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

Springfield Armory SA-35
Springfield Armory SA-35

First Look: New Colors Options For The Springfield Armory SA-35

Now available in Coyote Brown or Tactical Grey. 

First Look: XS Sights MOS Sight Bundles

Available for the RMR and Acro footprints.

FN Awarded Contract for M240 and M249 Machine Gun Barrels

Large amounts of rounds fired creates a need for new barrels.

Rifles: Pulling the Wool Over Our Eyes?

Time for moving on, and we’re not foolin’.

First Look: 22 ARC Options From Bear Creek Arsenal

New ways to extend the reach of your AR-15.

First Look: JK Armament 155 RPX Suppressor

Adaptable to a wide range of pistol and rifle calibers.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.