Defining "Good"

[jslaker]

Prompted by a discussion on another forum - what makes a gun "good"?

Some of my personal criteria:


Readily capable of passing the 2,000 Round Challenge
Mechanical accuracy in the range of 3" @ 25 Yds
Solid ergonomics, ambi controls are a plus but not required
Reasonable capacity for its size
Factory trigger pull in the 6-7 pound range for a defensive gun


Something that's very specifically not part of my evaluation: Price. Cheaper is nice, but a gun doesn't become good simply because it's inexpensive.

How would the rest of you define a "good" gun?

[VolGrad]

How would the rest of you define a "good" gun?
It is reliable.
I can handle it well.
I can shoot it well.
I can maintain it easily.

[rsa-otc]

I agree with all the above, but would like to add if it's a defensive gun that no matter what the price it be consistently from gun to gun drop dead reliable out of the box. Something some of the manufacturer's have missed out on here recently.

[JHC]

Edit of the above -

- consistent trigger pull in 5-6 lb range

append rest of the above with

-low bore axis - it's become a fetish with me

-short reset - ditto thanks to 1911s and Glocks (does not have to be audible)

-running controls factor - mag release and slide release are positive - shifting grip in hand slightly is ok by me.

-mag well or design of magazine facilitates rapid insertion

- high traction surface on the front strap and rear strap of the grip - i.e. 20LPI good, RTF2 and 3 good - to that level

- grip should not be roundish but long-like rectangle rounded off (IMO this orients on target faster)

- front and rear sights are easily changed out by the user

- trigger pull related components are easily changed out by the user

- born smooth - no dehorning of edges needed

- highly corrosion resistant finish; blued, black, gray, OD, brown, any color but SS

[David]

"Good" to me is:


I can afford it
It works 99.5% of the time


Ideal, trust or worth the extra cash is entirely different.

[jslaker]

I can maintain it easily.

That's something I left out, but should definitely be on the list. HKs are about as complicated as I want to get in terms of field strip. Detail strip doesn't have to be Glock simple, but I do value the number of small parts being as low as possible while still retaining function. I appreciate elegant engineering.

[fuse]

- front and rear sights are easily changed out by the user

- trigger pull related components are easily changed out by the

these are HUGE to me. particularly the sights issue. I have personally changed sights on 7 of my glocks, 2 of which have seen 2 sets plus the stock set. Cost of labor = 0.

I feel very bad for the hk p30/45 crowd, as many times the safest option is to send the slide to heinie. Ouch

[JodyH]

I feel very bad for the hk p30/45 crowd, as many times the safest option is to send the slide to heinie. Ouch
Just buy the MGW sight pusher and it's easy as a Glock.
No gunsmith required unless you're a dumbass.

Good gun:
Reliable
Shoots good
Has a good capacity to concealability ratio

[fuse]

Just buy the MGW sight pusher and it's easy as a Glock.
No gunsmith required

Coo. Wasn't aware of that. Good to hear.

[MikeO]

A good gun is one I like. I like guns that work for me w/o a lot of hassle.

Good guns I was issued were the M15 (S&W .38), M9, M11, and M870. I was also issued the M1911A1, M16/A1/A2 but they aren't on my list.

Good guns I use now are a Beretta 92, a couple old Ruger Speed Sixes, and an old Rem 870 Police.

There are many good guns, but these are mine. ;)

[JV_]

Coo. Wasn't aware of that. Good to hear.The hardest part is shortening the 2 front screws so it doesn't look like you have 3 posts.