[hatchetbearer]

This fall, I'm getting ready to spend some time at home, not waking up before the sun for fod walk, Not spending 12 hours checking out tools, and not having my conversations interrupted by prop noise, and most importantly, Accelerating a lot of lead downrange.

On top of assembling an AR, and buying as much ammo as i can afford, I have about $700 to put towards a handgun. So far, Im either looking at either the Mid-Grade Stainless Springfield (loaded?) An HK USP from AIM if they still have them in stock, a CZ-75, XDm's and... about anything else that catches my fancy. Im undecided, so I'll let the masses help to sway my decision.

this is mostly going to be a range toy, to burn off ammo in the most pleasing of fashions. and now, I'll open the floor to discussion.

[usp9]

My personal preference is towards the USP, but any and all of the guns you're looking suffice as a fine "range toy". For mag capacity and weight, the USP or XDM look good to me.

[md7]

hatchetbearer,

i shoot the Glock 17 the best out of fullsized handguns. but out of the choices that you have put forth, i am inclined to tell you to go with the CZ 75B. it is really a very nice shooting pistol, ergonomic, and pretty accurate. but, all of your selections are good choices.

good luck

[hatchetbearer]

md7, Owned a G17 and shot a 19. Nothing I cant put my finger on, but I just dont like what glock has to offer. That and having a Manual safety makes me feel better when im around the less experienced shooters.

[Lama]

I'll cast a vote for the Springfield XDM....I've got the 4 1/2" barrel, 9MM.....shoot it all the time, and like it better each time I shoot.

[finz50]

If you can score a Springfield Loaded for $700.....BUY IT NOW!

[hammerklavier]

For a range toy, I'd buy the CZ or the HK. I wouldn't buy them for any other application, but you stipulated range. They are cool range toys.

[stchman]

The Ruger SR9 can be had for $400 shipped to an FFL. If you are willing to spend $700 you will have $$$$$ left over for ammo.

I am assuming 9mm since you did not specify caliber.

If not get the Springfield XD or a Glock (Springfield XDs look like Glocks).

[verdun59]

Well I've got a CZ75b and it is truly a fine gun and I wouldn't part with it, but truth be told I shoot more accurately with my XD9. You can't go wrong with either one.

[hatchetbearer]

Im not worried (per se) about ammo preference. 9mm i have, but i may use this as an excuse for getting into the .45 game. the SR9 just doesnt look good to me, and even though it might be a good deal, if i dont like it in my hand, i probably wont shoot it.

[Nico Testosteros]

I don't know your preferences, but I've been lusting over a stainless CZ75b. Put some fine wood grips on it and it'd be a beautiful, fine working machine.

[hatchetbearer]

I don't know your preferences, but I've been lusting over a stainless CZ75b. Put some fine wood grips on it and it'd be a beautiful, fine working machine.

you sir, have taste. I especially like that "new model" with the sandblasted look with polished sides. Maybe some nice dark red rosewood grips

[Beat Trash]

I would look at the S&W M&P's, a Glock 19 (gen4) or the CZ's when I got back, if I were you.

FYI, is Futenma still a "hole"? I did 6 months there in 84 and another 6 months in 86 (HMH462).

[hatchetbearer]

Beat,
Futenma is probably even worse than when you were here. there might be 4 people in line at the barber, but it will take you 3 hours to get a 2 minute haircut that still looks like a barracks cut. Chow hall didnt have salt for a year, had to file a formal complaint to get it.

since the recent crackdown on the liberty policy, I wouldnt suggest japan for anyone's first duty station.

back on topic, Im not really a glock fan, and i can get my hands on an M&P or their new SD series, i'd give them a look especially with the military rebate they are offering. But from the looks of it, the CZ is taking the cake if i can find one.

[Skylerbone]

M&P 9L will set you back about $570 less the $50 rebate. Add an Apex sear and striker block for $75 and a $40 Dawson Precision FO front sight. $635 for a lightweight, 5" barreled, accurate, dependable, 4 lb. triggered shooting machine in a rust free package. Did I mention Made In USA?

Otherwise buy it in 40 S&W full size (4 1/4") for $550, use the rebate for 2 9mm mags and buy a Storm Lake conversion barrel for $150. $700 for 2 calibers (you could also just buy a S&W .357 Sig barrel for $78 which uses the same mags as the 40 S&W and drops right in then take the rebate for a total of $578). Still money left for those Apex parts and a new sight.

Try all that with a Czec pistol! (ok, the CZ is nice too, I'm just sayin...)

[jackpinesavages]

Go with the S&W M&P series in 9 Pro Series or a FS .45. With your Mil. discount through Bud's LE Discount program you'll be pleasantly surprised, and a guy named Dan Burwell will tune and farkle your M&P choice for eternity with trigger mods, grip insert stipling, comps.....you name it.

BTW-Thank You for your service.

[Prion]

The S&W Pro 9 is great, love mine. I've really been enjoying my Sig P226 of late and my HK USP's, 9 and .45 full-sized, are a joy. I would give the Sigs a look.

I don't own a CZ. Yet.

[orionengnr]

Being active duty, once per year you may buy an S&W for 40% off MSRP. Any S&W--pistol, revolver or rifle.

Thank you for your service. I've done dets to Misawa and Kadena, but it's been a while. :)

[burley]

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/burley_bucket/P8010781.jpg

If you buy an M&P, you won't have one of these. :) 40% off is a deal breaker, though. I run a .22 Kadet kit on the polycote one these days, but it'll fit all my CZs.

