If you have to consolidate your handgun collection to just 3

[Tool]

What are the top 3 favorite handguns of your collection?

My list would be:
1. HK USP Tactical 45acp
2. SW 686 plus 357mag
3. HK P2000 9mm

[Pumpkin]

First,
I would consider:
Moving to a different state
Getting a bigger safe
Getting a different partner
Surely the reason for such a drastic question is one of the above.
I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night thinking about what I got rid of to end up with 3.

[Tool]

Brother, you completely missed the point. This post is everything about your most favorite handguns. It has nothing to do with any laws, storage space, etc. Please continue to sleep well.

Originally Posted by Pumpkin

First,
I would consider:
Moving to a different state
Getting a bigger safe
Getting a different partner
Surely the reason for such a drastic question is one of the above.
I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night thinking about what I got rid of to end up with 3.

[44 AMP]

This post is everything about your most favorite handguns.

IF that's what you want to know, then that is what you should ask.

asking with an "if you could only have" scenario implies factors that don't apply to many of us. Some people will pick based on the practical utility in their lives, and not necessarily what their favorite handguns are.

Another point is, some of us take instant umbrage (dislike) to any kind of "if you could only have" type questions, both because it implies being forced to do something you don't want, and, also because the number is arbitrary. 1?? 3?? why not 5?? or 15?? or 50??

Also, you put this in the semi auto forum, which works if your favorites are semi autos, but your own answers include a revolver. If you're including that, then General Handguns is the place to ask.

[JohnKSa]

Part of the reason I would hate to cut down to some small number of handguns is that I would have to get rid of handguns I really like but that aren't necessarily as practical as others.

If I had to cut down to 3 handguns, for example, I would lose a handgun my wife gave me, my first handgun, both of the handguns I own in one of my favorite calibers. Two guns that I have customized and really like. All of my revolvers--and I like revolvers more than I like semi-autos, in general.

Basically all my favorites would be gone and I'd have to keep some of the ones that are in daily "use".

That's if we divide things up and only talk about my "personal" handguns. If I have to do this for all the handguns I own instead of just my "personal" handguns, then it gets really ugly. My wife has some specialized requirements for self-defense handguns, so handguns she can use effectively would take precedence over mine. Which means I would likely lose all mine and we would end up with 3 that worked for her.

Basically it would be a nightmare scenario. Like having a Ferrari, a nice daily driver and the wife's minivan and finding out we could only own one vehicle. It would mean being forced to get rid of my daily driver and the Ferrari and keeping the minivan. Favorites wouldn't have a thing to do with the decision.

[The Happy kaboomer]

Not gonna happen....Wasted thread.

[Aguila Blanca]

Not gonna happen....Wasted thread.

Agreed. It's a nonsense question.

[2damnold4this]

If I had to eliminate all but three handguns for financial reasons, I'd try to keep those that have sentimental value or would be difficult to replace. I'd keep my dad's S&W model 65, a pre-transfer bar Single Six, and either a pre-model 10 S&W M&P or a S&W 30-1.

If I wanted to pick three handguns for defensive purposes, I'd go with a Kimber K6xs, a S&W 342, and either Dad's model 65 or a Glock 26.

For hunting with a handgun, I'd go with the Single Six, a Ruger SBH, or Dad's model 65.

For a backup to another hunting weapon such as a rifle, I'd go with the K6xs, the 342, or a S&W model 69 snub but the G26 has served as a backup and the Single Six might also be a good choice.

Things get more complicated when looking at handguns for general fun, competition, and other potential uses.

[Nathan]

Dan Wesson Vigil 1911 cco 9mm
S&W 629 5”
S&W 340 with moon clip conversion

I could probably live like this, but would like to add back my DW Custom 45, Contender, and Colt Wiley Clapp…..not to mention the S&W revolvers!

[Tool]

Originally Posted by 2damnold4this

If I had to eliminate all but three handguns for financial reasons, I'd try to keep those that have sentimental value or would be difficult to replace. I'd keep my dad's S&W model 65, a pre-transfer bar Single Six, and either a pre-model 10 S&W M&P or a S&W 30-1.

