The Greatest Defensive Handgun

by
posted on December 30, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilson2015_fs.jpg (22)

I would be interested to know what you folks think is the greatest defensive handgun ever designed. As we look back through history, we see a number of handguns that have given great service to our servicemen and women, law enforcement and the armed citizen. When you look at it in that light, the choice is not as easy as one might think.

Certainly, we have to give consideration to the Colt/Browning 1911 .45 ACP. This design is working on its second hundred years and is still going strong. While not perfect, it is a good combination of power, accuracy and reliability. And that is what makes it one of the top selling handgun designs even today.

However, we cannot exclude the various .38 Spl./.357 Mag. revolvers. There was a time when all law enforcement carried them and, over the years, it has probably been the top choice of more armed citizens than any other design. It's another platform that has been around for over a hundred years and is still kicking and giving reliable service.

But, what about the newer handguns? Gaston Glock did not design the striker-fire system for handguns, but he did produce one of the most popular examples of the type. Since then, numerous other companies have jumped on this particular bandwagon and produced very useful defensive handguns that are both reliable and competitively priced.

We would be interested to know which handgun you would choose for the honor of the Greatest Defensive Handgun of them all. Please take a few moments and share your thoughts. Why do you think a particular pistol should wear that crown?

Latest

shotgun ammo
shotgun ammo

Shotguns: A Couple Bucks

Should you consider other buckshot for your defensive shotgun?

New Suppressors for 2025

It’s never been easier to buy a suppressor, thanks to NRA’s ongoing efforts to remove them from the NFA.

First Look: Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III

A multi-fuel flashlight with 185-degree tilting head, different mounting options and a user-configurable LED.

First Look: Bushmaster Bravo Zulu Pistols

Available in either .223 Rem/5.56 NATO or .300 BLK.

IMNHO: We Ain't Gonna Make It

Some things sure have changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Review: Kimber 2K11 9mm Pistol

Kimber’s new entry into the 2011 market is sure to garner attention.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.