"When It Absolutely, Positively, Has To Fire"?

ReserveCop · June 11, 2001, 02:00 AM

What handgun would you choose if you knew the round you were about to fire would have to save your family's life?

No time for jams, double-feeds and other assorted malfunctions.

Please put the issue of ammo aside, and focus on your BEST handgun that MUST absolutely, positively fire to save your life...no ifs, ands or buts.

Me?

I would choose my S&W 627PC, as it is, to date, the BEST self-defense handgun I have used in terms of reliability...pull the trigger...it goes BANG...period.

What do you think?

Thanks for your opinions.

Richard · June 11, 2001, 02:03 AM

I will go with a S&W 625 in 45acp. Regards, Richard

Mark IV Series 80 · June 11, 2001, 02:07 AM

It would have to be my S&W model 66.......The most accurate handgun that I own......never a misfire.......very good action.......confidence inspiring.

-Mk.IV

June 11, 2001, 02:07 AM

Is accuracy a factor like shoot 'em between the eyes? (That is usually the case with the "one shot only" scenerio. If that's the case, I'll take a Ruger MKII pistol. If not, gimme my S&W 586 with 8 3/8" barrel.

Tamara · June 11, 2001, 06:34 AM

Glock. Heck, even my 625 has had more "jams" (from bent moonclips) than my Glocks have over the years. I know in theory that there are many autos just as reliable, and that revolvers are more so, but theory doesn't make my little primitive hindbrain as comfortable as knowing based on all its years of association, that when you pull that junky plastic trigger with the funny lever in the middle of it, it is going to go bang...

9x19 · June 11, 2001, 06:51 AM

Make mine a Glock in 9mm, please.

In my many years of shooting both pistols and revolvers, theses guns have proven to be the most relibale and least troublesome.

HokieShooter · June 11, 2001, 07:38 AM

CZ-75b!!!! It has yet to misfire in over 1000 rounds.

Redlg155 · June 11, 2001, 07:59 AM

Definitely my Glock.

I've had problems with revolvers and semi auto's alike during qualifications and recreational shooting but I have yet to have one in my Glock. With Murphy's law being the law of the land, I know that time is coming, but I feel confident that I could clear the weapon in the dark or low light conditions without problems.

I love revolvers, but I have seen just as many problems both shooter incurred and mechanical as I have with auto's such as double stroking triggers, out of time weapons, light hammer strikes, cylinder binding and you name it. And this is with what I believe to be one of the best revolvers out there, the S&W Mod 15.

On my nightstand sits my Glock, although the new Bulgie Mak is gaining favor rapidly because my wife can't handle the .45 well. She may save my bacon some day when I'm snoring away!

Good Shooting,
RED

HankB · June 11, 2001, 08:00 AM

Any of my S&W .38 or .357 revolvers. (They're ALL pre-sellout!)

Not one of these revolvers has ever malfunctioned in any way, including the one I inherited from my father, which was made just after WWII. He told me it NEVER malfunctioned.

Cumulatively, between what he shot and what I shot, round count must be well over 100,000 by now. That's reliability.

Must be a good choice - even a man with the handle "Mark IV Series 80" chose an S&W revolver!

CastleBravo · June 11, 2001, 08:11 AM

Nuff said.

BigG · June 11, 2001, 08:19 AM

12 ga 2 bbl!

Richard · June 11, 2001, 08:42 AM

Tamara, I have owned a whole lot of S&W Model 1917 (4) and 625 (2) revolvers in 45acp. Guess what? I have never had a jam using full moon or 1/3 moon clips. I avoid 1/2 moon clips like the plague. Regards, Richard

AUTiger73 · June 11, 2001, 08:44 AM

My house guns are:

S&W Model 25-2 (M1955) 6.5" barrel, .45 ACP with 240 rounds ready in full moon clips.

SLR95 Bulgarian AK 7.62X39 with ample supply of loaded clips.

Both are 100% reliable.

Cat · June 11, 2001, 08:50 AM

I use a S&W Model 19 or 66 as a backup to my 12 gauge in the house.

I believe in multiple trauma when the SHTF.

**Mal H** · June 11, 2001, 08:57 AM

I started to respond "Sig" until I saw BigG's post and I have to agree with him.

My Ithaca Model 37 12 ga. The racking sound alone is as good as getting off a first hit, it'll stop 'em in their tracks. It has never failed to fire.

