[CZ52GUY]

I'm hoping to get a bonus at the end of the year and want to expand my collection of autoloaders.

I'm debating between getting something familiar (a model I already have but slightly different - e.g. different grip, sights, or finish) where I might save money based on already having plenty of spare mag's and holsters OR getting something completely different (e.g. different caliber, manufacturer, etc.).

In the something different category:
Ruger MKII - don't have one, I feel like every good autoloader collection should have at least one 22LR.

Springfield XD-40 - don't have one, my buddy does, I enjoy shooting his, and I could put my existing M3 light on the accessory rail.

Springfield Mil-Spec 1911A - don't have one (leaning toward the WWII commemorative), feel like every good autoloader collection should have at least one model 1911.

Hesitant to add a 45ACP because I don't currently own that caliber...have been able to stock up on range ammo', selecting this item means I'd probably want to budget additional $200 or so for FY2004 range sessions with this piece, as well as a nice holster and some spare mag's bringing OTD to $700+

XD-40 would require new holster(s) and spare mag's (would probably want night sights which jack up the price on this model) so OTD price would be in the $600 - $700 range.

Ruger MKII is a physically large weapon which might require additional storage capacity be added (which wouldn't be such a bad thing), but total investment including some spare mag's (perhaps adding a wood grip) would likely end up with $400 investment in a 22LR (not sure I want to invest that amount this year).


For things familiar choices are:

Glock 22 3rd Gen - Have a 1st Gen G22, would like to have an updated version so I can put my M3 light on it. Have spare holster and mag's already.

CZ75B Satin Nickel in 9mm - Have the black polycoat version and loads of spare mag's including some high caps. Would likely add wood grips to this piece as my polycoat has the Hogue finger grooves...

BDA380 Nickel - Have the blued version (my first autoloader handgun which I passed on to my wife), it's a beautiful pistol, not sure if I'll be able to get this in the future if I wait.

SigPro 2009 - Bought mine used, would love to have a new shiny one...already have the proprietary light that goes on the proprietary rail.


Again, this is about adding to a collection, not about the more practical side of firearm ownership...and as much about timing as anything (I would hope that over several years I might acquire all of the above).


Your thoughts?

CZ52'

[P95Carry]

I voted you a .22!! The MkII or, as I have the 22/45 .. would be a good addition and give hours of enjoyment .. cheaply!!

As for major cals/centerfire .... tho you didn;t refer to it . I think a Nice Browning HP would grace your collection rather well ... not the new type ... one of the ''real'' HP's.:)

[Ala Dan]

Nickel Browning BDA .380

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Rangegod]

I don't usually offer opinions on this subject. However, in this case I will.

Every collection needs a 45 ACP AND a 22. Both of which you are light on. So get the Springfield (or similar 1911). Then since you have a CZ-75B get youself a Kadet conversion. Mine is well over 2000 rds without a failure and it will out shoot every other 22 in the safe except my Marvel 22 conversion.

The cost of the conversion is low (if ordered on line) since there is no sales tax or dealer transfers involved. Plus, your CZ is probably already good to go with grips, leather, etc.

That's my opinion, YMMV.

JAC

[Jim K]

I am going to buy me new transportation. Help me choose among a Peterbilt 18 wheeler, a Trailways bus, a Mazda Miata, a Harley-Davidson, a Schwinn bicycle, a Caterpillar bulldozer, a pair of roller skates, and a Segway.

"Are you crazy?", you say. "Those are for different purposes; what do you want it for?"

Nuff sed?

Jim

[Preacherman]

If your Glock 22 is your primary carry weapon, I'd definitely suggest getting another one - it's always good to have a spare, because if you use one of them in even a fully legal, legitimate defensive shooting, the police are going to confiscate the gun for six months to four years or more for ballistics testing, evidence, etc. Not good to be caught without a spare when the BG's friends come looking for evens...

I'd also suggest a .22 conversion kit: either the CZ Kadet version, or (my own choice) the Advantage Arms conversion for the G22. (I do NOT recommend the Ciener conversions - do a search on them here and at TFL to see why...) Get the conversion kit for the gun that is your primary carry/defensive weapon: that way, trigger time on it with the .22 is directly applicable to your defensive shooting skills (handles the same, same trigger pull, etc.). The Advantage Arms conversion units can even take standard Glock sights, so if you have night sights on your G22, you can put the same sights on the AA conversion and have it look the same for practice.

[larryw]

Geez Jim, what a silly question: buy the Harley! :neener:

[Black Majik]

I agree w/ Rangegod that every collection needs a .45 ACP.


But instead of the SA Mil-spec, I cant help but recommend the NRM Colt Governments. Straight shooter, absolutely no problems, and a lot more appealing to the eye. Be sure to get it in the blued finish :D

Good luck

*I wanted to vote "other"* :(

[CZ52GUY]

Every collection needs a 45 ACP AND a 22. Both of which you are light on. So get the Springfield (or similar 1911). Then since you have a CZ-75B get youself a Kadet conversion. Mine is well over 2000 rds without a failure and it will out shoot every other 22 in the safe except my Marvel 22 conversion.

I'd forgotten about that idea, and as I understand it, most New CZ-75B's take the Kadet conversion without any "fitting required".

Would mitigate significant cost and storage space allocation, as well as grip and holster as recommended. It might also allow enough budget to get the Kadet AND something else...

Thanks for the reminder, greatly appreciated!!

CZ52'

[CZ52GUY]

"Are you crazy?", you say. "Those are for different purposes; what do you want it for?"

Nuff sed?

As described above...and here...


Again, this is about adding to a collection, not about the more practical side of firearm ownership...and as much about timing as anything (I would hope that over several years I might acquire all of the above).

Within my existing collection, I believe I have sufficient choices in the "tool box" for most tasks. I collect for the joy of it, for the beauty and genius of these weapons, and the pleasure I take in bringing them to the range and gaining some level of proficiency with each...and because the 2nd says I can....

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[CZ52GUY]

If your Glock 22 is your primary carry weapon, I'd definitely suggest getting another one - it's always good to have a spare, because if you use one of them in even a fully legal, legitimate defensive shooting, the police are going to confiscate the gun for six months to four years or more for ballistics testing, evidence, etc. Not good to be caught without a spare when the BG's friends come looking for evens...

I'm probably as effective with the G22 as anything I own, and like the idea of having a backup if one was "in the shop" for whatever reason (e.g. I'm considering getting a slide refinish on the Gen 1).

CZ52'

[CZ52GUY]

*I wanted to vote "other"*

I considered putting in an "Other" option, but I had enough trouble narrowing down to SEVEN...

Thanks for the thoughts on the .45 ACP, I want a 1911 bad, just unsure if this is the right time...mostly because of budget concerns.

CZ52'

[Black Snowman]

If you can live without your Glock for a while you can have the frame upgraded by Glock. You can even keep the same serial number to simplify paperwork but the turn-around is slower and the price a little higher. Contact your local dealer or call Glock USA directly at 770-432-1202

The 22 Kadet conversion for the CZ isn't a bad idea either.

For the price of one inexpensive gun you can do both the conversion and the frame upgrade.

[taoshooter]

Personal opinion, but I think everyone should have a .22 and a 1911. So, I'd go for a 1911 and a conversion if I couldn't do the two separate guns. Oh, and definitely the Harley.

[10-Ring]

In the last couple of years, I've gone through ALOT of guns, but my Ruger 22 has been one of the constants. It has really been fun to have in the arsenal ;) So, I voted for the Ruger Mk II :)

[CZ52GUY]

...I'm beginning to get a clearer picture in my head.

22LR, I'm thankful to those who recommended conversion kit alternatives. The Ruger MKII is a fine target pistol, but since storage space is precious commodity for me (small house, only so much space to allocate to hobby items), I'm not inclined to allocate the safe space to a separate 22LR. Given that both the Kadet and Advantage arms kits are in the ~$240 price range, I'm not inclined to allocate "bonus funds"...I would hope that other hobby funds might be allocated to that.

BDA-380, as much as I'd love to get a NIB nickel one, I'm leaning against allocating current year money for that item. If I end up with a used one in good condition some day, that will be just fine because it will likely be a safe queen. I'd be buying it to have it and show it off occasionally, but usage will likely be minimal. I think I'll likely wait on that.

SigPro 2009, I like it a lot, but there's not much I can do to it (e.g. grips or other accessories). I already own the tactical light for it...I'm not convinced the timing is right for that although I'd love to have two of them.

CZ-75B Satin Nickel...I'm moving away from that finish in my head, the CZ-75B tactical has some interest, or perhaps the SAO version in polycoat which could be customized with wood grips for that "familiar but still different feel"...still in the running because of value and low acquisition costs...as well as alignment with current inventory of accessories...more likely a fallback choice than a first choice...

G22 Gen3...I'm leaning against the slide refinish for now...already have a G23 to put the M3 light on...I shot my GEN1 G22 this weekend and enjoyed it thoroughly...it would be a solid choice, but not sure it would satisfy the itch for something to be excited about getting...

...which leaves my two favorites/finalists being...

1) XD-40, likely the 5" in OD (something different)...yeah I'd have to pick up a holster for it, but no big deal...maybe an UM ambidextrous for now as a storage/range holster until I decide on something more permanent...could defer the Trijicons until later in the year if cost was an issue (size of bonus would influence) and mag's are pretty reasonable (about $20 per from multiple locations).

2) Springfield 1911A mil-spec...truly a new experience for me (the 5" XD-40 would be somewhat similar to my G22). No one in my "posse" of shooting buddies currently owns a 1911A which I'm sure they would enjoy trying from time to time...GI mag's are pretty cheap if I wanted to go in that direction for range mag's...again, I could go cheap on initial storage/range holster to save some $$$, and I could pursue an "as I go" approach to ammo' purchases for this item since I'm not really going to be buying it for "practical" purposes. Additionally, Walmart has begun to carry the .45ACP White Box value packs...which would make range time more attractive...

