Experts in the Field
FacebookTwitter
YouTubeRSS Feed

10 Handguns to Own Before You Die

 (10 Photos)

A “bucket list” refers to a list of things one wants to accomplish before “kicking the bucket.” The phrase was popularized in the 2007 movie, “The Bucket List,” but there are references that predate the film. If a bucket list can be things to do and places to go—why not guns to own? I’ve compiled a list of those I believe a handgun enthusiast should have at some time in his or her life.

  • Colt Single Action Army
  • Colt 1911 Government Model
  • Smith & Wesson Model 27
  • Smith & Wesson Model 29
  • Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special
  • Colt Woodsman
  • Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
  • Browning Hi Power
  • Walther PPK
  • Glock 22
Walther PPK
Posted by: Jerry Lee

Walther PPK

The Walther PP was the first successful double-action semi-auto and served the militaries of Germany and other European countries from the ‘30s through World War II and well into the 1980s. My choice for this listing is the short PPK variation as it is the most popular, is still made today and, after 80 years, is still considered by many to be the perfect gentleman’s carry pistol. Of course, 007 carried one, though some argue he was not a real person. There are many more modern pocket pistols around today, but a Walther PPK is a piece of history.

  • Mack Missiletoe

    9/29/2012 9:46:18 PM

    These look nice

  • T. ZETZER

    9/9/2012 6:58:01 PM

    THE WALTHER PP GERMAN MADE, IN .32 ACP IS THE BEST OF THE PP/PPK/PPK'S TO OWN IF YOU ARE A SHOOTER. THEY ALSO MADE A PP IN .22 THAT IS FUN TO SHOOT.

  • T Spiering

    8/28/2012 4:06:49 PM

    The Walther PPKs was ruined when they added the extra length to the tang. This was supposed to be a pocket pistol, no more with the long tang.

  • C. J. Hall

    8/22/2012 6:20:56 PM

    The PPK (in stainless, .380) is the perfect concealment pistol, EXCEPT for the fact you can't get an ambi or left handed safety...so as a southpaw, I HAVE to carry it safety off, which I don't like a bit. Other than that, the slim form factor, accuracy, ABSOLUTE reliability, 11 degree grip angle (so it points naturally for 1911, Browning Hi Power, Smith Mod 52, and Smith model 41 target shooters) and its (in stainless) corrosion resistance make it ideal. OK, .380 isn't huge stopping power by today's hand cannon standards, but if you can hit what you aim at, it works.

  • Bill Fritz

    8/21/2012 2:52:13 PM

    If I only had 10 handguns for my bucket list, I'd at least want one to the the old German Lugar.

  • Thomas Wriggins III

    6/12/2012 11:26:12 PM

    I would replace the Glock with the venerable Colt Python in 357 Magnum. The Glock certainly is a signal handgun, but does not belong on my Bucket List!

  • Bob Worthington

    6/12/2012 6:51:20 PM

    First I do not believe in "bucket lists". They remind me of people who don't have the guts or motivation to do something so they just put it off and claim that "someday" they want to do such and such. If you want to do something, then just do it or shut up. That said, the same thing applies to a "bucket list" of guns. If you want a gun, then get one; don't say "someday". Now in regards to this list. While I agree with the two Colts at the head of the list (the SAA and the 1911) as being icons of the handgun history, all others are too subjective. While they may be the author's favorites, most hold no interest for me. Where is a Luger or a P-38? The PPK is a very poor shooting gun and while made famous by the 007 books and movies, is not a good choice for a small self-defense weapon. I could continue but these handguns for the most part are not a very good choice for me and while I have owned and discarded some, they have no place in my gun safe. As the saying goes, one man's treasures are another's garbage. While this list may have meaning for the author, most of what he thinks everyone should own contains many handguns which have no appeal or practical value for me. And then I would not think that I could come up with a similar list of handguns everyone else should own. Bucket lists created by someone for everyone tend to be a worthless endeavor, in my opinion.

  • Tom

    6/12/2012 5:58:09 PM

    Always wanted a Walther PPK. Its just too Bond.