Dressed to Impress

[Route2]

I am considering the purchase of a new handgun. It has been 36 years since my last purchase and I have not kept up on what is out there.

I want a gun I can be proud of. When I go to the range, I don't want people to say, "Look at that Rube, can't believe anyone ever purchased that gun," “Is that company still in business?” or "I better not stand close to him 'cause I might get hit with Shrapnel."

What I want is for people to say, “Hey! Cool gun, this guy must be a knowledgeable gun owner.” And, of course, I am not a knowledgeable gun owner YET! Can you help me?

Please post your opinion as to what handgun would most impress down at the range. I plan on doing a lot of target shooting with it, so a 50 cal is out. Any caliber will do, this is only for recreation. Please list not only the gun you would suggest and the REASON why. My budget is a max of $2000, but I would prefer in the $1200 range. Again, I have not kept up with industry offerings so I just don’t know what is realistic.

[Tommygunn]

With respect you probably ought to concentrate on a reliable gun of a common and effective caliber.
Unless your name is James Bond.;)

[rbernie]

What form of NYC handgun license do you have/will you be getting - a premises license or a carry license?

Oh, and I have to tell ya - guns don't impress folk nearly as much as proficiency. Shoot small groups and display safe gun handling and you'll impress folk. If the target looks like it was hit with buckshot and you sweep people at the range, it won't matter what kind of gun you have.

[General Geoff]

What rbernie said. Any quality firearm will do; spend the remainder of your budget on training and practice ammo. :)

[Six]

From
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=5119728#post5119728

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/picture4.jpg

One day... I will have one like it...

Edit:
As to why: It's just a 1911, albeit a nice one. 45ACP is a common caliber, no extraneous widgets and gadgets bolted on. It's a subtle, classy variation of a fantastic gun.

[Bob_P]

You said you plan to do a lot of target shooting. How often do you plan to shoot at the range? How much are you willing to spend on ammo per week or month? Right now, ammo price and availablility is an issue in many places. Something to consider...

[jnyork]

Oh, and I have to tell ya - guns don't impress folk nearly as much as proficiency. Shoot small groups and display safe gun handling and you'll impress folk. If the target looks like it was hit with buckshot and you sweep people at the range, it won't matter what kind of gun you have.
__________________


I spend a LOT of time out at the range and I can tell you that is the best advice I think you can get. Sure, it is neat to see someone with a really nice firearm, but it's vastly more impressive to see someone who is really PROFICIENT with that firearm. To coin a phrase, beauty is as beauty does. :)

[Fred40]

It's hard to beat the inherent accuracy of 1911's....provided you do your part.

IMHO....no better trigger has ever been devised. (Except maybe the S&W revolvers once the hammer has been cocked).

Lots of nice 1911's in your price range. They are a classic look in a classic caliber to boot.

[svtruth]

S&W's Model 19 is a superb gun (I have one with a 4" barrel). It is not showy, but beautifully made. There is also the benefit of shooting .357 magnums and .38 specials.
Good luck.

[CCWB]

Kimber 1911 with a 22 kit just for the range.

Total right around 2K, great quality, good looks, and the 22 will group tight. Plus it sets you up with better practice when converted back to 45.

[krs]

How about posting a photo of the handgun that you bought 36 years ago......if it's not TOO ratty maybe we could trade as I've got lots of new modern cool guns that would impress any shooter at a range in Brooklyn, NY.

[springmom]

Impressiveness at the range comes from:

1) Maintaining good trigger discipline
2) Knowing your gun and being able to deal with it if there's a problem
3) Accuracy when you shoot.

Impressiveness does not come from:

1) Loudness of the gun
2) "Coolness" of the gun
3) A shooter who's there to impress other shooters.

The most impressive gun I ever got to shoot (that someone else brought and was showing me) was a 95-year old .32 S&W revolver. Trigger like butter and a joy to shoot. People are far more likely to be "impressed" by something old, rare, and in great shape than by anything new.

That said, my Ed Brown Custom does get a few second looks when I take it out to play. But it's about twice what you said you wanted to pay....

Just go and work hard at becoming a good shooter. Other people's opinions of you are of utterly no importance.

Jan

[Route2]

I am only planning to get a premise license for the time being. For this particular gun I may just rent a box at the range and leave it there. But I am not wild about that idea, just don't know yet. I have ALWAYS loved the .45 1911 my dad brought home from WWII it was BEAUTIFUL. I was just a kid then, I don’t have a clue if is was an A1 or not, I don’t remember there being any bluing on it, but I remember thinking that it was the coolest gun ever.

