Handguns are a favorite category for many of us here at Gun Digest. We even went so far as to publish a book, by Massad Ayoob, devoted to the greatest handguns of the world.
Now, we’d like to know what you think. What’s your pick for the greatest handgun? Just let us know in the Comments section below, and you’ll automatically be entered in a giveaway for a copy of Massad’s book, Greatest Handguns of the World.
One lucky reader will win a copy of the book and find out if their choice made Massad's list. We’ll announce the winner next Thursday.
If you can’t wait until next week to find out, get your copy of the book today in the Gun Digest Book Store.
Good luck!
THE RULES
One entry per person, please.
No entries after 12:00 noon Pacific Time Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011.
Winner will be selected at random and announced Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011.
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I vote the Colt 45 peacemaker as the worlds greatest handgun.
Ialso vote that the military 1911 45 automatic is the second greatest handgun ever made.
I bought this book already and am reading it now. Love it! I would really like to win a copy to give as a gift to a close friend.
-H
PS – I would love to own a 6 in blue Python someday!
The Ruger Blackhawk 357/9mm convertible.
The best is the S&W K38 Combat Masterpiece.
For me, I would have to say the Ruger Redhawk.
I love the Springfield XD40. I love the timeless design, the easy draw from my Blackhawk quick release holster, and the flawless reliability make it hard to beat at a price point almost anyone can afford.
Greatest, best, or most significant?
Significant would be the Colt Paterson.
Greatest would have to be the 1911.
There are undoubtedly better guns than either one of these but influence on what came after has to be a consideration.
I like your thinking re the Paterson. I’ve spent 20 minutes trying to think of something more significant than the Pat — and I can’t!
Ruger Model 1 and its progeny. Affordable fun for all, and after 50 years, the Model 1 I own still shoots better than I will ever be able.
No room for anything but a Glock. It’s been around only since 1985, but is now the #1 handgun… Outselling everything in history. May not be the most beautiful mechanical creation, but it has revolutionized the industry. 1911 and others are a fantastic look at history… great collectors item.
Although I thoroughly enjoy shooting 1911s, my heart belongs to a good old fashioned revolver. I absolutely love my S&W Model 24 chambered in 44 special. This blued wheel gun with 6 1/2 inch barrel is stunning.
The Glock. While the 1911 does come close in several aspects, but mainly as an ‘industry standard’. Glock is perfect, and the proof is, how many new guns have copied the glock and how many have copied the 1911 (other than grip safety alone)? Ya huh. Starting with the Sigma, it’s endless. Honorable mention to the Smith&Wessons, our American original, but long superceded by polymer.
Took awhile to get used to the then new da concept, having preferred the traditional SW da/sa, but there are so many unequaled options for glock: you can end up with no original parts if you replaced all with aftermarket parts..only 1911 can claim that also.
bob@plotner.org says
GLOCK 23 fit’s me just fine.
John Browning’s 1911…best version, Les Baer’s Thunder Ranch Special. Celebrating 100 years of service.
It is the Colt 1911 .45 ACP. I got my first 1911, a Colt made in 1915, from the DCM through the NRA in 1966. Would you believe for $20.00 including shipping by railway express.
Hi There: I am an old cattleman–80 years old. I read your post with a degree of nostalgia. My choice for this award would certainly be the Colt 1911 .45ACP, too.
My first 1911 was purchased in 1952 when I was a member of the Key West Naval Base pistol team. I never could hit a “bull in the butt” with any type handgun–but as a member of the pistol team I could obtain a goodly amount of ammunition free each week.
But to cut to the chase I too purchased a 1911 through the Pistol Team. As I recall the team ordered 12 of them and and they came from a wharehouse in Canada-we paid-as I recall-a total of $27.00 apiece for them They were, of course, brand new still with the cosmoline wrapping–I mean totally new.
So whats the big deal eh? Well my particuliar gun was manufactured by the Singer Sewing Machine company. As you are probably aware Singer only made 500 of these guns and they are now valued at several thousand dollars each.
The sad part of this story is that being a bit underfunded when I went to college I sold this gun (in 1954) for $50.00 and thought I had “cut a fat hog in the ass” with that $23.00 profit. I had no idea of the scaricty of that gun till years later.
hands down a 1911
So many choices…. But I have to go with JMB’s 1911 also.
I started my love of the 1911 as a young boy; I read Mickey Spillane, and the hero Mike Hammer always had his 1911. Then as a young Marine in the 70’s I got to shoot some, which reinforced my high opinion of them. After I finally owned a few 1911’s, I tried a Glock 21. Yes, the 1911 is the greatest handgun ever invented but my G21 holds 13 + 1. 1911. No, G21. 1911.
G21, final answer.
As a young boy, I rea
S&W Model 19 (4-inch barrel) blued
S&W Model 19 (4-inch) blued
1911. Gotta be.
Has to be the S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum
For me, I loved the feel of my 9mm. Lugar pistol.
Has to be 1911, However my carry choice is a Glock 36.
Small enough to easily conceal, but packs a .45 punch!
I have to go with the 1911. Browning was a genius for his time.
Colt 1911A1 that my father-in-law gave me.
The 1911 is my choice, hands down. While the Colt Peacemaker is a great gun, the 1911 continues to this day to be the go-to gun for defense.
My choice: Glock 22, (.40 W&W) Compensated.
S&W M29 .44 Magnum, 4″ barrel, blued finish, Magna grips.
the Smith&Wesson 44 Mag.
I vote for the Smith & Wesson Model 29, .44 Magnum !
Colt 1911A1
Glock 19 – reliable, durable, perfect size, and easy to shoot.
My vote goes to the Kimber Covert 4″
Colt 45 saa
I vote for para’s 1911 Lda with 14 round magazine
The greatest handgun is the one you have when you need it.
Walther PK380 (my conceal carry)
Without a doubt, it is the 1911.
1911
I vote for the Colt 1911.