Kicking Off the Top Five and the 1911 vs M9A3 Debate
The video opens with a versus-style top five list of do-all handguns, with each host secretly ranking their choices from number five to number one. The first pick revealed is a 1911, specifically an Alpha Foxtrot 9mm, chosen for its smooth shooting manners, hand-fit craftsmanship on quality examples, and iconic service history dating back to 1911. The host stresses that while it is not his personal favorite handgun, it still earns a place for its shootability and heritage. The other host immediately pushes back, arguing that a 1911 does not belong on a modern do-all list. He jokes about the eternal 9mm versus .45 ACP debate, calling .45 “God’s caliber,” and admits he owns and enjoys several 1911s but still leaves them off his list. Instead, he names the Beretta M9A3 in 9mm as his number five, praising its 17-round capacity, suppressor-height night sights, accessory rail, and military pedigree, while conceding that its size makes it less than ideal, though still viable, for concealed everyday carry.
Capacity, Caliber, and the FNX-45 Tactical
The discussion turns to how well the M9A3 and 1911 platforms really function as do-all pistols. Both are acknowledged as capable of concealed carry, but their large, heavy frames make them more cumbersome than many modern options. The hosts note that these pistols are generally reliable, yet high round counts in harsh environments, such as desert conditions with fine dust, can expose weaknesses and lead to occasional part breakages. They emphasize that most civilian shooters will never approach the round counts that cause such failures in military service. The conversation shifts to capacity versus caliber, criticizing the traditional 1911 for its low magazine capacity. While .45 ACP is recognized as ballistically strong, the hosts argue that the higher capacity of 9mm often outweighs that advantage in a do-all role. They then introduce the FNX-45 Tactical, highlighting its polymer frame, 15-round .45 ACP capacity, RMR-cut slide, Trijicon suppressor-height night sights, threaded barrel, and strong reliability. One host notes he actually shoots the FNX-45 more accurately than many other pistols, even while generally preferring 9mm for cost and training volume.
Beretta 92 vs M9A3 and the Move Toward Striker-Fired
With more of their lists revealed, one host elevates the classic Beretta 92 as a top choice, citing extensive personal experience behind the platform. He praises its reliability, ambidextrous controls, comfortable grip angle, accuracy, and controllability, especially in roles where open carry is acceptable, such as duty or security work. While acknowledging that the M9A3 is an evolutionary improvement with modern features, he still favors the standard 92 because of the sheer amount of trigger time he has on it. The FNX-45 in .45 ACP is ranked slightly higher than the M9A3, reflecting appreciation for its capacity and performance despite a general preference for 9mm. The hosts point out that their early picks are all double-action/single-action pistols, and they openly state a bias toward DA/SA or DA/DA guns over striker-fired designs. They argue that they personally shoot these traditional systems better and trust their reliability, noting that millions of Berettas remain in service worldwide. As they move to their number three slots, they finally introduce striker-fired options, using the HK VP9L as a representative example and emphasizing its cannon-grade barrel rated for roughly 90,000 rounds and fully ambidextrous controls that particularly benefit left-handed shooters.
HK VP9 Durability and the M&P9 M2.0 as a Carry Workhorse
The focus shifts to HK pistols, especially the VP9 and the long-slide VP9L variant on the table. The hosts highlight the VP9’s fully ambidextrous controls, including mirrored slide and magazine releases, and its highly customizable, comfortable grip ergonomics. Despite a somewhat high bore axis and the extra length of the VP9L slide, they describe the pistol as having relatively low felt recoil and excellent shootability. The VP9 is portrayed as extremely durable and difficult to break under normal use, though its price is acknowledged as a downside. Attention then moves to the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0, which is praised as a more carry-friendly, concealable option that can still accommodate a weapon light with the right holster. The aggressive but comfortable grip texture is noted as a strong point. They compare triggers, contrasting the M&P’s hinged safety trigger with the VP9’s blade-style safety, and express a preference for the VP9’s feel and break. The FN 509’s trigger is criticized, while the M&P9 is credited with solid reliability, broad law enforcement adoption, and overall competence, even if it lacks factory suppressor-height night sights and sometimes includes a manual safety that not all users want.
