Last time, I discussed my “favorite AK.” That was pretty easy, but start talking “favorite pistols” and things get complicated quickly, at least for me. So many pistols, so little time. But I can break it down into categories: my favorite pistol - which I can’t carry anymore, my favorite semi-auto for carry and my favorite carry handguns.

The pistol I have the most affection for is the 1911. John Browning’s design is as good now, and in the future, and it was when first fielded. Sure, if you want the ideal carry pistol, you’re going to need a few modifications to make it “fit.” You modify it to fit your intended application. A defensive pistol is going to differ from one used exclusively for competition. Next are modifications to make it fit your hand size. Smaller hands need an extended mag release, slim stocks, “short” triggers and a good beaver-tail on the grip safety. These changes ensure you’re getting your finger properly positioned on the trigger and still depressing the grip safety. This is where my problem lies. My hands have had a hard life and don’t work like they did when I was younger. I can no longer depress the grip safety consistently any longer. So, I can’t carry my favorite pistol anymore.

This is where the Browning Hi Power comes in. It was my first semi-auto carry pistol, and the one I went back to once the 1911 design started giving me problems. And, it’s another Browning design, although he passed before it was completed; Dieudonné Saive finished the design which was released in 1935 – another “old” pistol. The Hi Power is a great platform, has a thumb safety just like the 1911, and requires little to make it defense ready. Like any pistol a good set of sights is mandatory. I also stipple the grip, and run thin stocks. There’s improvement to be made in the trigger, but I’m just running a factory set up. The Hi Power is the semiauto I carry -- of course in a Milt Sparks holster.

While the Hi Power is the semi-auto I carry – which is pretty much only when I’m teaching – my normal every-day carry are Smith & Wesson revolvers, one more design advanced in years. I grew up shooting revolvers. A revolver was the first pistol I carried for defense, and can be an ideal defensive weapon. (For law enforcement they’ve pretty much become back-up weapons.). Most encounters occur at contact distance. If the slide of the semi-auto is pushed against the threat’s body and the slide is pressed out of battery it won’t fire. Or, it does fire and the contact creates a malfunction or stoppage. Neither of these is a problem with the revolver. And revolvers come in great calibers, like the .357 Magnum. Even the “old” .38 Special is a major contender with modern defensive ammo. I vary between K frames and J frames, which can both fire the same ammo. Ammo is carried in a 2x3 pouch; easy to conceal and provides the ability to load only one or two rounds.

“Favorite” is usually hard to define, especially when it comes to firearms. That’s what makes the “if you could only have one firearm” discussion so much fun. Luckily, we have plenty of options. Regardless of what your favorite is – remember that for defensive use it’s mandatory you learn it well. While the tactics and principles of defense are the same, the actual manipulations can vary greatly. All the pistols listed above are ones I’ve spent many years behind. Yes, I have other type pistols, and one should know how to operate any and all, but I have developed close relationships with those I carry. Consistency and commonality combined with repetition create great skill. Study this well.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.