[sprice]

I can only afford 1 handgun for the next 5 years. It needs to cover concealed carry, home defense, shtf, and general outdoor and range use. I may not have much to spend on bullets either so the cheaper the bullets the better. 1911 (lightly modified springfield mil spec), Browning hi power (With reliability, dehorned, and other custom features) or a glock 22 (with 3.5 disconnect and extended slide stop and mag release). The 1911 or BHP will have slim grips installed. All will recieve new sights.

So what one first? Should I consider another pistol?

P.S. I chose these because they are all handguns I want. I did have a cz-75 and the slide was/is to hard to rack because it's small so they are out. I have partaken of Glock's cool aid and I don't like xd's or m&p's or anything else polymer. I do like reliability, pointability, and aftermarket support/ wide military/LE use. Also, no glock 19's or sigs. I don't want a sig, I hate the double/single action triggers. To me they feel like a heavier glock. I don't like the 19 grip size, I've owned a 23 and wasn't impressed. I only like the slimline and full size glocks. Please don't mention the glock 36 either.

[Sheepdog1968]

I voted for Glocks. They aren't my favorite but I don't hate them. They have a good price point and are reliable. IMO, you don't need to make any of the changes you mentioned. I'd try sticking with the factory sights on them. Sights are the only thing I usually change for defensive pistols. If I wasn't going to go from your choices, I'd consider an XD. Again, not my favorite but they are reliable.

[Sheepdog1968]

Actually, the more I think about it. You really need to save up and take a formal self defense class. It's money well spent. Like most people, I waited quite a while before doing this. When I took a class it was eye opening at how much I learned.

[sprice]

I have been to a formal self defense class (frontsight).

[jon86]

Any of the choices you listed would work. YOU have to make the final decision. If it were me, however, I'd get a smith and wesson 640:

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26276

It's an extremely versatile gun.

[postalnut25]

You can never go wrong with a Glock. They aren't my favorite, and the 22 you mentioned is not my favorite caliber, either. However, they are a affordable, reliable jack-of-all-trades pistol.

[Walkalong]

1911......

[Ala Dan]

I also voted for the 1911~! Save your $$$$ and get a good one; but keep in mind, that all 1911's may need tweaking - even those costing upwards
of 2-3K~! :uhoh: ;)

[REAPER4206969]

Glock is the only logical answer to your question.

[Marshall]

Well, since you mentioned ammo, the Hi Power. Otherwise I would say pick your poison, 1911 or Hi Power. Unless you go 9mm 1911. (But then I would go Hi Power anyway)

[Captcurt]

I'm a big Hi Power fan but when you talk conceal, I would opt for the midsize or compact 1911. I just got a GI Champion that is nice, had a Kimber Ultra Carry II and a Champion Operator that were even nicer. Springfield's EMP looks very promising.

Never cared for the Glock trigger, but if you like it go for it.

[kokapelli]

None of the ones listed.

[harmon rabb]

One gun only? Glock 19.

/thread

[1858]

I also voted for the 1911~! Save your $$$$ and get a good one; but keep in mind, that all 1911's may need tweaking - even those costing upwards
of 2-3K~!

To me, this is half the fun of owning a 1911. SIGs (I have a bunch) and Glocks and the like are excellent pistols but they're turnkey systems. If you like to tinker, get a 1911. There's something extremely satisfying about replacing/changing/upgrading parts on a 1911. It's somewhat like owning a vintage car.

:)

[Sky]

My cheap American Classic ll 1911 shot out of the box and after approx 600 rounds it has gotten better at hitting things; maybe it is me? No tweak, no fix, just some breakfree CLP and an occasional cleaning. I would buy another one but for carry it is a bit large.

[IlikeSA]

I'm a 1911 man but at the price of 45 ammo I'd have to say the hi-power. I don't care for Glock myself, particularly after watching them kaboom.

[wanderinwalker]

If you can only afford one pistol for 5 years, and ammo cost is a concern, you should stick with a 9mm (or a .22LR). To me, the pistols that fit your criteria are the S&W M&P, Glock 17/19, Springfield XD and maybe a CZ-75. Oh, others would fit also, but these are the first ones that come to mind.

How much do you plan on shooting? Why one only? You could get one of the above mentioned pistols lightly used for $400-450 and a Ruger Mk II used for another $200-250 and be able to afford to practice. The only options any of the listed pistols may truly "need" are upgraded sights; beyond that they will run out of the box just fine.

