most reliable handgun concealed carry

[jc2]

Based on my experience quality autos are just as reliable as quality revolvers when fed with quality ammo.

I added the emphasis to Pat's caveat. We should point out here that QC in factory ammo occassionally leave something to be desired (witness kabooms in Glock with factory ammo) and other instances of just plain bad lots. Even you buy only quality ammo from a reliable manufacturer, you will occassionally get a bum round which could cause a tap, rack, bang at an inopportune time (like when there's bullets whistling around your head).

The other thing that Pat fails note is magazines tend to cause autloaders more problems than even ammo (but often a tap, rack, bang won't help a magazine problem). I believe even Pat has mentioned one time experiencing some magazine related problems with his Glock 33 and Yukon Delta dust. The sensitivity to magazines can be exacerbated by the sensitivity of the magazines themselves which on day to day routine can be exposed to a lot of rough handling and are generally not as well-protected as our weapons.

 

[355sigfan]

JC2 Jimco

I also did not mention that I have had revolvers fail out here. Overall I have expereinced a simular rate of reliability between my good revolvers not counting Taurus junk and my good autos. Yes my 33 had some issues. My new 26 has been going strong. My Kimber 1911's mags don't seem to be affected by the dust and sand. You should not have a bad magazine in your weapon. If your maintaining and checking your equipment the event is not likely. The problems with my 33 were more a function of the recoil of the 357 sig in such a small gun rather than a simple magazine error. The problems came when I was firing with my weak hand. I was not able to provide a firm enough grasp consistently enough not to get malfunctions. But like I said eariler my new 26 in 9mm does not have this problem. I think I have finally found a mini glock I can trust. We will have to agree to disaree on this issue of reliability.
Take care
Pat

 

[jc2]

No problem, I didn't really remember, but I thought you had talked about sand/dust in your G33 magazine--maybe it was when you were trying to figure out what was wrong. I knew you had reliability issues with your G33. FWIW, I have experienced sand "issues" with my G26, but those were under pretty extreme conditions. It does take a lot of effort to inspect and maintain those back-up mags--I wonder how many LEOs (and other shooters) really take of them like they should.

You do bring up another interesting issue--particularly with Glocks--and that is weak-hand (or possibly injured shooter) reliability. I've never heard of a LEO have a limp wrist issue (which is really the problem with weak-hand shooting or and injured shooter) with a revolver. I know of at least one LEO who had a limp-wrist reliability problem with his G17 after being injured (and best I recall it involved blood on the grip which made it worse). Those may be kind of an extreme cases, but if ever you need a reliable weapon that'll be the time.

 

[355sigfan]

Your right I did talk about the sand/dust problem out here. It seems to effect Glock mags very badly I clean them out once a week. It was universal however for my issue 21 and my own 33. I am sure my 26 will need its mags cleaned regulary here as well. That is a valid point concerning the revolver it is not depenant on a good shooter hold to fire. I will say though that its easier in my opinon to load an auto with just one hand vs a revolver. Thats a point to consider if your injuried as well. A back up gun thats available for your weak hand is also a good idea. It almost a necessity if you carry a 070 Triple retention duty holster. This holster is very difficult to draw from left handed.
Pat

 

[gbourne]

HK USP 45f.

 

[David4516]

Another vote for the Makarov...

 

[Bobarino]

as usual, i have to suggest the HK USP series. 8,000 rounds through my compact and no malfs that were the gun's fault. i'm just smitten with HK stuff though. i think their products are the bees knees. really though, i'd say any of the pistols from the reputable manufaturers would be very reliable. i'd trust Glock, Sig, some Smith's, Kel-Tec's, some Tauri etc. you get what you pay for. don't go too cheap and you should be ok.

Bobby