SHTF Handgun: What should you look for?

Handguns are always a Sensitive Issue in the survivalist community, This is usually because people tend to have lots of opinions about something that really doesn't boil down to a one size fits all application. For Example; for an urban Carbine Many will tell you that the AR-15/AKM is the way to go. Yes while there is alot of opinion and bickering that goes on between those two its generally agreed that they are the best close range urban carbines. Shotguns can be boiled down into a similar 2 gun standoff between the Mossberg 500/590 and the Remington 870 series. Longer Range Rifles tend to get boiled down into some sort of bolt action with a scope or an M1A/FAL. Usually the long range guys stick with .308 as their cartridge but In almost all of these niches there is some consensus, Cannon If you will on what An Ideal Gun for WROL/SHTF/ Zombie appocalypse/ ect. this is because these weapons Tend to be the best of whatever niche they represent and the numbers usually support the choices.

So We will Go over a Few Of My Favorite Handguns and what niche they fill within the WROL/SHTF/ Zombie survival circles.

Name: Glock 19/21/22
Weight: 21.16oz./ 26.28oz./ 22.75oz.
Caliber(s): 9mm Parabellum, .45ACP, .40s&w
Mag Capacity: 19(15std,19,33), 21(13std,27), 22(15std,17,24)
POU: The Glock Handguns General Philosophy Of Use falls within the high cap PDW category. With Their Light weight and Safe-Action™ Glocks can rapidly transition from a defensive Pistol to an Offensive weapon with a change of a mag. Not Intended For Medium Range Use.
WROL: As a Patrol Sidearm this weapon Is a Must!
SHTF: Due To its light weight and reliability this handgun is Is great for being in the woods.
Zombie Apocalypse: Large Magazine Capacity makes this a better weapon for a disciplined shooter. Being an auto-loader also causes this gun to lose strikes for this category. The weapon will most likely outlast you, that is If you don't learn quick not to shoot everything you see.

Name: 1911 (Variants)
Weight: 39.04oz.
Caliber(s):.45ACP
Mag Capacity: 7+1,8+1,14+1,
POU: This Weapons POU is as a defensive Combat pistol, and possibly a patrol gun. It can be a very ergonomic shooter but It does weigh more compared to some of the wonder 9's  available.
WROL: Not a bad Choice, especially If Its what you know how to use. been around 100 years for a reason.
SHTF: Kind of a Heavy Gun, but Its main purpose is a self defense weapon. See WROL.
Zombie Apocalypse: Not an Ideal Pistol for Zombies, while the round is adequate for stopping live 2 legged game it will not mean much to a zombie. In fact if you are carrying one of these you should save it for close encounters only.

Name: Beretta M92FS/M9
Weight: 34oz.
Caliber(s): 9mm Parabellum
Mag Capacity: 15std, 10,17,20,32
POU: This was purposed designed for the Combat Pistol POU. It finds its niche in being High cap and reliable. Because of its weight and size recoil is often not felt by the shooter. Although due to its Full size it has grips that tend to be too big for shooters with small hands. This pistol can be loaded manually without a magazine unlike many other auto's.
WROL: This makes a great full patrol gun not only because of its mag capacity and handling, but because it is parts compatible with any US military unit.
SHTF: A little on the big and bulky side, but still an overall OK handgun for In the woods.
Zombie Apocalypse: with its weight and size It makes a great all around weapon. The Mag capacity may cause some to be a little more ballsy than they should be. Like WROL stated this weapon is parts compatible with Issued US military M9's

Name: Taurus Tracker Model 627
Weight: 28oz.
Caliber(s): .357 Magnum, .38special
Mag Capacity: 7rd cylinder
POU: Self-Defense, Pure and simple. Not that Revolvers are not capable weapons in combat its more that even a capable and experienced revolver shooter can only be as fast as a noobie with a 1911. Albeit more accurate.
WROL: Not Ideal for patrols but If nothing else is available its still not terrible.
SHTF: Any Revolver is a better Choice for SHTF guys, as they will be spending most of their time off the grid where cleaning magazines and small parts of handguns is a tad taboo.
Zombie Appocalypse: Since in the Z-Apocalypse we don't want to be engaging Zombies with handguns this will be one of the more ideal weapons. although slightly overkill for headshots.


Really Alot of this Ultimately comes down to what you yourself are preparing for, Ideally I would like each of these as they all serve a different purpose. If I had to pick something for overall usefulness I would be hard pressed between the glock 19 and the M92FS because of how similar they are. This is mainly because they fit a wide variety of POU's and can be used for more than one thing. Albeit I don't like carrying magazines... So I would most likely be hauling a revolver to go with whatever auto I picked xD