And I highly recommend a .22 for practice if ammo money is a concern. Sure, it's not the same as centerfire recoil, but shooting IS shooting. The fundamentals work with any caliber and platform and the more you practice, the better you will be. Shooting skill is fairly perishable, so plan to keep up on it.

[jad0110]

wanderinwalker covered it extremely well.

If you take your time and buy used, you could realistically buy two reliable, quality handguns for the price of one.

I've seen used S&W 22A 22LR semi autos for $175 and NIB Ruger P94 9mms for $305. My sister bought a used 5.5" Ruger Mk II 22 LR a couple of years ago for $199. S&W Sigmas with the $50 mail-in rebate can be had for under $300 NIB. I've also seen used Gen III Glock 17s and 19s for $375. Just a few suggestions.

Another thought. If you are looking for the ultimate in versatility, don't rule out a 4" barrel medium frame .357 Magnum revolver. One of my favorites is my Ruger Police Service Six. Paid $275 for it (used) last year. Heckuva gun, it carries easily and points naturally (for me), and it will shoot everything from mouse fart wax bullets (propelled by only the primer), to shot shells, 38 Special, on up to fire breathing 180 grain hard cast .357 Magnum.

[PabloJ]

If I was to buy just one gun today it would be Glock 19.

[Furncliff]

I voted 1911, but I'll take that back and change my vote to BHP. Your question got me thinking what I would buy. And after I thought about it the High Power might be better for you IF it fits you. The grip is too small for me and I found racking the slide on the one I tried stiffer than I'd like. If you were willing to expand your choices you might want to include the CZ75b. Sweet.

Good luck on your purchase.

[Glockurai]

Glock 19 fits all those roles and 9mm is decently priced if you look around. :)

[devildave31]

Rock Island Armory makes pretty reliable 1911's in full size or campact, and available in 9mm or .38 super. I know some people aren't highly trusting of RIA's, but from my experience and what I hear from others who have owned them, they are very good guns for a low price.

[ABTOMAT]

How about a Sig?

[okespe04]

+1 for the glock 19

[Roughneck08]

Glock 19. You can have the 15 rounder for conceal carry, the 17 round for backup mags and a 33 round for range and fun. The complete versatile handgun. Police trade ins are cheap. I love my G17 and could not be happier. Only reason I have the 17 is I have large hands and I use for duty.

[bds]

Reading some of the posts, I have to smile as OP clearly stated his likes/dislikes.
OP:
P.S. I chose these because they are all handguns I want.

I did have a cz-75 and the slide is to hard to rack so they are out. ... I don't like xd's or m&p's or anything else polymer ... no glock 19's or sigs. I don't want a sig, I hate the double/single action triggers. To me they feel like a heavier glock. I don't like the 19 grip size, I've owned a 23 and wasn't impressed. I only like the slimline and full size glocks. Please don't mention the glock 36 either.

I may not have much to spend on bullets either so the cheaper the bullets the better.
sprice, I am a fan of 1911, but if you are to shoot one for the next 5 years, factory 45ACP ammunition will cost you quite a bit. Let's say you shoot 100 rounds a month and your 45ACP ammo costs $16/50 average (probably the cheaper aluminum cased CCI or steel cased Wolf/TulAmmo):

$16/50 x 2 = $32/month or about $400/year and $2,000/5 years.

I am also a fan of Glocks, and I would suggest the G22 with a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion barrel. This way, shoot the cheaper 9mm at the range and drop in the factory barrel with 40S&W JHP for SD/HD. Let's say you shoot the same 100 rounds a month and your 9mm ammo costs $10/50 average:

$10/50 x 2 = $20/month or about $240/year and $1,200/5 years.

[wanderinwalker]

Reading some of the posts, I have to smile as OP clearly stated his likes/dislikes.


Heh, the OP added that after some of our replies. He did ask if he should be considering other pistols, so we threw some out there! :D

Given his addendum, I would suggest just a Glock 17 with night sights and go to work. I have one myself and it's kind of boring. It shoots and shoots and shoots, never an issue at all. With some Ranger SXTs or Speer Gold Dots, you have effective performance for HD/SD. And 9mm ammo is always some of the cheapest store-bought centerfire ammo, though reloading makes it cheaper still. It can be CCW'ed, it's big enough to make a decent competition gun or bedside gun or open-carry/holster gun.

bds, thanks for putting the numbers out there on ammunition costs. That's why I suggested a good .22 also. Shooting is shooting and putting holes in paper and getting target feedback is important to keep up that skill.

jad0110, I forgot the 4" medium revolver! Another favorite that is regularly overlooked. The cost of even .38 Special factory ammo is close to .40-.45 store bough ammo though, so it might not help sprice out much. That said, it's tough to beat a 4" S&W M-19 or Ruger Security-Six for versatility.

