best SHTF Pistol/Handgun

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by knophear, Jan 30, 2009.


  1. knophear

    knophear Monkey++

    Ok. I am in the market for a handgun to complete my shtf loadout...what would be good? I really like the Sigs..
     
  2. knophear

    knophear Monkey++

    but they are quite costly..also, caliber reccomendations..
     
  3. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 17, 2015
  4. NVBeav

    NVBeav Monkey+++

    No Glock or 1911 baiting from me...

    I'd recommend getting the Springfield XD or XDM. It's cheaper than the Sig or HK, and it's been getting very high approvals. One of the things that helped me is that it comes with 3 exchangeable backstraps (helps to fit your hand to the pistol).

    The XDM 40SW comes with:
    - carrying case (which holds everything below)
    - two magazines
    - belt holster
    - belt mag holder
    - reloading tool
    - XDm (of course)
    - 3 backstraps
    - misc

    It's grip was described to me as similar to the 1911, but I wouldn't know much about that. It shoots and feels great, although my wife liked someone's Beretta 96 better....

    I highly recommend the XDM.

    http://www.springfield-armory.com/assets/pdf/Binder2.pdf
     
  5. andy

    andy Monkey+++

    well since i have be able to save up some $$$ i'm now officially looking for my first hand gun, so i'm interrested in this debate as well ...i will read the above threads... Ok, I am open to suggestions but i'm leaning toward the .40. Mostly because i know i want something larger than the 9mm. i have rented and fired a glock, sig, and i carry the M9 beretta. i am intrested in XD but have yet to try one... thanx 4 the link NVBeav

    on a some-what unrelated note: does any one have an oppinion on beretta's cx4 "storm" http://www.cx4storm.com/ i rented one last weekend and had a blast. it's a fun little carbine however it round capacity would be an issue... please PM me(to keep from hijacking this thread) what are there pros and cons in you oppinion? i don't completely trust people who try and sell me something "i just have to have!" thank you
     
  6. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    For a dead reliable bugout handgun, go revolver. The advantages and disadvantages of wheelgun vs. pistol have been flogged relentlessly over time and distance, but 6 sure beats all hell out of a lot more maybes. Thus spake me and maybe me only. (I'll probably have both, revolver closest to hand, unless I need to walk out.)
     
  7. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    Not you only, g!

    +1 for revolver!
     
  8. Tango3

    Tango3 Aimless wanderer

    IMHO (simple factual argument you can find rehashed all over any gun related sites/magazines; "things are what they are").
    Got both, revolvers have a lot going for them. their manual of arms is simple ( load/shoot/empty) easy to clean the barrel & chamber,cheaper to buy, can sit 100% loaded and ready to fire with out pressure on any springs.

    I like the 1911 but I spent alot of time with one in the military.For jsp or jsp's wife, the revolver wins. I can't imagine my wife with a failure to eject or failure to feed in a stressful situation...... The auto will pull a head in the hands of an experienced user who's willing to stay sharp....
    The1911 even full size carries nicely in an inside the pants or pancake holster ALOT better than the m9 ( I was in afosi for the switch over,takes a bit to get used to carrying that "bigazz beretta". The m11 sig (9mm introduced to afosi for females and other folks with small hands) was a nice package though I never got a chance to shoot one.
     
  9. E.L.

    E.L. Moderator of Lead Moderator Emeritus Founding Member

    I am a big fan of the 1911, but it requires a lot of memory muscle practice to be able to thumb that safety off without thinking about it. I am a big proponent of the Springfield XD series. They fit my hand a lot better than the Glock, and feel a lot more comfortable. They are very revolver like in that you just grip the grip and squeeze the trigger and (BANG!). They are very durable, dependable, more accurate than I can shoot, and maint. (which is not needed very often) is a snap. You can field strip one with just your fingers in about a two seconds. I think Sprinfield hit a homerun with the XD.
     
  10. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Not on my scrawny frame they don't. My GP100 is no better. Carrying concealed is, for me, essentially impossible. Anything bigger than a zip gun prints. That said, for SHTF or TEOTWAWKI, it won't make a lot of difference, open or concealed out here.

    EL, the durability and dependability of the XD is yet to be proven to me. I like the concept greatly, but the 1911 platform has been around a whole lot longer. As well, the safety issue gets in the way of 1911s too. For that reason, until I get mine modified with ambis, I carry MT chamber, hammer down, safety off. It is easier for me to rack it than operate the safety lever, and I can rack it quicker. I have to admit, I've never got my grubby mitts on an XD, so I'm not throwing rocks; I'm simply a throwback to simpler times and time tested widgets. Hell's bells, a '48 Kaiser is a pretty good car.

    [beer]
     
  11. knophear

    knophear Monkey++

    Thanks for the quick reply guys. I have been leaning towards an XD, but I do like an external hammer. My pops got a Glock 30 that I shoot well, but I would prefer a Single/Double action pistol like a Beretta M9/Sig Sauer, not saying that is the exact gun I want, but just the type of action...also, give somke caliber reccomendation. I can handle just about any reasonable caliber.
     
  12. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    38+P and up. I like 357 125 gr JHP.
     
  13. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    [ditto]
     
  14. SLugomist

    SLugomist Monkey++

    What do you guys think about a Ruger P-90?
     
  15. Tango3

    Tango3 Aimless wanderer

    I'mnot that big but we had pancake holsters warn behind the right(orleft) kidney and a jacket. Guess it comes down to dressing for success ??? "T shirt and shorts are tough for a full sized anything.. (from a guy living in a no ccw state...)

    I just spent $50.00 on a used safariland vertical shoulder holtster on feebay, shtf it'll be fine under a coat ( especially driving)...
     
  16. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Good choice. Kydex holsters are not always safe anyway: YouTube- Why you don't use a kydex paddle holster
     
  17. RouteClearance

    RouteClearance Monkey+++


    How about a Ruger GP 100, I have one and belive me when I tell you they are the M1 Abrams tank of revolvers. They can be loaded with 38's to practice with, 125 gr. 357's for defense, and up to 180 gr projectiles for deer sized gaame.

    Don't get me wrong, I have my HK Tactical and Sig 226 semi auto's, but for a SHTF/TEOTWAWKI, the Ruger is my top choice.
     
  18. E.L.

    E.L. Moderator of Lead Moderator Emeritus Founding Member

    I am a firm believer in the 1911, love them, however for a novice the XD is in my opinion a better choice. It is like the AK of the pistol world, it always goes bang. The XD has been around since 99', and the torture test has far surpassed Glock's test. I know a few guys that carry them on duty and trust their life to them. Without that ingrained muscle memory from lots of practice, the external safety can get a person killed. I like the additional capacity of the XD also, 13+1 of .45 is comforting.
     
  19. Tango3

    Tango3 Aimless wanderer

    Can't seem to get the vid to play for me( my computer issue)but reading the comments I'd guess the opponent disarmed the the guy by breaking the holster off the paddle.

    "kydex" is plastic right??? IMHO holsters are "supposed" to be oiled leather worn with a suitable belt.One of the first things they had us do go buy a real stout leather belt. Still use it double thickness black basket weave;fairly screams "cop belt".
     
  20. Blackjack

    Blackjack Monkey+++

    I'm also on the side of revolvers. A 38/357 snubby can be put in the front pocket of your jeans and nobody will ever know it's there, I think that will be important in more chaotic times. For moments when concealability isn't an issue....... that's what a rifle or shotgun is for.

    *** Not to say that the Glocks or 1911 pistols don't have their place.
     
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