The most classic looking handgun is....

[firemanstrickland]

blued 1911 a1 with wooden grip panels. original, old school.

 

[sugarmaker]

K-38 masterpiece

 

[wrs840]

I think maybe the pinnacle achievement of revolver looks and ergonomics would be a pinned and recessed-era Smith and Wesson 4" bbl blued Model 19 Combat Magnum.

...Or possibly a model 15 in bright nickel.

 

[svaz]

Another vote for a highly blued & polished Colt 1903. To me it says, "gentleman", like a Rolex or a tuxedo.

 

[searcher451]

Far and away ... no contest:

 

[bottlerocket]

Colt O1911

 

[welldoya]

Browning Hi Power.



Colt Woodsman.



S&W M&P.

 

[GCBurner]

There are lots of Classics to choose from, if you're a gun enthusiast. For the average person who only knows anything about handguns from what they see in the movies and on TV westerns and cop shows, though, the most recognizable handguns would most likely be a Colt Single Action, a Colt 1911 automatic, a Colt Detective Special, and a Luger, pretty much in that order.

 

[cprher]

Well, here is my nomination for the most classic look:

Colt New Service in 38-40 built in 1919


A pair of Freedom Arms Model 83s in 454 Casull


And a custom Model 27 in 44 Special built by Bowen with Spegel grips.

 

[Maia007]

Almost any Colt, like this one:

 

[antiquus]

Every person on the planet knows what this represents.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Okay, I'll say it: Beretta 92; the classic for most movies and posed pictures....its even the handgun on the "no handgun allowed" poster in Kansas and other states.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

Glock 17, and I do not yet own one.

 

[GCBurner]

Every person on the planet knows what this represents.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.?

 

[towboat_er]

 

[RandyC]

The top two for me when you're talking classics:

(1) Colt SAA (blue)

(2) Government Model 1911 (blue)

 

[ColtPythonElite]

How about something in nickel?

 

[memphisjim]

Johnny that revolver does look awesome what grips are those?

 

[towboat_er]

American Western Arms 45lc Peacemaker

​

 

[jad0110]

In my eye, the S&W Hand Ejector with a 4" or longer pencil barrel and the 5" 1911 rank up there in the top 5.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Naw, this is the Man from U.N.C.L.E.!

[/IMG]

 

[oldfool]

just so OP doesn't feel all alone
YES.. the 6" model 66
pretty much defines the end of an era in truly great S&W revolvers for me
(alas, I am obliged to settle for only two, not 2k... but I do find some solace in owning a pair of k-17s and a k-48)

 

[ironhead7544]

6 and 1/2 inch M29 S&W.

 

[steelbird]

English Sea Service pistol - VERY old school..........
www.militaryheritage.com/.../ seaservicelong1.jpg

 

[steelbird]

I think the link was bad -
www.militaryheritage.com/.../seaservicelong1.jpg