Me, being a gun owner for only 13 months, has found that there is a consensus about which auto-loading handguns are good/bad for serious use.
Unlike with AR's, there doesn't seem to be a standard set of features (milspec, "the chart") that handguns must have in order to be deemed acceptable for serious use. We rely on our own findings, the findings of others and ultimately how the weapon fits us in determining which pistol to purchase and use. While I understand that choosing which pistol to use is a very personal decision, I don't understand which separates "Tier 1" pistols from "Tier 2".
Everyone will have a different opinion on which manufacturers fall into the flimsy categories of "Tier 1" and "Tier 2"; this "appears" to be the consensus.
Tier 1:
* HK
* Sig Sauer
* Glock
Tier 2:
* Glock
* Springfield XD
* S&W M&P
* CZ
* Beretta
** While this list is very incomplete, I decided to list only the guns/manufactures that I have researched.
In my findings, more often than not, when a Tier 2 gun is compared with a Tier 1 gun (e.g. HK vs. S&W M&P), Tier 1 wins. There seems to be a clear division when it comes to price but my findings suggest that there is no clear division when comparing reliability, durability etc. between the two tiers.
In your opinion and experience, is there a clear difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 guns (build quality, reliability, durability etc.)?
If you were to separate guns/manufacturers into tiers, how would you do so and what would be your qualifications for each tier?
*I know this was long and will probably frustrate some but entertain me so I can read your responses when I go to work tonight.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Unlike with AR's, there doesn't seem to be a standard set of features (milspec, "the chart") that handguns must have in order to be deemed acceptable for serious use. We rely on our own findings, the findings of others and ultimately how the weapon fits us in determining which pistol to purchase and use. While I understand that choosing which pistol to use is a very personal decision, I don't understand which separates "Tier 1" pistols from "Tier 2".
Everyone will have a different opinion on which manufacturers fall into the flimsy categories of "Tier 1" and "Tier 2"; this "appears" to be the consensus.
Tier 1:
* HK
* Sig Sauer
* Glock
Tier 2:
* Glock
* Springfield XD
* S&W M&P
* CZ
* Beretta
** While this list is very incomplete, I decided to list only the guns/manufactures that I have researched.
In my findings, more often than not, when a Tier 2 gun is compared with a Tier 1 gun (e.g. HK vs. S&W M&P), Tier 1 wins. There seems to be a clear division when it comes to price but my findings suggest that there is no clear division when comparing reliability, durability etc. between the two tiers.
In your opinion and experience, is there a clear difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 guns (build quality, reliability, durability etc.)?
If you were to separate guns/manufacturers into tiers, how would you do so and what would be your qualifications for each tier?
*I know this was long and will probably frustrate some but entertain me so I can read your responses when I go to work tonight.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance
