^ Yeah i learnt to take out reapers with hand gun. I love hand guns since you get a lot of ammo for the weapon.I also learnt to plant proximity mines at door steps and narrow walk through locations. I am still learning to play the game. I beat every mode in 4. Even broke a 100000 mark in mercenaries using hunk.
If you drop your handgun though, you don't get handgun ammo. I do this for Wesker S.T.A.R.S. so that I always get Hydra ammo when I do get an ammo drop. I only do it for him though.