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My list:

1.Colt (and others) 1911/1911/A1. The weapon of the US military through multiple wars, conflicts, police actions, etc. Still the gold standard of handguns in terms of stopping power, dependability, etc. Soon to be celebrating its 100th year of production, and is made by just about every manufacturer out there.

2. S&W Model 10 (K-frame revolver). The “cop gun” for most of a century. They made millions upon millions. They still make them. When the 10 wasnt enough, they came up with the others in the family in the “more power” versions, the 13 and the 19, in .357 mag. How many PPC and bullseye matches were won with these??

3. Browning Hi-Power.Used by just about everyone in Great Fracas No. 2. Stayed in service long after. When special units needed a handgun, they went with this one for a LONG time. Pretty much introduced the double-stack magazine.

4. Colt SAA. As if it needed explanation. The first REALLY successful metallic cartridge handgun. The Peacemaker. People will still pay absurd prices to get an original, or pay absurd prices for a Custom Shop gun.

5. Glock 17. It changed the world with regard to handguns. There were other attempts at Plastic Fantastic before it, but this one made it happen. It took over the police market in less than a decade, because it stinkin’ works. It also put a LOT of firepower in a non-back-breaking package.

6. Beretta 92 FS. I’m mixed on this one. It’s too big for what it is, but it works. And it works well.

7. Sig 200-series. Swiss-watch reliability. Accurate. Good enough that Browning sold them for a while under their name. If you’re not a fan of polymer guns, this is the one you turn to.

8. Ruger Mk I,II,III series .22 auto. Started Ruger, for which the world should be forever grateful. “Everyman’s .22 pistol”. Accurate enough out of the box, yet can be modified like a small-block Chevy. Still a bargain, 60 years later.

9. S&W N-frames (27,29,57). Another one that needs no explanation. .357 .41 and .44 magnums. Yes, they are big and heavy, but they are SERIOUS, too. Until the mod 19 came along, the only upgrade available from the Mod 10 Military and Police was the big-frame Smith.

10.Colt Python. Set the standard for hand-fit, high-end hanguns. A true classic. Also the main competition for the Smith guns when the revolver was King.

There are others that could easily be on there, but those are my top choices.

Others:
Luger
Walther PP/PPK
S&W Chief’s Special
Colt Detective Special
Walther P38
S&W 39/59/Second and Third Gen
Colt 1860