If I wanted to pick three handguns for defensive purposes, I'd go with a Kimber K6xs, a S&W 342, and either Dad's model 65 or a Glock 26.

For hunting with a handgun, I'd go with the Single Six, a Ruger SBH, or Dad's model 65.

For a backup to another hunting weapon such as a rifle, I'd go with the K6xs, the 342, or a S&W model 69 snub but the G26 has served as a backup and the Single Six might also be a good choice.

Things get more complicated when looking at handguns for general fun, competition, and other potential uses.

Glad to hear you like the Kimber K6XS a lot. I have been trying to make a decision between K6XS and SW 642. The latter is more concealable, but the former has one extra round.

[Shadow9mm]

Lol, I only have 3 handguns total in my collection at present. Does that make them my favorites by default?

P365
G19
G30

[2damnold4this]

The weight of the 642 and K6xs is very close. I don't feel the difference when carrying them in a pocket holster as it is only about an ounce. There is a big difference when carrying a 342 but the 342 is so light weight that it is more difficult to shoot well.

[Tool]

Many thanks for the reply. I didn't know the Kimber is so light.

[Super Sneaky Steve]

Probably a S&W 331 Airlight Titanium 32 mag. It's the lightest pocket gun with manageable recoil.

A S&W Shield 4" 45 automatic. It can also fit in my larger pockets and is the most reliable 45 I own.

Third place goes to the Uberti 1858 Remington in stainless with a 5.5" barrel because I love black powder and that's a good do it all handgun.

[RickB]

I no longer have a lot of duplicates, so no way to reduce numbers via that route.
Virtually all of the handgun shooting I now do is IDPA competition, so I'd keep guns for three competitive divisions, a 1911 in .45, a S&W Model 22 for Revolver, and my SIG P938 for carry and Back Up Gun.

[lee n. field]

Originally Posted by Tool

What are the top 3 favorite handguns of your collection?

My list would be:
1. HK USP Tactical 45acp
2. SW 686 plus 357mag
3. HK P2000 9mm

That's a totally different question than the thread title:

If you have to consolidate your handgun collection to just 3

Depends on how the world is.

If I had, right now, for whatever reason, to pare the current gun hoard down, I'd keep my carry gun, a spare, and one of the Glocks. Is it cheating on the question, to get a .22 conversion for the Glock?

These aren't necessarily favorites. I'm going for long term utility.

The more you have, the more specialized niches you can fill well.

[pete2]

Model 19
Model 629
Model 17

[Drm50]

1. S&W M17 .22RF………..plink & small game/ varmits
2. S&W M39 9mm………….carry SD
3. Ruger Super Blackhawk .44magnum…….Deer hunting, hogs, etc. * only revolver I own
that I fire full house magnum loads.

[Tool]

It's interesting to see so much love for revolvers.

[FrankenMauser]

Being the semi-auto handgun forum, we'll go with that:
Ruger P95
Beretta 1951 or S&W M&P Shield 9 (Depends on the day and circumstances.)
SilencerCo Maxim 9

[Skans]

1. Sig X-Five Competition
2. CZ 75B
3. Tanfoglio Stock 10mm.

[44 AMP]

It's interesting to see so much love for revolvers.

One can turn that around and ask "why the obsession with semi autos?"

Many people are only interested in CCW and/or duty class defense guns. Many of the rest of us have broader interests.

Just out of curiosity, would you consider a T/C Contender with about a dozen barrels one gun, or several??

[glider]

Ridiculous, I have sold a lot of guns in the past few years but getting down to 3? Someone is out of their mind. I've been trying to get down to 15 and can't do it! RIDICULOUS!!!!!

[Tactical Jackalope]

Absolutely not. There are way too many variables that change constantly.

[Sarge]

Easy,

1. My Taurus 617T, a 7 round 2" 357 mag. 23 oz loaded and shoots better than some 4" 357s I've owned.

2. My no rail Sig P226 40 S&W.

3. Dedicated hunting handgun TBD. Likely a 357 revolver or 10mm XDm, to make use of ammo/components on hand.