Best Pistol for Defence/Offence

[jackorchuck]

Let me hear your thoughts on what you consider to be the best pistol for defence and offence. I will not criticise your selection, if you think your favourite Glock, S&W MP or Springfield XD is the best then say so. If you think the 9mm is the best calber ever, or you live and die by the 38 Super, 10mm or 45 ACP then dust off your keyboard and tell us.

My own thoughts on the subject begin and end with 1911 45 ACP after all the venerable .45 has been in front line service with US forces for over 100 years. From 1980 to 2002 I had a Colt MK 1V Series 70 .45 ACP which I used in Practical Pistol matches for 22 years without any breakages. In the early 1980s I spent 2 years attached to the US army at Fort Bragg NC, we had M1911A1s that had mostly been made during WW2. These pistols which would rattle when shaken were still capable of producing acceptable accuracy (despite the miniscule sights), and we fired thousands or rounds per week from them. I dont recall any of them breaking and our armourer spent most of his time keeping our Xm 177s, M16A1 Carbines and M60s going.

My love affair with the .45 ACP came to an end in 2002 when our sissy nanny politicians banned the private ownership of .45s, 44 mag, 41 mag, 10mm and .40. I now shoot a 1911 in 38 super which is Ok but its not a 45.

 

[Jerry D Young]

For the price, I have a Glock 21SF .45ACP and really like it. Would prefer the Para-Ordnance P-14 ACP if I had the money.

Just my opinion.

[jackorchuck]

Thanks Jerry
Although I do favor the 1911, I also really like the 10mm and had a S&W 1006 which I shot frequently. You touch on one fact that affects a lot of us, Money and there is no doubt that money affects our choices.

I spent 25 years in the Army and another 12 years with a PMC and have fired 100s of thousands of 9mm mostly from Browning Hi Powers. I have also on, two occasions seen the 9mm fail to stop an attacker, Which no doubt affects my preference for the 45.

[cutter]

It sounds cliche, but the best defensive handgun is the one you can afford, will practice regularly with, will carry, and can place accurate hits. I favor 1911's, Glock 23 and 30, and .38 caliber revolvers.

[papaof2]

Jan 24, 2020 13:52:27 GMT -6 cutter said:

It sounds cliche, but the best defensive handgun is the one you can afford, will practice regularly with, will carry, and can place accurate hits. I favor 1911's, Glock 23 and 30, and .38 caliber revolvers.

Something you're familiar with, can use without stopping to think "Where's the safety?" and can hit center mass almost every shot is the best choice.

In an emergency, anything that you can hold, aim and hit the perp with - a 12 gauge with its butt against the wall is powerful protection for a ten-year-old - it's not a pistol but it only needs aiming.

[cutter]

I once heard a shotgun described as a shoulder-fired claymore

[papaof2]

Jan 24, 2020 16:58:34 GMT -6 cutter said:

I once heard a shotgun described as a shoulder-fired claymore

Unlike the Claymore, a shotgun allows control of the dead/wounded range. #7 shot might be fatal at under 4 feet but probably won't dent the sheetmetal/fiberglass/plastic on a vehicle across the road. Slugs and 00 buck have somewhat different characteristics.

[biggkidd]

Love my 1911's won more times than lost in back yard and hunt club shoots. Lobbing 230 grains at steels 70-100 yards yes yards away. Seldom very seldom does the 8" steel fail to ring.

[freebirde]

Jan 24, 2020 13:52:27 GMT -6 cutter said:

It sounds cliche, but the best defensive handgun is the one you can afford, will practice regularly with, will carry, and can place accurate hits. I favor 1911's, Glock 23 and 30, and .38 caliber revolvers.

As I have said elsewhere, "Better a hit with a .22 mag than a miss with a .44 mag.".

[rep1270]

The Best Handgun or gun in the world is the one you have in your hand when you really need it. Ralph