I thought this would be a fun exercise, but its surely one for debate. I'm going to break it down into two tiers or levels based on just how iconic I think they are. I'm not talking about the highest quality guns (though most of these are very high quality pistols) nor am I talking about the most accurate (though some of these are indeed very accurate). I'm simply talking true icons in the world of 9mm autos. This list is what I came up with after some careful thought. Of course, its only my opinion.
The first tier for me is a very short list. These are 9mms that have been involved in major wars and have are still very popular today for various functions or just nostalgia. In the case of the Hi-Power, its still in production today.
Luger (several manufacturers)
Walther P38 (or another manufacturer)
Browning/FN Hi-Power
A case could certainly be made for the Mauser Broomhandle. However, to me, it just doesn't have the popularity today to put it into this category. I'm sure others feel its on the same level as the other three. If so, put it in your list below. To me, the Hi-Power is the all time classic of 9mm pistols, but some would say the Luger is since the round was designed for the pistol.
For me, the second tier has a few more pistols in it. Most of these are modern classics that are still being produced today.
Here are my choices in no particular order.
CZ 75
Beretta 92
Sig Sauer P226
Sig P210
Smith & Wesson 39
Glock 17
I know there are other classic Sig Sauer 9mms. In fact, the P220 and P225 predate the P226. However, it was only the P226 that became the true icon, in my opinion. I was thinking of including the FB Radom 35, but, like the Broomhandle, I don't feel it has the popularity today to justify it.
So, like it or not, that's my list. Here is a picture of them together. On the third row, I put a few honorable mentions. Within their tier, the guns are in no particular order.
First tier: Browning Hi-Power, Luger, Walther P38
Second Tier: Smith & Wesson 39, Beretta 92, Sig P210, CZ 75 (yes, I need an original), Sig Sauer P226 - Missing: Glock 17
Honerable mentions: HK P7M8, Star Model B, FB Radom 35 - Missing: Broomhandle
As you can see, only nine pistols made my list, with a few more that I thought were close. I think too many selections lessons the impact and these are the models that I feel deserve to be recognized.
What do you think I'm missing? What would you add or delete? What's on your list? :dunno:
Thanks :supergrin:
The first tier for me is a very short list. These are 9mms that have been involved in major wars and have are still very popular today for various functions or just nostalgia. In the case of the Hi-Power, its still in production today.
Luger (several manufacturers)
Walther P38 (or another manufacturer)
Browning/FN Hi-Power
A case could certainly be made for the Mauser Broomhandle. However, to me, it just doesn't have the popularity today to put it into this category. I'm sure others feel its on the same level as the other three. If so, put it in your list below. To me, the Hi-Power is the all time classic of 9mm pistols, but some would say the Luger is since the round was designed for the pistol.
For me, the second tier has a few more pistols in it. Most of these are modern classics that are still being produced today.
Here are my choices in no particular order.
CZ 75
Beretta 92
Sig Sauer P226
Sig P210
Smith & Wesson 39
Glock 17
I know there are other classic Sig Sauer 9mms. In fact, the P220 and P225 predate the P226. However, it was only the P226 that became the true icon, in my opinion. I was thinking of including the FB Radom 35, but, like the Broomhandle, I don't feel it has the popularity today to justify it.
So, like it or not, that's my list. Here is a picture of them together. On the third row, I put a few honorable mentions. Within their tier, the guns are in no particular order.
First tier: Browning Hi-Power, Luger, Walther P38
Second Tier: Smith & Wesson 39, Beretta 92, Sig P210, CZ 75 (yes, I need an original), Sig Sauer P226 - Missing: Glock 17
Honerable mentions: HK P7M8, Star Model B, FB Radom 35 - Missing: Broomhandle
As you can see, only nine pistols made my list, with a few more that I thought were close. I think too many selections lessons the impact and these are the models that I feel deserve to be recognized.
What do you think I'm missing? What would you add or delete? What's on your list? :dunno:
Thanks :supergrin: