Alphecca

I really like the Ruger P89 myself. May not be the best looking sidearm out there, but it's a fine piece of equipment. Inexpensive, quite accurate and will eat anything one feeds it. What more could you ask for?

First pistol I ever fired was an M1911, and I never thought there could be a handgun I liked better. Fired a S&W 9 mm in the early sixties and thought it a bit light, but easy to use. Last year I bought a Springfield XD-9, 5" barrel, and fell in love. It fit my hand, and when I stuck my arm out it seemed to almost always be on target.
I wanted something smaller for carry, so I bought an XD-9 sub-compact (3" barrel), and darned if it don't shoot even better! I even did good left-handed and single-handed. I've only put about 350 rounds of 115 gr. FMJ through the two of them, but no hangups yet. I don't think I'll need to buy another pistol.

Glock 19. Every place. All the time.

I have a huge problem in that I believe any handgun that starts with a caliber number lower than 4 is suspect, with one exception, and that is the 7.62 (.30cal)x25mm. But it is damn hard to carry a 1911A1 in .45 cal concealed. My CZ52 is just about the same size, I am not a particular fan of 9mm but there are a lot more options for small carry high cap, than my ideal fighting weapons at close range. Ideal doesn't do much for you if you had to leave it at home.. However, I have't found a 9mm with the same general grip angle as the 1911. It is so natural I hate to give it up. I know there are several full size 9's that meet this one spec. but I haven't found one yet in compact or less. Anybody?

Hey Jeff,

Do not forget the many nice Sig semi-autos.

I like Sigs for the placement of the controls, reliability and just plain Swiss quality, while I prefer the Beretta for fit.

I especially like the SIG P239, which would be my carry piece when I move to a state that allows mere citizens to carry. (I'll be up at freedom fest in NH in a couple weeks gathering info on the area).

I also like the S&W 342, for lightweight carry when running or cycling, if only I could in this state. Though it is a nasty little stinger to shoot with anything other than the lightest loads.

As much of a genius as John Browning was, he must have had some seriously large hands considering where he put the controls on the 1911. I just cannot shoot those things one handed and use the slide release without twisting the gun out of action. I do not have that problem with Berettas or SIG's.

My perfect handgun would probably be made after a merger of Beretta and SIG.

Anyone who's looking to a good 9mm should definitely check out the Springfield XD in 9mm. I carry a subcompact in 9mm every day and love it. It's got the reliability of a Glock, and some of the safety features that the Glock is missing, in my opinion.

The ergonomics are great as well..

Check it out!

Ruger P95 and Beretta 92FS, both reliable and will feed anything.

Come ON People, Where's the CZ-75 love? Hard to beat on rugged reliability. Impossible to beat on value. Available in a version to suit any need: Tactical/ Full size / Compact. Ambidextrous version (CZ-85). Cocked and locked / SA\DA / Decocker. With or without rail. Competition versions. etc. There's something for everybody.

Also, while I've never actually shot one, I've never known of a Kahr owner who didn't gush about the things.

It is a weird omission too since the Taurus line has a pretty high profile. The Taurus OSS .45 ACP just got a glowing review in American Rifleman this month (yeah, not the 9mm but...)

I have to second the CZ-75 as a wonderful 9mm pistol. Not as easy to shoot as a Glock 9mm in my opinion.

But it is heavy enough to use as a bludgeon when you run out of reloads. ;-)