As a strictly practical matter, what is the ONE handgun that would be or actually is your "go to " for self defense? Why?? Please explain.

To answer this, I had to reevaluate and stop romanticizing my image of my revered pistols.

I started in law enforcement carrying my own 4" Model 19 .357. It was everything I needed back then (30 years ago). But, now she's retired. In today's world where multiple assailants are more and more prevalent, it is a sad (but true) indictment of our society that a six shot revolver can no longer provide the level of protection needed to cope with the situations faced by officers on the street in this day and time.

My choice is the Glock pistol. The Glock 22 to be exact. I own several Glock models and am issued a Glock 30 at work. ( a fine gun in it's own right!).

The Glock 22 was my duty gun for a long time before our transition to the 30. It carries 15 + 1 in the proven .40 S&W caliber in a package that weighs in at less than my beloved Colt 1911 and that straight "out of the box" is ready to go. The Glock does not require any expensive add ons. It is not pretty. But who was I trying to impress by carrying a pretty gun...?

Semiauto's , I'd own all Glocks if I could shoot them accurately.

__________________
82nd Airborne Div 1980-1986

If I knew I was gonna get in a gunfight I would probably also choose a Glock. I have three. A G22, G23 and a G27, all in .40 S&W. My favorite is the G23. Small enough to conceal and holds 14 rounds. I don't care if it gets dinged up and it always works.
My second choice would be my 2 1/2" M66-1.
Jim

A Taurus PT92 that I kept because I had it around. I have a large number of magazines for it, I know how to use it, and I plenty of ammunition for it. A great many handguns exist that are theoretically better. I have owned guns that I liked better. But I have this one to hand and it works.

As a LEO my go to guns are my Glock 27 and 23, and my LCR .357. After I return to civilian life, after retirement in a few short years I will likely mostly go back to my 1911, 4" 66, and LCR.

Reason why? I like them better, I shoot them better, and I will be more in the defensive mode than offensive. Won't have to worry about going out and gettin' the bad guys, will only have to worry about the ones that want to come and get me! Under those conditions I can rely on quality, more than quantity. Won't feel the need for high capacity as much

If I knew a gunfight was imminent, and I was limited to 1 handgun, it would be my BHP.

Why? Because it shoots like crazy!

I am in my mid-fifties today. Even living in stinky ol' Denver personally I like revolvers with 6+ rounds. They are what I learned on. Auto's seem to escape my skills. With that said if a revolver doesn't get the problem solved for us/me; best guess is it's over.

The .357 capable revolver is my personal choice. What you can shoot accurately is the one to have. A Model 627 is a personal dream to own. The psychology of an 8 shot revolver is priceless...

I've changed carry guns many times, because I love ALL guns!
But, for a true "self defense" gun, I really love snub revolvers with bobbed or internal hammers, in 357 mag caliber.

I can grapple with an aggressor and still fire into their body (without worry about malfunctions).

I can fire from odd angles without malfunction.

I will not get a double feed or failure to eject.

There are drawbacks to revolver for defensive weapon (low capacity, slow reloads) but for a civilian who stays away from high risk areas and is in bed before 10pm......

The following are some examples of what I have carried IWB:

I like my S&W 3953 most of all for around town and road trips.


A 3" heavy barrel, round butt K frame revolver is tough to beat, especially in .357 magnum. I wear these around our house in the mountains stuffed with 180 grain bullets.


I bought this S&W 58 back in 2008 as a bear protection handgun. It is kind of heavy to tote, but very impressive. It has been replaced by my S&W 1006 in warmer weather.

I'll play....

I'd grab my M&P 9 full size. It is without a doubt the most accurate gun in my hands..... with quick and accurate follow up shots. In all of the many, many rounds through it, I've never had a single issue. I trust it almost as much as one of my revolvers.

__________________
- The Federalist #46 -

If I know for sure that I'm going to a gunfight, Sig Sauer 1911 Tac Ops. If I need my little gun to fight my way to my big gun, Glock 9mm, 17, 19, or 26, whatever is handy.

__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I prefer the Glock in 40 caliber or any other 40 caliber that is DA every shot and has no external safety or decocking lever.
When the pucker factor is on you don't need extra gadgets to worry about, just point and shoot.

