[Minator]

Ive owned a Glock31,RIA 5" 45acp, Bersa thunder .380, Sig 226 9mm, Ruger GP-100 4" .357mag, I sold the Glock because 357sig ammo was to expensive at the time and the gun was so light it felt like it was jumping out of your hands when you were dumping a mag. The bersa has been problematic sense I first got it, it's currently at bersa being repaired for the second time. I sent it off to get the decocker fixed since it wouldnt drop the hammer with a loaded mag inserted, then when I got it back the trigger was binding up then started sticking so ill be selling it when I get it back. The 1911 has been problematic from the begining as well feeding issues and etc. and stupid me I finally got the problems fixed so I put some trijicon night sites on to replace the mil spec sights and everytime I fire more than 100 rounds the front site is flopping in the wind Ive had it fixed twice under waranty from the smith that installed them and it still has the same problem I havent shot it since I have gotten it back because the gunshop that I had it done at has closed and I dont want to put anymore money in it then I already have. I recently went out to try and sell it with full length guide rod, polished sear and skeleton hammer, WC beavertail safety, and $100 in wilson combat magazines I cant get more than $200 dollars for it with the mags included. Now to the Sig the funny thing is its the only gun Ive owned that ran %100 out of the box the only problem with it was the grip even after I added some houges it was still uncomfortable and I disliked the play In the trigger. I traded it for the GP-100 a holster and a few boxes of ammo which I have no complaints and it has less recoil then the 45acp 1911 even using full power .357magnum loads. Its my first revolver and the first handgun that I have gotten yet that I want to keep.

I turned 21 january of this year so im pretty tanked out on funds when getting something new but Im getting my CHL soon so im going to need something other than a large frame revolver thats almost impossible to conceal. Ive been shooting for years with family and freinds handguns which Ive always liked handguns better than rifles which is why Ive gotten so many in such a short time. Ive fired Cz's I liked the grip angle and the way it felt but I didnt like the feel of the materials and the way it operated. Glocks, Id give another chance probably in 45 or 9mm but in no other calibers and the grip doesnt really matter that much to me. S&W's, grip angles nice I like the way they operate but there magazine disconects and low mag cap on their autos kinda have been what kept me away from them. Rugers, other than their revolvers I dont like their autos because of their masive size but their operation is descent. Im on the fence with 1911 style autos if they have beavertail safeties and houge grips their ok to shoot but other than that I dislike their grip and the method in which they feild strip which knocks out browning hp's as well. XD's im on the fence as well because Ive never fired one but they feel top heavy even more so then a Glock.

I could go on forever but this is what Ive used so far and had experience with. so anyones suggestions and experiences on a descent handgun would be appreciated. After I get a shotgun I should have around $700 dollars left an thats pretty much what Ive capped of what im going to spend unless someone can convince me otherwise.

[Jim Watson]

You could do a lot worse than a Glock 17.
Reasonable size, common ammo, 30 years development.

Try to find somebody else to get the front sight to stay put on that RIA. They are not bad guns and there is no reason to whine about the takedown.

[Minator]

They are not bad guns and there is no reason to whine about the takedown.

Every other type takes 10 seconds to strip same with a 1911 unless you have a full length guide rod or a 2 peice. which I have a full length guide rod because it wouldnt operate 85% of the time with the standard guide rod.

[kansas45]

For the money, I think the Springfield XD line is hard to beat!

[ReadyontheRight]

Get a 1911 and a Ruger or Browning .22 and get out and shoot competitive NRA Bullseye. $700.

Get an M1 Garand from www.odcmp.com and get out and shoot competitive highpower matches. $500.

Get a Remington 870 Wingmaster and go out and shoot in competitive trap matches. $300.

$1500 for the tools required for a wealth of practical experience and related friendships.

[10-Ring]

Let me preface this with this statement:
I normally recommend USP's, Beretta 92fs' and lately BHP's but with your budget and current financial status, I'd go w/ a used Glock 19 (I just prefer the mid size frames) and a conversion kit and ALOT of practice ammo ;)

[PX15]

Sig.........:D

Or one of the ones pictured below:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5196.jpg

For some reason the S&W 3913's have dropped off the radar, but mine has been excellent. Always reliable and accurate, ambi-friendly for us "lefties". Easy to conceal, overall very nice cc firearm.

Still, my P239 has been as good as it gets for me for over 10 years...

Options, options, options....

Best Wishes,

J. P.

[psychophipps]

Or, and I realize I'm being a complete heretic here, you can stick with the guns you have until you note a distinct hole in your current collection that needs to be filled. You can blow all kinds of cash on getting a new peice you might not have a real need for or you can spend that money on ammo and have a complete blast for weeks on end with the weapons you have now.

Hmm...decisions, decisions... ;)
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )

[Red Tornado]

Dude, you don't like Glocks, Sigs, 1911s, CZs, or Rugers. You're getting limited on all the highly recommended guns. :) Hmmm...how about a Browning Buckmark in .22LR. Feels great, shoots great. That or a Makarov if you're looking for a centerfire only.
Good luck,
RT

[Lonestar.45]

Since you mentioned needing a CCW piece, then a Glock 26 would fit the bill nicely, or a Kahr PM9, or a Mk9 if you listen to the naysayers about Kahr's polymer frames (mine has been perfect, in an IWB it is easily concealed and carried).

Other options: NAA Guardian or KelTec 3AT. You WILL appreciate true pocket carry once you get your CHL. Every CHL holder needs at least one true pocket pistol.

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

Regarding the RIA 1911, I'd personally just buy another slide, like an Essex for $150.00, already set up for nicer, slotted-in Front and rear sights. The stock slides on the lower end 1911 GI's has a staked-on front sight. Cheap to do, but if it gets loose, it's a pain to fix.

[Lucky 7]

Baby Eagles (the older 9900 models not the current 9915) are tops IMHO though a lil heavy if u plan on carrying (that and leather is difficult to come by). All for $450 (+/- $50). I bought mine when I was younger (and in college) when money was tighter and didnt feel strained by the cost of 9x19 ammo.

Regards and Semper Fi!
-L7

[Terrierman]

Get a nice K .22 and try to wear it out.

[huaco]

"Ive fired Cz's I liked the grip angle and the way it felt but I didnt like the feel of the materials and the way it operated. "

What did you not like about the feel of the materials and the way it operated? My PCR has an excellent very durable finish and operates exactly like I think an SD handgun should. It's been totally reliable and much more accurate than me. I know everyone has different preferences but I'm really curious about what you said you didn't like. Please elaborate.

[owen]

how 'bout ammo?

[gezzer]

Glock 17 or 19, best sellers in our shop ,with the least returns.

[modifiedbrowning]

Walther P99
Bersa Thunder UC 9mm, which PX15 pictured with the laser sight.

[pete f]

Re the fixed front site on the RIA, There should be no reason a competent smith can not get a sight to stick in a properly machined slide. Peening in or staking in a front sight is not that hard to do. Get some red locktite and put a drop in the clean slide mortise and then stake that baby in, Look around on the net there are plenty of places that will teach you how to do it. All it takes is something to act as an anvil, a little homemade tool and a third hand loaned from a friend. Really I have fixed them in under ten minutes.

Jerry Kuhnhausen has a manual for fixing the 1911, he has nice clear pics of how to do it. really simple job.

[TOADMAN]

Get a Glock 26 or a Glock 27 or a Glock 30 and adapt to it...They are just too reliable to pass-up..

[Brian Williams]

Check out the Springfield XD line. The Ruger 354 is nice and not as blocky as the originals. Also look at the S&W M&Ps they are supposed to be nice. Check with 1911Tuner and see what he says about the front site. I have used Superglue to hold a loose one on.

[Minator]

What did you not like about the feel of the materials and the way it operated? My PCR has an excellent very durable finish and operates exactly like I think an SD handgun should. It's been totally reliable and much more accurate than me. I know everyone has different preferences but I'm really curious about what you said you didn't like. Please elaborate.

Ive only handled the synthetic versions of the Cz brand and the synthetic material side by side with a Glock and XD felt flimsy not saying it actually was but that is the impression it left with me. Also the impact of the hammer and the feeling of the slide recoiling felt like a casted para ordinance real light and slightly irregular.

you can stick with the guns you have until you note a distinct hole in your current collection that needs to be filled. You can blow all kinds of cash on getting a new peice you might not have a real need for or you can spend that money on ammo and have a complete blast for weeks on end with the weapons you have now.

I only purchase guns that I use I have no safe queens or guns that are just for looks also I have plenty of cash for ammo and accesories I only gave a rough estimate of the money I will be able to put on the initial purchase of it which as time goes by ill have alot more to put towards it but I want to get my class and paper work done so I can get the long process started which it has been noted around here takeing from 6 weeks to 6 months to get your actual liscense, And im a slight perfectionist when it comes to my firearms I dont care about scratches and etc. but I can tell when my sights are off by 2mm or slightly crooked or the pistol itsself is functioning even slightly irregular and before I even purchase a model I know how to disasemble it and repair it before I even get it. So with the seemingly endless problems I am having with these so far it is unexceptable to keep them other than my GP-100 which I have mentioned earlier has been my only keeper out of 6 guns I have actually taken home.

Regarding the RIA 1911, I'd personally just buy another slide, like an Essex for $150.00, already set up for nicer, slotted-in Front and rear sights.

I wish I had gotten back from my trip earlier to read this I took it out to the range and fired about 500 rounds through it and the front site came completely off again and I lost it in the gravel so the original smith that had put it on gave me a replacement painted with transluscent paint. So I went around the local shops and got a trade for a S&W 22-a1 with 600 rounds and a red dot site. If I had known that they sold slides for $150 i would have went that route but I was thinking they were in the $400-$500 all of the ones I had seen where in that price range.

For the money, I think the Springfield XD line is hard to beat!

Yeah I liked the function of the xd and price but the trigger was a little spongey and the reset was kinda long, I like consistant trigger pulls thats kinda of why I traded off my sig because no matter how many hundreds of rounds I put down range I could never get first round anywhere near accurate
and for my main CCW peice it would be kind of important.

