2/5     Speaking of guns, can someone tell me what makes for a good handgun?
        What is the best handgun on the market? I'm not "anti gun guy".
        \_ umm. tell me what the best laptop on the market is and i'll tell
           you what the best handgun is. your problem is not well-defined.
           \_ since it's not well defined you're free to answer how you wish.
        \_ Some reliable handguns: almost any revolver, some 1911s, almost
           anything by Glock, H&K, or SIG.  Some accurate handguns:
           anything by H&K with the little rubber ring around the barrel,
           some custom revolvers, some custom 1911s.  The most beautiful
           handguns, in my opinion, are the classic 1911, the SIG P210,
           some old revolvers, and the German Luger.  Did I miss any other
           notion of 'best'?  -- ilyas
           \_ Well, maybe the best balance of everything, that is readily
              available. And/or your personal favorite. Thanks :)
              \_ I might have given the impression that 1911s are really
                 great.  Some of them are, but it's important to buy from
                 the right folks.  There are lots of junky 1911s floating
                 around.  It is a great gun though, my personal favorite.
                   -- ilyas
                 \_ The 1911 is a fairly complicated gun to take apart, IIRC.
                    The Glock, Beretta, and a handful of others have fewer
                    parts to keep track of.  I rather like the lines on the
                    Beretta 92's myself, though there's something rather
                    attractive about the Browning HiPower.
                    \_ True.  Modern guns are easier to take apart.  Revolvers
                       even easier still.  -- ilyas
                       easier still.  -- ilyas
                       easier still.  Modern guns tend to look like a wad of
                       prechewed plastic though.  -- ilyas
        \_ You might want to at least start with caliber, size, and what
           you want to use it for.  That'll narrow things down for a
           start.
           \_ I just want completely subjective opinions, out of idle curiosity.
              \_ Okay, well my personal preference is to avoid single-
                 action only (I don't like the idea of keeping a gun
                 cocked and locked).  Also I like either a safety, or
                 a decocking lever.  SIGs seem to fit my criteria
                 best; they're reliable, come in a variety of sizes and
                 calibers, but do tend to be a bit expensive.
        \_ just out of curiosity, do people see any huge benefits between
           .40 and 9mm?  .45 has more stopping power, IIRC, but what about
           the other two?
           \_ arrrrrrggggggg! Doesn't it bother anyone that the gun world still
              uses a random mixture of English and SI units?  Why do American
              gun manufacturers continue with the 9mm when it's only three
              thousanths of an inch shy of a .357?  -unitsgeek
              \_ Because they don't shoot like .357s?  I've found shooting
                 a 357 mag a bit too much.  Haven't tried the 357 SIG
                 yet.
           \_ Use the largest calibre you are capable of shooting comfortably.
              Truly comfortably, no need to be macho about it.
              \_ This is very good advice.   -Peace Officer Cadet
        \_ what are people's favorite shooting ranges? (for handguns).
           Anyone happen to know of a good one in the Davis area?
           \_ Target Masters in Milpitas has a truly excellent pistol range.
              \_ Seconded. Try before you buy. Go to:
                 http://www.thegunplace.com/range.htm
                 (But turn down your sound-- they play a cheesy 007 theme
                  on the page.)
        \_ You could have a hand gun or a cannon
           And you still struggling to be dealing
           Without the knowledge and wisdom and understanding of
           A .22 (derringer)
           A .38 (long)
           A .44 (desert eagle)
           A Glock Nine
           Time to protect the fam I'm a cock mine
           I make the streets run red like a stop sign, stop lying
        \_ The one I pried from Charlton Heston's cold dead hands.
           \_ Hi Eli!
        \_ Where'd all the anti-gun nuts go?  I'm shocked this didn't turn
           into a flame fest.a
           \_ What would be the point? So, I'm curious, anybody ever fire a
              Broomhandle Mauser? --anti-gun nut
           \_ I think we'd be better off without guns, but since there are so
              many in the hands of criminals, it seems unfair to deny them to
              responsible gun owners.  -- Moderately anti-gun.