Trollygun makes a good point........

The answer is different for a police officer on duty in a big city, many here are retired and at home in a small town or quite suburb ..... to hiking in the woods or mountains..... to TEOTWAWKI.....

For 20 years a 3913 and a spare mag. or 3" 66 with 1-2 speedloaders met 99% of my perceived needs...... in the past 6 months I've "upgraded" to my PC 6906 w/ a spare 15rd mag with the +2 adapter as my primary concealed carry.

I still carry with the hopes of never having to use or even draw my weapon....

with a similarly simple answer. It's the one you feel confidence in as you carry it day to day. I did not interpret your question as asking for some idealized weapon, but rather as you state you needed to "reevaluate and stop romanticizing my image of my revered pistols." I did the same when I moved from Maryland (where getting a CCW is nearly impossible) to Virginia where they are easy to get and even promotes open carry. As a graduate of Gunsite the specific criteria for me is rather straight forward: a balance between speed (of draw and followup shots), power (terminal ballistics) and accuracy (center mass shots under stress at practical handgun engagement ranges). Even though I've carried as a Federal Agent for years, albeit in the past, I recognize that carrying concealed as a private citizen requires some very careful thought and consideration. For example, I love my S&W M&P 45 and 9mm handguns, but consider them just too large and heavy for day to day concealed carry throughout the year. Fortunately, I have a love of revolvers, shoot them very well and have a large selection from which to choose. What I ended up selecting were several mid-sized and small-sized revolvers with barrels between 2.5 and 3" in length. Another consideration was whether to carry stainless or blue steel. Since the mid-Atlantic region weather ranges from very hot and humid in Summer to very cold and snowy in Winter I need a gun that is not sensitive to surface corrosion and can withstand a bit of harsh use.

Bottom line: I keep my three blued Performance Center guns (shown below) as house guns, and as backups if one or both of my primary guns go in for repair.




However, my day to day carry guns are the two shown below. The Model 66-4 is currently being customized by David Sams to make it more suited to my specific requirements



With my choice of weapons (and their modifications) I've addressed to my satisfaction two of Gunsite's three considerations: speed and accuracy. Because all of my choices are 357 Magnums, my last consideration - power - has been addressed by my careful selection of ammunition. My choice is Remington's 125 grain Golden Saber round (SKU GS357MA). It's a mid-range load optimized for low flash out of short barrel guns, and is known for both its accuracy and its terminal performance.

I look forward to any and all comments.

Keith

I own lots of handguns but my concealed carry pistol is a Sig P228 9mm with a Mec-Gar 15 round magazine. It goes bang every time and I shoot it very well.

Just for practicality, my sig p250 subcompact .45acp. For those not familiar the p250 is a modular system, different frames and barrels to swap around. The s/n is on the trigger mechanism.

The sub compact holds 6+1, and accepts the magazines from the compact and full size. So it is easy to carry a ten round reload.

It also has night sights. Stone cold reliable with all ammo I've tried. Hammer fired with a true double action trigger. The longest double action trigger but also the smoothest trigger I have ever tried. No safety buttons.

The p-250 gets my practical vote, maybe because I like revolvers and it has the same trigger, with the faster reloads. For those who like the modular concept but want a striker fired the p-320 would be a great choice. Ed

A basic GM 1911.These days one made by Springfield Armory.I loved shooting Wilson's and Ed Brown at paper and steel plates, but for a SD scenario I want a looser tolarence gun for functionality under harsh condition.

It would be this one...

Attached Images

Hellboy Samaritan.jpg (78.1 KB, 231 views)

__________________
NULLI SECUNDUS

I agree with "fyimo" on the Sig P228; it is a fine pistol. Mine is the DAO version.

Easy choice for me: Colt 1911 in 45 in Commander configuration.

Easiest to shoot well ( for me), very comfortable to carry, highly effective round and plenty of ammo (8 rounds: 7+1) for anything except the universally dreaded zombie attack.

Practical to me means taking into account the conditions and situations. In the summer months, a 637 loaded with Speer 135 +P SB in a cargo pocket is my go-to. If conditions or situations change, my go-to is a Glock 19 loaded with Winchester Ranger 127 +P+. When I say conditions or situations I mean all factors including weather, clothing, and the location and activities one will likely encounter in their travels.

