What is your Go to War Sidearm?

[AJ]

AJ,
Found that pic on the Web some years ago.
Some say it was photoshopped.
Riding herd on our and other teenage boys, during their pain in the butt years, I confiscated some knives, throwing stars, brass knuckles and still have not returned them 20 years later.
Maybe when their kids are older.... your Dad carried these before he put on a Badge and now carries a Glock.
Hopefully the kids will say..... yup, that's truly sad about that Glock as well.... for steel is real, Mr. T".

I have stayed out of South Florida since the mid 60's. Now we have the problem that the things that go on there are moving this way. If I wasn't retired and have Grandkids, I would pack up the wife and move north. Gramma won't leave the Grandkids!

 

[lrrifleman]

I couldn't possibly disagree with this statement any more that I do right now...

Folks may fight dirty, but there is a better way, to fight decisively.

Those who fight dirty do so because they really cannot fight at all, so they rely upon cheap tricks and deception to win a fight.

Actual warriors doesn't need to deceive their enemies because they know how to fight, cannot be bested by deception because they can see right through it, and never drop their guard, leaving no opening for a suckerpunch, a kick to the groin, a poke to the eye, or a stab in the back.

Dirty fighting is only employed by contemptuous cowards which can only succeed against like-minded individuals who fail to recognize, analyze, and neutralize a threat without hesitation before it has an opportunity to strike, because they lack any skill, instinct, or spirit for fighting.

Fight dirty if that's the most that you are capable of, just don't be too surprised when it fails spectacularly when attempted against anyone with even the most miniscule of combat capabilities, or if a true warrior simply recognizes you as a threat and makes short work of you before you ever get a chance.
Otherwise, I suggest actually trying to become educated in the art of fighting, to hone your skills, sharpen your mind through experience, and seek out your fighting spirit in order to overcome your fears as well as your doubts so that you can fight decisively.

As much as I respect Forte, I must respectfully disagree with his position with regards to Mule Packer's views on fighting dirty.

I could support Forte's views if the fighting was solely between the armies of two or more belligerent countries. Those soldiers are viewed as disciplined, trained professionals that can distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. As this thread has evolved, most of us have envisioned ourselves as the non-combatant Ukrainians that Ivan is targeting.

Most non-combatants are NOT versed in the rules of war, and wouldn't be expected to triumph against trained professionals. Considering that targeted non-combatants will be perceived as resistance fighters whether they resist or not, they face unceremonial summary execution, there IS a place (and need) for fighting dirty. Otherwise, the only non-combatants that face the prospect of survival are the collaborators!

 

[Boudiepitbull]

If I found myself going to war (or more correctly...war coming to me) with only the firearms in my safe to choose from, the side arm I would most likely carry would be my CZ-75B with 16 plus one capacity. Although not technically a sidearm, I would also look closely at my 12 and 20 ga Mossberg Shockwaves (with all those extra shells sitting there in their cute little side saddles) especially in a close quarter urban or home defense situation.

 

[giants1]

...Considering that targeted non-combatants will be perceived as resistance fighters whether they resist or not, they face unceremonial summary execution, there IS a place (and need) for fighting dirty...

Good points, lrrifleman.

Maybe the attorneys in the bulletin board could comment: if rule of law is restored by the US, how likely would non-combatants be charged and sentenced stiffly for fighting dirty? For example, would beating or executing enemy wounded and prisoners likely be charged as homicide/manslaughter? Would it matter whether it were uniformed or civilian wounded or prisoners?

 

[Drm50]

Somebody talking about packing a 1911 and a m22 S&W as back up? This reminds me of old Willy & Joe cartoon. They are walking up the road and ditch is full of gas masks. They comment that D company has been issued the new model gas mask. Moral of the story, you got to hump all the junk you think you are going to carry.

 

[double-dipper]

I own two 1911's and a pile of S&W wheel guns, but I'm going with my plastic fantastic, combat Tupperware Block 34 long slide!!!

And for my long gun its the PCC in 9mm, it uses same magazines as the Glock 34.

I don't plan on taking many long shots, I'll just wait until I see the whites of their eyes and feed e 'm lead!!!!!!

 

[BrovoEchoSierra]

There are way to many variables for anyone to predict what would be the perfect go to war weapon in my opinion.
That's just my opinion, and with out combat experience, or training of any real significance, I probably should keep my thoughts to my self.

More thoughts to ponder.
As a person who at one time did a lot of woods walking, and did not live where large animals were present, and a danger. It soon occurred to me that a .22 long rifle was sure a lot easier to carry a supply of ammo for than anything else.
Since none of us would be foolish enough to go to war with only a hand gun for a weapon, this discussion would seem to be more about what your secondary weapon would be. Right?