[bds]

Heh, the OP added that after some of our replies. He did ask if he should be considering other pistols, so we threw some out there!
wanderinwalker, oh I see ... then I take back what I posted.

22LR is another option and a slide kit is available for G17/G22.

BTW, did you know you can reload 9mm for about the double the cost of .22 factory ammunition? :D

[19-3Ben]

For all around, I'd go with glock 23 or 19. Not the 22. The 23 does everything the 22 can do, but is easier to concealed carry.

[KodiakBeer]

You can buy .22 slide kits for all of the above. They're money well spent.

Double column guns are not good options for carry. That makes the 1911 the best option. You can "tweak" it if you want, but the smarter option is to simply choose ammo with a good feed profile. If it doesn't like a particular ammo, don't buy that ammo.

Cost of ammo? Get a .22 slide kit and do most of your practice with .22.

.

[ElrodCod]

For your requirements I'd go with a Glock. A good running 1911 is great but when problems arise the cause can be difficult to diagnose and costly to fix because nearly everything on a 1911 will need fitting by someone with the skill to do it. Spare parts for Glocks are readily available, cheap, and are "plug and play". All it takes is a Armorer's tool (small punch), no hammer required.

[wow6599]

I look at it like this - one gun for the next 5 years........BHP. 13+1 of cheap(er) 9mm for practice and it's a classic, iconic firearm that looks much nicer than any poly gun. Also probably on par with a FS Glock for CC.
You could buy 2 Glocks for the price of one BHP though......but there's a reason for that.

[wanderinwalker]

BTW, did you know you can reload 9mm for about the double the cost of .22 factory ammunition?


Did you know it is possible to spend more than the cost of factory 9mm ammo on .22LR? :eek: I present for your consideration ELEY Match (http://www.smokewagongear.com/p-1801-22-long-rifle-match-ammo-eley-22-long-rifle-tenex-40-gr-50-rd-box.aspx). Let's not even talk about the rifles that this stuff gets used in. :what:

[kokapelli]

Did you know it is possible to spend more than the cost of factory 9mm ammo on .22LR? :eek: I present for your consideration ELEY Match (http://www.smokewagongear.com/p-1801-22-long-rifle-match-ammo-eley-22-long-rifle-tenex-40-gr-50-rd-box.aspx). Let's not even talk about the rifles that this stuff gets used in. :what:
If you want to go top of the line there are many brands of 9mm ammo that cost more than Eley Match ammo.

[blitzen]

I voted for a slightly tweaked Hi Power. Start with a MKIII. Remove the mag safety, a must. Install a Cylynder and Slide extented safety, also a must. Sights your choice, grips your choice. Get some 15 rnd Mecgar mags and you will not be sorry. They handle and point like no other and are as reliable as any handgun I have ever shot. +p ammo is not a problem or a factor, niether is hardball or hollowpoints.
Oh, and it can be concealed year round with a good IWB holster such as a Galco Royal Guard. No problem.

[kokapelli]

I don't get it! Is it a High Power or is it a Ruger MKIII 22 cal?

[blitzen]

a MK III Hi Power is the most recent version. Current manufacture.

[Wishoot]

Hi Power all day long. Inexpensive 9mm ammo, out of the box reliability, slim and concealable, amazing ergonomics.

My second choice would be the Glock.

[kokapelli]

Hi Power all day long. Inexpensive 9mm ammo, out of the box reliability, slim and concealable, amazing ergonomics.

My second choice would be the Glock.
Ok, thanks.

[SwampWolf]

Tough choice. But only one? I've gotta go with a 1911. Carries as easily as a High Power but shoots bigger (albeit, carries less) bullets. And the choice for me is really between a 1911 and the High Power as I've never been able to warm up to a Glock (don't like the way they point for me and I detest the trigger-though I readily admit that the trigger on a High Power leaves a lot to be desired).

