The Greatest Defensive Handgun

by
posted on December 30, 2013
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

Dead Air Silencers Mojave 45 Suppressor
Dead Air Silencers Mojave 45 Suppressor

First Look: Dead Air Silencers Mojave 45 Suppressor

Built from titanium and adjustable for length and sound suppression.

First Look: PHLster Enigma V2 Holster

Carry your defensive pistol without carrying around a gun belt.

Henry Tribute Rifle Honors the Marine Corps’ 250th Anniversary

The Semper Fi & America’s Fund will receive a portion of the sales from each rifle.

Meet at 21 Sharp

Since the 21 Sharp does not use a heeled bullet, you can expect better precision from lead-free 21 Sharp ammo than you’ll usually see with lead-free .22 LR loads.

First Look: C&H Precision Comp Max Optic

Built with input from input from competitive shooters and industry professionals.

First Look: Huxwrx Flow Range 36 Ti Suppressor

3-D printed from titanium and rated for full-auto.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.