Since you mentioned needing a CCW piece, then a Glock 26 would fit the bill nicely, or a Kahr PM9, or a Mk9 if you listen to the naysayers about Kahr's polymer frames

Ive never actually handled a kahr but I have read several posts on various forums of them having several issues and the whole NYCPD recall I might give them a chance as a secondary CCW but for that kind of money I need something dead reliable out of the box I know they have a full waranty but If its a main ccw I wont have time for it to be off getting repaired. The glock 26's subcompact frame are kind of to short for all of my fingers to be on the grip and the grip is kinda to large.

Walther P99

I have had some interest in these but I was under the impression all of these in the us were assembled by S&W and all of these joint walther and s&w were garbage. Do they sale pure german walthers and do they provide high cap mags and at what prices are these mags available I know the german walthers I see on the website are listed at an msrp of $600 dollars. I know they have had significant trouble with the p22 series but all manufacterers have had trouble getting their auto 22lrs online.

how 'bout ammo?

Im not recoil sensitive and I can adapt to any cartridge I dont like 10mm's
.40's dont bother me and I actully prefer them rather than 9mm, .357 and 44mag are a breeze to shoot.

[Dr_2_B]

GLOCK 19

[Zen21Tao]

My primary CCWs are a Sig P239 .40S&W in a K&D holster and a Glock 29 10mm in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. Both are great guns and opperate flawlessly.

I have a friend that carries a subcompact CZ Rami that he absolutely loves. They are great quality and only run about $450 or so.

[hirundo82]

Since you're looking for a CCW, I would agree with those who are saying Glock. I think the simplicity makes for a good carry gun. 9mm for cheap practice ammo. I would say go with the 19 for ease of shooting, but the 26 is good too if you think you would have a problem carrying the 19. Actually, the Glock 17 isn't too hard to conceal if you give it a bit of effort if you want to go that route--I do it often.

[modifiedbrowning]

All the P99s are German made. The SW99 frame is made by Walther but the slide and barrel are made by S&W.

[owen]

modified,

That's not true, there are a large number of S&W made P99 slides and barrels. There are also many many Walther only P99 pistols. The giveaway is the relief cut on the front of the slide. The S&W made slides don't have those cuts. (at least they didnt.)

And Minator, there is nothing wrong with the Walther/S&W guns.

[KINGMAX]

Get a GLOCK 19 and be happy. :)

[xd9fan]

I Never have this problem with guns.......

[cookekdjr]

Glock 19 or 26.
Browning Buck Mark when you get the cash.

[Hogfan1911]

Just goes to show what a subjective thing "felt recoil" is, I guess. Shot a lot of rounds through both & the 1911 is far more controllable for me. I personally enjoy the recoil of my Ruger Blackhawk .41mag with 250gr Castcores more than my Kahr P40 with 165gr fmj practice loads. If you can afford it, you may want to go back to a 1911 but get a higher-quality one this time, like a Kimber, loaded Springfield, or S&W. Seems from your posts that you just aren't fond of DA-auto style trigger pulls. Best bet is to try as many different things as possible, either friend's guns or a range that rents them (remember range guns take a beating tho). I love my full-size Kimber for cold weather carry & my Kahr P40 for when it's warm. P40 has snappy recoil, though, may want to try the steel K40. Wife loves her Glock 19, but it doesn't conceal nearly as easily as the Kahrs or compact 1911's for me. Just keep searching. Hey, at least you've gotten to shoot lots of guns! :D

I agree w/some of the other posts, get a good .22 auto or revolver as soon as you can afford it & practice, practice, practice!

[Anna's Dad]

I pocket-carry a Kel-Tec P32 every day in South Florida. The Kel-Tecs are fantastic for pocket carry and I would highly recommend them to anyone who is going to conceal.

If you live in Florida or somewhere else hot anything larger just isn't practical. If you live where its a little cooler, the Kel-Tec would still make a great backup.

I've read that some people have had issues with Kel-Tecs, but mine has been great so far--I only have about 50 rounds through it, but its been 100% (many of my higher end guns didn't do that well during the break-in period).

I got the P32 to avoid having to buy another caliber (already owned .22, .32, 9mm and .45ACP). If that wasn't an issue for me, I would have probably gone with the P3AT (.380).

If you're patient, they also have the PF-9 in 9mm coming out in August, I believe. A little smaller than a Kahr PM-9 but a whole lot less expensive.

The Kel-Tecs are so reasonably priced you could get another gun and still be in your budget. I you went this route, I would recommend the Ruger P345. You can get them in the $400's and it's been extremely reliable and a lot of fun to shoot. Wouldn't want to try to conceal it, but its a great house/car/range gun.

There is also another company, Skyy Industries, that has a extremely compact 9MM called the MPX-9 coming out later this summer. I've never owned a SKYY product, however, so I can't speak to their quality or reliability.

If you're willing to blow your budget there is also the Rohrbaugh R-9. Size is similar to the upcoming Skyy MPX-9 but the best price I've seent is over $900.00. I've read excellent things about these little guns but the price is a little rich for my blood.