[franko07]

1911 WILL cost you more than the initial purchase

[JohnBiltz]

Get the Glock 17 with night sights and you probably will never have to spend another dime on anything but ammo. Do you really want to have your only gun back logged in some armorer's shop getting parts fitted? If you want reliable and cheap to shoot forget the flash and class and go ugly. You want a truck not a sports car.

[ForumSurfer]

My preference? Any good 1911.

If I only got to keep one of my handguns? It would be my Glock 19. Not my favorite, but it is what I would choose. I hate the trigger with a fervent passion, but that's what I'd grab. If money is that much of an issue...I could sleep soundly knowing parts would be cheap even though they probably wouldn't be needed.

But out of what you listed, I'd go with the Springfield, so I voted 1911. The 22 would just be too large for me to carry in shorts and a t shirt. I'd also grab one of those lee $25 hand reloading kits (the cheap one with a hammer instead of a press). Just my 2 cents...

EDIT::

1911 WILL cost you more than the initial purchase

Not always. I've spent $30 on springs in my Kimber and it's seen around 4000 rounds.

I would also consider a Rock Island Armory 1911 in 9mm for the record. It's a trigger pull you'll love in a platform you love...at a price that is great and 9mm ammo is affordable. Quality is pretty good, too. It will last you longer than that 5 year period. The most you would have to do is replace the springs ($15 or so for wolff).

[hso]

Whatever you're most accurate with out of the holster.

[oldfool]

BHP

but I would not choose any make/model in a compact for an "all around", period
find a way to carry it, ain't that hard to do
downsize has it's own downside

[Clarence]

1911 - There is a reason that its still going strong after 100 years.

[TOADMAN]

Glock 19..

[SweetKnuckles]

Glock 40 cal of your choice.

$100 Lone wolf drop in barrel with no other mods will allow you inexpensive 9mm plinking
Advantage Arms .22 conversion kit makes a great training aid for your family or a fun and cheap day at the range

[JQP]

Glock 19.

This one is simple, folks.

Even those not enamored with/of Glock concede the thing is a legend in terms of reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, inexpensive (and really good quality) magazines...

[kokapelli]

Glock 19.

This one is simple, folks.

Even those not enamored with/of Glock concede the thing is a legend in terms of reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, inexpensive (and really good quality) magazines...
I have a number of non glock guns that are 100% and that shoot and feel much better in my hands than a glock.

[Fastcast]

Gentlemen, he said no G19 or CZ75. :D lol

Hi-Power based on your budget.....Inexpensive to shoot, accurate, reliable, concealable, hi-cap, amazing ergonomics, classic heirloom, the REAL legend 9mm! ;)

[burley]

Likes HPs but not CZs, huh? Odd to me, but OK. One gun for 5 years of all around use. My latest, a G 30, would do for me as long as I had a .22 of some kind.

[Vern Humphrey]

I'd go with a good M1911 and plan for a quality .22 conversion kit as my next purchase.

[2ndamd]

Glock 22 with a .22lr close by for practice.

[GunTech]

Another vote for the Glock.

A mid sized seems the best compromise between concealability, mag capacity and sight radius. Holsters and accessories are easy to find. Simple to operate and repair (not that you'll need to). Lower cost means plenty of $$ for ammo and extras compared to the other two - seriously, the cost of a Browning HP and quality 1911 have gotten crazy. That's the issue with any gun that has a lot of machining operations.

I do like the feel of the steel handguns, and grew up on the 1911 and HP-35. But in terms of durability and value it is simply not possible to compete with the good polymer framed autos.

Finally, while concealed carry of the 1911 or HP-35 is certainly an option, when you carry constantly, the extra weight does get noticed.

BTW, my personal carry is usually a CZ-75 SAO, but I carried a G19 and then G22 for many years.

[Fastcast]

But in terms of durability it is simply not possible to compete with the good polymer framed autos.


That remains to be seen and I'll save judgment for another 3/4 of a century or so. ;)

[ATAShooter]

Get the one you hit with best. A fancy gun that you cannot hit with is nothing more than a pretty paperweight when your life depends on it.

[uspJ]

I chose the Glock.

You get the middle ground on power between 9mm and 45acp. You also get higher capacity than the Hi-Power or 1911. Parts and accessories are easy to come by just like the 1911 and Hi-Power. The Glock should be less finicky than some 1911's out there. The fullsize Glocks are not that much harder to carry than a fullsize 1911, they are thicker but with the right holster and dress it can be done easily. If I could only buy 1 gun for the next five years and wanted to ensure that I'd enjoy shooting it, and have a reliable gun for sd/hd and carry then it would be a Glock.