That said, a Ruger Mk 1, 2, or 3, target, or a S&W victory would seem like a good choice.
Easy to carry a few extra mags, and a couple hundred rounds of ammo, and deadly enough, for the job at hand, if applied correctly at short pistol ranges. A couple shots to the head, should take most of the fight out of an assailant.

If a larger gun / caliber, then suppose something reliable in a 9mm would be a fantastic choice, due to the wide usage, availability of ammo.
This brings me to the choice of guns. Since I dont have a Glock, yet.... Then I suppose my old Ruger P-85 and some extra mags would do ok.
Not fancy, but its dependable, rugged, and accurate enough to hit a human sized target with absolute confidence.

Let the flaming begin!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Good points, lrrifleman.

Maybe the attorneys in the bulletin board could comment: if rule of law is restored by the US, how likely would non-combatants be charged and sentenced stiffly for fighting dirty? For example, would beating or executing enemy wounded and prisoners likely be charged as homicide/manslaughter? Would it matter whether it were uniformed or civilian wounded or prisoners?

What are you going to do with a POW? Or more than one!


Are you going to; pass by or turn your back on a wounded enemy?

Depending on your "backup" trying to strip a wounded soldier of weapons can get you killed.

That said; a wounded enemy soldier takes two others out of combat.

 

[Arisin Wind]

I'll take this as a side arm.

 

[The Norseman]

Common Traits

I know what will NOT be my “Go to War” Sidearm;
.45APC, 357Mag, 44Mag, 38Spl, 45Colt, 44Spl.
The main reason is once you run out of cartridges
it would be too hard to replace.

For me it would be the 9mm. I want a cartridge
that is common, I can scrounge up or steal.

Preference for Pistols would be M9 Beretta,
any 1911 9mm, any Glock 9mm, any S&W M&P
or any S&W 3rd Gen pistol. I’ve dealt with each
over the years.

Take no Prisoners!

 

[Mule Packer]

I couldn't possibly disagree with this statement any more that I do right now...

Folks may fight dirty, but there is a better way, to fight decisively.

Those who fight dirty do so because they really cannot fight at all, so they rely upon cheap tricks and deception to win a fight.

Actual warriors doesn't need to deceive their enemies because they know how to fight, cannot be bested by deception because they can see right through it, and never drop their guard, leaving no opening for a suckerpunch, a kick to the groin, a poke to the eye, or a stab in the back.

Dirty fighting is only employed by contemptuous cowards which can only succeed against like-minded individuals who fail to recognize, analyze, and neutralize a threat without hesitation before it has an opportunity to strike, because they lack any skill, instinct, or spirit for fighting.

Fight dirty if that's the most that you are capable of, just don't be too surprised when it fails spectacularly when attempted against anyone with even the most miniscule of combat capabilities, or if a true warrior simply recognizes you as a threat and makes short work of you before you ever get a chance.
Otherwise, I suggest actually trying to become educated in the art of fighting, to hone your skills, sharpen your mind through experience, and seek out your fighting spirit in order to overcome your fears as well as your doubts so that you can fight decisively.

Forte Smitten Wesson certainly has a right to his opinion...and I can certainly see where he is coming from. But, who says fighting dirty isn't fighting decisively? It sure as heck is. I guess we each have our own definitions of what a fight is. When one is in a fight for his or her life (which some of those in the forum have been), the objective is pure and simple...to win.

Throughout military history, we see where skirmishers have been used and guerrilla warfare has been employed...both considered dirty fighting by some. What I'm talking about is when small groups of combatants, such as paramilitary personnel, armed civilians, or irregulars, use tactics including ambushes, sabotage, raids, petty warfare, hit-and-run tactics, and mobility, to fight a larger and less-mobile traditional military.

Our militia and irregulars used these tactics during the Revolutionary War. Nathan Bedford-Forrest used those tactics against Union forces during the Civil War, much to the chagrin of Gen. Grant (Grant was bothered because Bedford-Forrest wasn't following the tactics laid out at West Point or at the Virginia Military Academy ). Col. Lawrence Castner's volunteer scouts used such tactics in securing the Aleutian Islands against the Japanese during World War II.

Forte Smitten Wesson and some military tacticians might feel these tactics are "fighting dirty," but those tactics have won battles for us throughout history.

A couple of good books for further reference:

Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One, by David Kilcullen.

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present, by Max Boot.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

@ Forte,

Did you just change the scenario? Initially, your scenario read as if we'd be going to battle to defend the United States from an invader (essentially defending the home turf). It didn't read as though we'd be assisting a foreign nation as mercenaries or the resistance!

