What is your Go to War Sidearm?

[cmansguns]

Same 2 as always

Would be the same two that have served generations before me, and will still do well with my sons, and probably grandkids after I'm gone.

I've got more than enough ammo for several basic combat loads, en bloc clips, xtra 45 acp mags, web gear and I think (haven't actually tried lately after many pizza's) I may still be able to get it all correct on original issue web gear that came home in my duffel.

Absolutely none of my guns and gear are modern, up-to-date, tacticool but hey.....once trained....forever knowledgeable and proficient with what I got so don't need new tricks if SHTF.

 

[sabashimon]

1911 is my gut talking but reality says for me my G21sf......capacity and reliability.

 

[ladder13]

This should suffice for a Russian tank.

 

[tlawler]

By "going to war," do you (plural) literally mean formally joining the US military or metaphorically for SHTF? Would those two situations affect your choice of sidearm?

Good point, and I had thought about that distinction when I posted my reply. I think most of the older guys here envision it as a SHTF scenario, and I know I thought of it as a “Red Dawn” type of event. I chose a double stack high cap 10mm (no, not a glock) for maximum effect against multiple targets. Let’s face it, any single one of us is going to have minimal impact on an invading army. The most we will be able to do is “take as many with us as we can”. If everyone did that, the cumulative effect of attrition on an enemy would be enormous, exactly what is happening in Ukraine with a hastily armed civilian populace. The other side of my 10mm choice is that once I’m turned into Swiss cheese and that handgun is “pried from my cold dead hands”, it will be essentially worthless to an invader without access to the proper ammunition.

 

[OLDSTER]

This should suffice for a Russian tank.

I save mine to take out missile batteries.

 

[pharmer]

.... I think most of the older guys here envision it as a SHTF scenario, and I know I thought of it as a “Red Dawn” type of event.....

I've spent the last few months transitioning from my 28 y/o 6906 (100% since 1st shot) to a new CZ P07. I can get 50 rds into the 2 17 rd mags and a 15 rd (3rd mag cost me $60; unobtanium). The decocker is perfect, haven't had the safety "on" the 6906 ever. Last outing shot 75 rds mixed ammo mostly "quick draw from holster", again 100%. It's up to about 800 rds fired, 100%. I'd like to get several more mags (CZ says the proper mags are for the P10C with 2 slots, again unobtanium). Remember, you said "sidearm", poor planning to go "to war" with a sidearm as primary weapon. Primary shown 2nd pic. Joe

 

[lawandorder]

Retired, and I don't go into or through large urban areas if I can avoid it at all. Since most urban areas are approaching war zones I would carry the same thing, a BHP, backed by a 3 model 64 by Wilson and maybe if feeling spry a J frame also.

 

[Telecaster]

I intend to retire to a rural area so the only war I anticipate is with feral hogs or lost meth heads. So a .357 revolver and lever gun should suffice for that. Till then, it’s a .45 ACP semiauto for potential suburban war.

 

[lrrifleman]

@giant1 -
The 1911 is combat proven, having served (faithfully and successfully) in WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and a number of smaller skirmishes. Plus, many of us trained with it and have confidence in it.

In response to the OP's scenario, I have responded viewing the question in response to the Ukraine's response to an unwanted guest. What is happening there is basically a 21st century version of the American Revolution (fought against occupation troops) and the War of 1812 (unwanted invaders). Basically, if we found ourselves in the same situation as the Ukrainians, we'd be a step ahead because of the Second. Remember, the Ukrainian government issued arms to whichever of it's citizens wanted to take up arms against Ivan. Currently, their hodgepodge Civilian militia (untrained) is doing a fabulous job against Ivan. Imagine what a trained (read "proficient") unorganized militia (us) would be doing in this case.

To steal Mule Packer's quote: "pack light and cinch tight" would have to apply to any defender. Gun shops would be stripped bare of ammo, so we'd have to carry what we could, and stash more at discreet resupply points, ammo is heavy! Exotic rounds may outperform issue rounds, but once you run dry, you are up the proverbial creek. Anticipate resupplying with either the local military or hitting your stash. That is why it is prudent to employ battlefield pickups before depleting what you brought.

 

[Breaker]

Sig P220 Combat or Beretta 92G Sd. BTW-The guys that would never carry a 92 again could do me a favor by detail stripping theirs and sending me the parts…

 

[ruger 22]

My trusty old BHP that I carried for over 40 years. If I can have a backup it is my pocket carry 649-1

 

[BE Mike]

As someone who has actually gone to war, I choose whatever the military issues me. I currently have a Sig M17. It is accurate, reliable and shoots ammo that would be readily accessible. I only know, personally, of one individual who successfully used his sidearm in combat.

 

[Tanners Owner]

My assumption is a SHTF Red Dawn like conditions. For me, it’ll likely be my SIG P320 full size and M18 for my wife and I. It’s the gun I shoot regularly in IDPA matches and am comfortable with employing it quickly and accurately.

The mags work with both guns, so we minimize the “logistics” between my wife and I.

As the Armed Forces are transitioning to the P320 series, there may be battlefield pick ups in this dystopian what if scenario.

If just me, might use my CZ P09, another gun I have a season or so experience with in my IDPA matches. As its never failed functionly nor accuracy wise - it’s on the list for consideration.

I’d also have a Remington 870 and my S&W M15T as my primary firearms.

 

[Mark8]

In a go-to-war situation, reliability is paramount, and that includes reliability when there is no time/opportunity for proper maintenance over a prolonged period of time in adverse conditions. So for me it's a USP45 Expert or Tactical.

 

[StrawHat]

FYI: Anyone going to fight a war with a 5-8 shot revolver has a death wise.

Guessing you intended that to be wish?

So, rather than take a revolver chambered for an appropriate cartridge, and something I am well trained in using and caring for you recommend I take some self loader for which I have no training in use or maintenance and in which I have no confidence?

Seriously?

Kevin

 

[pharmer]

.....So, rather than take a revolver chambered for an appropriate cartridge, and something I am well trained in using and caring for you recommend I take some self loader for which I have no training in use or maintenance and in which I have no confidence? Kevin

Opinions are like.......well,nevermind. Joe

 

[STORMINORMAN]

"Sidearm"...? M&P 40s...

Alternates: CZ75, G19-17

CHEERS!

 

[Rustyt1953]

FYI: Anyone going to fight a war with a 5-8 shot revolver has a death wise.

In my time here I have learned that revolvers have the marvelous ability to be reloaded.

 

[ladder13]

A Glock and a pair of running shoes, plus a white flag

Winnah

 

[AJ]

FYI: Anyone going to fight a war with a 5-8 shot revolver has a death wise.

Nothing wrong with a revolver. Especially for those that can shoot. Those that "spray and pray" need a automatic weapon not a pistol. Ever watch Jerry Miculek shoot a revolver? Jerry Miculek - Pro Shooter - YouTube Not near as good as him, but would not be afraid to carry a revolver.