Yeah. I know I have a LOT OF PRACTICING TO DO. I plan on taking a course. I remember that .45 kicked pretty well. (My brother laughed his head off. I fell for the same trick the first time he let me fire his 12 gauge too). Hopefully there is a technique that makes it easier to handle.

I had not thought of a budget for the ammo. Is there a preferred caliber? (Not interested in .22LR thanks!)

[bikerdoc]

I got a saying, "When you pay my bills then you can have an opinion"

[Norinco982lover]

1911 with some pearl grips should do the trick. Springfield, Colt, anything but Taurus really...and their 1911's aren't too bad...I liked the one I shot ok..

[si vis pacem]

Whether others will think your weapon is "cool" should probably not be a factor in what you purchase.

If you're basing your inquiry on purchasing a weapon that has an excellent reputation for quality and reliability, I recommend a Sig 229 in 40 S&W. Can't go wrong with a quality 1911, either.

[Jim Watson]

From Jeff Cooper's Embarassing Question, what kind of target shooting?

I wouldn't - don't - use the same gun for NRA conventional pistol (bullseye), PPC (practical police course), IDPA, or IHMSA. Function defines form when there is a defined purpose.

If you shoot with no rules, then something big and loud will be the most impressive to people who notice looks more than scores.

I am sorry you find the lowly .22 of no interest. I am at present trying to talk down a couple of students from hard kicking centerfires they cannot hit well with or enjoy trying.

[rbernie]

If it's primarily a range tool, I would recommend 9mm over 45ACP for a centerfire offering. It's effective in a home defense role if you get a premises permit, it's less expensive by half than 45ACP, and it won't be as tiring to shoot.

New/returning shooters need to spend a lot of time at the range and in local range classes. That is both expensive and tiring. A 9mm pistol will offer the least expense and kaBLAM/recoil and still be useful in a defensive role if needed.

Nearly any modern 9mm pistol over $500 (and even a few under $500) will be reliable and accurate. I think that a good single-action (SA) semiauto pistol is a fine range gun, assuming you can find one that fits you. Both the 1911 and Browning HiPower (BHP) should be strong contenders for you to check out. My current range guns are almost all BHPs or 9mm 1911s.

In the end, shooting well implies finding a pistol that fits your hand 'naturally'. I usually recommend to folk that they rent a bunch of different options at the local range and see which one feels best/shoots best for them.

[Six]

I think people are misinterpreting the OP as just wanting to show off, maybe I'm wrong, but I didn't read it that way. I read it as the OP wants a gun to be proud of. Something he can shoot, and shoot well, and set down on the table without throwing a rag over it.

And paying for a shiny gun to impress people, or paying for classes to shoot better so you can impress people, is still spending money and doing things to impress people. One isn't sillier than the other. If what you enjoy is owning and using a pretty gun, then go for it. Maybe you can't hit the broadside of a barn with it, but that's irrelevant, it's about what you enjoy doing.

I also wonder, if this were a car forum, and someone asked for suggestions for a nice looking sports car to take for Sunday drives, would people suggest buying a more comfortable SUV and spending the money on gas and driving classes instead? Maybe what he'd like to do is to own a Ferrari and drive it down country roads at 25mph, good for him, hope he enjoys it.


A second suggestion to the 1911 above:
Within the price range specified, you can also find a very nice .357 revolver (Colt Python for instance).
When you just want to practice, you can use low recoil, very cheap .38 special ammo. And for giggles and making heads turn, few things beat the WHAM of a full house .357 load. Since most everyone at the range seem to shoot plastic semi-autos, just shooting a revolver has people looking and asking questions.

[CCWB]

I second the 357 comment. As a matter of fact, alternate between 38 & 357 in a load. Spin the wheel, shut it and don't peel. You get the wow factor and mix of shooting both loads.

[Silvanus]

I like it when I go to the range, take out my Glock 17 and have people tell me they have shot/owned one before and it was not accurate at all, cheaply made and a plastic gun will break after a couple of 100 rounds anyway . Then I load up a magazine and start to drill out the center of my target:neener:

IMO That's a lot more fun than trying to impress other people with a good looking pistol, while not being able to hit the broad side of a barn:D

[Route2]

Jan: I just don’t want the other shooters to take up a collection to get me a membership to some other target range.

I will be shooting at NRA conventional pistol bulls-eye style targets. And if I get back to western PA, whatever we can find.

Renting a few models to find the one the feels best is a good idea.

I looked up the Kimber 1911 on the net. At first I didn’t want a 22 because I thought that I would only be able to get a dedicated 22. But the conversion kit idea sounds attractive. I looked it up on the net and it looks simple and easy. Inexpensive ammo will make practice affordable.