Walther Q4 vs Q5 Match and Introducing the Glock 19
The conversation briefly compares a Smith & Wesson pistol to the HK VP9, conceding that the VP9 is the stronger overall performer but acknowledging that personal taste and brand loyalty influence preferences. The hosts then spotlight Walther’s lineup, contrasting the compact Q4 with the larger Q5 Match. The Q5 Match is described as a favorite for its superb shooting characteristics, while the Q4 is framed as the more practical, general-purpose option that still benefits from Walther’s precise German engineering. They also mention models like the Walther Creed as examples of that engineering quality. From there, the Glock 19 enters the discussion as a top-tier, do-all compact carry gun. The hosts emphasize its proven reliability, balanced size, solid magazine capacity, and accessory rail that supports lights and lasers. They note the Glock 19’s massive aftermarket ecosystem, which allows owners to tailor triggers, sights, and other components. Specific upgrades are described, including an Apex trigger, with mentions of CMC and Wheaton Arms alternatives, plus a light/laser combo and Trijicon suppressor-height night sights to improve on the stock Glock trigger and basic factory sights.
Building a Do-All Glock 19 and Defining the Role
The Glock 19 segment continues with a closer look at a fully set-up example configured for maximum versatility. The pistol is shown with a light combo mounted on the accessory rail, Trijicon suppressor-height night sights for low-light use and potential co-witnessing with optics, and a threaded barrel ready for suppressor attachment. The hosts stress Glock’s long track record of reliability and the enormous aftermarket support that makes it easy to customize everything from triggers to slides and barrels. Holster availability is described as virtually universal for Glock 19-sized guns. They then step back to define what a true “do-all” pistol must handle: home defense, everyday carry, concealed carry, and casual plinking or range use. The idea is to find a handgun that can reasonably cover all these roles without major compromises. Just as this framework is laid out, one host throws a curveball by nominating the DB57 chambered in 5.7x28 as a top contender, arguing that its configuration with a pistol brace still qualifies it as a pistol within the context of their list.
DB57 5.7x28 Curveball and Canik vs M&P vs Glock
The DB57 in 5.7x28 is presented as an unconventional but compelling do-all option. One host argues it qualifies as a pistol due to its brace-equipped configuration and highlights its 20-round standard capacity with extended magazine options. The 5.7x28 cartridge is praised for high velocity and promising terminal performance, making the DB57 suitable for defensive use in the woods or as a backpack gun that can still be concealed in a bag. They mention plans to swap the current EOTech for a more size-appropriate optic, given the gun’s light 4-pound weight. The discussion then circles back to more traditional handguns, with acknowledgment that the Smith & Wesson M&P and especially Canik pistols are strong contenders in the striker-fired category. The hosts single out Canik’s out-of-the-box trigger as one of the best available at its price point, rivaling many aftermarket options and competing closely with established brands like Smith & Wesson and Glock in terms of shootability and value.
Canik TP9DA Trigger System and Do-All Versatility
Attention narrows to the Canik TP9DA, a double-action striker-fired pistol that the hosts consider a standout in terms of value and trigger quality. They explain that the TP9DA offers a long, heavy double-action pull with true second-strike capability, followed by a light single-action pull with a short, tactile reset. A decocker allows the shooter to safely return the pistol to double-action mode. The hosts demonstrate how the gun can be partially pre-set into single-action while holstered, enabling very rapid first shots, though they debate the safety and practicality of carrying it that way for defensive use. As a do-all pistol, the TP9DA is portrayed as capable of covering home defense, range work, and carry roles, thanks to its capacity and controllability. They emphasize that Canik pistols ship with two 18-round magazines and often include useful accessories, making them an attractive alternative to Glock. Price, reliability, and the excellent factory trigger lead the hosts to state a preference for Canik over Glock in terms of overall value for many shooters.
Is Canik Pound-for-Pound Best and Why the DB57 Tops the List
The final segment continues the focus on Canik TP9 and TP9DA models, reiterating praise for their reliability, generous accessory packages, and lifetime warranty. The hosts again highlight the superb out-of-the-box trigger and note that the guns are roughly Glock 19-sized, yet often considered a better value than comparable Glocks. A playful argument breaks out over whether Canik is truly the “pound-for-pound” best pistol on the market, with one host clarifying that he only labeled it a great pistol rather than definitively the best. The spotlight then returns to the DB57, which one host promotes as the best all-around choice on his list. He argues that its 5.7x28 chambering, high capacity, and ballistic performance make it ideal for backpack carry, woods defense, and general-purpose use. They mention plans to replace the oversized EOTech with a more suitable optic and joke about the sometimes spotty availability of 5.7 ammunition. The video closes with a note that AR9-style firearms were intentionally excluded because the debate was limited strictly to true handguns.
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