The handgun on my nightstand is not the handgun in my pocket.

The reason I keep a Colt 1911 on my nightstand is that I handle and shoot it the best.

The reason I keep an LCP in my pocket is because the 1911 don't fit.

Op, You asked about 'self defense', so I totally agree with you with your choice when I consider the possibility of getting into a major gun fight. If I had some special power to know ahead of time that I was going to get in a gun fight a day before, I would carry two or three Glock 22's. But, that is not possible, so I compromise by carrying the most gun my attire allows me to do comfortably. Sometimes it's a smaller Glock 40, sometimes a 38 J frame. If an intruder enters my house at night, I'm going to have my Glock with attached light.

For me it would be the H&K USP in .45 we have here. It has a fairly large capacity, this pistol has never failed to function and can be carried and used either as a DA/SA or SA mode firearm.

For me it doesn't matter on the season or the location the gun is always a G19. From 100 degree summer days to below 0 winter. Cow country or center city. To me it's the best all around gun.

I own Sigs, S&W, HKs and 1911s. All good quality guns that work every bit as well but, between size, weight, price of mags and capacity the Glock wins out. It is very rare that I carry something other than the G19.

Why the one you have with you at moment of course! Now with that bit of flippancy out of the way I have two that I lug around, a Kel-Tek PF-9 and a S&W 442. Why, because they both go bang every time they are supposed to and both are relatively light, accurate and reasonably powerful and can be carried in a pocket holster. Would I feel better with one of my Commanders in .45 ACP or my S&W M-21-4 in .44 Special, why yes I would but they are a bit too big for daily concealed carry for me.

__________________
Stay safe people!

Colt Commander in 45 acp...230gr ball.
Near 42 years now.
Reason.. power. They shoot well for me.

I know the word self-defense is ingrained.
Namely, because if you are unfortunate enough
to go before a Grand Jury or trial.

But, regardless how you slice it.....a gunfight goes from "defense" to "offense" very fast.
Just my 11 cents.(inflation)

I carry 1911s or S&W J frame snubbies, have for years. I'm very comfortable and familiar with both platforms but these questions are seldom as simple as "what's the one gun....". My nightstand gun is my former duty weapon, an FNP45 Tactical with a Streamlight TLR-1 and a Trijicon RMR02. My two "going out" or "answer the door" guns are a Colt Commander and S&W Wyatt 637 in the kitchen cabinet. And my "something's after the chickens", "there's a coyote in the back field gun", "who the hell is shooting down by the creek", "throw it in the Jeep and go check it out" gun is a FN PS90.

If I was forced to choose one gun for house and carry defense I'd go with the Commander or one of my other 1911s, though I could make do with anything I've got around here if I had to.

__________________
Don't kiss smiling dogs!

I agree with Mrtrolleyguy and Bam-Bam. Are you talking about self defence out in pubic, dark street at night, at home late at night, in the car ect; ect;?

For me if I knew I would be in a gun fight--and what civilian ever knows that---it would be a Glock 17 with 3 or 4 loaded 33 round magazines. On the street or in my car a 8 shot .357, I believe that would be a M327? At home late at nite it is a tie between a 12 gauge shot gun or an M&P R8.

If I had to pick just one of these and one was all I could ever have, it would be the M&P R8. jmho.

oops! I forgot to put the "why?" For me an 8 shop .357 that I can hang a light and laser on is the ultimate handgun as for as dependability, simplicity and versatility. Again jmho.

A 1911 for me. Its a gun I'm intimately familar with, have complete confidence in and shoot well. Plus the .45 makes big holes.

My carry gun is a 1959 vintage Lightweight Commander.


This is what I keep in the house for when things go bump in the night.

It depends on where I am and what I am doing. My routine carry in urban areas with help minutes away is a 5" 1911 in either .45 ACP or 10mm on my belt with a spare magazine. I also carry either a Sig P938 9mm or a 3.3" SA XDs-45 as a pocket BUG with a spare magazine.

