What all around gun?

[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~!

 

[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 have to vote for the 1911.

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

 

[MCMXI]

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.