The Official 2nd Amendment Appreciation Thread


I can almost see the Sig Legacy series becoming the new "1911" of the classic pistol world. Provided they aren't being made by 8,000 manufacturers, they still have staying power in the market today.

I would say they would be in the top 10 list of "pistols to own at least once" as a minimum.
 
Actually, let's make that a Top 5 list and see what folks think. This could be fun.

Top five "classic" or "legacy" pistols that everyone should own at least once even if they don't know why. Rules are:

Must have been in production for at least 25 years (though improved models will be accepted, Glock 17 Generations for example)
Must achieve "mainstream" use
Must still be a viable defensive pistol today (subjective maybe)
Must have significant aftermarket mods or a custom shop
Must be in a mainstream caliber (Available at Walmart or without a dedicated Google search)

It cannot be a "niche" pistol that's a Wundertoy and forgotten to time. No Gyro-Jets...

1. Model 1911 full size. Speaks for itself. Any manufacturer.
2. Sig Legacy Series. One of: Model P220, 225, 226 or 228/229
3. Browning/FN Hi Power (or clone)
4. S&W K Frame (assorted flavors, pick one)
5. Glock 17 or 19
 
I can almost see the Sig Legacy series becoming the new "1911" of the classic pistol world. Provided they aren't being made by 8,000 manufacturers, they still have staying power in the market today.

I would say they would be in the top 10 list of "pistols to own at least once" as a minimum.

Agreed. The whole P220 series are truly great pistols. The best decocker placement on the market imo.
 
Actually, let's make that a Top 5 list and see what folks think. This could be fun.

Top five "classic" or "legacy" pistols that everyone should own at least once even if they don't know why. Rules are:

Must have been in production for at least 25 years (though improved models will be accepted, Glock 17 Generations for example)
Must achieve "mainstream" use
Must still be a viable defensive pistol today (subjective maybe)
Must have significant aftermarket mods or a custom shop
Must be in a mainstream caliber (Available at Walmart or without a dedicated Google search)

It cannot be a "niche" pistol that's a Wundertoy and forgotten to time. No Gyro-Jets...

1. Model 1911 full size. Speaks for itself. Any manufacturer.
2. Sig Legacy Series. One of: Model P220, 225, 226 or 228/229
3. Browning/FN Hi Power (or clone)
4. S&W K Frame (assorted flavors, pick one)
5. Glock 17 or 19

I’d add a 6th. CZ75

I love all those pistols and own them all. I would add a few things, just for kicks.

Smith and Wesson model 29-2
German Luger
Walther P38
Colt SAA
 
Last edited:
Actually, let's make that a Top 5 list and see what folks think. This could be fun.

Top five "classic" or "legacy" pistols that everyone should own at least once even if they don't know why. Rules are:

Must have been in production for at least 25 years (though improved models will be accepted, Glock 17 Generations for example)
Must achieve "mainstream" use
Must still be a viable defensive pistol today (subjective maybe)
Must have significant aftermarket mods or a custom shop
Must be in a mainstream caliber (Available at Walmart or without a dedicated Google search)

It cannot be a "niche" pistol that's a Wundertoy and forgotten to time. No Gyro-Jets...

1. Model 1911 full size. Speaks for itself. Any manufacturer.
2. Sig Legacy Series. One of: Model P220, 225, 226 or 228/229
3. Browning/FN Hi Power (or clone)
4. S&W K Frame (assorted flavors, pick one)
5. Glock 17 or 19


You need some variation of a classic SA revolver.
 
I’d add a 6th. CZ75

I love all those pistols and own them all. I would add a few things, just for kicks.

Smith and Wesson model 29-2 Debatable on the "mainstream" success. As a civilian pistol, sure, but as more than a niche? Like issued to police or military?
German Luger I'd argue there isn't really a custom shop that would do more than restore rather than modify
Walther P38 Same as the Luger
Colt SAA A debate could be made

Thoughts?
 
I think the 29 noses it's way in under pure iconicism. After a certain fictional San Francisco detective began using one it became an American classic.

Honorable Mention at least.

I agree with the popularity and a case could be made for inclusion.

Now, which one gets dropped?
 
Interesting.

You think the CZ will have the staying power in the market of the K Frame? (or even Model 29?)

Sure. Revolvers are mostly forgotten these days, (outside of the occasional snubby) except for us older guys keeping the fire burning.
 
Last edited:
Semi autos have not displaced the wheel guns when it comes to the big bore stuff that people carry in bear country. Still, I have a hard time calling a 44 mag a widely accepted self defense caliber.
 
OK, after much agonizing here's my list.

1911 - duh


Old School SA in modern form, not SAA, in 45LC
Ok, this one needs some splainin. The spirit of the choice is it's what led up to the 1911. It's what "won the West/made men equal" etc. I'm hedging the modern iteration (think full size Blackhawk or similar) because not only does such a thing harken back to a such a lush history but is capable of pooping out cowboy loads grandma can shoot but, if desired, fire things like Garrett's Hammerheads that make thoughts of a .44 magnum superfluous.

Glock- what started everything that polymer pistols are today

Luger/P38-I'm just unsure how not to include

The Sigs-in a lot of ways if it wasn't a Glock it was a Sig in the modern pistol
 
Last edited:
OK, after much agonizing here's my list.

1911 - duh


Old School SA in modern form, not SAA, in 45LC
Ok, this one needs some splainin. The spirit of the choice is it's what led up to the 1911. It's what "won the West/made men equal" etc. I'm hedging the modern iteration (think full size Blackhawk or similar) because not only does such a thing harken back to a such a lush history but is capable of pooping out cowboy loads grandma can shoot but, if desired, fire things like Garrett's Hammerheads that make thoughts of a .44 magnum superfluous.

Glock- what started everything that polymer pistols are today

Luger/P38-I'm just unsure how not to include

The Sigs-in a lot of ways if it wasn't a Glock it was a Sig in the modern pistol

I just have a hard time putting a Luger or even a P38 on a list of viable self defense pistols these days. Remember, criteria has to be a custom shop or aftermarket accessories.

Luger or P38 as a keepsake, sure, that'll be on the top 5 of anyone's list. But I'm talking a pistol you'd reach for when things go bump in the night.
 

The .44 family has always intrigued me. From the .44 Russian to the .44 Mag, it's nice to have multiple lighter calibers that can be used in the same platform.

Though I don't think anyone will ever top the .32 series in that aspect. .32 ACP, .32 S&W Short, .32 S&W Long, .32 Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum all out of the same pistol.
 
The .44 family has always intrigued me. From the .44 Russian to the .44 Mag, it's nice to have multiple lighter calibers that can be used in the same platform.

Though I don't think anyone will ever top the .32 series in that aspect. .32 ACP, .32 S&W Short, .32 S&W Long, .32 Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum all out of the same pistol.

Read up on Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton both are a goldmine of information on all calibers.

If you told me I could only have one rifle and one handgun, my choice would be a lever gun and a revolver both in .357 mag.
 
Last edited:
Advertisement





Back
Top