[BushyGuy]

I prefer SR9 or P345 for all day carry over the 1911 . only way i prefera 1911 over the ones i said is if it was a Nighthawk Custom 1911 ,then i wont have any kind of issues!

[exdetsgt]

I know the OP doesn't want a G19. I have no idea why not. Apparently he doesn't want a high capacity easily concealable and trouble-free shooter.

[sprice]

I stated why I don't want a 19! They don't feel good in my hands and they are really to fat for concealed carry. I would rather just have the burden of a 17 or a 22 and the 22 is on my list, not the 17.

[sprice]

Please read the post people.

[millertyme]

of course, if you could afford one Hi Power you cold afford a couple other guns instead.

[exdetsgt]

OK, no 19. Got it. Don't know anything about the Browning Hi Power. However, I'm more than willing to find out. My friend has one. Spoke to him on the phone this AM and he said I could take it for a drive. Bound to be slimmer as it's a single stack.

[kokapelli]

HPs are not single stack.

[Zach S]

1911. I've been wanting to add one in 9mm for less expensive ammo.

The glock 17 is too big for year round concealed carry, for me anyway. A 5" 1911 conceals pretty well on my slim (150lbs) 6ft frame. The wintertime months wont be so bad.

What I dont get is the $500 to $600 budget for 5 years. That's about $40 to $50 bucks a month... I hate to sound like a jerk, but if money is that tight you should be thinking about other things.

[Dogguy]

Only one gun and you are not considering the Glock 19? And the Glock 17 is not on the list now either?

Too bad.

All Glocks are homely, boring, simple and reliable. The only thing they do well is work all the time with minimum attention. The 9mm Glocks are the most reliable of them all. 'Course you can get a lemon...but it's unlikely.

If you're considering the HP in 9mm, you really should reconsider a 9mm Glock. You'll have enough money left over to replace the crappy Glock sights, replace the crappy Glock recoil rod/spring setup and buy a lot of range ammo as well as Rangers, HSTs, Gold Dots or Golden Sabers for defense.

As for the 1911, they are traditional favorites but a reliable one set up to fit your personal needs will cost you even more of a goodly sum--either in a semi-custom or one that's been torqued by a good 1911-smith. For what you'll spend on that, you can get yourself an HP and a Glock or two with a whole bunch more ammo.

Practical answer: a 9mm Glock.

[capnswole]

I had to make the same choice and chose a Glock 27. Small and light enough to carry regularly. With the high capacity magazines that Glock offers, it also makes a good home defense weapon as well. You need to shoot whatever it is your going to purchase and see if you actually like the feel and can shoot it well.

[oldfool]

HPs are not single stack.
nope
doggone shame, too

slim has always been high on my woobie attributes list
lighter, not so much

[Strahley]

Carry, home, range fun, not too expensive to shoot, and you'll only have the one gun? Glock 19 would be the one for me. If you want one gun to do a lot, then you'll have to give up in other areas (that area for you being the trigger and it being polymer)

[RONSERESURPLUS]

Hello all, RON L here - SERE SURPLUS


I had a few Moments to respond here and the OP had a simular though pattern that I did? I've owned and used Glocks in G17, G19 as well as Test Fired the Mini (G26, G27), and while I do admire thier function and relibility, I to, do Not like the feel and ballance of them! Too Blocky, too Chuky feel of the Grip and more? I opted for the M-95 Classic Copy of the Browning Mk3, it's a 13-15 shot SA with parts intergangeable parts with all High powers in 9mm! I also Picked that caliber as it would be theoreticly easier and cheaper to get 9MM than 45 ACP! I am a huge 1911 fan! I dehorned my own Gun, removed the Magazine safery and smoothed the gun, it's a a Class act and cost me 1/2 what a BHP Mk3 would have and $ left over to buy Quality mags and ammo! I use a Strong Company FBI Tilt Holster and with the right belt, it's a easy carry and I use it year round!

[exdetsgt]

My bad about thinking the HP was a single stack. Not only did you folks straighten me out pronto, but I got to play with my friend's HP yesterday and saw for myself. Grips are a bit wider than a 1911 but slimmer than a Glock. Slide, however, seems about the same width as that of a 1911.

I liked the feel of his HP. Wish I could afford one.

[INMY01TA]

M&P9c