Fang
08-20-2009, 02:19 PM
From the latest issue:
1. 1911
2. S&W Hand Ejectors
3. Glock 17 and varients
4. S&W Model one
5. Volcanic Volitional Repeater
6. Colt's SAA
7. Walther PP, PPK, PPK/S
8. C96 Mauser Broomhandle
9. Browning Hi Power
10. S&W Registered Magnum
Obviously this is a very silly list, and not least of all because it puts the Browning Hi-Power at number nine instead of the top three. It appears to be ranking guns on the influence of their design instead of functionality or fitness for given situations. Yet, if it's ranking by influence, where's the P38 or Walker Colt?
What makes this list strange is the fact that some of its entries are still in common use and have yet to be supplanted by an alternative that is superior in every way--but others are notable only for what followed them. What I'd like to see is a list of the top ten handguns ranked by inherent quality that makes them the ideal choice for a given application. Here's what I think such a list would look like, and why.
1: 1911
Does this one really need explanation? In its canonical .45 ACP form, 1911s handle great, point naturally, are light-recoiling, and carry surprisingly well. The trigger is naturally tuneable, and the overall simplicity of design means they're easy to modify for anything from a bare-bones carry gun to a .38 Super racegun to a tactical SECONDARY WEAPON SYSTEM. A century after its invention, it's still going strong.
2: Hi-Power, 9mm
Accurate, reliable, and with ergonomics that set the bar for handguns. The Hi-Power also introduced the high-capacity double-stack magazine, but paired it with the proven 1911 lockup. Given the wondernine craze of the 80s, it's safe to say it was fifty years ahead of its time, and still remains the best platform for 9mm.
3: S&W 642, .38 Special
Possibly the ideal subcompact carry piece, the 642 pairs light weight with a cartridge that remains controllable in a lightweight handgun. Although it holds fewer rounds than a compact semi-auto, it balances better and avoids the reliability issues that plague subcompact semi-autos. It's DAO, which reduces its chances of snagging on the draw and makes it ludicrously simple to use. The Ruger LCR may eventually supplant the 642, but for the moment it remains the pocket carry king.
4: Glock 19, 9mm
The Glock 19 is rugged, reliable, simple, and holds a lot of rounds while striking an ideal balance between being large enough to handle easily and compact enough to carry well. It's the gold standard for polymer DAO handguns.
5: S&W 29, .44 Magnum
There are more rugged .44 Magnum platforms, but the Model 29 in its Dirty Harry form with a six inch barrel is one of the most elegant and pleasant ways to move 240-grain bullets at ridiculous velocities. It balances well, shoots well, tames the recoil of the round to a degree, and looks great while doing so.
6: S&W K22, .22LR
There's a reason these are hard to find on the used market, and that's because everyone who owns one loves it so much they refuse to part with it. A good K22 is ridiculously fun to shoot in either double- or single-action, and accurate to boot.
7: Browning Buckmark, .22LR
The Ruger .22 autos have a larger aftermarket, but the Buckmark is superior in ergonomics and ease of cleaning. The grip feels like a closer approximation to the 1911 and Hi-Power grips, the bore axis is slightly lower, and the recoil impulse is pleasant.
8: Sig P238, .380 Auto
It's brand new and unproven; in fact, I've never even shot one and owning an example would violate my vows foreswearing all compact semi-autos. But despite all reason and rationality, the Sig P238 makes the list. It's basically a miniature 1911 in .380. The ergonomics and sights are wonderful for such a tiny gun, and its SAO trigger is excellent. If I had to carry a mousegun, this would be my choice.
9: Ruger Super Blackhawk, .44 Magnum
In its 5.5" barrel incarnation, this is an amazingly fun way to shoot .44 Magnum of any power level. The curved handle turns a hand-crushing blast into a roll, leaving the risk of a nosebleed the only limiting factor when it comes to ammo choice. Though highly contratactical, it's simple, rugged, and supports a wide variety of safe carry options.
10: Ruger Single-Six, .22LR/22 Magnum
Probably one of the most enjoyable ways to shoot .22. The slow loading mechanism and having to cock the trigger for each shot increase the fun of each hit and prevent the tendency to blast away that leads to boredom. Switching to the .22 Magnum cylinder lets you add a little more noise and kick to the experience. It's the ideal beginner gun while remaining a blast for the experienced shooter.
