SIXTO

We all can agree this is a largely subjective matter, but the guys who that are going to post that xx pistol is the best because thats what they have....

Anyway, the best isnt always the most economical. I do think Glocks success is because they have found the balance point between the two. Sure, Glock could sell their pistol for a lot less and still turn a profit, but why would they? If I had to arm a police force or army I would go with Glocks, no doubt about that one.

If budget would allow, Sigs. I honestly think the best production combat pistol is the 220, followed by the 226. This came from tons of research and trials I took part in a few years ago in order to find not the most economical, but the best pistol available for police use.

I do have to tip my hat to the tried true 1911. It proves itself over and over. Who can argue with its sucess? I do think it is no longer the best because of reasons that have nothing to do with accuracy, reliability or anything else we look for in a pistol.

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Brian D.

Well Richard, the best Combat Handguns are the ones where my picture shows up in Rick Miller's Tactics column! Oh, did I misunderstand the question?

Your actual question is way too subjective, old pal.

ghost tracker

Are you the kind of guy who kicks a Hornet's Nest on purpose? This is a forum full of passionate pistoleros who've spent big WADS of money trying to decide, for themselves, the answer to that very question. Now some will matter-of-factly give their authoritative answer while others will stomp-&-scream that their opinion carries heaver weight. Me? I'm gonna' let you spend your own thousands of dollars in your personal quest for the "best". My pick? It's somewhere between my mildly tuned GLOCK G19 & my totally custom (Cylinder & Slide) Browning Hi-Power in .357 SIG! But there are dozens of choices between the two. Good Luck!

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AnimalKracker

I see we're starting the day off with a bang. I'm pretty sure we'll see lots that like the Glock and other modern DA autos, I'll bet several wade in with a nice combat revolver. But the 1911 has been on the scene with someone somewhere since WW1. Some say it's out dated and prefer a more modern hi-capacity pistol, while others say it's fine just give me more mags. I have both and don't feel uncomfortable with either, just give me plenty of mags and I'm fine.

Deacon51

I'll second the USP in .40.

It has many advantages over the M9 and the 1911.
Plus it can be carried with the safety on, and the hammer down.
I don't think the military will never use a striker fired pistol

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Knuckledrager

Hitting the target with an effective round under adverse conditions is the key. To that end, I believe that the 3 platforms that are the most likely to help the shooter do just that are: Glock, 1911a1, and the HK P7 series. They seem to be the most shooter friendly of all the pistols that are out there.

NRATodd

Heckler and Koch

David III

I sure don't equip armies, but I am often asked what carry gun I'd recommend from people who are not "gun" people. (First answer, a 38 S&W, but for some reason, most want a semi-auto).
My standard answer is a Glock 19. I like the 17, but I like the 19 better for carry. They are relatively cheap, go bang every time, only thing the person has to learn is "finger off the trigger until sights are on the target." I think Glock has really just covered up the market for affordable reliability, especially when you figure in buying a bunch of them at the LE pricing level. And first-time shooters seem to be able to hit anything with them (grip angle is a bit odd for me, but not them).
Will be plenty of opinions on this one for sure. I just think Glock pretty much has it.
Personally, I had two G26s, my wife actually couldn't hold one tight enough to keep it from stovepiping all the time. Sold both.
I carry 1911 platform guns only. They just seem to be right for me. But, I'm an antique. A guy I ride with who was in Vietnam said "I think if God sent me an Angel, she would be in the form of a Colt 1911."
If equipping an army these days, though, I'd have them carry Glocks. I just wouldn't be in that army.............

and this should be a great Friday thread!

USPnTX

Hmm....what a totally subjective question. However, judging by the criteria you have laid out it sounds to me that you are describing the SW M&P. My personal favorite would be the HK or just about any 1911 in .45.

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PAPACHUCK

The best for me happens to be what I own, (that's why I bought them!). In the order I'd grab them;

#1 - XD45 Tactical
#2 - Glock 22
#3 - Beretta 92FS

All have been 100% reliable, all are completely effective if I do my part. I do my part best with the above, and in that order.

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