Help me decide

[Stuohn]

So I found out about 5 days ago I will be getting some money at the end of September and have a budget of about $2000 just for handguns (this does not include ammo but, does include extra mags).

As of now I own No handguns but, have already owned a G17, G19, G36, PX4 (9mm & 45).

Now I'm mainly looking for .40 and 38/357. Please no 45 suggestions.

Now here is what I am leaning toward:

1).Springfield EMP .40 + Sp101 3in + Beretta px4 .40

2).Sig p226 Stainless Elite .40 + Sp101 3in+ G23

Any other suggestions?

 

[cchris]

If you're considering carry, the Sig P229 is a good option. I like the .40 for the interchangeability (is that a word?) between the .40 and .357 SIG.

 

[Oro]

I think you have a nice .40 picked out. I have had two .40s, one in a 1911 platform and never loved that. I enjoyed my .40 Glock more. For .40, I'd choose a different platform than 1911or Glock (and that's saying a lot - I love 1911s and do not love, but deeply respect, Glocks). I think a Sig might be a great choice.

As to .38/.357, I have some ideas. I love that cartridge/platform as much as I love 1911s; I think I have about seven or eight of each at the moment. If I could own only ONE .38/.357, it would be one of these (average price for excellent example in quotes):

1) 4" S&W 686, -4 or earlier (1980 to 1996 models). ($450)
2) 3.5" S&W 27 or pre-27, 1948 to 1980 models. ($750)
3) 2.5" S&W 19, any vintage up to 1997,l (for carry) ($500)

I have had Rugers, many other S&Ws, and among about 10 or 12 other models or variations; those models those are the ones that just really speak to me and will never leave the "quiver," so to speak.

If you are happy with a .38 only, I'd recommend a S&W 15/67, 10, or, best of the bunch, a pre-1947 "Military & Police" model or US .38 Special "Victory" model. These can be had for $300 or so. Out of a large body of experience, by far the most inherently accurate gun I have is a 1942 U.S. .38 Special "Victory" model that almost always does one-hole groups. It still has it's WWII Parkerized finish, skimpy grips, fixed sights, and it's still the most accurate handgun I've ever run across - nothing barred. For $300, it will out-shoot guns five and six times the price.

There are many good .38s and .357s. These are just some ideas.