Top Five Combat Handguns (all-time)

[HumbleEinstein]

I'm building out my collection of combat handguns and I'm curious what everyone would put in their list of all-time top 5 combat handguns. Here's my list. (subject to change)

1. Glock 34 (my preference is Gen4)
2. Sig P226
3. Glock 19 (again Gen4)
4. S&W 686
5. 1911

I don't own a 1911 yet. I've enjoyed shooting them but haven't found one that's perfect for me. I put it last because I question their reliability. I have to admit that they are very accurate.

 

[ROBAR35]

I think I might add the Bereta 92 and maybe the HK Mark 23

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Meh narrow historical vision

Question is a matter of criteria? Service length, serviceman acceptance, stopping power? What is the index for the metrics.

Anecdotaly I would go with

1911
Colt Army
Luger
Webley
Beretta 92

 

[stu929]

I think the 34 should come off and the 92 should go in.

I have yet to meet a 1911 with poor reliability but all I have ever really shot was mostly Springfields

 

[rj1974]

I think I might add the Bereta 92 and maybe the HK Mark 23

Ive got a MK 23 , I wouldn't want to have to carry it . I'd take a 1911 over it any day .

 

[HumbleEinstein]

I can't drop the Glock 34. There's a reason why it's the top gun in competition. I think I shoot well with it. I must admit my experience is narrow and I haven't shot most guns. That's why I'm asking for input.

 

[sixfivesavage]

HK USP line.

 

[BeltBuckle]

what about the Colt SAA? You said "all time"...

I'm good w/ the 1911 and the Sig (have/love both). I understand why folks like Glocks, but their ergonomics don't work for me. I'm a little surprised not to see an HK on the list -- yeah, heavy, but man, what a nice piece! Luger and Webley deserve some props too, I think, seeing this is "all time"...

I sense a modern bias in some of the lists. Which is just fine, but I'm a bit of a history nut...

interesting thought experiment, though.

 

[HumbleEinstein]

what about the Colt SAA? You said "all time"...

I'm good w/ the 1911 and the Sig (have/love both). I understand why folks like Glocks, but their ergonomics don't work for me. I'm a little surprised not to see an HK on the list -- yeah, heavy, but man, what a nice piece! Luger and Webley deserve some props too, I think, seeing this is "all time"...

I sense a modern bias in some of the lists. Which is just fine, but I'm a bit of a history nut...

interesting thought experiment, though.

I do tend to like the modern stuff. I've never shot an HK. I'm going to have to find one to try out.

 

[5.56blaster]

1911 its all you need. Kills bad guys dead!

 

[clandestine]

Meh narrow historical vision

Question is a matter of criteria? Service length, serviceman acceptance, stopping power? What is the index for the metrics.

Anecdotaly I would go with

1911
Colt Army
Luger
Webley
Beretta 92

I agree on criteria

I can't drop the Glock 34. There's a reason why it's the top gun in competition. I think I shoot well with it. I must admit my experience is narrow and I haven't shot most guns. That's why I'm asking for input.

You said COMBAT handgun. The 34 is a COMPETITION Handgun. Theres a difference.

what about the Colt SAA? You said "all time"...

I'm good w/ the 1911 and the Sig (have/love both). I understand why folks like Glocks, but their ergonomics don't work for me. I'm a little surprised not to see an HK on the list -- yeah, heavy, but man, what a nice piece! Luger and Webley deserve some props too, I think, seeing this is "all time"...

I sense a modern bias in some of the lists. Which is just fine, but I'm a bit of a history nut...

interesting thought experiment, though.

I agree.

 

[lx1x]

You said COMBAT handgun. The 34 is not COMPETITION Handgun. Theres a difference.

fify

at least what i know.. i just bought one and that is what they claiming 34 is.

 

[rj1974]

In no particular order

Colt 1911
Coll SAA
Colt 1917
Colt 1860
S&W 1917

 

[HumbleEinstein]

fify

at least what i know.. i just bought one and that is what they claiming 34 is.

Yes, but these are combat competitions.

 

[ROBAR35]

Ive got a MK 23 , I wouldn't want to have to carry it . I'd take a 1911 over it any day .

Agreed I have one also and it is a beast. May be opt for my HK tactical instead, you have to admit though the mark 23 is a freakin tack driver.

 

[rj1974]

Agreed I have one also and it is a beast. May be opt for my HK tactical instead, you have to admit though the mark 23 is a freakin tack driver.

Absolutely , It is my favorite range toy

 

[HumbleEinstein]

Meh narrow historical vision

Question is a matter of criteria? Service length, serviceman acceptance, stopping power? What is the index for the metrics.

Anecdotaly I would go with

1911
Colt Army
Luger
Webley
Beretta 92

This is up for debate, but I would set criteria on reliability, accuracy, capacity, and all around performance. Things like service length are too circumstantial.

 

[BeltBuckle]

Absolutely , It is my favorite range toy

I want to go to the range with you...

(I'll bring my Galil in 7.62... or how about a Krag?)

 

[bigrob]

1. 1911
2. Luger
3. Makarov
4. Baretta 92
5. Glock

 

[fivepointstar]

No particular order

1. Glock 17
2. SIG P226 (german mfg)
3. Beretta 92FS
4. Colt 1911
5. Walther P38