Gee -- I don't know. Think for a minute --- If YOU were a bad guy, what would intimidate YOU? Now, do you think pulling a gun to "intimidate" someone makes sense? What if you KILL him because your gun didn't "intimidate" him? Are you ready to go through what it takes to get a "no bill"?

I'm of the opinion you don't pick a gun because it "intimidates" -- you pick it because it might save your life. You pick it because you can carry it concealed, are proficient with it, and feel it will do the job when necessary.

Next someone will ask which gun is best when you go out to yell, "Hey you kids, get off my lawn!!".

I think a full size stainless steel revolver in 44mag, a full size stainless steel 1911, or a Glock held "gangsta' style" would intimidate. Now, if you don't practice -- it doesn't matter -- the guy with the 9mm who does practice will do more than "intimidate" you.

I sometimes wonder if anyone who asks, "what is more intimidating" has ever had a gun pulled on them? I don't mean as a combatant in war, but in a holdup, or a one on one situation.

As someone who has had that happen -- let me tell you -- I still remember exactly what part of the back of my head that revolver was pointed at. I know it wasn't a 22 -- but it could have been a 32 or 38. In any case -- I wasn't "intimidated" -- I was scared and angry. Thank God it was just a holdup - all he took was money. Of course, I followed instructions. By the way, this was back in the "bad old" 1970's when I had a short career driving a N.Y.C. Taxicab - so I was seated, and he was behind me, standing, on the curb. Even if I were armed, I would have had little or no chance.

Anytime someone has "the drop" (as it is so quaintly called) on you, AND you are unarmed (as I was), AND the "perp" steps back out of reach -- you are beyond intimidated -- you are afraid a stupid movement on anyone's part might just be the end of you.

So, "which handgun is more intimidating" -- the one pointed at you when you are helpless and unarmed.

I know some folks say a 22 is useless, or a .380 is a "mouse gun" -- well, gee-whiz, why don't you stand down range, and catch the bullets from the "mouse gun"? Wouldn't it be fun? And you could show how you are not "intimidated" by such a small gun.

Well first night here and found this topic.

As has been stated a firearm is not for intimidation purposes. It goes back to I have a gun therefore I am safe. A bad guy who leaves at the mere sight of a gun is not much of a bad guy to begin with and before anyone jumps on that statement let me qualify it.
A suburbanite from Maine may be intimidated by the sight of a gun simply because he has not been around them however a streetwise ex con from Georgia will probably be a different story.

It all comes down to the individual you have drawn your handgun on, your level of confidence, skill and mindset. If you draw your gun to intimidate your opponent and are shaking in your shoes he will more than likely notice. If he has experience in these matters you will most likely end up losing your firearm.

As far as the "chair vs. knife" comments. A drunk or anyone else with a knife with skill will slice and dice you before the chair gets off the floor.

Originally Posted by Packard

Which will scare the bad guys more: Presenting a small Glock (or similar gun) or a J-frame?

Stainless or black?

This is a pretty simple and direct question and I'm not sure why so many are attempting to address questions that weren't asked and issues that weren't initially raised. To answer the question that was actually asked, I think a large stainless revolver would usually be a more intimidating looking weapon to see pointed in their face for most.

Grenade, with your finger on the pin......

Originally Posted by SMann

This is a pretty simple and direct question and I'm not sure why so many are attempting to address questions that weren't asked and issues that weren't initially raised. To answer the question that was actually asked, I think a large stainless revolver would usually be a more intimidating looking weapon to see pointed in their face for most.

Asking that questions brings up the other questions,because there is no answer to it.Youn have 2 types of criminals,the street punks and the pros.Any gun is going to scare a punk or he'spossibly going to play bad in front of his buddies,he's either smart and backs down or bows up and may die.For the most part they tuck tail and run.A pro will bail out if he lost all advantage or he's going to try to kill you.plain and simple.The gun doesn't matter,being shot by a 22 derringer will kill you just as dead as 44mag.

SMann. I have to agree with Rex.

If someone asks "What motorcycle is the coolest looking going down the street" it all depends on the people looking and what street you are going down. It is the same way with firearms.
I have seen reactions from people that run the entire spectrum from a man breaking down in tears at sight of a Raven .25 and a well versed female that dared the homeowner to shoot her with his Ithaca 37 12 gauge after she broke out his patio door. Thankfully in both cases neither ended up shooting.

There are many factors that come into play like age, experience, criminal history, current level of intoxication (drugs or alcohol) and to me most importantly their mindset. Everyone is different, what scares me may not scare you and vis versa, what hurts me may not hurt someone else and so on. Even in cases where a firearm/handgun is used you have to remember a firearm is nothing more than the ultimate pain compliance device. You either have to hurt them so bad they do not want to play anymore or mechanically break them so they can't play.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm....popcorn

Originally Posted by tacman605

SMann. I have to agree with Rex.

If someone asks "What motorcycle is the coolest looking going down the street" it all depends on the people looking and what street you are going down. It is the same way with firearms.
I have seen reactions from people that run the entire spectrum from a man breaking down in tears at sight of a Raven .25 and a well versed female that dared the homeowner to shoot her with his Ithaca 37 12 gauge after she broke out his patio door. Thankfully in both cases neither ended up shooting.

There are many factors that come into play like age, experience, criminal history, current level of intoxication (drugs or alcohol) and to me most importantly their mindset. Everyone is different, what scares me may not scare you and vis versa, what hurts me may not hurt someone else and so on. Even in cases where a firearm/handgun is used you have to remember a firearm is nothing more than the ultimate pain compliance device. You either have to hurt them so bad they do not want to play anymore or mechanically break them so they can't play.

T-man I still like my super soaker..It really takes the fight out of most BGs.