If you had just one handgun, for what main purpose would it be?

simonrichter · September 23, 2013, 03:00 PM

Yes, I'm well aware that most of you own more than one and you can cover more than one purpose with one handgun, still...

hgmeyer · September 23, 2013, 03:39 PM

S&W .357 revolver.... widest range of uses....

southjk · September 23, 2013, 03:45 PM

I find this hard to answer because if I only had to have one gun it would serve multiple purposes not just one.

One handgun can be a HD gun, a carry gun and a plinking/range gun. At least mine would. Which would I do more? I'd use it most at the range but it would still be used for HD/SD.

*NOVA* · September 23, 2013, 03:50 PM

OP's question is fair - what is the MAIN purpose. Without hesitation I answered Home Defense - years ago when my wife convinced me we should have a gun, it was for that reason.

TennJed · September 23, 2013, 03:51 PM

I think a better question would be "if you were only allowed one use or purpose for guns what would it be". A fantasy question but kinda fun and interesting.

Plinking and range fun for me. The most important part of life is enjoying it

sheepman · September 23, 2013, 05:04 PM

Singal six for plinking

lee n. field · September 23, 2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

f you had just one handgun, for what main purpose would it be?

Fantasy zombie suppression.

Kirby8604 · September 23, 2013, 06:59 PM

My choice is Ruger SP101 .357
Main purpose (for me) is plinking, with the possibility of carry.

kln4 · September 23, 2013, 07:09 PM

I own 4, but only shoot the XD .45 GAP and 40SW. The XD40 is the one I carry and use the most, about 4000 rnds a year. I know it's not a Kimber or other expensive gun and it's not real purdy. But it as never misfired or jamb. I've probably dropped a hundred times, and wait forever to clean but it always fires and I manage to hit center mass every time. Oh, forgot I've only had to replace the barrel twice. I'm on my third barrel since I got it in 2002. I forgot to add I replaced the recoil spring once.

peacefulgary · September 23, 2013, 07:14 PM

I have several handguns, but if I were forced to get rid of all save one, believe it or not, I would keep my Ruger LCP.

It is my carry anywhere handgun....

Suit and tie?
I'm armed.

Just shorts and sandals around the swimming pool?
I'm armed.

PG

publius · September 23, 2013, 07:49 PM

Ruger MKII .22. Good for plinking and small game it's no joke if pump 10 rounds of stingers into your chest.

Deaf Smith · September 23, 2013, 08:55 PM

Quote:

If you had just one handgun, for what main purpose would it be?

For CCW self defense, home defense, and field use (in that order.)

Probably my Glock 33 .357 Sig with spare barrel in .40 S&W, 9mm, and a AACK unit in .22 lr.

I'd use the 9mm and .22 for practice, .357 Sig for SD, and the .40 S&W would be for the field (and self defense.)

Deaf

CajunBass · September 23, 2013, 09:04 PM

Plinking. I plink a lot more than I defend myself or my home.

BigJimP · September 24, 2013, 09:16 AM

My one gun would be a good 1911 ....for recreational purposes primarily.

.........but if I wanted to carry it, I would.

deputy tom · September 24, 2013, 03:45 PM

I voted CCW SD but HD falls under that description for me too. A good 4" .357 mag K-frame could be used for CCW, HD, plinking, hunting and is just versatile. tom.

JERRYS. · September 24, 2013, 04:03 PM

self defense against criminals on the street.

jonnyc · September 24, 2013, 07:22 PM

Only one handgun?
Definitely something for both CCW and HD, a pistol handy enough to get me to a real gun.

Justice06RR · September 24, 2013, 07:39 PM

Its really a mix between CCW/SD and recreational shooting for me. The options limit you to one, so I voted CCW.

For those reasons, some of the favorite handguns I've owned are Glock19, M&P9, and XD9. All of which qualify for both CCW and recreational uses.

Chowder · September 24, 2013, 08:43 PM

A 4" L frame .357 of some sort. With the right grips you could conceal carry it, not ideal but you could dress around it. Great for home defense, plinking with .38's, and with enough practice can take down medium game.

This has me thinking... I need to go buy a 4 inch .357 to go with my model 18.

doofus47 · September 25, 2013, 11:40 AM

aren't all handguns for self-defense/rifle backup?

