What is your choice for the best handgun for self defense? Why???

I want to say my Gen 4 Glock 19. But I find myself not carrying that often because its too big. (For me). So I'm gonna buy a Glock 42 or a Shield.
 
"What is your choice for the best handgun for self defense? Why???"

Self defense against WHAT? How could one possibly answer this intelligently without knowing what he is up against?
The only realistic answer IMHO is the handgun you can shoot the best.
There is NO best hand gun, every situation will be different.
Beyond that its the "Grace of God" and how well you can manage yourself in a life threatening situation.
 
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At night I have a shot gun and usually the two handguns that I carried that day.

Usually that will be two revolvers. Since I am breaking in a new G19 I have that with me and one other handgun.

It has been a surprise to me that I do feel better protected with the 15+1 Glock. I took it to the range last Saturday to break it in. We'll call it my secondary piece for now. I can say it is comforting to have the extra firepower. I don't live in the safest neighborhood.

Joe
 
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This thread delivers a lot of wisdom and experience, especially that of current and retired LEOs that have been there and done that.
My scruffy old Glock 19 has never missed a beat, and it's one of only a few guns for which we can find pre-ban hi-cap magazines here in MA. In an original Alessi 19 holster it disappears under a sweater or jacket. I often carry a G17 magazine and Surefire light on my weak side. The 642 is easier to carry in warm weather, and it's great for dog-walking in coyote country. I love the 1911, but as others have noted, it's heavy. I recently got a Milt Sparks VMax holster for it, and it sure is easier to carry and less visible in the VMax under winter wear.
If I had to choose just one under all circumstances, the Glock would probably be the one.
 
Like those potato chips ya can't just have one.

If I had to choose only one of my pistols it would probably be my Sig 229 in 40 S&W, 12 rounds, accurate and reliable. It is said that if one has to go to hades and back A Sig is the one you should be packing.

But most often I have my 1966 Colt National match or LCP with me.
 
My duty sidearm is my M&P 45 ACP. It is the one I bet my life on. My primary off duty sidearm is my Glock 32 (357Sig).

The why is I am good with them.
 
CZs are probably the most underrated/under appreciated handguns in the world. They are extremely reliable, strong, accurate and look and feel great in your hand! CZ P09 - 19+1 in 9mm

This post reminded me of another good CCW CZ pistol. I have a 2075 D RAMI 9mm. It shoots great but I haven't found a suitable holster yet. I may have to have one custom made.
 
My EDC is a Shield 9, but if I was home I would grab one of these from the safe loaded with 124gr +P Gold Dots. My 2 favorite hand guns that I own and have the most experience with. I would trust my life with either.

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I don't carry the same one everyday. My choices depend on what I am doing or where I plan on going.

Being old, but not too set my ways, most of the time it's a Model 12-3 2 inch in a Don Hume JIT slide loaded with 158 gr tried and true +P FBI load (LSWCHP).


If I feel I need a backup, a nickel Model 38 carried crossdraw gets added.




One speed strip in a pocket and a old DeSantis 2x3 belt carrier for the extra ammo.

I have autos and carry them occasionally. If I am going into Indian territory (very rarely these days). I will take a SW9VE..yes a Sigma. Which never,ever malfunctions no matter what is loaded in it. 16+1 and a spare mag.



Depends on my mood I guess.:cool:
 
In the latter years of my LEO career we were issued the Glock 23, perfect weapon for a street cop. In retirement a small, light J frame in my pocket b/c that's what makes sense for my lifestyle, it goes everywhere w/me and no body knows I have it.
 
Lately I have been carrying a Glock 30SF .45acp. I shoot it well and I have a thing for big heavy slugs.

Okay here is the but; but if the chips are down and I can only keep one then my old 4" Transition 1926 3rd Model is what I want close at hand. It is comfortable like old well broke in cowboy boots or that pair of jeans you just keep wearing even though they should have been turned into patches for your muzzle loader long ago. The old .44 special points like dream. The trigger is so darn smooth.

Yeah it works but it has no soul.

151034638.70T0vvh8.Glock30SF45scp0628_13.jpg


But this is the one that will never be sold.

131022515.XdQpabj8.Smithwesson44.jpg
 
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Best self defense gun, my M&P 9c. Why because it going everywhere with me everyday, it disappears in an IWB holster.

But....if I knew I was getting into a gunfight I would what a rifle, my ar in 7.62x39 to be exact.
 
Probably my Glock 23. I shoot it the best of my glocks.
It is concealable and light
It goes bang every time
It holds more than I would ever anticipate using and
It reloads quick.
But yes, I love my wheelguns. Deep pocket would go to a J-frame 38.
 
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