0
1. 1911
2. In reality, that is an unanswerable question. Everyone has a different opinion based on different beliefs and criteria.
3. What is meant by "best" is undefined.
However:
The most expensive production handguns are currently made by Korth in Germany. They make less than 500 units per year.
The most popular handguns in the world are made by Beretta, Glock and Sig Sauer.
The handguns most given out as prizes by US Special Forces and Green Berets for winning internal contests are usually Colt 1911 45 ACP variations, Colts being the most valued and 45 ACP being considered the most desirable caliber.
The police in the USA mostly use caliber .40 SW.
Police in most other countries use the 9 mm Luger cartridge (9X21 mm).
The most collectible older handguns were made by Colts Manufacturing Company, although that is debatable. But if price is an indicator, older Colts realize the highest prices
For self defense what police and federal agencies choose is probably the overall "best".
So we see that "Best" is rather hard to define.
As for historical best handgun, it does depend on the time it was made.
When the 10 shot savage .380 and .32ACP pistols came out they were held in high esteem by those used 6 shot single action revolvers.
As for all time favorites, some say the Colts 1911, some say the Browning High Power, some choose variations of the Sig Sauer or Glock.
Also little known, the broom handle Mauser caliber .30 has amazing handling and pointing characteristics.
In its time (1860s -1870s), the Colt Navy .36 ball revolver was a sensation.
Of derringers, High Standard .22 magnum comes to mind.
It goes on and on....
One minor correction, 9mm Luger is 9x19mm. 9x21 is 9IMI
What else can I help you with?
What was the name of the first handgun ever made?
The first auto-loading handgun ever made was the Laumann pistol.
Who manufactured the P9R handgun?
The P9R is made in Hungary by the FEGARMY Arms factory
How do you find when your browning Belgian made 9mm handgun was manufactured?
See link.
Manufactured date smith and Wesson model 469 handgun?
No sn provided.
What is a browning high power manufactured in 1968?
Could be a rifle, shotgun or handgun.
What is the history of the 7.65 caliber handgun manufactured by PB?
Impossible to answer without a detailed description of all markings
Does a handgun manufactured in 1897 have to be registered?
It depends on where you are. In the U.S. only a few states require registration and there is no federal registration.
What is the value of Sentinel Blued handgun manufactured by High Standard Mfg co. model R-101?
50-126
What is the value of a smith and Wesson model 64 2 inch barrel handgun manufactured in 1970?
100-400 USD
What are Hawaii manufactured?
Hawaii has manufactured goods such as steel and other minerals these are made from the large amounts of the mine stuff they have there in Hawaii They usually have the best manufacturing companies ever in the United States
What is the value of a Browning 380 automatic pistol made prior to 1980 and manufactured in the US as a commercial grade handgun?
100 or so
What is the best sight option for a hunting handgun?
Open