1. 1911
2. S&W Hand Ejectors
3. Glock 17 and varients
4. S&W Model one
5. Volcanic Volitional Repeater
6. Colt's SAA
7. Walther PP, PPK, PPK/S
8. C96 Mauser Broomhandle
9. Browning Hi Power
10. S&W Registered Magnum
Obviously this is a very silly list, and not least of all because it puts the Browning Hi-Power at number nine instead of the top three. It appears to be ranking guns on the influence of their design instead of functionality or fitness for given situations. Yet, if it's ranking by influence, where's the P38 or Walker Colt?
What makes this list strange is the fact that some of its entries are still in common use and have yet to be supplanted by an alternative that is superior in every way--but others are notable only for what followed them. What I'd like to see is a list of the top ten handguns ranked by inherent quality that makes them the ideal choice for a given application. Here's what I think such a list would look like, and why.
1: 1911
Does this one really need explanation? In its canonical .45 ACP form, 1911s handle great, point naturally, are light-recoiling, and carry surprisingly well. The trigger is naturally tuneable, and the overall simplicity of design means they're easy to modify for anything from a bare-bones carry gun to a .38 Super racegun to a tactical SECONDARY WEAPON SYSTEM. A century after its invention, it's still going strong.
2: Hi-Power, 9mm
Accurate, reliable, and with ergonomics that set the bar for handguns. The Hi-Power also introduced the high-capacity double-stack magazine, but paired it with the proven 1911 lockup. Given the wondernine craze of the 80s, it's safe to say it was fifty years ahead of its time, and still remains the best platform for 9mm.
3: S&W 642, .38 Special
Possibly the ideal subcompact carry piece, the 642 pairs light weight with a cartridge that remains controllable in a lightweight handgun. Although it holds fewer rounds than a compact semi-auto, it balances better and avoids the reliability issues that plague subcompact semi-autos. It's DAO, which reduces its chances of snagging on the draw and makes it ludicrously simple to use. The Ruger LCR may eventually supplant the 642, but for the moment it remains the pocket carry king.
4: Glock 19, 9mm
The Glock 19 is rugged, reliable, simple, and holds a lot of rounds while striking an ideal balance between being large enough to handle easily and compact enough to carry well. It's the gold standard for polymer DAO handguns.
5: S&W 29, .44 Magnum
There are more rugged .44 Magnum platforms, but the Model 29 in its Dirty Harry form with a six inch barrel is one of the most elegant and pleasant ways to move 240-grain bullets at ridiculous velocities. It balances well, shoots well, tames the recoil of the round to a degree, and looks great while doing so.
6: S&W K22, .22LR
There's a reason these are hard to find on the used market, and that's because everyone who owns one loves it so much they refuse to part with it. A good K22 is ridiculously fun to shoot in either double- or single-action, and accurate to boot.
7: Browning Buckmark, .22LR
The Ruger .22 autos have a larger aftermarket, but the Buckmark is superior in ergonomics and ease of cleaning. The grip feels like a closer approximation to the 1911 and Hi-Power grips, the bore axis is slightly lower, and the recoil impulse is pleasant.
8: Sig P238, .380 Auto
It's brand new and unproven; in fact, I've never even shot one and owning an example would violate my vows foreswearing all compact semi-autos. But despite all reason and rationality, the Sig P238 makes the list. It's basically a miniature 1911 in .380. The ergonomics and sights are wonderful for such a tiny gun, and its SAO trigger is excellent. If I had to carry a mousegun, this would be my choice.
9: Ruger Super Blackhawk, .44 Magnum
In its 5.5" barrel incarnation, this is an amazingly fun way to shoot .44 Magnum of any power level. The curved handle turns a hand-crushing blast into a roll, leaving the risk of a nosebleed the only limiting factor when it comes to ammo choice. Though highly contratactical, it's simple, rugged, and supports a wide variety of safe carry options.
10: Ruger Single-Six, .22LR/22 Magnum
Probably one of the most enjoyable ways to shoot .22. The slow loading mechanism and having to cock the trigger for each shot increase the fun of each hit and prevent the tendency to blast away that leads to boredom. Switching to the .22 Magnum cylinder lets you add a little more noise and kick to the experience. It's the ideal beginner gun while remaining a blast for the experienced shooter.