Another advantage to a .22 is that I only know of one target range in the city where I can fire a .45, but there is another closer to home that does allow small-bore rim fires.

Thank you SIX: Yes, I know it is vain. But my hope is that, in time, I can both know what I am doing and look like I know what I am doing at the same time. I also like the .357 Colt Python option very much. Good idea.

CCWB: Alternating between 38 & 357 loads made me laugh out loud. Are you related to my brother?

[lykoris]

Silvanus,

where do you buy your 7.62 ammo for in Lux for your FAL ?

guessing you got an L1a1 from Freylinger ?

[lykoris]

an for the OP question(apologies for hijack above)

why do you care what people think ?

Seriously, you need to think about what YOU want in a handgun and then go from there.

+100 to what Silvanus said, if it looks great but you can't handle it as it doesn't fit you and you can't consequently hit the broad side of a barn what good is it to you ?

I'm coming across as perhaps too frank but in no way whatsoever do I mean any offense.

[Jim Watson]

I looked up the Kimber 1911 on the net. At first I didn’t want a 22 because I thought that I would only be able to get a dedicated 22. But the conversion kit idea sounds attractive. I looked it up on the net and it looks simple and easy. Inexpensive ammo will make practice affordable.

Good move.
That same Jeff Cooper also said: "You can learn about 80% of what you need to know with a .22." I have a .22 conversion for my CZ and a complete Colt Ace .22 for 1911 warmup and they are very valuable tools.

Oh, yeah, if you are going to be shooting at bullseye targets, get a pistol with adjustable sights. You can compare the six o'clock hold with the center hold, etc., etc., but nothing is more frustrating than not hitting in and around the middle of a clearly defined target like that.

[Route2]

I just looked up the Ed Brown Custom website. Where do you get off dogging me about attractive guns?? They beautiful! Maybe I can find a few more $$$ between the seat cushions.

[tuckerdog1]

For as often as you buy guns, I'd recommend you get something that has already proved itself a "classic". Too many "new" guns are liable to become forgettable real fast.

In an auto, the 1911 has to top the list. Quite a few revolvers to choose from. Python, S&W models 29 or 27, just to name a few.

No matter what you choose, you have a fun task ahead of you. Be sure to share pics with us when you get it.

Tuckerdog1

[Route2]

LYKORIS: I don't think I will ever be a competitive shooter, like I don't think I will ever be a PGA golfer. But I do hope to hit the broad side of a barn, even if i have to sneak closer. I just want to be good enough to have fun at it.

[Silvanus]

Silvanus,

where do you buy your 7.62 ammo for in Lux for your FAL ?

guessing you got an L1a1 from Freylinger ?

Haha :D

No, it's an Argentine para and I get my ammo from reloading-center(.com) ;)

[lykoris]

all I am saying Route2 is that you could get many wise words on what type of pistol to buy but when you pick it up and shoot it the glove might not fit.

Your best bet is to go to a client friendly gunstore(by that I mean a store where you won't have somebody forcing a sales pitch down your throat about a particular brand) and try as many pistols as you can - if you can rent a few and shoot them even better.

and I agree a lot with what others are saying, it's how your shooting prints on targets that impresses (group size) and not the package.

My first 9mm was a Browning HP or specifically a GP35mkiiis because it fit me like a glove and I really liked the balance of it. I was also fortunate enough to have a friend with one that allowed me shoot it at my club and fell in love.

(Silvanus,
frauenberg have DAG surplus at EUR55/150 and cornet in Brussels have MEN at 285/1k) Reloading-center - bought some things off him, what ammo do you buy and how much? ....I wish he would put prices on his website...always end up calling to ask price quotes...it's awkward :scrutiny:

[Jim Watson]

I don't think I will ever be a competitive shooter,

Why not?
I compete, but I don't always (or often) expect to win. I have shot several sports at the regional and national level and can always say I have been beaten by the best in the world.
I would not have stayed interested very long at the solitary vice level.

[Boris Barowski]

http://korthusa.com/pistol_en.htm

but it might be outside your budget :p

[Daizee]

Route2,

Get an all-steel gun. Heavy is better unless you're carrying.
9mm, .45, or .38/.357.

The range in the City won't let you shoot magnums, but if you travel you'll have the opportunity.

I would avoid an old Colt revolver, if only due to the expensive maintenance if things go wrong.

Get a minimum of a 4" barrel.

An auto that can be converted to .22 is a nice idea, but limits the selection (CZ, 1911, Sig).

It's gotta fit your hands.

If you're concerned about the expense of feeding it, consider a revolver. I think most people *tend* to shoot slower with one. Most people don't feel compelled to load up 5 speedloaders and blaze thru them, yet have just as much fun as the folks emptying their wallets on just a couple mags in their glocks.

