don't want something too powerfull. I was thinking about something like this:

http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1365&rub=wapens&srub=pistolen
or
http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1391&rub=wapens&srub=revolvers
or maybe even this
http://www.arcned.nl/FFcms/klanten/hvdp/showroom_detail.php?id=1346&rub=wapens&srub=kogelgeweren

No handgun is "too powerful", but even a .22 shot to the leg could easily prove fatal.

You should probably learn a lot more about guns and how to use them before you consider buying one.

My father is gun expert and engineer, if you want I will ask him about these guns, ok dude?
We are giants, giants in love...and if you ask that who are we, then you must be a dwarf.

Offline Jeff L

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #20 on: June 22, 2009, 12:41:43 AM »
I have a glock 21 which I use for home defense, and a kel-tec p3at that I carry and keep in the car on occasion.

Offline ProudAndZionist

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #21 on: June 22, 2009, 12:47:40 AM »
I have a glock 21 which I use for home defense, and a kel-tec p3at that I carry and keep in the car on occasion.

But where are you from dude?
We are giants, giants in love...and if you ask that who are we, then you must be a dwarf.

Offline MountainMan

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #22 on: June 22, 2009, 06:37:10 AM »
A .22LR can kill someone if it hits them in the leg.. yeah that is true.  First of all, the chances of that are slim in a combat situation, where your life is on the line.  Second, by the time any thug dies of a leg shot with a 22LR, you will be quite dead.  On that note, I will  take a .45ACP For urban defense, thank you.

Offline MountainMan

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #23 on: June 22, 2009, 05:41:29 PM »
P.S. Some people will have to refresh two or three times to see the pics I posted in this thread.  I am not sure why this is happening.  Maybe I need to find some new links for those pics, oh well,  I don't have time now.   Sorry.

Offline Jeff L

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Re: Your Handgun of Choice for Different Situations
« Reply #24 on: June 26, 2009, 03:18:14 PM »
I have a glock 21 which I use for home defense, and a kel-tec p3at that I carry and keep in the car on occasion.

But where are you from dude?

G-d :)