What handgun do you grab for running around town or doing errands (urban setting) for "just in case" something happens? I have several that I like to grab for various reasons, but I always seem to gravitate towards my early West German Sig P220 in 45 ACP. It has night sights and I put in a Harrts recoil reducer in place of the guide rod. It gives a slight push straight back when the round is set off and with minimal muzzle-flip. It is very accurate and smooth and has NEVER let me down. This is why it is my "Go-To" handgun. I'm interested in what you grab and why. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
What handgun is your "Go-To" gun?
- Thread starter Sprefix
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I never leave home without it. There is usually another one in the truck, but this one is always in my pocket. Why? I have been pocket carrying a j-frame of some sort for nigh-on 40 years now, so I guess it is habit as much as anything else. Not to mention reliability, safety, simplicity, and since the BB 158 grain +P lswc hp, plenty of power. Reminds me, I've got to change out the ammo in the speed loader to the BB.
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Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Model 642 with CT laser grips (lg-405) and a Seecamp .32ACP as back-up. One in each front pants pocket.
Dave
Dave
ContinentalOp
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My main carry gun is a 3" S&W 65. It's had an action job with a DAO conversion and the hammer's been bobbed. It has a set of Ahrends smooth cocobolo boot grips with a tung oil finish. I carry it loaded with Buffalo Bore .38 Special standard pressure 158gr LSWCHP with Speer .38 Special +P 135gr Short-Barrel Gold Dot HP in a Quick Strip as my reload. I shoot this gun better than just about anything I've tried. It points well and fits my hand well. I have a lot of confidence in it.
What's funny is that I bought a 642 so I could slip it in my pocket and go, but since I got a Wraith IWB holster for my 65 by Seth's Gun Leather, I've been carrying that a lot more than the 642. I don't think I've carried my 642 in a couple of weeks, at least. The Wraith is very comfortable for me. I've worn it as long as 15 hours without any issues.
However, my 2" 64 may be giving my 65 a run for the money. It has a factory bobbed/DAO hammer and is wearing a set of PGS Hideout grips (hopefully to be replaced by a set of Ahrends boot grips in the near future). I really like the way it balances in my hand. I'm going to give it a good workout at the range this week (hopefully) and see how it goes. It's what I'm wearing on my hip right now, loaded with BB ammo, in a Milt Sparks SSII for my 65, but the 64 fits as well.
What's funny is that I bought a 642 so I could slip it in my pocket and go, but since I got a Wraith IWB holster for my 65 by Seth's Gun Leather, I've been carrying that a lot more than the 642. I don't think I've carried my 642 in a couple of weeks, at least. The Wraith is very comfortable for me. I've worn it as long as 15 hours without any issues.
However, my 2" 64 may be giving my 65 a run for the money. It has a factory bobbed/DAO hammer and is wearing a set of PGS Hideout grips (hopefully to be replaced by a set of Ahrends boot grips in the near future). I really like the way it balances in my hand. I'm going to give it a good workout at the range this week (hopefully) and see how it goes. It's what I'm wearing on my hip right now, loaded with BB ammo, in a Milt Sparks SSII for my 65, but the 64 fits as well.
Sir, here's mine. Nuthin' fancy, but it's only jammed once in thousands of rounds over 20 years, and that on a sketchy handload.
This is 32 rounds shot "quick-ish," but not really fast, at 10 yards when testing some new magazines.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
This is 32 rounds shot "quick-ish," but not really fast, at 10 yards when testing some new magazines.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
NCTexan
US Veteran
My Beretta PX4 is my SHTF gun... It's my most instinctive pointer for some reason.
I shoot it accurately on the range, but it's nowhere as accurate as my target guns or some others that I've tuned.
However "Black Bart" has never missed a beat and sits by my bed at night.
I shoot it accurately on the range, but it's nowhere as accurate as my target guns or some others that I've tuned.
However "Black Bart" has never missed a beat and sits by my bed at night.
Snapping Twig
Member
In my entire life, I've needed a gun 4 times - so far. Each time I've grabbed a handfull of an old W. German Sig P220 I bought new in 87.