-Daizee

[Grant48]

You cant go wrong with a nice 1911.

[Mike OTDP]

I'd be very tempted by a Pardini GP or other top-end .22 target pistol. You'll find they are a joy to shoot. Even if they leave you no excuses for missing.

[Chester32141]

Hard to go wrong w/ a Makarov ... I've got a pretty wide selection of handguns but the one that I'm proudest of and the one that gets the most respect at the range is my near mint condition East German Makarov ... cheap to buy, cheap to shoot, reliable, simple to clean and repair if needed, all steel construction w/ the ability to buy extra mags for about $15 each ... just about every time I shoot mine at the range people want to look at it ... the fact that it's over 40 years old just adds to it's quality ... a near mint EG Mak w/ 2 or 3 mags will run you about $400 leaving you plenty for ammo which runs about $200 a case ... just make sure it's a true Makarov and not just a gun chambered for the Makarov round ... JMO

Chester

Check these out ... http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=355762&highlight=makarov+photos

[loop]

I understand the desire to have a gun that is respected and admired. I have a few. I enjoy wearing them and the comments they draw from other knowledgeable gun owners.

Of course, my cohorts at IDPA matches razz me when I bring out a couple of my nicer guns. I get a lot of "If you're going to carry a gun that looks like that you better be a darn good shot." I am or they wouldn't give me the flak.

My suggestion would be a Colt Gold Cup. Colts are the standard by which all other 1911s are measured. The Gold Cup is the premier target model from Colt. No one will dis a Gold Cup.

If a 1911 doesn't fit you well there are many options. You can get a long trigger, a short trigger, an arched mainspring housing or a flat one, thin grips, standard grips or fat grips. A 1911 can be fitted to any hand.

Then there are the available options. If you can imagine it, someone makes it for a 1911.

And, if you choose to have it customized by Les Baer, Wilson, Canyon Creek or anyone else, they all will work with a Colt Gold Cup.

Les Baers are nice, but a tricked out Gold Cup is a cut above pretty much everything out there.

I carried the same 1911 for a dozen years because it was incredibly accurate and never failed. I carried it until the bluing wore off and it looked like crap. Then the wife gave me the go ahead to make it a gun I could be proud to show people.

This what my old beater looks like today...

http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/GameGame-A-Dude/Kimber5_1_09RS.jpg

[Pun1sher]

get something that you like, that fits your personality. Handle a few, maybe rent some, and come to your own decision. Doesn't matter what anybody else thinks, really. Including the people in this forum.

[76shuvlinoff]

Kimber .22 conversion on my fullsize Kimber 1911. Initial investment a little over two years ago was around $1450.00 and neither mode has ever let me down.

However if guns have feelings I've probably disappointed it a time or two.

[mcdonl]

I got a saying, "When you pay my bills then you can have an opinion"

Perfect!

[BCRider]

There's nothing wrong with having a dedicated .22 rather than an adapter kit.

When I started shooting it was with a 9mm. After a thousand rounds I realized just how much I had to learn. One of those lessons was how well shooting .22 supported good habits while not costing much. The best was that the .22 got me to cure my flinching and learn to follow through on the trigger pull. And the best way to do that for myself was to have both guns sitting side by side on the table. One or two magazines of .22 then pick up the center fire for a magazine then back to the .22. For me this method helped hugely. But if you're running a kit that needs to be swapped out then you loose the flow. And the swapping out would get annoying pretty quickly for me. Not to mention that all the .22 kits I've seen were as much or more than a basic but very servicable cheap .22 pistol such as the S&W 22A.

As for the center fire choices one of the finest guns to shoot that I've tried was an STI Trojan in 9mm. The look and feel of a classic with a cartridge that is cheap to buy... when you can find them these days.

And yes, the guys at the range who have opinions that are worth something will look at your targets and not your gun.... although if you show up with a Glock that has the sights mounted on the SIDE of the slide be prepared for some ribbing... :D

[springmom]

I just looked up the Ed Brown Custom website. Where do you get off dogging me about attractive guns?? They beautiful! Maybe I can find a few more $$$ between the seat cushions.

ROTFL! It is beautiful. But on any given day at the range you may see me out there with my XD-9, which only a mother would call beautiful (let's face it, they shoot great, but they are just a little....homely :D)

But here's the thing: if I'm out there with that XD, and drilling out the X ring, THAT gets respect and impresses. The gun itself..sure, the Ed Brown is a piece of gun art, no doubt (and it was a Valentine's gift from Archerandshooter, even better). So is my Browning Hi-Power; far, far, FAR less expensive (though hard to find anymore) but just enormously beautiful, classy lines, accurate as can be. For my money, you can say the same about my 66-3, as far as that goes....stainless 3" barrel, wonderful trigger, and it is the revolver that finally "taught me" how to shoot DA.

So: to choose an "impressive" gun, what to pick? 1) what you shoot well; 2) what tickles YOUR fancy, 3) what you'd be proud to hand down to your kids. It's cool to have somebody's eyes go big and say "is that...?" But it's really more fun to have the range officer stop and watch you shoot because he appreciates watching good shooting. Ultimately, it's what you do with the gun that's impressive, not just the gun itself.

(But if you have a wealthy couch, yeah, the Ed Brown is awesome!)

Jan

[weisse52]

Colt Gold Cup and a Marvel unit 1 .22 conversion.

Look it up!

[Furncliff]

I like Weisse52's suggestion. Anyone you appreciates handguns knows the Colt Gold Cup.

For a 9mm
CZ 75b. Good ergo's, reliable accurate, not expensive. Put it together with the CZ .22 conversion and you have many bases covered.

You should also know that you can dress up a plain jane pistol or revolver with some real nice grips.http://www.imageseek.com/grips/a.jpg

[Geno]

I have to tell you, I see a lot of folks who carry in their $2,000.00+ handguns to the indoor range where I shoot. They run their B27 target to 7 yards and put 21 holes all over the target. It makes an impression alright.

The direction and quality of the impression you make is independent of the handgun's appearance. I would rather carry a $600.00 handgun that I can hit the target with, than a $2,000.00 trophy that I can't keep rounds on paper but I look good...until I begin pulling the trigger.

For what it's worth, I suggest a plain-Jane Colt 1911. Save the balance of your budget amount for the range, ammo and classes. Good luck deciding, and please post a picture of the choice and your targets.

[wrs840]

How about an old Belgian BHP 9mm with target sights and wood grips? It's practical, reliable, fun to shoot, pretty easy to get "good" with, elegant looking, feels great, and has some decent "oooh-whee that's a nice gun" factor too...

Les

[-v-]

A 1911 would serve you well, so would a BHP. Both have been around long enough to become classics, yet have been popular enough that spare parts are easy to find.

Also, don't under-estimate having either a .22 for practice or a .22 conversion kit.

[jpwilly]

Let your shooting and people skills speak for you. I'm an easy to approach person. Today, while at the range...A couple of guys came by to ask about my 1911 and how I liked it. It's a humble PT1911 but shoots great. People tend to notice things like the center of a target being shreaded.

[spentbrass]

Route2, single action revolvers turn a lot of heads at the range too.
I won't give the lecture about being safe, responsible, mature, ect with any gun you buy, you've already heard it.
A hot looking SA Ruger Blackhawk, or a smokin' 1911, those are the perfect choices.

[spyderdude]

The 1911 is a good looking gun, but as mentioned before it is your proficiency and safe gun handling that will impress folks at the range. I personally don't care what my guns look like to other people, like them or hate them, but they do go bang. I am not out to impress anyone else, I just want to practice with what I have. Reliability and durability are far more important to me than looks.

[Travis Bickle]

For $2,000 (or even $1,200) you can get a hell of a lot of quality gun. Unless you narrow things down a little more, the only advice I can really give you is to avoid any caliber smaller than 10mm or .40 S&W if you're buying an automatic pistol. The only reason to go with a smaller caliber is that you get more capacity, but in New York, that's a non issue, since you'll be limited to 10+1 no matter what caliber you choose. If you decide to go with a revolver, the three top quality names are Ruger, Smith & Wesson and Colt. Stick with those brands and you can't go wrong.

[Iggy]

The guns I get the most comments about are a couple of old revolvers.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/Kframes.jpg?t=1243792426


S&W model 17 .22 long rifle and Model 14 .38 Special. Same size, same shape, same weight.

These old timers and a nice target get lots of compliments and questions.

Each one cost less than $400.00. Ammo is inexpensive and they shoot with the best of them.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/Model14WTWH.jpg

None of these cost over $450 bucks and that leaves a lot of your alloted money for ammunition to impress folks with your skill.

Change the grips and the whole feel of the gun changes.. Same grips fit either gun.

For $25.00 you can change the grips on either gun with a grip adapter. BTW the Snubbie is the same size as the others pictured above and shoots .38 with authority.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/Mdl12-4.jpg

[Sapper771]

I dont really buy guns to impress others, but I do beleive in buying guns that are pleasing to the eye.
I have noticed that when I go to the range with other people, when I open my pelican case filled with pistols, my 1911s are the ones that get the most fondling and praise.
My Glocks get an eye, but that is usually from the younger folks that dont have a lot of interest in firearms.

Looking at your priced range, in the $2000 range would get you a used semi-custom 1911 from the tops tier companies (Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Les Baer, Nighthawk, etc.).
I have a Wilson Combat CQB that is very nice and accurate, but it was also expensive. There are plenty of other 1911s out there from other makers that will serve you just as good , but wont dent the wallet as bad. If you are looking for the "oohs and ahhhs" at the range, then those top brands will more than likely do it.
This is my experience though.

In your $1200 price range, I would recommend STI(www.stiguns.com).
I recommend them a lot due to owning two of their 1911s now and not having anything to complain about, they work and they work great. I would say look at the STI Trojan or the STI Lawman.

These recommendations are just from my experience, I am not a pro or an expert. The best thing that you can do is go to a range that has rental guns and shoot a wide variety of them to see what you will like, then go from there. Several excellent companies and firearms have emerged since you last purchased a firearm. As always, Good Luck !

[.38 Special]

I think I understand the OP's question, and I won't pick on him for it. There are times that I go to the range and I see a gun that almost has to belong to someone knowledgeable about the game.

The first category is "classic revolvers", almost universally from S&W. Something like a .38/44 Outdoorsman -- or even better, IMO, the fixed-sight Heavy Duty -- almost scream "this man knows guns". Likewise, a Model of 1926 or 1950 in .44 Special or .45 Colt. Granted, occasionally one of these ends up in the hands of some kid who borrowed it from Grandpa, or simply blundered into it at the pawn shop, but on the whole, these are guns for people with a deep understanding and appreciation. They will not impress the "operator" with the CAR-15 attached to a dozen accessories, if that's important.

The second category is the custom. The fellow with the Bowen Bisley or Clements .44 Special Flattop obviously knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. Most people, however, won't even know what it is. The great majority of range-goers will neither know nor care.

And finally there's the match gun. An S&W 41 with custom grips, a Bianchi Cup revolver with barricade wings and a dot sight, just about any international free pistol... these things will get you noticed even by the hoi poloi. Everyone will assume you are an "expert" and you will revel in the sidewise glances and open gawking. The catch is that you'd better be able to outshoot just about everyone at the range, or the admiring looks will soon be replaced by snickering.

HTH!

[mrtoren]

If you haven't really gone to the range much in the 36 years thats its been since your last purchase, then you might want to start out with something a little lighter. The 9mm Glock 19 is an excellent weapon in terms of balancing power and capacity. It also has Glock's legendary reputation behind it, its reliable, easy to strip and maintain, cheap to shoot, and parts/magazines are everywhere.

1911's, while fantastic pieces, can be very finicky. Some like this ammo, but not that; others can have some FTF and FTE issues. I don't really look at them as a novice shooter's level gun. IMHO, start out something that is almost guaranteed to be problem-free. A Glock 19 is well within your price range (~$500) and you'll have plenty of cash left over for a nice range bag, extra magazines, and plenty of ammunition. What else can you ask for?

[Zerodefect]

I'm most impressed by people using thier practical carry guns for range work and competition. So a Glock23, XDc, MP, PF9, PPS would catch me eye.

Safe queens don't impressm e much anymore. But..........a good 1911 ain't no safe queen and can be a looker at the same time.

I would suggest a Dan Wesson Valor or a Wilson combat (w/no markings).

[savit260]

This old Colt of mine seems to draw a bit of attention.

Army Special made in 1926. It's also one of my favorite carry pieces, and is carried quite often in a Simply Rugged Pancake holster with IWB conversion straps :)

Set me back $200. They don't need to cost big bux to turn heads.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/savit260/rnadom%20stuff/IMG_0593-1.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/savit260/rnadom%20stuff/IMG_0597.jpg

For me , a nice well used vintage piece will turn my head a lot faster than just about anything. :)

[Coltman 77]

I'll suggest a Colt Python. Mine always gets a few envious looks when I take it out of the safe to get some air at the range. :D

But frankly, I rarely pay attention to what others are shooting. I focus on what I want to accomplish while I'm there.

As an earlier poster mentioned, good safety habits and accurate shooting are what really impress folks.

