5 Best Pistols for SHTF (Top 5 Fight)

SHTF Scenario Setup and Top 5 Format

The video opens with a mock emergency where martial law is declared and the hosts quickly run through what people might reach for: rifles, food, water, plate carriers, and sidearms. They narrow the focus to pistols for SHTF situations, explaining that this episode is a “Top 5 Fight” format. Jason and Ryan each bring their own list of five handguns without seeing the other’s choices beforehand. Viewers are asked to decide which list is better. They reference classic “Red Dawn” style invasion scenarios, government turmoil, and other extreme events, but emphasize that this discussion is strictly about pistols, not the long guns they covered in a previous SHTF rifles video.

HK Mark 23 vs FN Five-seveN for SHTF

For the number five slot, one host explains he almost chose a 1911 in .45 ACP but instead favors the HK Mark 23 and the related USP family. He highlights the Mark 23’s reputation for reliability, noting testing in the tens of thousands of rounds before stoppages, its higher capacity compared to classic 1911s, hammer-fired operation, polymer frame with metal parts, and lighter weight. He mentions its origins as an “offensive handgun” developed for SOCOM and its connection to the USP 45 and USP 9. Opposite that, the other host selects the FN Five-seveN in 5.7x28mm, describing it as a PDW-style round with 20-round magazines, optional extended magazines, and ammunition originally intended to defeat older body armor. They debate ammo availability, holster options, and whether the 5.7mm’s armor performance is still relevant compared to modern standards.

M&P 2.0 as a Practical SHTF Workhorse

At number four, one host chooses the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0. He describes it as a pistol that does everything well without excelling in any flashy way. The M&P 2.0 is praised for its reliability, 16+1 capacity in 9mm, improved trigger without the older hinge design, and optics-ready configuration. He characterizes it as a straightforward, “keep it simple” handgun that may not be fancy but is dependable enough to get someone home in a crisis. The other host expresses surprise that such a reliable and widely respected pistol ranks only fourth, emphasizing that its track record justifies a strong position on any SHTF list. They agree that the M&P 2.0 fully deserves a place among top emergency sidearms.

Revolvers and Close-Contact Reliability

The opposing number four pick is a revolver, represented on the table by a Colt Python but conceptually focused on smaller carry guns like a Smith & Wesson J-frame. The host explains he views this as a secondary or tertiary SHTF pistol, ideal for ankle carry. He mentions his experience carrying a revolver in that role and references a Smith & Wesson Model 36 in .38 Special with a five-round capacity as an example of what he has in mind. They then bring in a Clint Smith clip illustrating how semi-automatic pistols can be pushed out of battery at contact distance, preventing them from firing. In contrast, a revolver will still discharge even when pressed directly against an assailant or obstruction, though with some splatter and blast. This close-contact reliability is presented as the revolver’s key advantage, despite limited capacity and slower reloads.

SIG P226 and Hammer-Fired 9mm Durability

Moving to number three, one host selects the SIG P226, emphasizing its status as a benchmark hammer-fired 9mm pistol. He notes that the P226 predates the P320 line and has been offered in multiple calibers and variants, including compact models like the P229 and others such as the 225. The P226 is described as “old reliable,” a sidearm that may not be trendy but is known for working consistently. He references its use by units such as SEAL Team 6 and mentions Jim Foreman’s praise for its long-term reliability. The pistol’s decocker is highlighted as a practical feature. In response, the other host acknowledges the P226’s strong reputation and durability, recognizing it as a proven choice for serious use over many years and conflicts.

FNX-45 Tactical and High-Capacity .45 ACP

The competing number three pick is the FNX-45 Tactical. The host describes it as a full-fledged fighting pistol in .45 ACP, sometimes referred to as “God’s caliber.” He notes that it was the first SOCOM handgun to offer optics-ready capability from the factory, giving it an early advantage in mounting red dot sights. The FNX-45 Tactical offers 15+1 capacity in .45 ACP, combining a large magazine with a powerful cartridge. It includes a decocker and a non-proprietary accessory rail, and is said to have stood the test of time, remaining in use with certain units and groups. The host explains that he chose it over a traditional 1911 because capacity is critical in SHTF situations. His counterpart concedes that the FNX-45 Tactical is a strong choice and invites viewers to compare it against the HK Mark 23 and USP 45 in the comments.

P226 Revisited and M&P9 Law Enforcement Use

At number two, the P226 appears again on the other host’s list. He reiterates its extensive service history, stating that it has been present through much of the Global War on Terror and is particularly well suited to maritime environments, where it has “swam most of its life.” The P226 is still trusted by various police and military forces worldwide, reinforcing its status as one of SIG’s crown jewels from that era. They agree that the pistol’s record largely speaks for itself and that anyone unfamiliar with it should study its background. The segment then transitions to the Smith & Wesson M&P9, described as an excellent 9mm pistol used by many law enforcement agencies around the world. The host notes that, in his view, only one handgun surpasses it, underscoring the M&P9’s strong position among modern duty and SHTF sidearms.