KMAX · September 25, 2013, 11:56 AM

Again, primarily all my handguns are for range plinking, but serve multiple purposes because I so rarely actually have to defend myself or my home and the apocalypse hasn't happened yet and I don't hunt. If I had to narrow it down to one specific purpose to have a gun, it would be self defense which for me would include HD and CC.

SFsc616171 · September 25, 2013, 03:24 PM

I have on both 'designs'.

The first one I bought, because it is one of those autoloader brand names, that are known pretty much where the 1911 is not used, for many years.

The second one, I bought because it is of a revolver model I had in the military, and the cartridge still performs, today.

HOWEVER, with more reports in the rural areas of the country, where it is NOT 'an' asaillant, but rather, 'assaillants', I am becoming painfully aware that I might need more than 'a cylinderful', to start with.

Strafer Gott · September 25, 2013, 04:57 PM

I guess I'd probably pick out my USP 45 compact and shoot everything with it.
I just love them big bullets! I have a SA Champion I might learn to carry, but the grip keeps sawing through my belt, so Mexican carry is out. I can carry the USP compact models in my front pocket without too much billiards.

JERRYS. · September 25, 2013, 05:30 PM

Quote:

aren't all handguns for self-defense/rifle backup?

yes. the handgun was never designed for hunting and now even the best ones touted as a "hunting gun" are still a distant second to a rifle or shotgun.

handguns were designed as a close quarter weapon.

Nick_C_S · September 25, 2013, 11:55 PM

My Smith 686 4". I shoot IDPA with it - I shoot it a lot, in general. It's got a 4" barrel, so it delivers a pretty stout round for defense. Built like a tank - isn't ever going to break. Can shoot a wide range of ammo (duh).

Yep. The 4" Smith. No doubt about it.

View Poll Results: If you had only ONE handgun, it would be for...
Plinking, recreational shooting	17	14.29%
Competition, shooting sport of any kind	3	2.52%
Hunting	3	2.52%
Home defense, insurance for bad days to come	27	22.69%
CCW, self defense	66	55.46%
Survival, outdoor companion	3	2.52%
Collecting	0	0%
Voters: 119. You may not vote on this poll

September 23, 2013, 03:00 PM	#1
simonrichter Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Austria Posts: 757	If you had just one handgun, for what main purpose would it be? Yes, I'm well aware that most of you own more than one and you can cover more than one purpose with one handgun, still... __________________ "Get off of my lawn!" Walt Kowalski . ISSC PAR .223

September 23, 2013, 03:51 PM	#5
TennJed Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2010 Posts: 1,536	I think a better question would be "if you were only allowed one use or purpose for guns what would it be". A fantasy question but kinda fun and interesting. Plinking and range fun for me. The most important part of life is enjoying it __________________ Find out just how tall I am By jumping in the middle of a river

September 23, 2013, 05:04 PM	#6
sheepman Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2007 Location: Moses Lake WA Posts: 395	Singal six for plinking __________________ The best gun is the one you have when you really need one

September 23, 2013, 06:59 PM	#8
Kirby8604 Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 61	One gun to rule them all My choice is Ruger SP101 .357 Main purpose (for me) is plinking, with the possibility of carry.

September 23, 2013, 03:39 PM	#2
hgmeyer Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: Elgin, IL Posts: 147	S&W .357 revolver.... widest range of uses....

September 23, 2013, 03:45 PM	#3
southjk Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2012 Location: Memphis Posts: 468	I find this hard to answer because if I only had to have one gun it would serve multiple purposes not just one. One handgun can be a HD gun, a carry gun and a plinking/range gun. At least mine would. Which would I do more? I'd use it most at the range but it would still be used for HD/SD.

September 23, 2013, 03:50 PM	#4
NOVA Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 112	OP's question is fair - what is the MAIN purpose. Without hesitation I answered Home Defense - years ago when my wife convinced me we should have a gun, it was for that reason.

September 23, 2013, 07:09 PM	#9
kln4 Member Join Date: August 13, 2013 Posts: 82	I own 4, but only shoot the XD .45 GAP and 40SW. The XD40 is the one I carry and use the most, about 4000 rnds a year. I know it's not a Kimber or other expensive gun and it's not real purdy. But it as never misfired or jamb. I've probably dropped a hundred times, and wait forever to clean but it always fires and I manage to hit center mass every time. Oh, forgot I've only had to replace the barrel twice. I'm on my third barrel since I got it in 2002. I forgot to add I replaced the recoil spring once. Last edited by kln4; September 23, 2013 at 07:11 PM. Reason: forgot to add

September 23, 2013, 07:14 PM	#10
peacefulgary Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2011 Location: USA Posts: 714	I have several handguns, but if I were forced to get rid of all save one, believe it or not, I would keep my Ruger LCP. It is my carry anywhere handgun.... Suit and tie? I'm armed. Just shorts and sandals around the swimming pool? I'm armed. PG Last edited by peacefulgary; September 23, 2013 at 07:20 PM.

