Have You Found Your Perfect Handgun?
- Thread starter loknload
- Start date
No I haven't found the PERFECT one - though I have found several darned good ones.
But if I ever did, what fun would that be? I'd have to stop looking and stop acquiring new ones to try....
But if I ever did, what fun would that be? I'd have to stop looking and stop acquiring new ones to try....
digiroc
Member
Yes! I have found my Perfect Handgun ...
In fact I have found several perfect handguns.
My super light .357 capable AirLite PD is the most concealable, easiest to carry, and fastest to deploy from AISW carry. It's my primary carry gun. Once I put Crimson Trace rubber laser grips on it the 11.4 oz gun became much more pleasant to shoot and easier to aim.
Newly acquired is my Shorty Forty. Performance Center perfection in a semi-auto. With a Briley barrel bushing and hand fitted oversize slide rails it's a precision instrument. A holly grail I can hold in my hand and enjoy shooting.
For general woods carry, hiking, hunting, and unparalleled beauty, my model 69 is the pick. 5 round .44 Mag in "L" frame. The gun just looks and feel great. Like the AirLite, a Crimson Trace laser grip cushions recoil and adds laser aiming.
Digiroc
In fact I have found several perfect handguns.
My super light .357 capable AirLite PD is the most concealable, easiest to carry, and fastest to deploy from AISW carry. It's my primary carry gun. Once I put Crimson Trace rubber laser grips on it the 11.4 oz gun became much more pleasant to shoot and easier to aim.
Newly acquired is my Shorty Forty. Performance Center perfection in a semi-auto. With a Briley barrel bushing and hand fitted oversize slide rails it's a precision instrument. A holly grail I can hold in my hand and enjoy shooting.
For general woods carry, hiking, hunting, and unparalleled beauty, my model 69 is the pick. 5 round .44 Mag in "L" frame. The gun just looks and feel great. Like the AirLite, a Crimson Trace laser grip cushions recoil and adds laser aiming.
Digiroc
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Mulebuk Sam
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Not sure, most of us never really know until we handle it enough and shoot it enough.
However there are things we can rule out or in.
For me what I have discovered is, if I'm going to carry on my person it has to be in the front pocket and I will no longer make any concessions on that point.
Next, it has to be at the very least somewhat enjoyable at the range beyond just remembering how it handles and feels to shoot it.
And those two points right there has been somewhat of a dilemma for me. Because I don't really trust semi-automatics but they carry nicer than a revolver, but at the same time when I carried my 642 which carried nice enough it wasn't that fun at the range.
Nothing brutal but surely could be approved upon as I would like to develop one handed shooting skills and from even the weak hand/off-handed.
However, I could be on to something as I just ordered a new Sig P290 in the .380 version. Smaller than the 642, double action only which is what I like and almost half the ft. lbs. of recoil of the 642.
It does weight a a little more but nothing radical and it will ride good. So, if this latest scheme of mine pans out I'll be golden.
I'll have BIG Hoss my Governor on off-body carry and house duty and the Sig for the quick draw.
This trial and error jive has cost me literally into the 4 figure range,
the Sig will be the 9th (10 one refusal at the FFL) gun in 19 months.
Mike in Reedley
Member
30+ years of LE and literally 100s of handguns later (not all cc practical though), I keep coming back to what I started with a J frame and a 1911. My last and best years as a cop was as a detective sergeant with my Les Baer Thunder Ranch and a 442.
Now that I'm retired my role, and subsequently, the role of my EDC has changed. My always handgun is a 638 loaded with BB 158 SWC LHP. My 1911 has shrunk to a Kimber Commander length stainless slide and Officers Model aluminum alloy frame (Compact Carry II Stainless?) loaded with Win Ranger 230 JHP. I just bought a Kahr CW9, so that could replace the Kimber.
My truck handgun alternates between a M&P mid-size .45 and a Model 69 loaded with 44 Spl BB 240 LSWC. My truck rifle changed from an evil AR to a wholesome Chiappa Model 92 in .357.
Now that I'm retired my role, and subsequently, the role of my EDC has changed. My always handgun is a 638 loaded with BB 158 SWC LHP. My 1911 has shrunk to a Kimber Commander length stainless slide and Officers Model aluminum alloy frame (Compact Carry II Stainless?) loaded with Win Ranger 230 JHP. I just bought a Kahr CW9, so that could replace the Kimber.
My truck handgun alternates between a M&P mid-size .45 and a Model 69 loaded with 44 Spl BB 240 LSWC. My truck rifle changed from an evil AR to a wholesome Chiappa Model 92 in .357.
badge 851
US Veteran
I daily carry a close relative to the 442/642 Centennial...