When I spend time in remote rural areas with help an hour or more away, I often switch to either a Glock G20 SF 10mm or an FNH FNX-45 Tactical with two fifteen round spare magazines. If I am spending time in the woods with signs of bear, I often switch to my 4" S&W 29-2 .44 magnum for concealed carry plus two speed loaders.

__________________
U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

+ one Keith,
After "testing" several guns over the years, including revolvers and semi's, I finally found what I consider a fantastic carry gun. The SP 101... Factory bobbed hammer, DAO,.357 capable, just large enough to shoot competently and just heavy enough to absorb recoil. Teamed with Buffalo Bore .357 Low Flash Short Barrel Ammo I feel adequately armed.

Maybe I'm blurring the OP's post between adequate carry and optimum self defense. As mentioned different situations would merit a different gun. Ideally optimum self defense would probably be something where the caliber begins with a 4 or a 12.

for my part 45 acp for its stopping power but limited to 8 shots in my case (PT 45acp 1911). and 2nd CZ sp01 shadow.
accurate, magazine capacity 18 + 1. And if I am Assaulted by a bull, my 44 mag mountain gun.
and then always remember not to sleep alone in my bed one is minimum 4 my wife, Smith , Wesson and me !!

Self defense against what? Wild animals? Zombies? Two-legged predators?

If I could carry it, I'd go with the Arsenal SAM pistol in 7.62x39. Since I can't, I'm happy with a 624 snub. If I still owned a Thunder Ranch 325, that would be the choice.

__________________
I'm with the banned ...

I have a FS M&P 40 for a duty gun, I've been carrying a M&P 40 Compact IWB for awhile now and I'm getting used to it.

I carried a 442 IWB for about 40 years and felt well armed, it's just a great gun to have.
The 442 is just a good old friend, the satin nickel is wearing off but it's still a great shooter, and has always work.

I started carrying the compact just because it's a 40 and has double the rounds as the 442 has.

I've never felt out gunned in any situation I've encountered anytime in my life.

The main thing is to have a gun, when you need a gun nothing else will work.

__________________
John

The best handgun for self defense is the gun I have on me at the time. If the circumstances allow me to carry a full size pistol, I will. If circumstance dictates I carry a small .380, I will.

__________________
-John

Judging from the variety of "posters" I presume your question was not directed at LEO's only, and that since you mentioned "carry gun", we're not talking about home defense.
I make the distinctions because of your comment about a six shooter not being adequate for todays society, which, for LEO's I would agree. But for the average armed citizen I'm a believer that if a handgun is needed, 6 rounds will likely be plenty.

Therefore, I'll say that my choice is the Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm, loaded with Hornady Critical Duty. It's the perfect blend of easy to carry and a good defensive caliber. I carry the extended magazine +1 in the chamber. That gives me 9 rounds of 9mm.

__________________
Stay protected my friends.

If I can see trouble coming in time, it's my Colt M4 carbine. If I don't have time for that I reach for my Colt Series 70 in 45 ACP with night sights and other minor tweaking. For answering the door at night it's the RIA Compact in 45 ACP that sits next to my computer, and when going out the S&W 638 often rides in my pocket.

Attached Images

	DSC00253.jpg (90.5 KB, 44 views)
	L1040842 (1).jpg (65.4 KB, 47 views)
	L1040849 (1).jpg (58.7 KB, 48 views)
	L1040856.jpg (58.1 KB, 55 views)

with a similarly simple answer. It's the one you feel confidence in as you carry it day to day. I did not interpret your question as asking for some idealized weapon, but rather as you state you needed to "reevaluate and stop romanticizing my image of my revered pistols."

I look forward to any and all comments.

Keith[/QUOTE]


Excellent response to a broad question by Keith.
I am proficient with 1911s, Browning HPs, H&Ks, Glocks, and Sigs but I love a S&W wheel gun.
I have carried a bobbed hammered Model 60, 66 (2.5 inch barrel), 1911s, and more recently a 325 PD, depending on clothing situation, for defensive purposes.
For combat, Glocks are wonderful but the BHP is hard to beat.
For daily civilian carry the S&W 325 Airlite PD is remarkable. Lite, very accurate, durable, concealable and powerful. It has become my go to for concealed carry as my lifestyle leans toward defensive conditions. It does have what most would consider impressive recoil... but it suits me fine.
Moon clips reload fast and ride in a coat or vest pocket very well. I usually carry two to balance things plus the weight in the pocket can help swing a coat out of the way for a quick draw.
SK

Depending on where I'm going and how I'm dressed, it's either an Xds-9, BG380 or one of several SW .38 snubs.

