If you were in the army and got to pick your handgun what would it be?

peterparkerv2 · August 27, 2014, 07:55 AM

They use a M9 right now but some people don't like them. What would be your choice is price didn't matter?

kraigwy · August 27, 2014, 08:21 AM

M1911A1

I used it as a infantryman in SE Asia. After crawling around in rice paddy silt, you shake the big chunks off and it fires EVERYTIME.

As an infantryman the pistol is not for extended us, 7 rounds is more then enough, (though changing mags is quick).

Crawling around in dark slimy stinking tunnels if gives you confidence.

Pistols are more for self protection when long guns aren't practical. For example if you are a Machine Gunner in a place where weapon carry is required, its a lot easier to go through a chow line carrying a pistol then a M-60.

I like the Beretta, mine is extremely reliable but I've never fired it covered with the mud and gunk I've seen on the US M1911A1

UncleEd · August 27, 2014, 08:31 AM

Although this is the auto sub forum and you stated that price is no object,
I'd opt for a 6-inch blued Python, fully engraved with gold leafing, rosewood
grips with gold inlayed initial for my name and a matching swagger stick, again gilded in gold and a "Corinthean" leather grip, and pummel with gold lettered
initials.

I won't mention the holster I'd need but suffice to say it would complement the Python and so treated that it wouidn't sweat any dye onto my green camo silk shirt nor my Ralph Lauren jeans.

herdman · August 27, 2014, 08:33 AM

Probably would stay with the M9.

Wyosmith · August 27, 2014, 08:36 AM

I used the 1911 ( A LOT!) when I was a Marine and I never had it fail me. I'd go back to it, ----or perhaps a Springfield XD in 45. I'd be happy with either one.

jglsprings · August 27, 2014, 08:40 AM

The most useful piece of equipment I ever carried was a radio.

It could deliver the most firepower I've ever seen on one spot.

As I understand it now, they are a tad smaller these days. Probably made of some polymer and have high capacity batteries. I'm sure Glock makes one.

jasmith85 · August 27, 2014, 08:41 AM

I think I would go with a Smith & Wesson M&P. If I'm going to have to be carrying it around all day I'll go with a polymer gun and the M&P is by far my favorite.

BarryLee · August 27, 2014, 08:59 AM

I’d probably choose the SIG P229 in 9mm since it’s a proven gun and the ammo should be readily available.

Dirty_Harry · August 27, 2014, 09:03 AM

HK P30 in 9mm. You can tailor that grip to fit any hand. HK reliability as well.

Also, change to a good JHP.

Colt46 · August 27, 2014, 09:21 AM

The utility of an handgun for combat soldiers is far less than extra ammo

sigpro2340 · August 27, 2014, 09:32 AM

My first choice would be the HK P30.

Accurate, reliable, and durable.

axxion89 · August 27, 2014, 09:34 AM

HK P30, customized grip, great accuracy & reliability

coldbeer · August 27, 2014, 09:52 AM

GP100 with a 4" barrel

Cyanide971 · August 27, 2014, 09:57 AM

CZ P-01.

I carried and shot an M9 extensively for my first two years active duty and never once had an issue with it. The bigger problem is the ball ammo we are issued!

longknife12 · August 27, 2014, 10:51 AM

1911A1...carried it before and it never let me down!
Dan

TunnelRat · August 27, 2014, 11:06 AM

Hk 45 compact. Works for DEVGRU, and I shoot it better than anything else I own.

kostner · August 27, 2014, 11:48 AM

1911 I used it as a infantryman in SE Asia. After crawling around in rice paddy silt, you shake the big chunks off and it fires EVERYTIME. Never loaded more than five rounds in the 1911 and only 17 in M-16. Worked for me.

RickB · August 27, 2014, 12:03 PM

What's the handgun for? Primary weapon? Secondary to a long gun that I'm supposed to always have with me?
I read a good book, written by a guy who humped a M60 across SE Asia, and he thought a snubnose .38 might be the ideal military handgun. Small, light, etc.
A gun that you are going to use would probably have a different set of requirements than a gun that you hope you never have to use.

ChuteTheMall · August 27, 2014, 12:18 PM

Colt single action army with ivory grips for open carry.

See who salutes.

Hey, it looked cool on Gen. Patton.

Or more likely my stainless Ruger Vaquero with .45 ACP conversion cylinder, just in case I ever had the opportunity to put any rounds downrange and needed ammo resupply.

Edit: Oops, I just noticed I posted in the semi-auto forum, so my more serious semi-auto answer would be Glock 30.

Not too big, not too small.

Theohazard · August 27, 2014, 12:29 PM

OP: To answer your question, I'd never join the Army

. But if I was back in the Marine Corps infantry I'd want a Glock 19. It's smaller and more lightweight than a full-size, but it still has the handling and capacity of a full-size. Plus it's pretty darn reliable and durable.

And weight and size are important, because the vast majority of soldiers and Marines -- even ones who have seen combat -- don't use a pistol. And even the ones who carry them rarely ever use them. The M9s that we used were only for officers who didn't want to carry a rifle, or for machine-gunners and SMAW gunners who needed a personal weapon in addition to the crew-served weapons they carried.

Glenn E. Meyer · August 27, 2014, 12:59 PM

Are we going to offer every current 45, 9 and 40 as the choice. That's what usually happens in these threads.

Ok - having or had all three, I go for a Glock 19.

NJgunowner · August 27, 2014, 01:12 PM

Phaser.

Jim567 · August 27, 2014, 01:27 PM

If I had to hump - a Glock 19

If not - a Sig M11-A1

giaquir · August 27, 2014, 01:37 PM

1911

Jim243 · August 27, 2014, 01:38 PM

This one 45 ACP 15 rounds sight ready & threaded barrel.

Jim

August 27, 2014, 07:55 AM	#1
peterparkerv2 Member Join Date: March 22, 2014 Posts: 33	If you were in the army and got to pick your handgun what would it be? They use a M9 right now but some people don't like them. What would be your choice is price didn't matter?

August 27, 2014, 08:21 AM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	M1911A1 I used it as a infantryman in SE Asia. After crawling around in rice paddy silt, you shake the big chunks off and it fires EVERYTIME. As an infantryman the pistol is not for extended us, 7 rounds is more then enough, (though changing mags is quick). Crawling around in dark slimy stinking tunnels if gives you confidence. Pistols are more for self protection when long guns aren't practical. For example if you are a Machine Gunner in a place where weapon carry is required, its a lot easier to go through a chow line carrying a pistol then a M-60. I like the Beretta, mine is extremely reliable but I've never fired it covered with the mud and gunk I've seen on the US M1911A1 __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

August 27, 2014, 08:40 AM	#6
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	The most useful piece of equipment I ever carried was a radio. It could deliver the most firepower I've ever seen on one spot. As I understand it now, they are a tad smaller these days. Probably made of some polymer and have high capacity batteries. I'm sure Glock makes one. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

August 27, 2014, 08:59 AM	#8
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	I’d probably choose the SIG P229 in 9mm since it’s a proven gun and the ammo should be readily available. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

August 27, 2014, 09:03 AM	#9
Dirty_Harry Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2006 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 1,484	HK P30 in 9mm. You can tailor that grip to fit any hand. HK reliability as well. Also, change to a good JHP. __________________ "The only purpose for a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you never should have laid down." "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them." -John Wayne

August 27, 2014, 08:31 AM	#3
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Although this is the auto sub forum and you stated that price is no object, I'd opt for a 6-inch blued Python, fully engraved with gold leafing, rosewood grips with gold inlayed initial for my name and a matching swagger stick, again gilded in gold and a "Corinthean" leather grip, and pummel with gold lettered initials. I won't mention the holster I'd need but suffice to say it would complement the Python and so treated that it wouidn't sweat any dye onto my green camo silk shirt nor my Ralph Lauren jeans.

August 27, 2014, 08:33 AM	#4
herdman Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2013 Posts: 126	Probably would stay with the M9.

August 27, 2014, 08:36 AM	#5
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I used the 1911 ( A LOT!) when I was a Marine and I never had it fail me. I'd go back to it, ----or perhaps a Springfield XD in 45. I'd be happy with either one.

August 27, 2014, 08:41 AM	#7
jasmith85 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 631	I think I would go with a Smith & Wesson M&P. If I'm going to have to be carrying it around all day I'll go with a polymer gun and the M&P is by far my favorite.

August 27, 2014, 09:21 AM	#10
Colt46 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: Campbell Ca Posts: 1,090	I'd opt for another three mags for my rifle The utility of an handgun for combat soldiers is far less than extra ammo

August 27, 2014, 09:32 AM	#11
sigpro2340 Member Join Date: July 7, 2014 Posts: 61	My first choice would be the HK P30. Accurate, reliable, and durable.

August 27, 2014, 09:34 AM	#12
axxion89 Junior Member Join Date: August 26, 2014 Posts: 5	HK P30, customized grip, great accuracy & reliability

August 27, 2014, 09:52 AM	#13
coldbeer Junior member Join Date: February 21, 2012 Location: Woodhaven MI Posts: 477	GP100 with a 4" barrel

August 27, 2014, 09:57 AM	#14
Cyanide971 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2014 Posts: 725	CZ P-01. I carried and shot an M9 extensively for my first two years active duty and never once had an issue with it. The bigger problem is the ball ammo we are issued!

August 27, 2014, 10:51 AM	#15
longknife12 Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Colorado Posts: 95	1911A1...carried it before and it never let me down! Dan

August 27, 2014, 11:06 AM	#16
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,212	Hk 45 compact. Works for DEVGRU, and I shoot it better than anything else I own. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness

August 27, 2014, 11:48 AM	#17
kostner Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Location: Kommifornia Posts: 120	1911 I used it as a infantryman in SE Asia. After crawling around in rice paddy silt, you shake the big chunks off and it fires EVERYTIME. Never loaded more than five rounds in the 1911 and only 17 in M-16. Worked for me.

August 27, 2014, 12:03 PM	#18
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	What's the handgun for? Primary weapon? Secondary to a long gun that I'm supposed to always have with me? I read a good book, written by a guy who humped a M60 across SE Asia, and he thought a snubnose .38 might be the ideal military handgun. Small, light, etc. A gun that you are going to use would probably have a different set of requirements than a gun that you hope you never have to use.

August 27, 2014, 12:18 PM	#19
ChuteTheMall Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 1999 Location: Sinkholeville Swamp Posts: 228	Colt single action army with ivory grips for open carry. See who salutes. Hey, it looked cool on Gen. Patton. Or more likely my stainless Ruger Vaquero with .45 ACP conversion cylinder, just in case I ever had the opportunity to put any rounds downrange and needed ammo resupply. Edit: Oops, I just noticed I posted in the semi-auto forum, so my more serious semi-auto answer would be Glock 30. Not too big, not too small.

August 27, 2014, 12:29 PM	#20
Theohazard Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2012 Location: Western PA Posts: 3,829	OP: To answer your question, I'd never join the Army . But if I was back in the Marine Corps infantry I'd want a Glock 19. It's smaller and more lightweight than a full-size, but it still has the handling and capacity of a full-size. Plus it's pretty darn reliable and durable. And weight and size are important, because the vast majority of soldiers and Marines -- even ones who have seen combat -- don't use a pistol. And even the ones who carry them rarely ever use them. The M9s that we used were only for officers who didn't want to carry a rifle, or for machine-gunners and SMAW gunners who needed a personal weapon in addition to the crew-served weapons they carried. __________________ 0331: "Accuracy by volume."

August 27, 2014, 12:59 PM	#21
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	Are we going to offer every current 45, 9 and 40 as the choice. That's what usually happens in these threads. Ok - having or had all three, I go for a Glock 19. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

August 27, 2014, 01:12 PM	#22
NJgunowner Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1,254	Phaser.

August 27, 2014, 01:27 PM	#23
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	If I had to hump - a Glock 19 If not - a Sig M11-A1

August 27, 2014, 01:37 PM	#24
giaquir Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Deerfield,New Hampshire Posts: 512	1911

August 27, 2014, 01:38 PM	#25
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	This one 45 ACP 15 rounds sight ready & threaded barrel. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum