I've been out of the gun world for a while with regard to pistols- who makes the best pistol nowadays? I am a Beretta fan, but I'm by no means limited to the 9mm platform, as I also have a .45. So, what's everyone packing these days?

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I'm a big fan of the XDM. I have an XD myself, and the improvements that are in the XDM are pretty cool.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php

With a customizable grip, better safety for disassembly, and a match grade barrel- what's not to like?

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I have a Sig p220 45. acp that I like very much. It is built very well and is accurate right out of the box. It is an excellent round for home defense, however, it is heavy to pack. I am looking for a Sig P228 9 mm for a reasonable price. Beretta is great handgun. I would like to find one with high capacity mags.

I shoot a Glock 22 personally, which shoots .40 bullets. It works for me, and holds 15 bullets.

I think the bottom line is to go down to your local gun store, and find something that works for you. Every pistol does not handle the same, and some pistols don't feel right, compared to others. The Glock is a fine example of this, for me. It just doesn't feel right in my hands.

Diesel is correct. Some areas have local ranges which will allow you to shoot a rental before you buy one. Go ahead and try a variety of different guns in different calibers. You will know when you find one that works for you. I recommend one that feels good in your hands but does not have too much recoil for you to get right back on target.

I have a CHL and I have 2 guns I regularly carry. The first is a Ruger P94. (9MM) It is deadly accurate and I have put more than 6,000 rounds through it flawlessly. My backup is a Ruger SP101 (38 SPC or 357 Mag). The recoil is a bit sharp to shoot a lot, but it's fun to practice with the 38's. I have put several hundred rounds through this flawlessly as well.

Once you decide on a gun, take it out and shoot 500 or 600 rounds through it to break it in and make sure that it's not a piece of crap. If SHTF and your life is on the line, you will need a reliable gun.

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Excellent advice so far (I'm more of a revolver fan), you really need to see what suits you best that is well known and reliable. Glock, Springfield, Sig, and Ruger are all excellent makes.

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9mm is the absolute minimum I would have. More important is the bullet weight and muzzle velocity. Believe it or not, a heavier bullet and a lower muzzle velocity have better penetration. Then of course, where you hit someone is important too. Center mass is critical and expect to shoot multiple times. One shot, even from a .45 or 44 mag may not incpacitate an assailant. Shoot as many times as you feel is necessary.

colt 380 pocketlite [perfect conceal]

If it is available where you live, check out the Sig 250. It is a modular system that allows you
to change it from a range gun to a carry gun and easily change calibers from 9mm to .40sw
to .357 Sig. There is also a version in .45acp

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