Bottom line, the 1911A would probably put the biggest grin on my face, I just have to see if I even get a bonus (many companies are cutting back on that this year), and if I stiff feel good about allocating the $$$ for it when the time comes.

Still interested in additional opinions, including those who would have voted "other".

Thanks again to all who have weighed in and voted.

CZ52'

[CZ52GUY]

...the good news is that the boss indicated today that a decent bonus is probably a lock.

The bad news, is that my one-and-onely (fiscally responsible) reminded me that I already took an advance against the "potential" bonus when I bought my latest Makarov.

Therefore, 22LR conversion probably jumps to the top of the list followed closely by the CZ-75B if I can squeeze out a few extra bucks.

I've also been intrigued by some information about the ARCUS-94. Seems like a great value and a potentially welcome addition to my "Eastern European" wing.

Thanks again to all who offered their insight and opinions.

CZ52'

[denfoote]

Get the Springer mil-spec!! STILL!!! :)
I just got a Springer Loaded.
I have 4 words to say about it.

DAMN!!! I MEAN DAMN!! :what:

The mil-spec ain't that expensive and worth saving your shekels for if you have to!!

This is from Guns America.


(Pop Up) 1911-A1 WWII MIL-SPEC

GA# 976391284

$429.00 NEW IN BOX FAITHFUL REPRODUCTION OF A WWII ISSUE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911-A1 45ACP PISTOL. GUN HAS A 5" BARREL,PARKERIZED FINISH AND CHECKERED PLASTIC GRIPS AND ONE 7RD MAGAZINE. ADD $20.00 FOR USPS PRIORITY SHIPPING TO YOUR FFL DEALER.

Seller: GOLDEN TRIANGLE GUNS
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 352

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

[Vic303]

Get the mil-spec 1911. Once you have one 1911 you open the doors to a whole new world of tweaks, mods, accessories, etc. etc. It'll become an addiction soon enough!

[Dorrin79]

I would either get the MkII or the 1911 -

MkII - practice all day for <$10 worth of ammo. That rules! Very accurate, good triggers, fun gun.

1911 - cause everybody should have one! The SAs are good guns, and very reasonably priced...

[CZ52GUY]

...the Mil-Spec...that is.

There's a Gun Show up in my neck of the woods in January.

I figure I'm probably 1/2 way there with the Bonus money allocated for the cost of the piece.

My problem is with the costs associated with taking on a new caliber.

I guess I have to get used to the idea of a "pay-as-you-go" approach to ammo' acquisition (e.g. have an extra 200 on hand instead of a full case as a starting point).

Don't get me wrong, I'd love a 1911. I just don't know if I can allocate the budget...

...still, to finally get one...that would make me grin :D

Have a good evening,

CZ52'

[gulogulo1970]

Couldn't go wrong with the Glock 22. The Ruger would also be another great gun.

[CZ52GUY]

...I don't receive the funds until December, but I have decided on the course of action I intend to take.

I'm going to pursue a CZ-75B AND Kadet 22LR conversion kit. I'm not sure I'll go the Satin Nickel route...I'm actually considering a Single Action version.

There's a gun shop in my area with a used CZ-75B (looks great) for an okay price, and a gun show in January which may provide some additional opportunities for selection and savings.

The Kadet may be deferred a few weeks until tax refund time, but I like the idea of having a pistol that can function as a range gun that will shoot both 9mm and 22LR (w/conversion), which with high cap mag's (I already have several) would make a very potent HD handgun. The versatility of this combination was the deciding factor for me.

Additionally, I enjoy "personalizing" my firearms, and am considering getting the Checkered Walnut grips and Tritium Night Sights from CZ-USA.

In the end, I couldn't convince myself to take on a new caliber at this time. The practical side won out...but some day, the planets will line up (probably a more spontaneous act than a planned purchase) and I'll get my long sought after 1911A....

Thanks to all who offered their opinions, and a special thanks to *Rangegod* who reminded me of the Kadet option.

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[DMK]

That is quite a comprehensive list you've got there. I see you already reached a point of decision, but you might want to consider looking around and seeing which of those guns you can get the best deal on. It's a lot easier to get a good deal when you have a big list than it is when you are looking for one thing.

I also give a vote on the Kadet slide. That's a great accessory to your CZ-75 and being factory made, it's in a whole other league from most other .22 conversions.

[sm]

Didn't vote.
What is your carry gun?
I'd get another allowing same ammo, mags, holsters...
btw, how are set for ammo, mags and holsters, any training you want to take?

[CZ52GUY]

...really good point on allocating funds for specific courses.

My problem the past several months is my job has been i-n-s-a-n-e...making commitment to a course in the near future impractical.

However, I should be reviewing course options and at least putting that into the mix when allocating resources to my hobby.

Thanks for the reminder!

CZ52'