A 60 no-dash.

__________________
But then, what do I know?

FOR 40 OR SO YEARS, I CARRIED A FULL SIZE COLT 1911, WITH 3 EXTENDED MAGS AND ONE IN THE TUBE, OF BLACK TALON OR GOLDEN SABER .45 ACP. NOW, IN MY OLD AGE AND REDUCED MOBILITY, I RELY ON MY 686+ AND MY 642. I CARRY THEM TOGETHER IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS, AND THE WEATHER PERMITS, OR THE 642 BY ITSELF, WITH 2 BIANCHI SPEED STRIPS. EVERYTHING IS STUFFED WITH SPEER GOLD DOT 135 GR JHP, LOW FLASH .38SPL.+P, FOR SHORT BARRELS. 24 ROUNDS SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO END THE THREAT. JAMS OR MISFIRES ARE REDUCED TO NIL, THE REVOLVERS ARE NO BRAINERS TO OPERATE UNDER EXTREME STRESS, AND THE GOLD DOTS WILL GET THE JOB DONE AT S/D DISTANCES…………….

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I'm out very rarely at night and very seldom in a city. My daily carry is a 40 year old Model 60 with 158gr LSWC HP +P.

For woods carry it is a Model 625 MG 45 Colt.

The couple of times we had a nut ball loose in the neighborhood it was a Remington 870 12ga.

Although with all the craziness happening around I'm wondering if I should start carrying a BHP or 1911.

__________________
Mike
USMCR 84-87, USAF 87-07

Of the two, I would suggest the BHP because the 1911 gives you nothing that the Model 60 doesn't already provide. The BHP gives you lots more rounds.

__________________
Stay protected my friends.

Being retired and mainly in safe areas I feel protected enough with my S&W Model 37 plus one speed loader. Now if I'm going to the big city I may add a 1911 and two extra magazines. Either a Ruger Commander size 1911 or a Kimber Ultra CDP.
I know my ten rounds and the 38 isn't so much fire power but my expectation is simply self protection from a mugger type or attempted car jacker maybe and should be enough. I'm no LEO and won't be going out to look for trouble.
I started with revolvers and added 1911s later. I'm most comfortable with them which is why I carry them. I just have never been able to warm up to other types of handguns much and probably too old and set in my ways to change now.

I have also rethought my daily carry recently. In the past I normally carried a K, or L frame 3" barrel. When I went someplace at night, or to a less desirable area I carried a 3". or 4" 1911.

Now when I leave home I carry a Glock 19 for its capacity, weight, and ease of being able to carry IWB. When I go to the Doctor I only carry a J frame in my pocket.

Times have changed. There are a lot of bad boys out there in the City. One needs to be prepared.

Not a policeman and don't think I need 198-rounds in a pistol. For me, it's always been hard to beat a Commander or LW Officer's ACP, but they are a little heavy - compared to a 340PD.

I'd like to try one of the S&W 1911ES types that combine the LW Officer's-length frame and Commander-length slide. Might be a nice match-up, but I have yet to get to that. It might be a project for 2015...

I guess that the most versatile pistol I have that can handle most defensive needs is my Gen 4 Glock 23. I have 9mm and .357 Sig barrels for it and plenty of magazines in .40 and 9mm...It will operate with 19/23/17/22 magazines as well as the 30+ round mags. It has night sights, a weapon light can go on it and a laser if desired. Parts are readily available and its easy to replace parts on it...It is large enough that I can shoot it competently but compact enough to be a realistic concealed carry pistol. I have an array of holsters for it as well as a MIC "holster" and a Clip Draw for it when minimal carry bulk is desired...It's the one gun that can handle most anything a handgun could be needed for...It's ugly, utilitarian and has no aesthetic appeal to me but it's a useful tool.

Sig p239 for me - accurate and controllable, with a DA/SA that will put back to back rounds in the same hole, right where I point it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk