Most Iconic Handguns

[Curry82]

Relatively new to collecting and shooting various firearms, I find myself wanting to end up with a small yet diverse assortment (like 12) of enjoyable range toys (sorry no Walter PPKs).

In your opinion, what are the top most iconic (maybe even eclectic) handguns that no collection is complete without?

It could be those with the most history and timeless appeal (1911s), or even those that have drastically improved upon those classic designs (CZ Shadow).

Which guns define themselves as the epitome of their style or maker?

I'll start:

Colt 1911
Sig P226
Smith & Wesson m27

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[Nutty4Guns]

CZ 75
HK USP
Beretta 92
Colt Python
S&W 686
to name a few

 

[NeoBlackdog]

Glock 17 and/or 19.

 

[echo1]

S&W .38 of any flavor
Ruger 3 screw Blackhawk
H&R Sportsman
High Stanard .22
Colt .45
Too many to name. PAX

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Colt 1851 Navy
Colt Single Action Army
Colt 1911 / 1911A1

Smith and Wesson model 10 , 28 and 29

Any of the above are good solid practical handguns along with historic attractions.
Andy

 

[titsonritz]

I break it down by selecting what I consider the most iconic by type.

Single action auto = Colt 1911
DA action auto = Beretta 92
Modern Striker Fired auto = Glock 17 or 19
Double Action Revolver = Colt Python
Single Action Revolver = Colt SAA

 

[Knobgoblin]

Ruger single six ( best rimfire single action)
Browning hi power ( best NATO 9mm, cold War era)
Smith 640 ( best mass production snub)
T/C contender with at least 3 barrels

 

[JustShoot]

'iconic'.. by association... as it is instantly recognized by million around the world.
a (dirty harry) , 70's, S&W . dark blued. Mdl. 29 .44 Mag.

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[fstdraw]

Jennings nickel plated .32 auto?

 

[Koda]

1911 govt in 45
Browning Hi Power in 9mm
Ruger MK 22lr
and king of all bonus points if you can get a Bren Ten.

 

[Curry82]

Ruger single six ( best rimfire single action)
Browning hi power ( best NATO 9mm, cold War era)
Smith 640 ( best mass production snub)
T/C contender with at least 3 barrels

Never heard of the T/C Contender. Had to look that one up - very unique! Nice addition.

 

[MikeInOr]

C96 (Broomhandle) Mauser. Not only is it one of the first production auto loaders it is also Hans Solo's sidearm of choice.
P08 Luger
1911
Are the 3 of mine I consider the most iconic.

I like the Nagant because it is the only production gas seal revolver.
I wouldn't put the P38 or CZ-52 on the iconic list either but I do enjoy shooting both of them.



A Desert Eagle should also be on the list. Mine is the Desert L5 version, a full sized Mark XIX would probably be more appropriate especially if it is gold plated.
I love my Dan Wesson 744, but it is hardly iconic by any means.

You should probably add a Glock Gen 1 to the list. Some day people might pay real money for the nostalgia.
And a Bren Ten for those of use that remember the 80's.

 

[Ben B.]

1851 Navy, SAA, C96, S&W 1903 HE, P08 Luger, 1911, Colt Detective Spcl, P35 BHP, P38, Tokarev, S&W 10, 19 & 29, Python, Glock 17.

 

[nammac]

1851 Navy, SAA, C96, S&W 1903 HE, P08 Luger, 1911, Colt Detective Spcl, P35 BHP, P38, Tokarev, S&W 10, 19 & 29, Python, Glock 17.

I'd add the S&W model 36 2" and S&W model 39 to that list. That covers all the iconic models I can think of.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Take note. No one said Taurus and they never will.

 

[Knobgoblin]

Take note. No one said Taurus and they never will.

Raging bee. Voted least likely revolver to find ammo for.

 

[oremike]

Sig P-220
1911
Glock
Single action revolver
Double action revolver
Bolt action rifle
Pump shotgun
Lever action rifle

The above in calibers:
9mm, 10mm
45 acp, 45 Colt
357 Mag, 44 Mag
12 Ga, 30-06

and can't forget a .22 pistol and rifle.

 

[TTSX]

I'm going to assume "iconic" means stuff even non gun people would recognize.

That means, to me:

1911 in .45
Glock 17 specifically gen 3
S&W model 29
Beretta 92
Luger P08
Colt SAA in .45 Colt
Mauser C96 "broomhandle"
Desert Eagle in .50AE



Some more that gun people would recognize but your neighbor might not:

HK USP
Sig P226
S&W J frame in .38 special
Colt Python
CZ 75
Chiappa Rhino
FN Five-seveN
Japanese Nambu
Russian (or whichever country you can find) Tokarev


The list goes on and on and on

 

[Heyjoe]

Model 28 Smith and Wesson
Winchester model 1894

 

[Bobbygun]

View attachment 1406668

Raging bee. Voted least likely revolver to find ammo for.

I am not a Taurus fan at all, but I do love me some .218 Bee. I regret not picking up one of those Raging Bees when I had ample opportunity.