Reading this blog posting it got me back to thinking…
First, yes the discussion of “just one gun” and “ultimate SHTF” gun has been done to death, and let’s do a little more. 😉
Second, I do think he’s got a fair point about the practicality factor. If you’ve got to be working and doing other things, a long gun just may not be practical, but you can always have your handgun on you. It’s not to say don’t eschew a long gun in favor of a handgun, but there is a certain bit of reality and practicality involved here.
Third, most of these discussions branch into the realm of 2-legged predator discussions. But if we’re really going to talk about “survival” aspects, how about just the ability to hunt game for food? Or just depending where you might be out and about, maybe you have 4 legged critters as a bigger concern. I’ve got a buddy that flies small planes as a hobby and some of the airports he goes to are rather remote and unpopulated… more concern of 4-legged predators than 2-legged ones.
I’ve thought about this before. If I could only have one handgun, what would it be?
In the past I’ve leaned towards a .44 Magnum revolver or a 10mm semi-auto (e.g. Glock 20, STI 1911). Strong enough for most 2 or 4 legged critters you may have to contend with. I’m not sure there’s a distinct advantage to either one. Of course, some would wonder why I’d want these if what I’d normally carry is a 9mm. I think 9 is OK for 2-legged critters and some of the smaller 4-legged, but not for the larger 4-legged ones. If I could only have one gun, I’d need to cover as wide a range as possible, minding the tradeoffs and finding the best balance. But since in normal life I’m not limited to just one gun, I’ll pick what I feel suits the particular task at hand.
What say you? I’m not so much talking societal collapse or zombie apocalypse, just if you had to be limited to just one handgun for whatever reason, what would it be? And why?
Stuff From Hsoi 
I always cheat and opt for a 1911 with multiple fitted uppers, when this question comes up.
In reality, the best weapons to have a SHTF event, is whatever uses common ammo. Personally, I want a 9mm handgun that can run the NATO spec ammo without rattling apart, a rifle in 5.56 that takes STANAG magazines, and a plain old 12-gauge shotgun.
If one wanted to pattern exactly off of the U.S. Military, it would be a good choice have a Beretta 92FS, pick a Colt 6290 AR, and a Mossberg 590 shotgun.
Of course, I’m biased, I prefer the CZ SP01 for full size 9mm handguns, the Israeli built TAVOR for assault rifles (not here yet, but soon!), and Remington 870 Police model.
-Rob
Ah, you’re not playing by the rules. I said only one, and only one handgun. 😉
Now the 1911 with uppers… that’s a response I’ve not heard before. I kinda like that.
I do agree on using popular ammo, which is one reason I’m reluctant to go with something like any 10mm. A .44 mag revolver isn’t too uncommon, but these days it’s certainly not as common as 9mm or .45 ACP. Still tho, would I want to go hunting with a 9mm? I mean, I *COULD* but your larger critters are going to be difficult to deal with. There’s even enough stories of .45 ACP rounds just bouncing off ferel hogs due to all their thick bone structure. .44 Mag works tho.
I guess part of my problem here is having hunting on the brain….