Product: M&P BODYGUARD(R) 38 Crimson Trace(R) Integral Laser
Product: M&P BODYGUARD(R) 38 Crimson Trace(R) Integral Laser
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elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
I have several "Perfect Handgun(s):"
1. My "perfect backup gun," or "always gun," is my S&W Model 642-2.
2. My "perfect concealed carry gun" is my 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 round butt with Bianchi Lightning grips.
3. My "perfect open carry/woods walking gun" is my tapered 4 inch S&W Model 10-5 square butt with factory magnas and a Tyler T-Grip.
4. My "perfect carry gun," meaning the one I'm most likely to carry as primary off-duty is my 2 inch S&W Model 12-2 round butt with factory (serialed to the gun) magnas and a Tyler T-Grip.
I don't have a "perfect duty gun," yet, but I'm carrying a 4 inch Model 686-6 with round butt Hogues on it right now. It'll do. If I retire and start working for myself, I'll be looking for a 5 inch S&W Model 327 TRR8.
1. My "perfect backup gun," or "always gun," is my S&W Model 642-2.
2. My "perfect concealed carry gun" is my 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 round butt with Bianchi Lightning grips.
3. My "perfect open carry/woods walking gun" is my tapered 4 inch S&W Model 10-5 square butt with factory magnas and a Tyler T-Grip.
4. My "perfect carry gun," meaning the one I'm most likely to carry as primary off-duty is my 2 inch S&W Model 12-2 round butt with factory (serialed to the gun) magnas and a Tyler T-Grip.
I don't have a "perfect duty gun," yet, but I'm carrying a 4 inch Model 686-6 with round butt Hogues on it right now. It'll do. If I retire and start working for myself, I'll be looking for a 5 inch S&W Model 327 TRR8.
Most often carried nowadays is my Kahr CM9. It carries nicely either IWB or front pants pocket and holds two more rounds than my M36 which is a worthy alternate for at least 40 years. The ultimate hideaway is the little LCP which is always in my pocket when in the house.
Too right. I never thought a tiny pocket pistol could ever shoot well enough to carry for defensive purposes. Still I lugged too much iron too many years on the job and came to hate weight so I took a chance and got a Ruger LCP Custom. Not much of a powerhouse but I figure its more important to have it on me in the first place as priorities go.
When I first shot the thing I was amazed . Sure it kicks but the trigger was better than the HK P 2000 they last forced on me. After a box of shells you have had enough but the recoil is still reasonable and follow up shots are natural and fast.
When I last shot my HR214 Qualification I decided to shoot fast just like the real thing. They weren't really scoring anyways so I blasted away like I did at agency qualifications in the past. I wanted the training more than the score so went all head shots out to 15 yards. Darned if I didn't hit every one if you include an ear shot. Still, rapid aim and fire results like that with a gun you can't even get a full grip on is sort of comforting. After 15 yards I decided to go center mass as my shootin aint all that great.
I guess I was most impressed with the trigger. Sort of long but buttery smooth. The real sights are a tad high but don't drag for me in a Desantis holster. The only thing I don't like is the lack of an empty chamber slide lock . The best thing is while in its holster it is so small I can't tell it from my smart phone or wallet. That's worth something. The more I shoot it the more impressed I am with this tiny pistol. I trust it (as long as its in the holster) plenty enough to keep one in the tube.
ChattanoogaPhil
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Same here.
I know quite a few folks at the club like me with lots of full size and so-called compact guns in the safe with a ton of holsters... rarely carried. It's the small guns that get carried.
Just a few weeks ago a good friend told me about this great custom holster he was getting for his Browning Hi-Power. Supposed to be the most comfortable holster ever invented... (as we all want to believe when buying yet another new holster for guns we don't carry). So he gets the magic comfort leather and says he can't believe how great it is... at first. I see him a week later and ask how's that new leather working. He says he really likes it but is back to carrying his LCP.
Drop an LCP in the pants pocket in the morning and it stays there till bedtime.
Bulldawg Dad
Member
It used to be that I never stepped out of my house unless my SW M-340SC was attached to me somewhere. Times have changed. More often than not these days my Glock M-23 Gen 4 is hidden on me along with a spare mag. During the hotter months I've been cc'ing my Glock 43 with several spare mags.
As far as the perfect gun I still say that if the magical "you could only have one handgun" rule appeared, I would opt for my 4" SW 686 (no dash) above all others.
As far as the perfect gun I still say that if the magical "you could only have one handgun" rule appeared, I would opt for my 4" SW 686 (no dash) above all others.