BUTCH48 · June 11, 2001, 10:29 AM

Since this is limited to handguns. My Glock 19 for sure, followed close by my Model 60.

If it were unlimited I would choose my 12 Gauge side by side or AR-15!

**Mike Irwin** · June 11, 2001, 10:36 AM

S&W Model 19.

INDIAN BOB · June 11, 2001, 10:36 AM

Glock 10-Glock 45-Glock 40-Glock 9; In that order.

**Mal H** · June 11, 2001, 10:37 AM

You're right, he did say handguns, so it's back to Sig or maybe GP-100 whichever is closer at the time.

RON in PA · June 11, 2001, 10:54 AM

With a properly cleaned and lubed handgun and using factory ammo: any Smith or Ruger revolver.

I have put too many rounds through autos of many brands to trust any beyond the chambered round with anything but ball ammo.

Bullshooter · June 11, 2001, 11:13 AM

S&W Model 28, 4" with 6 rounds of 125 Gr. JHP and a couple of speedloaders handy. It's never failed to fire.

The semi-auto part of me would pick my Sig Sauer P220.

ronin308 · June 11, 2001, 12:19 PM

Smith and Wesson Model 19 w/ 4" barrel loaded with 125gr hollowpoints

Pat S. · June 11, 2001, 02:36 PM

Ruger SP-101.

Shake · June 11, 2001, 02:49 PM

H&K USP!

Marko Kloos · June 11, 2001, 03:36 PM

I'd grab my Model 19, 25 or 686. Six for sure...

June 11, 2001, 02:00 AM	#1
ReserveCop Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2001 Posts: 364	"When It Absolutely, Positively, Has To Fire"? What handgun would you choose if you knew the round you were about to fire would have to save your family's life? No time for jams, double-feeds and other assorted malfunctions. Please put the issue of ammo aside, and focus on your BEST handgun that MUST absolutely, positively fire to save your life...no ifs, ands or buts. Me? I would choose my S&W 627PC, as it is, to date, the BEST self-defense handgun I have used in terms of reliability...pull the trigger...it goes BANG...period. What do you think? Thanks for your opinions.

June 11, 2001, 06:34 AM	#5
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	Glock. Heck, even my 625 has had more "jams" (from bent moonclips) than my Glocks have over the years. I know in theory that there are many autos just as reliable, and that revolvers are more so, but theory doesn't make my little primitive hindbrain as comfortable as knowing based on all its years of association, that when you pull that junky plastic trigger with the funny lever in the middle of it, it is going to go bang... __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

June 11, 2001, 06:51 AM	#6
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	Make mine a Glock in 9mm, please. In my many years of shooting both pistols and revolvers, theses guns have proven to be the most relibale and least troublesome. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

June 11, 2001, 07:38 AM	#7
HokieShooter Member Join Date: February 13, 2001 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 51	CZ-75b!!!! It has yet to misfire in over 1000 rounds. __________________ The two most common things in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity!!!

June 11, 2001, 08:00 AM	#9
HankB Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2000 Location: Central Texas, outside of Austin Posts: 1,698	Any of my S&W .38 or .357 revolvers. (They're ALL pre-sellout!) Not one of these revolvers has ever malfunctioned in any way, including the one I inherited from my father, which was made just after WWII. He told me it NEVER malfunctioned. Cumulatively, between what he shot and what I shot, round count must be well over 100,000 by now. That's reliability. Must be a good choice - even a man with the handle "Mark IV Series 80" chose an S&W revolver! __________________ To be kind to your enemy is to be cruel to yourself - Sun Tzu

June 11, 2001, 02:03 AM	#2
Richard Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 1,305	I will go with a S&W 625 in 45acp. Regards, Richard

June 11, 2001, 02:07 AM	#3
Mark IV Series 80 Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Posts: 540	It would have to be my S&W model 66.......The most accurate handgun that I own......never a misfire.......very good action.......confidence inspiring. -Mk.IV

June 11, 2001, 02:07 AM	#4
PreserveFreedom Guest Posts: n/a	Is accuracy a factor like shoot 'em between the eyes? (That is usually the case with the "one shot only" scenerio. If that's the case, I'll take a Ruger MKII pistol. If not, gimme my S&W 586 with 8 3/8" barrel.

