Quintessential Handguns

rkm456 said:
Nice list.
What constitutes a Gen 3.5 if you're so inclined? I'm not that up on my Glock folklore.
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Gen 1, 2, and early gen 3 9mm guns had only one pin above the trigger (the trigger pin). If you look at the photo below, you'll notice that the top and bottom "G17 gen 3" models have only one pin above the trigger (gen 3) while the center one has two pins (gen 3.5 or later-production gen 3 have a locking-block pin in addition to the trigger pin). I believe the single-pin versions were only produced in 9mm, but I could be wrong about that.



This schematic also shows both options:


 
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Smith&Wesson N frame revolver

1911 chambered in .45acp

Polymer pistol

Sig Sauer P22x series pistol

Dan Wesson model 22V

Browning Buckmark

Why? Because now all the bases are covered. From a big boomer to affordable plinkers.
 
Travis Bickle said:
Man I would love me a Beretta 92S but they are so damned expensive.
Was really hoping to see some surplus ones pop up on our market with the proper mag release location.
I almost picked up one of the Italian Police imports that had the goofy mag release on the bottom rear of the grip. Almost...
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Yeah I got lucky with my 92 F.

Beautiful gun. However I am planning to upgrade it with the new safety delete kit and a "D" spring.
 
CobraGT said:
Gen 1, 2, and early gen 3 9mm guns had only one pin above the trigger (the trigger pin). If you look at the photo below, you'll notice that the top and bottom "G17 gen 3" models have only one pin above the trigger (gen 3) while the center one has two pins (gen 3.5 or later-production gen 3 have a locking-block pin in addition to the trigger pin). I believe the single-pin versions were only produced in 9mm, but I could be wrong about that.
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Ah, gotcha. I knew about the addition of the 3rd pin, didn't realize it was recognized as a 3.5. Great info!
 
rkm456 said:
So do you have anything to add related to the thread or just here for the usual anti-polymer gun rhetoric?
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Actually his advice is the best in this thread. Don't give a crap what other guys think you should own, own whatever guns tickle your fancy.

With that in mind, a High point should be everyone's dream handgun.





.... but seriously. Get an old school, non railed, folded steel slide P226.
 
Lonesome Donkey said:
1) Yes. Please read my original post #48, which is very constructive and informative.

2) Stop complaining.
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I have read it. It has nothing to do with the thread. This is now the third time I'll ask you to contribute in the manor originally asked, the same manor everyone else in this thread has. It isn't complaining, it's asking you to follow basic forum etiquette. I understand that you have a strong dislike for polymer handguns, that's your prerogative. Which handguns do you prefer as an alternative?
 
ianfroese said:
Actually his advice is the best in this thread. Don't give a crap what other guys think you should own, own whatever guns tickle your fancy.

With that in mind, a High point should be everyone's dream handgun.

.... but seriously. Get an old school, non railed, folded steel slide P226.
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I didn't ask "What should I buy?" I'm asking what you guys like. So the response of "Buy what you like" isn't at all helpful

Interesting about the non railed P226. How can you tell a folded steel slide version from the alternative. Similarly, what was the material used in place of the folded steel?
 
rkm456 said:
I didn't ask "What should I buy?" I'm asking what you guys like. So the response of "Buy what you like" isn't at all helpful

Interesting about the non railed P226. How can you tell a folded steel slide version from the alternative. Similarly, what was the material used in place of the folded steel?
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Fair enough.

If it is Made in West Germany, it will have the folded steel slide. Made in Germany may have it, or it will have the milled steel slide, like the US made ones. The folded steel slides have an internal extractor, while the milled steel slides have an external extractor on the right hand side.

Really the milled steel is likely a better slide (likely last longer?), but man, the old guns without a rail and the folded steel slide balance just beautifully. Some guys attest to the quality of the West Germans being better. I'm not 100% convinced on that, as I think my recently built P226 has a better trigger than my old girls, with as good of fit and finish to it. But in terms of a quintessential Sig, the old school West Germans are the way to go!

Edit: Be wary of getting into old school Sigs. I've found it is a sickness without cure. I just need one morrrrre.
 
ianfroese said:
Fair enough.

If it is Made in West Germany, it will have the folded steel slide. Made in Germany may have it, or it will have the milled steel slide, like the US made ones. The folded steel slides have an internal extractor, while the milled steel slides have an external extractor on the right hand side.

Really the milled steel is likely a better slide (likely last longer?), but man, the old guns without a rail and the folded steel slide balance just beautifully. Some guys attest to the quality of the West Germans being better. I'm not 100% convinced on that, as I think my recently built P226 has a better trigger than my old girls, with as good of fit and finish to it. But in terms of a quintessential Sig, the old school West Germans are the way to go!

Edit: Be wary of getting into old school Sigs. I've found it is a sickness without cure. I just need one morrrrre.
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Cool info there. Thanks! My LGS has an older non railed SIG P226 up on consignment. To me I look at it and say "Who would want a gun with no rail!?!?!?!?"

"but maybe.." thought the Grinch "it means just a little bit more..."
 
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My list would be:

A top end custom built 1911. Because well its a 1911.
A top grade target pistol such as a Pardini. Until you shoot something like this you just don't know what a handgun can be.
Korth revolver. Pretty much the best revolver you can get today.
Sig 226 or 220. Simply becuase they showed the world how you could make an accurate reliable reasonably priced handgun.

Into the classics;

A S & W model 29 (Dirty Harry) 44 Mag. They are simply awesome to shoot. Lots of recoil but very accurate out to long ranges.
Nagant revolver. Really cool mechanism and built like a tank. To quote a Russin soldier if it stopped working you just had to hit it with a hammer.
Colt Peacemaker
Open top revolver. The best looking handgun ever made.

Modern, because of their influence;

Glock 17. I don't like them but the first plastic frame gun which changed the way mass produced handguns were made. Light, super reliable, accurate and relatively cheap. Triggers suck but you can't have everything.

If I missed one of yours sorry but it is my list.
 
rkm456 said:
In your opinion, what are the handguns that everyone should aspire to own? and why?
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You have to be a little more specific...

Military buff? Inglis Hi-Power, Luger, P38, 1911, Colt SA...
Police buff? G17, CZ75, Colt Police Positive, Smith & Wesson M10...
Movie buff? Dirty Harry S&W M29, James Bond PPK, Die Hard M92, Pulp Fiction chromed 1911
Target buff? Toz35, Walther GSP, HS Victor
Should stock buff? Hi-power, Luger, Broomhandle, Lahti L-35
Rare stuff buff? Sokolovsky Automaster, Volcanic pistol, Bergmann M1896, Borchardt C93
 
sillymike said:
You have to be a little more specific...

Military buff? Inglis Hi-Power, Luger, P38, 1911, Colt SA...
Police buff? G17, CZ75, Colt Police Positive, Smith & Wesson M10...
Movie buff? Dirty Harry S&W M29, James Bond PPK, Die Hard M92, Pulp Fiction chromed 1911
Target buff? Toz35, Walther GSP, HS Victor
Should stock buff? Hi-power, Luger, Broomhandle, Lahti L-35
Rare stuff buff? Sokolovsky Automaster, Volcanic pistol, Bergmann M1896, Borchardt C93
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I left it vague because I'm curious to get opinions from all walks. Interesting lists you've compiled though.
 
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