I've gone through several, but I think I've settled on a Ruger LC9s. It's small, but big enough to get a grip on. It's light...I'm too lazy to carry a heavy gun. I shoot it better than I do any small revolver I've ever owned. Maybe a little too big for pocket carry, but I don't like that anyway. It's dead nuts reliable...I don't think it has ever malfunctioned.
It's purple...so I got it for a really good price. Since then, everything else is for range use.
It's purple...so I got it for a really good price. Since then, everything else is for range use.
BigCityChief
Member
I love my HiPower, but my new Kimber is mighty good looking.[emoji2]
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
DevilDog72
US Veteran
............ not yet, but my 19-4 snub is pretty close to perfect
Rastoff
US Veteran
That was funny. Now show the pic of the good looking one.
BigCityChief
Member
Right now my perfect handguns are a 637 in the warm weather or a Glock 26 when it is cooler, and I can conceal with a light jacket.
The 637 is loaded with the Speer 135 gr. SB while the 26 is loaded with the Winchester Ranger T-Series 127 gr. +P+.
Nothing fancy but they work.
The 637 is loaded with the Speer 135 gr. SB while the 26 is loaded with the Winchester Ranger T-Series 127 gr. +P+.
Nothing fancy but they work.
Yes I have......for about the 8th time now....check again in another week or so
Started off back around 1978 with a Model 15, in a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster when dressed for it at work and in a nice pancake made by a local officer when off work. Summertime, started with a lightweight Bodyguard, then got a Model 60, both in an ankle holster. Woodswalker was a 4" Mod. 66.
Nowadays, being retired and able to dress pretty much as I please, my edc is a Glock 26 with a Glock 17 mag for reload when I'm lightly dressed, and a Sig P226 when clothed to cover it. None of them perfect, but then I'm not perfect either.
Just got a couple of used .45 sig P220s--one full sized 8-round and one compact edge-melted 6-round. 10-round extended mags for reload on both. If I like the pistol and find a good holster, the compact .45 may be my next summer edc.
Nowadays, being retired and able to dress pretty much as I please, my edc is a Glock 26 with a Glock 17 mag for reload when I'm lightly dressed, and a Sig P226 when clothed to cover it. None of them perfect, but then I'm not perfect either.
Just got a couple of used .45 sig P220s--one full sized 8-round and one compact edge-melted 6-round. 10-round extended mags for reload on both. If I like the pistol and find a good holster, the compact .45 may be my next summer edc.
Since you asked!
I have grown fond of the Ruger LCR chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum. Carries SIX rounds and is just below being as powerful as a .357 Magnum with less felt recoil to boot. This revolver will shoot the .327 Mag, the .32 H&R Mag., the .32 S&W Long and the .32 short. Another plus is the trigger pull which allows most Men & Women to pull the trigger without causing movement from the target. Double action only.
Sure hope S&W finds it in its Heart to resume production for this caliber in the J & K frame revolvers and is competitive. This CALIBER should be allowed to live!
I have grown fond of the Ruger LCR chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum. Carries SIX rounds and is just below being as powerful as a .357 Magnum with less felt recoil to boot. This revolver will shoot the .327 Mag, the .32 H&R Mag., the .32 S&W Long and the .32 short. Another plus is the trigger pull which allows most Men & Women to pull the trigger without causing movement from the target. Double action only.
Sure hope S&W finds it in its Heart to resume production for this caliber in the J & K frame revolvers and is competitive. This CALIBER should be allowed to live!
Murphy's Law
Member
Yes, my Shield 40, 2nd Glock 23, 3rd Talo 686+ 3" others I have for range work only.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
Three amigos!
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Eddie Southgate
Member
Open carry : Series 70 1911 w/ 2 spare 8 shot Meggar mags with 185 gr HP +P's .
Concealed : Colt Cobra loaded with Winchester 125 gr lead SWC HP +P's and 2 speed loaders of same.
Most perfect all around handgun for me would be the Triple lock .44 SPL Target and Colt Single Action in .44 SPL. Got the Colt and hopefully one day will get the S&W.
Eddie
Concealed : Colt Cobra loaded with Winchester 125 gr lead SWC HP +P's and 2 speed loaders of same.
Most perfect all around handgun for me would be the Triple lock .44 SPL Target and Colt Single Action in .44 SPL. Got the Colt and hopefully one day will get the S&W.
Eddie
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Amp
Member
I think so...
For over twenty years I carried a 640 no dash. Every now and then I tried something else but always came back to the little 38. Just bought a M&P340 that comes in at almost half the weight and much better sights. The 340 just may be what I needed.
For over twenty years I carried a 640 no dash. Every now and then I tried something else but always came back to the little 38. Just bought a M&P340 that comes in at almost half the weight and much better sights. The 340 just may be what I needed.
DelawareDave
Member
Yes, about 15 of them... 
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