June 11, 2001, 07:59 AM	#8
Redlg155 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: NW Florida Posts: 2,307	Definitely my Glock. I've had problems with revolvers and semi auto's alike during qualifications and recreational shooting but I have yet to have one in my Glock. With Murphy's law being the law of the land, I know that time is coming, but I feel confident that I could clear the weapon in the dark or low light conditions without problems. I love revolvers, but I have seen just as many problems both shooter incurred and mechanical as I have with auto's such as double stroking triggers, out of time weapons, light hammer strikes, cylinder binding and you name it. And this is with what I believe to be one of the best revolvers out there, the S&W Mod 15. On my nightstand sits my Glock, although the new Bulgie Mak is gaining favor rapidly because my wife can't handle the .45 well. She may save my bacon some day when I'm snoring away! Good Shooting, RED

June 11, 2001, 08:11 AM	#10
CastleBravo Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 1999 Posts: 2,144	Glock or Sig. Nuff said.

June 11, 2001, 08:19 AM	#11
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	12 ga 2 bbl! __________________ o "The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching." Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC o "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain o "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?" Paul Harvey o TODAY WE CARVE OUT OUR OWN OMENS! Leonidas, Thermopylae, 480 BC

June 11, 2001, 08:42 AM	#12
Richard Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 1,305	Tamara, I have owned a whole lot of S&W Model 1917 (4) and 625 (2) revolvers in 45acp. Guess what? I have never had a jam using full moon or 1/3 moon clips. I avoid 1/2 moon clips like the plague. Regards, Richard

June 11, 2001, 08:44 AM	#13
AUTiger73 Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2000 Posts: 375	My house guns are: S&W Model 25-2 (M1955) 6.5" barrel, .45 ACP with 240 rounds ready in full moon clips. SLR95 Bulgarian AK 7.62X39 with ample supply of loaded clips. Both are 100% reliable. __________________ Always Condition Yellow

June 11, 2001, 08:50 AM	#14
Cat Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 1999 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 467	I use a S&W Model 19 or 66 as a backup to my 12 gauge in the house. I believe in multiple trauma when the SHTF. __________________ Neil Casper "I AM my brothers keeper."

June 11, 2001, 08:57 AM	#15
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	I started to respond "Sig" until I saw BigG's post and I have to agree with him. My Ithaca Model 37 12 ga. The racking sound alone is as good as getting off a first hit, it'll stop 'em in their tracks. It has never failed to fire.

June 11, 2001, 10:29 AM	#16
BUTCH48 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2000 Posts: 189	Since this is limited to handguns. My Glock 19 for sure, followed close by my Model 60. If it were unlimited I would choose my 12 Gauge side by side or AR-15!

June 11, 2001, 10:36 AM	#17
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	S&W Model 19. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 11, 2001, 10:36 AM	#18
INDIAN BOB Junior member Join Date: May 24, 2001 Posts: 24	Which Handgun? Glock 10-Glock 45-Glock 40-Glock 9; In that order.

June 11, 2001, 10:37 AM	#19
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	You're right, he did say handguns, so it's back to Sig or maybe GP-100 whichever is closer at the time.

June 11, 2001, 10:54 AM	#20
RON in PA Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 1998 Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA Posts: 673	With a properly cleaned and lubed handgun and using factory ammo: any Smith or Ruger revolver. I have put too many rounds through autos of many brands to trust any beyond the chambered round with anything but ball ammo.

June 11, 2001, 11:13 AM	#21
Bullshooter Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2000 Location: Northeast OH Posts: 243	S&W Model 28, 4" with 6 rounds of 125 Gr. JHP and a couple of speedloaders handy. It's never failed to fire. The semi-auto part of me would pick my Sig Sauer P220.

June 11, 2001, 12:19 PM	#22
ronin308 Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 1,977	Smith and Wesson Model 19 w/ 4" barrel loaded with 125gr hollowpoints

June 11, 2001, 02:36 PM	#23
Pat S. Junior Member Join Date: May 25, 2001 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 3	Ruger SP-101.

June 11, 2001, 02:49 PM	#24
Shake Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 1999 Location: Utah Posts: 1,004	H&K USP!

June 11, 2001, 03:36 PM	#25
Marko Kloos Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2000 Location: Enfield, NH Posts: 5,521	I'd grab my Model 19, 25 or 686. Six for sure... __________________ "The right to buy weapons is the right to be free." --A.E. Van Vogt, The Weapon Shops of Isher the munchkin wrangler.