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The problem is, there IS no ultimate sidearm. There are many, and depending on the situation, you may find you need different sidearms to fit what you
expect to engage.
For example, this is one of my faves:
This is racked out, but if you fold the stock, use the short magazine and the short barrel, it becomes an amusing sidearm. It never jams, feeds 9mm
and fits in an ALICE really snug. You can't, however, stuff it in your pants, and it tends to make police act quite oddly.
Therefore, the questions:
What sort of shot are you?
Male? Female?
How big are your hands? Wrists? Forearms? (in general)
Do you have any sidearm training?
Where will you be packing it? Car glove box? Side holster? Butt pancake holster? Purse?
Are you going to put time into maintenance? Do you know how?
What time of day are you considering you're most likely to use it?
Are you going to be in crowds with it?
What distance do you envision your shots to be, should you have to use it?
In your situation, are we talking engaging multiple targets, or one mugger?
Are you expecting your assailants to be wearing body armor?
What city and state do you live in?
[edit on 11-8-2006 by Tom Bedlam]