[pipboy]

wont turn 21 for a while looking for a lower end auto loader, had my eyes on both the 1911 and the hi power, i have kind of gone commie block route with rifle would prefer not to with pistols ie tokarov etc any advice hoping for $350-200

[Northslope Nimrod]

Your price said $350-$200....is that correct?

If you go the 1911 or Hi-Power route, you'll need to spend more except for Hi-Power clones or some low-end 1911's.

What will the pistol be used for? Range gun, Defense, Home Defense? How much of each?

I have a Hi-Power and highly recommend them if you like SA only. I also would recommend a 1911 in either 45 or 9mm....although the latter are hard to find and almost impossible at your price.

[tnieto2004]

ruger p95

[nwilliams]

If youre looking for a budget 1911 that will get you started check out the Rock Island MilSpec, great value for the money. Can't say from personal experience mind you, but everyone I've ever talked to who has one of these really likes them.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/RIA2.htm

[never_summer]

i just ordered a kimber 9mm for my 21st :) before i was really looking into a glock but now im kinda interested in the xd. I bought mine hoping it was going to be quality and last for a long time. If i was you id save up just a little more and get a pt1911. I looked at the taurus in the store and it looked and felt like a good 1911, and with the range reports it sounds like a pretty built gun.

[MPanova]

Look into the Taurus auto's www.taurususa.com for reviews from Taurus owners check out www.taurusarmed.net

[Loucks]

I'll second the Rock Island Armory basic model. It's a solid, no-frills mil-spec 1911. I carry mine every day and have no complaints. If you're willing to go slightly higher (Say, $400 OTD) you could get the Tactical model and step up to a well-designed ambi safety, beavertail, commander-style hammer, FLGR (Is that a step up? Your call.), and low-profile carry sights. Either model is guaranteed for life (as long as you don't do something completely unreasonable to it), and the customer service is stellar. Check out the RIA forum on m1911.org for more details. Their company rep (Ivan) checks in multiple times/day and the president of the company also posts with some regularity.

If you'd prefer the Hi-power, you could look at one of the FM (Argentine) clones. I had one for a while (I sold it to make rent. :() and was very pleased with it. I believe that they're slightly more expensive than the RIA 1911, but you might be able to dig on up at a gun show. They seemed to be fairly common at shows for a while.

[ripcurlksm]

1911:D

[Steve C]

A good .22 LR semi auto or revolver. Ammo is inexpensive and you can learn to shoot well with it without breaking the bank. A good 22 can be had for around $300 and it will give you a lifetime of use. Get the centerfire 1911 or other "cool" gun when you can better aford a good one and can feed it all that ammo that cost $20 or so a box of 50.

[pipboy]

i already have a ruger mk2 coming to me and possibly a nazi marked p-38 in excellent shape

[MachIVshooter]

Rock Island GI 1911's are under $400 new in most areas and seem to be solid guns. I do not own one, but have handled them. They seem to be well made and get good reviews. I would actually buy one of these before a Springer GI, since quality appears comparable, neither is made in the US and the RIA is closer to the original 1911A1. Swap out the smooth wood grips for Checkered plastic ones, and it's a dead wringer (except for not saying Colt, Remington-Rand, Singer, etc).

I have seen used Charles Daily HP clones for ~$350, but a real FN will run ~$450-$500 used in good condidtion.

If you just want a good quality handgun to play with in that price range, check out the CZ-75 or EAA Witness.

[Fawkes]

It may not be a popular choice, but I have two Norinco 1911's that were purchased for about $300 each. They've required a trigger job and the feed ramps to be polished, but other than that, they've been flawless.

[3rdpig]

Used, second generation Glock 17's, 19's, 22's and 23's can be had for $350. They're usually police or prison guard turn in guns and often still have usable night sights and a low round count.