Hump Day List – 5 Greatest Handguns

Five Greatest Handguns

The criteria for consideration was that the handgun had to be born before me, still be in production and still be in demand. The choices were easy for me but do you agree?

#5: Ruger Blackhawk

Sure, there is the Colt Single Action Army and it’s been around a long time. But, have you tried to buy one lately? They are expensive and hard to find. They also do not have adjustable sights. The Ruger Blackhawk has been around since the 50s, which must have been a group of banner years for great firearm introductions. It has been available in a variety of cartridges and even in convertible combinations as strange as .32-20 and .32 H&R Magnum. It also spawned the Vaquero that is a fixed sight version of the Blackhawk that dominates cowboy action shooting. There may not have ever been a more rugged handgun made than the Blackhawk.

#4: Browning Hi-Power

Yeah, I know, I bet a lot of you thought if I was going to include a 9mm pistol it would be a Glock. Sorry, the Glock does not meet the criteria of being older than me but the Hi-Power does. And, if you look at it from a practical standpoint, the almost 80 year old Hi-Power might be a better pistol. It has a safety that locks the slide, it is single-action and it holds 13 rounds. It has also seen more military service than any handgun and has been used by more armies than any handgun. What? You never fired a Hi-power? Well, if you had you would probably say the same thing that most everyone else says when he or she shoots one. “Oh heaven! This gun feels good in my hand.”

#3: Smith & Wesson J-Frame

Also known as the model 36 or Chief’s Special, the snub-nose J-Frame is another 50’s era handgun. It has a been a staple in police work either as a primary gun for detectives and desk jockeys or as a back up gun for street officers. Though the years have seen many iterations of this design – some with no hammers and some with shrouded hammers – the snub nose J-Frame continues to be very popular with many who want to carry a handgun for protection. It has also been available in a variety of chamberings to include rimfires, .32s and even the 9mm. But the .38 Special is what made the gun famous and remains the most popular and best option for this classic which looks like it will never go away.

#2: 1911 Commander (LW)

A descendant of the greatest fighting pistol ever made, the Colt Commander made the 1911 easier to conceal and lighter on the hip. Originally known as the Commander it picked up the title of Lightweight (LW) when the steel framed version was introduced in the 70s. Some will argue that it’s just another 1911. Its not. Carry a steel framed 1911 for a day and switch to the LW Commander and you’ll feel like you have been cheating on your wife with Jenny Craig. Long live the 1911 as long as it’s a commander. By the way, 9 – 11 is a great day to honor this pistol.

#1: Ruger Single Six

Introduced in 1953, this cowboy style revolver stole the hearts of American shooters and it still remains popular. Many a kid and adult have learned to shoot with one of these and they see extensive use by ranch hands, hunters and recreational shooters. They have been chambered in .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 Mag. and .32 H&R Magnum. Maybe, if Bill Ruger had not done it someone else would have but give credit where credit is due. It has become one of the most successful and fun shooting handguns of all time. Everyone has a little cowboy in them and a Ruger Single Six is the most affordable way to find it. If you don’t have one you need one and you may not realize how bad you need it until you own it.

You tell me.

Vote in the poll and give your opinion as to which of these five – based on my criteria – should not be included in this list of the greatest handguns.

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