[burley]

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/burley_bucket/kadetss.jpg

[DustyVermonter]

Springfield XD's look like glocks??? 8{

[sprink268]

Go to Top Gun Supply's web page and find the CZ P-01 for $500. Buy it and be done. You will NOT be disappointed.

[HisSoldier]

You want a good shooter that you don't have to carry, that rules out plastic guns as the only reason for them is weight. A solid stainless 1911 will be in your family for generations if you make sure you family enjoys it like you do, a plastic gun is just another tool. A 1911 is an heirloom.

[Skylerbone]

Just ordered an M&P 9L for the wife today for $564, no mil. discount for me : ( (I didn't earn it though). At least I talked myself into one. Now I'll have a full size 40 S&W and use my wife's 9c for carry. Now for a visit to speedshooterspecialties.com for Apex parts!

[EddieNFL]

Hatch,

Hit Charlie's Tacos on BC street for me. Was there about 25 years ago and again in 97. Rumor was they used dog and cat meat. Best tacos I ever had.

[brabham78]

hatchetbearer,

There have been a lot of good suggestions here, and most would be excellent guns to own, but before you plunk down any money of a gun, you might be doing yoursself a favorer by taking a good look at the CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical. It's an serious piece of machinery or a reasonable. Full -size, De-cocker, accessory rail, hi-capacity (18+1 in 9mm, and 12+1 in .40 S&W), Tritium sights. Plus gun shop priced below your max price.

[hatchetbearer]

Is the Tactical steel or polymer framed? I'm liking the CZ pistols, and might be ordering a kadet kit to go with it, just to plink with the same gun.

[brabham78]

hatchetbearer,

Both the SP-01 adn SP01 Tactical are steel framed guns. They aren't light weights. Weight is around 41 oz. You said it would be mostly a range gun, so I figured the extra weight wouldn't matter, and could actually be a plus for all day shooting comfort.

I suggested the Tactical version of the SP-01 because it's the one that has a de-cocker (no safety). The standard SP-01 has a safety, but no de-cocker. I prefer the de-cocker CZ's, although thats a matter of personal preference.

If you happen to like guns without the accessory rail, then some others here have suggested the CZ 75 B. I think that's a great gun gun too, although I prefer the "BD" version rather than the "B". (BD = de-cocker) At about 35 oz, these guns are a bit lighter than the SP-01. And they have the Kadet kits available for .22 plinking.


The way I've often described CZ to friends: CZ's are not among the most expensive guns on the market, but they sure feel like it.

I have a lot of different brands of guns, and like most all of them for one reason or another, so I'm not brand loyal in any way - but something about CZ has always pushed my buttons. If you're looking for an interesting gun to shoot and handle, they are worth a look.

[jlasserton]

I have always been a fan of the CZ-75 guns. My brother has this gun and absolutely loves it. He clams he is going to get a new one and give me his old one! I hope this is true. :)

[hatchetbearer]

brabham, so if i read that right, you are saying the kadet kit will only work on the cz-75 and not the cz-75 SP-01's

[killchain]

Take a gander at the FNP series of handguns.

EDIT: The FNP45 has the highest capacity for .45ACP I have found yet. 15+1. Shoots like a tackdriver too.

[brabham78]

hatchetbearer,

The way I wrote that was kind of misleading. I believe that the Kadet .22 kit can be used in several different CZ's, including the SP-01.

[230therapy]

Range toy? I'd just get something in 22 LR. For $700, you can get a Ruger 10/22 and a Ruger MKIII or 22/45.


Have you checked:

www.cdnninvestments.com (download their catalog)
www.jgsales.com

[1SOW]

You like hammered guns: For a range toy, I'd pick the CZSPO1. For a little more the CZ Shadow. Both are great range guns with 19 rd capacity and available target sights.

[Farnham]

Spent a year at Futenma at MAG-36, just had to give you my condolences. :neener: Miss the diving at Maeda and Zampa and the Air Force girls at Okuma :evil: but that's about it.

On topic, the CZs are beautiful, accurate, reliable, comfortable to shoot all day, and in your price range, any one of them gets my vote.

Semper Fi!

[DasFriek]

My main advice would be buy a 9mm if its to be a range burner. Ammo prices are killer when i shoot my 1911.
.40's aren't too bad at $3 a box more. But .45 is generally $5-$10 more a box than 9mm.

As for a gun i like the CZ option, And id go full sized unless you ever plan on concealing it.
Also a IWI / Jericho / Baby Eagle in 9mm is a well made gun im told.
EAA Witness in 9mm has tons of options for those guns iirc if you get the full sized frame you can turn it into any caliber you want just by buying a kit and swapping it in.

Im just mentioning things that arent obvious.
I also like the Older Walther/S&W P99 it really felt good in my hand.
As would so many of the old police trades of S&W 3rd Gen 9mm's and Sig 239's if you can find them.

[hatchetbearer]

230, I have quite a collection of .22lr, Mk II's Walther P22, and even a little Iver Johnson that is in the white. looking with something with a little more bang.

[Skylerbone]

If you're up right now have a look at Bowie Tactical and burwell gunsmithing. Burwell does M&Ps exclusively (alot of guys shooting comp. with them) and David Bowie works on all flavors of Tupperware. Lots of great ideas for otherwise boring leadslingers.

[hatchetbearer]

Bowie Tactical is like an hour and a half away. These guys are getting some work eventually.