RE: What brand of pistol
All depends on what i'm needing it for????
For indoor competition, i used my High Standard Military Victor 22lr.. Right out of the box i won a ton of matches with it! I didn't even have to ajust the trigger!!!
For self defence, i've always liked a S&W M-19 in 357 magnum, or my S&W M-19 in 44 special..
For hunting and as a back up camp gun, i've put a lot of meat in my freezer with a S&W M-29 in 44 magnum..
When running a trap line, a S&W M-18 does nicely.
I have other guns for other reasons too...
Drilling Man