Here's a pic of my Python (it was my Dad's and was always pretty much a safe queen).
http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo220/cashbailey_photos/DSCN0314.jpg

[J99]

With respect you probably ought to concentrate on a reliable gun of a common and effective caliber.
Unless your name is James Bond.

bond has used 9mm in 4 official movies and one Connery produced himself the first being the Walther P5 and most recently the Walther P99 gen 1 sadly they went back to the PPk :p

I can attest to the P99 being a very nice and reliable polymer frame pistol actually the most accurate factory pistol I ave ever shot and I think it looks nice

[Route2]

Thanks for all the feed back. I really appreciate it. Another reason I was interested in an upscale gun was to insure that I get a reliable one. My reasoning is, if it cost a few rubles more, the mfg would be less likely to cut corners. There is another string out there someplace that lists the "never" guns, guns that people will never buy again nor would recommend. It lists every mfg I have ever owned, including my old Mattel “Fanner 50”. So, the theory goes, buy the best and you can’t go wrong. What I am finding out is that there are a lot of high value guns available that will give me the service I crave. Cool!!!

Another amazing thing is that the 1911 design, being 100 years old, is still among the front runners in accuracy. Browning was ahead of his time.

The problem is, I am getting the fever. The palms of my hands are getting sweaty and my list is getting longer. Yikes!

[mrt949]

Buy a seecamp .A fine pocket pistol for your self.

[MisterMike]

I spend a LOT of time out at the range and I can tell you that is the best advice I think you can get. Sure, it is neat to see someone with a really nice firearm, but it's vastly more impressive to see someone who is really PROFICIENT with that firearm. To coin a phrase, beauty is as beauty does.

I agree with this sentiment. Personally, I'm more impressed with the guy who shoots the center out of the target with a ratty old .32 revolver than I am with the guy with the custom 1911 who's spraying bullets everywhere downrange.

Get yourself whatever handgun makes you happy, but don't sell yourself short by basing your decision on the impression it will make on others. I'd suggest that 9mm is a good choice of calibers for what you describe are your needs. The 9mm is powerful, accurate, and reasonably inexpensive. It sounds like you're be buying one gun and sticking with it for a while. You can buy reliable and accurate guns for anywhere from $500 to infinity.

[Route2]

I have my plan of action:

#1 I am going to try different guns and find a good fit.

#2 Going to sell some stuff on e-bay to make the coin I need to buy one

#3 The permit process in NYC is NUTS, going to take me some time to figure it out. Appears I need to get a permit approved first, THEN I can buy a gun within 30 days.

I will post what I get when I get it.

Thanks again.

[jlg]

When I was choosing my CCW gun, looks played a big part in it. I knew I wanted a 1911 but I didn't just want a black one. I wanted one that looked sharp. I ended up choosing a Kimber Compact CDP II.
http://www.kimberamerica.com/images/pistols/compact_cdp_2.jpg
The only regret I have is that I got the 4" barrel instead of a full size because I thought it would be easier to conceal (it was my first CCW weapon). Now, after carrying for several years, I realize that a full size 1911 really wouldn't have been any harder to conceal.

For a range gun, I'd find a nice looking 1911 in 9mm. 9mm isn't a very common caliber in the 1911 so it would make it stand out as something unique. As well as keeping recoil and ammunition costs down.

And as many have already mentioned, a 22 conversion kit for your 1911 is an excellent idea. The savings in ammo cost will pay it off quickly if you spend a lot of time at the range.

[CoRoMo]

What I want is for people to say, “Hey! Cool gun, this guy must be a knowledgeable gun owner.”

Good luck.

I've heard people proclaim that Olympic makes the highest quality 1911s after stating that they've never heard of that "off-brand Wilson Combat".

[Reid73]

I am considering the purchase of a new handgun. It has been 36 years since my last purchase and I have not kept up on what is out there. Don't sweat it. There have not been any real improvements during that period, just pointless bells and whistles (e.g. hooked trigger guards, ambidextrous everything, glow-in-the dark sights). Indeed, many of the old guns are better than the new ones (e.g., S&W revolvers).

I want a gun I can be proud of. When I go to the range, I don't want people to say, "Look at that Rube, can't believe anyone ever purchased that gun," “Is that company still in business?” or "I better not stand close to him 'cause I might get hit with Shrapnel."Here are some suggestions (two per category):

Centre-fire self-loading pistols

Browning High Power (P-35) with adjustable sights; Colt 'Gold Cup'

Centre-fire revolvers

Colt Python; S&W Model 27

Rimfire self-loading pistols

High Standard Victor (or Supermatic); Hammerli 208 (or 215)

Rimfire revolvers

Colt Diamondback; S&W K-22

All of the above handguns are well-designed, well-made 'classics', which have stood the test of time and will be around for many, many years to come. And you should be able to buy any of them secondhand for well within your budget ... even a Python in very good condition should be significantly less than $2,000.

[GoodKat]

get good with a single action army, everyone respects that.

[danbrew]

get one like this...

:D

http://danbrew.smugmug.com/photos/493700418_4D6Je-X3.jpg

[kludge]

$470-$550 Springfield XD-40 or XD-45.
$400 Ammo.
$300 Training.

