Clint and Alec from Classic Firearms introduce another top five versus list, this time focused on do-all handguns. Each has created a personal top five list without seeing the other’s choices beforehand. They will count down from number five to number one, comparing and debating why each pistol deserves its position as a general-purpose sidearm. The tone is light and joking, but the intent is to discuss practical considerations like versatility and everyday usability. They acknowledge that disagreements are expected and invite viewers to weigh in with their own opinions on which pistols truly qualify as do-all options.
Alec selects a 1911 as his number five do-all pistol, represented by an Alpha Foxtrot 1911 chambered in 9mm, noting he did not have a .45 ACP example on hand. He emphasizes that 1911 pistols are not his absolute favorite but believes a do-all list feels incomplete without one. He highlights the platform’s smooth shooting characteristics and the craftsmanship often associated with quality 1911s, including hand-fit parts and different frame materials. Alec notes the design’s long service history since 1911 and credits John Moses Browning’s influence on firearms design. Capacity limitations keep it lower on his list, but he still views the 1911 as an important, well-made handgun worthy of inclusion.
Clint disagrees that a 1911 must appear on a do-all list and reveals that he did not include one at all, despite owning and liking several. Instead, his number five is the Beretta M9A3, a 9mm military-style pistol. He values its higher capacity, noting 17-round magazines for the A3 compared to earlier 15-round models. The M9A3 includes suppressor-height night sights and an accessory rail, features he appreciates for broader use. Clint acknowledges the pistol’s size and weight, describing it as a large, all-metal handgun that is not ideal for comfortable concealed carry but workable for everyday duty or open carry. He references past reliability and parts breakage concerns at very high round counts but states that, in his experience, the M9A3 runs reliably. Alec adds that his only serious issue was a locking block failure on a heavily used military pistol and mentions that the platform does not excel in harsh desert “moon dust” environments, though overall they consider it a solid, proven design.
For his number four slot, Clint chooses the FNX-45 Tactical. He jokes about not actually picking a Hi-Point before presenting the FNX-45, a polymer-framed .45 ACP pistol with a 15-round capacity. He notes that it offers an optics-ready slide cut for Trijicon RMR-style red dots, suppressor-height Trijicon night sights, and a threaded barrel, similar in concept to the M9A3’s suppressor-ready configuration. Clint describes the FNX-45 Tactical as one of his go-to pistols and places it high on a hypothetical emergency or “SHTF” list because it has run reliably for him and he shoots it very accurately compared to many other handguns. Alec comments that he prefers the FN 509 platform and does not shoot much .45 ACP personally, but agrees that the FNX-45 is functionally and reliability-wise a strong handgun. Capacity and shootability in .45 ACP are key reasons Clint ranks it above the M9A3.
Alec’s number four pick is the Beretta 92, though he uses Clint’s M9A3 on the table as a stand-in to illustrate his choice. He explains that his selection is driven by extensive trigger time and familiarity with the Beretta legacy series. He praises the pistols as phenomenally reliable, with ambidextrous controls that are important to him as a left-handed shooter. He notes that he has trained enough to manipulate the controls efficiently and finds the platform accurate and easy to control. Alec mentions that he prefers the slightly more vertical grip angle on the M9A3 compared to a standard 92, but still bases his ranking on the 92 due to personal experience. He considers the Beretta 92 family suitable for open carry or duty roles, even if he would not choose it for concealed carry. Clint adds that his own environment and job make carrying larger pistols more practical, which influences both of their lists.
They observe that the first two pistols each of them has discussed are double-action/single-action designs, with no striker-fired pistols yet on the board. Alec notes that, although he likes striker-fired handguns, he personally shoots DA/SA pistols better and considers them very reliable, especially given the massive production and service history of designs like the Beretta. Moving to number three, Alec introduces the HK VP9, using a VP9L variant as a visual example. He clarifies that his pick is the standard VP9, a striker-fired 9mm pistol. He highlights its “cannon-grade” barrel, which he describes as having a 90,000-round guarantee, a round count far beyond what most users will ever reach. He emphasizes fully ambidextrous controls, which matter to him as a left-handed shooter, and praises the ergonomics of the grip. He notes that the bore axis is somewhat high for a striker-fired pistol but finds recoil very manageable, with the slide tracking straight during rapid fire. The VP9L’s extended slide further softens recoil, but he considers even the standard VP9 robust and difficult to damage. His main criticism is the relatively high price.
As the discussion transitions, Clint reveals that his number three pick is the Smith & Wesson M&P9, specifically the M2.0 version. The conversation segment ends as he begins to explain that he appreciates improvements in the M2.0, suggesting he values refinements in ergonomics or features over the original model. The M&P9 appears as his first striker-fired entry on the list, contrasting with the earlier focus on double-action/single-action pistols. While details are cut off in the transcript, the placement indicates that Clint views the M&P9 as a strong, versatile 9mm platform suitable for a do-all role, balancing capacity, modern features, and shootability within his overall ranking.
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