International Pistol

[MikeRussell]

If it's to be an "international" gun, I'd suggest something chambered for a load you can actually find outside the United States. That invalidates .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and .357 Magnum for the most part.

You also must keep in mind that some countries make it illegal to own any firearm chambered in a round used by the military. So, unless you're going to be hitting up the Army depot or local PD for ammo, you might be SOL. So, in certain areas of the world, 9mm & .38spcl will be hard to get.

If you are a super spy, I think a heist of a PD or depot would be feasible, so I'd go with a 9mm. So, I'm either going with a BHP or a Commander sized 1911.

[Shadow9]

Resurrecting - but in lieu of "Ammo availability" concerns presented earlier in the discussion - what is a more common CIVILIAN pistol round? I know 9mmP is the most common overall, but in many nations (i.e. Germany), it's restricted to Military/LE, and for a while, was ONLY military (hence the police carrying 9mmK).

Would the 9x18 or 9mmK/.380 or .32 be a more common caliber? I know .45/.40/.357SIG are common over here and less over there...

What about revolver cartridges?

[Mesquito Whitey]

I would carry my Springfield Armory XD9 Subcompact. It's not my favorite gun but that wasn't the question. YMMV