These days I'd still stick to a .45acp for SD in an urban setting, but I might go with a 1911. I've long since laid my hands on one and I shoot it better than the Sig. The Sig is still my nightstand gun.
For the woods my first choice is a 3" .44, something that's easy enough to wear but powerful enough to do any job. I've done that for the last 20 years or so and so far so good.
These days I'd still stick to a .45acp for SD in an urban setting, but I might go with a 1911. I've long since laid my hands on one and I shoot it better than the Sig. The Sig is still my nightstand gun.
For the woods my first choice is a 3" .44, something that's easy enough to wear but powerful enough to do any job. I've done that for the last 20 years or so and so far so good.
My all the time carry is a Colt Mustang 380, and my nightstand and hunting back-up pistol, is my matching SS Colt 45 Defender it's nice and light.
p.s. I collect watches too
p.s. I collect watches too
Sig 239 in 357sig. I had it for three years and admitally not to smart, haven't even fired it yet despite my trust in Sig guns.
Used to carry one of several 10mms but since I tried the 239 it is less imposing on the hip. I hardly know it's there compared to a 610, 1006, or 1911 10mm.
Used to carry one of several 10mms but since I tried the 239 it is less imposing on the hip. I hardly know it's there compared to a 610, 1006, or 1911 10mm.
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Mule88
Member
Right now I find myself grabbing my pre lock 642. But things can change 
Gutpile Charlie
US Veteran
My everyday gun is J frame Smith, M36 and M60. Next, I have many to choose from, but I would go with the Beretta 92 FS.
bitstream
Member
Just bought a Springfield XDm .45 the other day. 13+1 rounds of .45 ACP with a very smooth trigger and good grip. I'll be trying it out on the range before carrying it; but I think I'm going to like it.
Andy Griffith
Member
My Winchester 9422 carbine.
I know, this isn't in keeping with the thread- but I use it more than any other firearm I own- I'll have it out three to four times a week. Sure, I might carry other handguns, but this is my "go to" piece when varmints come to call.
I don't live in an urban environment, so...
I guess the handgun that I've carried more than anything else over time- Ruger Bearcat (I'm ashamed)- I've nearly worn it out carrying and shooting it around the place, but it still hasn't gotten more use than the 9422. I would not feel undergunned with that Bearcat if that was all I had at the time in any situation- I know I can hit anything I want within handgun range with it. Might be a bit slow on the reloads though.
I know, this isn't in keeping with the thread- but I use it more than any other firearm I own- I'll have it out three to four times a week. Sure, I might carry other handguns, but this is my "go to" piece when varmints come to call.
I don't live in an urban environment, so...
I guess the handgun that I've carried more than anything else over time- Ruger Bearcat (I'm ashamed)- I've nearly worn it out carrying and shooting it around the place, but it still hasn't gotten more use than the 9422. I would not feel undergunned with that Bearcat if that was all I had at the time in any situation- I know I can hit anything I want within handgun range with it. Might be a bit slow on the reloads though.
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venomballistics
Member
My STHF gun used to be an 8 3/8" 629.
My change of environment now dictates that I place a leash on penetration ... 1911 has replaced old glory in this role.
My change of environment now dictates that I place a leash on penetration ... 1911 has replaced old glory in this role.
BlackSky
Member
.357magger
Member
Either a Colt Series 70 in stainless or my new to me 627 Bloodwork. I can't pack at work, but can put a Maxpedition bag in the car. That opens up a LOT of opportunities and no worries about weight.
If I'm running to the ATM or store, it's either a Mod 686+ 2.5" or Glock G19 in OD green.
If I'm running to the ATM or store, it's either a Mod 686+ 2.5" or Glock G19 in OD green.
My carry gun is a Sig P228 9mm Swiss Police Trade in and my home defense guns scattered around the house are a Sig P226 9mm, Sig P226 40 S&W, and a Sig P6. In the summer I carry a S&W pre model 36 snub or the Sig P6 depending on what I'm wearing.
The Highlander
Member
I rotate, but I have a Ruger SR9 with Viridian laser unit attached as a nightstand gun, it is exceptionally comfortable to carry as well.
The G17 has done yeoman duty for 15 years, and is probably the all-time go to gun for me. I carry it, compete with it, and trust it implicitly.