September 23, 2013, 07:49 PM	#11
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	Ruger MKII .22. Good for plinking and small game it's no joke if pump 10 rounds of stingers into your chest. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

September 23, 2013, 09:04 PM	#13
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	Plinking. I plink a lot more than I defend myself or my home. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

September 24, 2013, 09:16 AM	#14
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	My one gun would be a good 1911 ....for recreational purposes primarily. .........but if I wanted to carry it, I would.

September 24, 2013, 03:45 PM	#15
deputy tom Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2002 Location: Pennsyltucky Posts: 753	I voted CCW SD but HD falls under that description for me too. A good 4" .357 mag K-frame could be used for CCW, HD, plinking, hunting and is just versatile. tom. __________________ N.R.A.LIFE MEMBER Thank Goodness we're back on line. An end will come on the world, but love and music will endure. Thig crioch air an t-saoghail, ach mairidh gaol 's ceol. Old Scottish Gaelic proverb

September 24, 2013, 04:03 PM	#16
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,968	self defense against criminals on the street.

September 24, 2013, 07:22 PM	#17
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Only one handgun? Definitely something for both CCW and HD, a pistol handy enough to get me to a real gun. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

September 24, 2013, 07:39 PM	#18
Justice06RR Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2010 Location: Central FL Posts: 1,360	Its really a mix between CCW/SD and recreational shooting for me. The options limit you to one, so I voted CCW. For those reasons, some of the favorite handguns I've owned are Glock19, M&P9, and XD9. All of which qualify for both CCW and recreational uses.

September 24, 2013, 08:43 PM	#19
Chowder Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 449	A 4" L frame .357 of some sort. With the right grips you could conceal carry it, not ideal but you could dress around it. Great for home defense, plinking with .38's, and with enough practice can take down medium game. This has me thinking... I need to go buy a 4 inch .357 to go with my model 18.

September 25, 2013, 11:40 AM	#20
doofus47 Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: live in a in a house when i'm not in a tent Posts: 2,483	aren't all handguns for self-defense/rifle backup? __________________ I'm right about the metric system 3/4 of the time.

September 25, 2013, 11:56 AM	#21
KMAX Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,185	Again, primarily all my handguns are for range plinking, but serve multiple purposes because I so rarely actually have to defend myself or my home and the apocalypse hasn't happened yet and I don't hunt. If I had to narrow it down to one specific purpose to have a gun, it would be self defense which for me would include HD and CC. __________________ This is my gun. There are many like her, but this one is mine. I'm not old. I'm CLASSIC!

September 25, 2013, 03:24 PM	#22
SFsc616171 Junior member Join Date: June 9, 2011 Location: "In the swamps of Montana" with the gators Posts: 84	re: If you had just one handgun, for what main purpose would it be? I have on both 'designs'. The first one I bought, because it is one of those autoloader brand names, that are known pretty much where the 1911 is not used, for many years. The second one, I bought because it is of a revolver model I had in the military, and the cartridge still performs, today. HOWEVER, with more reports in the rural areas of the country, where it is NOT 'an' asaillant, but rather, 'assaillants', I am becoming painfully aware that I might need more than 'a cylinderful', to start with.

September 25, 2013, 04:57 PM	#23
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	I guess I'd probably pick out my USP 45 compact and shoot everything with it. I just love them big bullets! I have a SA Champion I might learn to carry, but the grip keeps sawing through my belt, so Mexican carry is out. I can carry the USP compact models in my front pocket without too much billiards.

September 25, 2013, 11:55 PM	#25
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,522	My Smith 686 4". I shoot IDPA with it - I shoot it a lot, in general. It's got a 4" barrel, so it delivers a pretty stout round for defense. Built like a tank - isn't ever going to break. Can shoot a wide range of ammo (duh). Yep. The 4" Smith. No doubt about it. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

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