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My Top 3 “Do All” Handguns for 2023
There is no definite answer when it comes to what the best gun is. You may say it’s a Hi-Point carbine (though I doubt you will) and your neighbor may say it’s a ridiculously expensive custom Desert Eagle.
You don’t need to spend thousands on a gun for it to be reliable and accurate.
In order to even start considering what guns I wanted to discuss in this article, I had to decide what criteria I would be basing them off. Whether you’re tight on budget and can only afford one gun that will have to serve several purposes, or you’re simply someone who loves to maximize versatility with each gun that they own, I believe handguns will be the place to start here.
WHY HANDGUNS?
Don’t think I’m discriminating against rifles or shotguns when I say I believe that handguns are the most versatile for the average person. There are most definitely scenarios where each platform will outperform the others. But, out of the three, which can you easily carry (yes, I know you can technically carry an AR-15, but let’s be realistic!), protect your home with, and enjoy a day at the range? My vote goes to handguns.
An AR-15 is also extremely versatile but is just a tad harder to conceal than your Glock.
With there being so many different handguns out there, how can someone even begin to narrow down the laundry list if they had to choose just one? That’s where a lot of personal preference comes into play. I’m going to stick with 9MM semi-automatics for a few reasons:
- Semi-automatic handguns typically have higher capacities
- Semi-automatic handguns are familiar to me personally
- 9MM Ammo is affordable
- 9MM Ammo is easy to find currently and would be easier to find than many other calibers in a SHTF scenario
- 9MM offers solid performance and stopping power with minimal recoil
You can’t really have too many rounds, can you?
GLOCK 47 MOS (Modular Optic System)
If I would have written this article just a few months ago, this section would have been discussing the Glock 45. Not anymore.
The Glock 47 was developed for the US Customs and Border Protection, and up until earlier this year, was not even available to the commercial market. With the Glock 47 now being available to us commoners, it quickly replaced my Glock 45.
What’s so great about the Glock 47? Its versatility…in addition to the standard Glock selling features such as reliability, aftermarket support, and performance. It’s essentially a Glock 17 but features a shortened dust cover, allowing you to swap a Glock 19 or Glock 45 slide over and continue using the same frame.
Within seconds, you can transition from your Glock 47 slide to a Glock 45 slide, with no tools or additional parts needed.
It also comes with an optics-ready slide with front serrations, interchangeable backstraps to get more of a custom grip feel, and three 17-round magazines.
G47 MOS Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Overall Length: 7.95 Inches
Barrel Length: 4.49 Inches
Width: 1.34 Inches
Weight: 25.93 Ounces (w/ empty mag)
MSRP: $620.00
S&W M&P M2.0 COMPACT OR (Optics Ready)
A flat face trigger, optics-ready slide, and a selection of optic-mounting plates and interchangeable backstraps all come standard on/with the M2.0 Compact OR.
I’ve put close to 1,500 rounds through my personal M2.0 Compact and have had very few malfunctions, regardless of the type of ammo I’m running through it. It’s proven to be accurate as well, where I’ve gained quite a bit of confidence with it out to 25 yards (I don’t typically have access to a range that’s further out).
I always advise people to become proficient with their irons first, before adding an optic. (Source: Smith & Wesson/Ryan Domke)
It also accepts higher-capacity magazines from its full-size siblings, so you aren’t limited to 15+1. With plenty of aftermarket accessories and parts available, you can truly make it your own.
M2.0 Compact Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Overall Length: 7.25 Inches
Barrel Length: 4 Inches
Width: 1.16 Inches
Weight: 25.8 Ounces
MSRP: $654.00
SPRINGFIELD HELLCAT PRO OSP (Optical Sight Pistol)
The Hellcat Pro really took me by surprise and quickly became one of my most carried pistols. The original Hellcat was simply too small for comfort, for me at least, but with the taller grip of the Hellcat Pro, I somewhat fell in love with it.
There is a lot to like about this gun. Some of the pros are relatively common, such as 15+1 capacity, while others are more unique, such as the adaptive grip texture that molds to the shooters hand with applied pressure and also minimizes snagging of clothes while carrying.
The minimalistic IWB holster from Black Arch paired with the adaptive grip texture on the Hellcat Pro makes for one comfortable carry!
Some may disagree, but I found the stock trigger to be quite enjoyable and the U-notch sights to be better than others of similar style. The slide is also cut for optics and features front serrations too.
Hellcat Pro Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Overall Length: 6.6 Inches
Barrel Length: 3.7 Inches
Width: 1 Inch
Weight: 21 Ounces
MSRP: $649.00
DO YOU REALLY NEED TO CHOOSE?
Well, that’s all folks. Those are my top three “do all” handguns. I get that some of you might be questioning my choices above, and that’s to be expected. Each person you ask for their top three “do all” guns will very likely have a different answer.
The wonderful reality of it though, is you don’t actually have to “choose” only one gun or a certain number of guns…this is America! Go ahead and buy what you feel is best to protect yourself, your family and have fun with as well.