From the perspective of defending the home turf, follow the tenants of the unorganized militia, which is prescribed by US Code. Employ military style weapons of military caliber, and resupply from friendly forces. If you fall behind enemy lines, utilize battlefield pickups first. Scavenge the enemy for weapons, ammo, and intelligence. When behind enemy lines, become the resistance and harass the daylights out of the enemy's rear area in order to draw frontline forces from combat!

Exactly .

 

[Eddie Southgate]

I couldn't possibly disagree with this statement any more that I do right now...

Folks may fight dirty, but there is a better way, to fight decisively.

Those who fight dirty do so because they really cannot fight at all, so they rely upon cheap tricks and deception to win a fight.

Actual warriors doesn't need to deceive their enemies because they know how to fight, cannot be bested by deception because they can see right through it, and never drop their guard, leaving no opening for a suckerpunch, a kick to the groin, a poke to the eye, or a stab in the back.

Dirty fighting is only employed by contemptuous cowards which can only succeed against like-minded individuals who fail to recognize, analyze, and neutralize a threat without hesitation before it has an opportunity to strike, because they lack any skill, instinct, or spirit for fighting.

Fight dirty if that's the most that you are capable of, just don't be too surprised when it fails spectacularly when attempted against anyone with even the most miniscule of combat capabilities, or if a true warrior simply recognizes you as a threat and makes short work of you before you ever get a chance.
Otherwise, I suggest actually trying to become educated in the art of fighting, to hone your skills, sharpen your mind through experience, and seek out your fighting spirit in order to overcome your fears as well as your doubts so that you can fight decisively.

I only read the first half of this but it sounds to me like you have absolutely no idea of the subject you are trying to speak on. Are you a true Warrior ? Which wars have you participated in and where have you come by all of your True Warrior skills and knowledge . Does not sound like anything taught by any military that I am aware of . Sounds to me like the first handgun I pick up off of a battlefield will likely be your forte Smitten Wesson.

PS: US Special Forces ( ALL) are trained to take advantage of every known dirty trick in the book and when that fails get real dirty and make something up . Most other militaries teach along these same lines.

 

[Drm50]

There is only one way to fight, that is to win however you can. Where do people come up with this stuff**. Do they know there is no trophy for participation? Ain’t no second place ribbons either. God help us.

 

[AJ]

Learn to shoot fast and accurately with whatever you have. If you can do that when the time comes there will be plenty of stuff laying around.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

I think I'll start out with my pre Woodsman Target and a couple of bricks of CCI Velocitor ammo . It's reasonably quiet and you can carry a bunch of ammo .Plus at 25 yards I can put bullets in your ear hole all day long. I'll hang on to it when I pick up the 9mm .

 

[AJ]

I think I'll start out with my pre Woodsman Target and a couple of bricks of CCI Velocitor ammo . It's reasonably quiet and you can carry a bunch of ammo .Plus at 25 yards I can put bullets in your ear hole all day long. I'll hang on to it when I pick up the 9mm .

Having an accurate .22 LR pistol/revolver can be very handy to have on hand. It affords a modicum of self protection. But also can be used to help feed you and yours.

 

[ladder13]

Bingo! 22’s. Behold my 22 AW.

 

[Echo40]

Have you been in a real fight?

That would depend on your definition of a "real fight" but I presume that you are referring to a gunfight in context, to which the answer is thankfully, no.
I've been in my share of other fights though, including ones where the other guy tried fighting dirty and lost, or otherwise never got the chance to try, but admittedly that was a long time ago when I was just a kid. These days I like to stay out of trouble, I've got enough stress in my life without getting into fist fights with cowardly dirtbags who act tough, but pull out their phone and start recording the moment you so much as raise your voice.

That being said, I wasn't referring to myself to begin with, I was merely making a general statement regarding my opinion based on personal experience.

I want a front row for this answer.

Well, there you are... I hope it was amusing as you were expecting it to be.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Without speaking for my friend, but coming from a similar perspective, my interpretation of the question was “Have you ever been in a fight for your life, gun or otherwise? A fight wherein the loser is dead, seriously injured, handcuffed or some combination of the above? A fight where the winner is also seriously injured? A fight where the goal of one or both parties was freedom
or detention . . . ?

Those are the fights that matter. Not some teenage slap and tickle, or some beer muscle testosterone show for the female persuasion . . .

That would depend on your definition of a "real fight" but I presume that you are referring to a gunfight in context, to which the answer is thankfully, no.
I've been in my share of other fights though, including ones where the other guy tried fighting dirty and lost, or otherwise never got the chance to try, but admittedly that was a long time ago when I was just a kid. These days I like to stay out of trouble, I've got enough stress in my life without getting into fist fights with cowardly dirtbags who act tough, but pull out their phone and start recording the moment you so much as raise your voice.

That being said, I wasn't referring to myself to begin with, I was merely making a general statement regarding my opinion based on personal experience.