Practice... Priceless.

[maksim]

Route2,

dont be the same kind of poser as those on brighton beach driving an s class they cant afford, but buy it so they impress their neighbor.

in the gun community, no one really cares. We have seen it all, shot it all, short of maybe if you bring a browning 50 machine gun. =P

What I am impressed with is someone who knocks quarter size holes at 20 yards or more. If you are around a local forum or community, you will meet many people, shoot many firearms and know what you like and what you dont like. I run an NJ gun forum, i know there is one for ny, nyfirearms.com. I suggest you go there and meet someone at the range and see what you like. Trust me, we are quite friendly, and as long as you dont mind covering the ammo, the vast majority of firearms owners will let you share their toys.

As far as a firearm, swallow your pride and buy a 22lr, and a home defense firearm, a 1911, a nice hk, or whatnot... but dont dismiss it.

Lastly, throw away everything you see on tv about firearms or handling of firearms. I would venture to guess the vast majority of hollywood has not even shot a firearm.

and most importantly, DONT HESISTATE TO ASK QUESTIONS! and SAFETY FIRST.

If you ever make it out to Jersey, would love to help you.

Here is an event you may want to go to...

http://www.njgunforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=979

[Hostile Amish]

Any 9mm or .45 ACP 1911 will do. Please get a stainless or blued one.

[herbie1]

If you are revolver inclined, look at some of S&W's performance center .357s such as the 327 or 627 variants. You may also want to look at the 686SSR.

H.

[FireArmFan]

Hard to not be impressed by a Nighthawk or like others have mentioned Wilsom Combat
http://www.nighthawkcustom.com/detail.aspx?ID=124#

[Rob P.]

Here are some suggestions (two per category):

Centre-fire self-loading pistols

Browning High Power (P-35) with adjustable sights; Colt 'Gold Cup'

Centre-fire revolvers

Colt Python; S&W Model 27

Rimfire self-loading pistols

High Standard Victor (or Supermatic); Hammerli 208 (or 215)

Rimfire revolvers

Colt Diamondback; S&W K-22

All of the above handguns are well-designed, well-made 'classics', which have stood the test of time and will be around for many, many years to come. And you should be able to buy any of them secondhand for well within your budget ... even a Python in very good condition should be significantly less than $2,000.

Phooey.

If you want "bling" or are looking for the "oogle factor" buy a Nighthawk custom (Or any of the other custom makers). Less purchase money leaving you with more for fancy grips, ammo and stuff = Dan Wesson Pointman or CBOB.

You can get just about any of these handguns for under $2000.

If you want "reliable" buy a S&W or any of the other "mid priced" handguns out there. There is nothing remarkable in either looks, attention factor, or performance from either a Gold Cup or Browning HP.

I have no comment on the revolvers or rimfires.

[m2steven]

There is nothing more impressive than a pistol/revolver that never fails. Get yourself an expensive Glock or Sig, perhaps Ruger 9mm to 45.

There is nothing worse than an expensive pistol which fails in front of friends and family. You can learn to clear misfires with misfires. You learn to shoot with a reliable piece of equipment.

I'm always impressed by someone who obviously loves his hobby and tends to shoot the same pistol/revolver all the time.

I have a Glock 26 which is it's own army, yet it's just a dull black "L".
It still impresses me everytime I shoot it (which is about once a week).

[jackstinson]

"Look at that Rube, can't believe anyone ever purchased that gun"
It doesn't matter what you buy, nor how much you spend on it, nor what is posted on discussion forums, someone is always going to say that. We see it right here every single day.
Do some research, check them out first-hand, and buy the gun/guns that YOU like.

[Iansstud]

Here this is a Korth made in Germany, Its sure to get some looks at the range!!!


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=130884542
http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/130884000/130884542/pix40734500.jpg

[Reid73]

Don't think he can buy a Korth for < $2,000, though!

A fellow at the range yesterday had a P-08, which worked well and aroused a fair bit of interest. IIRC there were over two million produced, but you don't see them around much these days.

[jackstinson]

A fellow at the range yesterday had a P-08, which worked well and aroused a fair bit of interest.
I saw a fellow at the range the other day with a P-08 also. What aroused my interest was: he knew beforehand that it "wasn't going click" when he pulled the trigger....yet he hand cycled 2 magazines worth of ammo through it, pulling the trigger with no results on each round and wondered why it didn't fire any of them. Nice gun, odd situation.
Goes to show that anyone with the cash can BUY a nice gun, but owning such doesn't mean "knowledgeable gun owner".
I guess I've never felt the overwhelming need to become the center of attention at the range.