But, the 220 Elite in .45 ACP is doorstopper reliable, amazingly accurate, and certainly in the running.
And for the last six weeks (when I got it), a Springfield EMP in 9mm has been my most-carried pistol. Novak night sights, accurate, fits my hand like a glove, it is a 1911, disappears with a Don Hume 710 Holster, its a 1911, and well, it is a 1911.
Didn't really answer the question did I?
I guess I have several that fit.
The G17 has done yeoman duty for 15 years, and is probably the all-time go to gun for me. I carry it, compete with it, and trust it implicitly.
But, the 220 Elite in .45 ACP is doorstopper reliable, amazingly accurate, and certainly in the running.
And for the last six weeks (when I got it), a Springfield EMP in 9mm has been my most-carried pistol. Novak night sights, accurate, fits my hand like a glove, it is a 1911, disappears with a Don Hume 710 Holster, its a 1911, and well, it is a 1911.
Didn't really answer the question did I?
I guess I have several that fit.
Well, ordinarily, the least I have is a nickel bobbed-hammer model 12 in my pocket, although under certain circumstances it might be replaced by a 37 or a 642 on my ankle (like when I'm going to a dressy affair where the 70-mile trip by auto by way of Boston is the only concern). In general, if there is any reason at all (other than dogs) to carry a gun, it is at least my 2" Model 15. However, trips out of state usually dictate a stainless Series 80 Government Model with seven mags, or a reasonably equivalent revolver.
Depends on type of pants worn. Most of the time mod. 637-2 if tighter pants with smaller pockets Colt Pocket Positive .32 NP/S&W long, not any lighter but considerably smaller.
Last gun show I bought a Colt M1917 .45 someone had made into a "snubnose" ( 2 11/16" Bbl.) just 'cuse I thought it looked cool. Today I thought I'd see what it was like to carry. Useing a old "Uncle Mikes" (made for a N frame I think) IWB it was suprisingly comfortable carried in the appendix position.
I don't think however it will ever be "a steady date" it's all I can do to get my hand around it. Was the guy at Colt who designed those things a giant?
Last gun show I bought a Colt M1917 .45 someone had made into a "snubnose" ( 2 11/16" Bbl.) just 'cuse I thought it looked cool. Today I thought I'd see what it was like to carry. Useing a old "Uncle Mikes" (made for a N frame I think) IWB it was suprisingly comfortable carried in the appendix position.
I don't think however it will ever be "a steady date" it's all I can do to get my hand around it. Was the guy at Colt who designed those things a giant?
mtheo
Member
Concealed in public....my 642, a Keltec P3AT or a 651PD.
In a more rural setting, ie. Walks on the road or in the woods, a 3" model 60 w/ target sights or my 3" bull barreled 650 .22 magnum.
These are all "just in case." If I really need a gun, I will be hiding w/ my 870 chock full o' "00" buck on my cell phone calling in the constabulary.
In a more rural setting, ie. Walks on the road or in the woods, a 3" model 60 w/ target sights or my 3" bull barreled 650 .22 magnum.
These are all "just in case." If I really need a gun, I will be hiding w/ my 870 chock full o' "00" buck on my cell phone calling in the constabulary.
scoutsdad
Member
In my pocket a 637 with 125 magtech. On the nightstand 66 4inch with .38 wadcutters. Just inside the house 10/22 for rattlesnakes. Everything else is locked up.
Depends on the time of the season, what I am wearing and where I'm going. Usually a Glock 19 and a LCP or a PF-9 as a BUG. In the summer where I live, the offical uniform of a retired LEO in Texas is shorts, T-Shirt, ball cap and tennis shoes/sandals. Harder to hide gun when the temp is 100 degrees and the humidity is 90 percent.
In the winter and a blue nother is blowing through, I'll carry a 1911 variation and a PF-9.
Rule 303
In the winter and a blue nother is blowing through, I'll carry a 1911 variation and a PF-9.
Rule 303
My 642 wearing Barami Hip-grips and a Tyler T, wrapped with about 18" of cloth tape. Butt ugly, but it works. Ammo is Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P SB.
