I need shooters help! Which gun to buy? All steel vs. polymer.

I prefer the balance of an all metal frame.

All metal will probably shoot softer. If it were me, I'd get a polymer framed pistol like a Glock 17 or 19 and spend the rest of the money on ammo and mags

Only advantage I see with plastic is light weight. For a range/nightstand gun, who cares? Metal, especially steel, feels so much better.

For strictly a range gun, I wouldn't concern myself with material as much as aesthetics, balance, grip, and features. Buy what makes you smile the biggest.

CZ9shooter said:

Only advantage I see with plastic is light weight. For a range/nightstand gun, who cares? Metal, especially steel, feels so much better.

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This mirrors my sentiments. I'd look at:

Beretta 92 variants or the 96 if you prefer 40 S&W, especially a Brigadier version. I personally recommend the Wilson/Beretta 92 Brig Tac.

Some flavor of Sig Sauer P226 pistol.

If you like the feel of Tanfoglio, give the Baby Desert Eagle a look by Magnum Research.

Also check out the Sphinx line of pistols for the same reason, which are imported by Kriss.

A Coonan 357 might float your boat, but it's going to be wicked loud if you ever need to use it indoor for home defense.

I just want to throw out there that there are a number of full size polymer guns that shoot really soft and are excellent HD options. I keep an HK45 in my nightstand, as it holds 11 rounds of 45 acp, and is very pleasant to shoot. All metal guns are typically a little softer shooting and more fun on the range IMO, but anymore that is becoming less of arguing point with me. I definitely prefer polymer if carrying concealed. $1200 can get you a very respectable shooter and a bunch of ammo too. Or you may want a duty type holster and some extra magazines.

By the way, welcome to the forum. Have fun. all in all we have a good gang of people here, and there is a lot of knowledge to be gained.

I'd probably get a nice 1911 ... again

If you definitely have zero plans to carry it, the Tanfoglio will be more accurate and shoot softer than any of the plastic guns out there. It can also likely have a better trigger if you are up for a little work on it.

I take it you are not in the US, as that picture you posted does not match the exact configuration of anything sold here. That looks like a Limited Pro top end on a shortened Limited frame... very odd.

Here we have the Limited Pro (DA/SA, straight barrel, frame not drilled and tapped)
and
the Limited (SAO with bull barrel and full length dust cover, frame drilled and tapped)

I own three polymer-framed pistols. They shoot very well and I enjoy shooting them. But they don't give me the same feeling of solid quality that I get from my Beretta 92FS, SIG-Sauer P229R, or Springfield Armory model 1911 A1.

With your budget I would be looking at a high end model 1911, especially if you want to shoot .45 ACP. Otherwise, upper end SIG-Sauer classic P series pistols or Wilson Combat speced Berettas.

Welcome to the forum.

I believe you should buy the gun you like best and feels best in your hand. If you like the Tanfoglio that is what you should buy. There are a lot of nice additions to that match gun that will make it a lot if fun to shoot. A good solid handgun with a long sight radius is also a plus in a home defense gun.

Just an observation, it sounds like you already made up your mind. Why would you need anyone else to tell you which gun to buy? There is no wrong answer if you like the gun.

Don't forget to post pictures when you buy that Tanfoglio Match pistol. (good looking gun BTW)

I concur with the statements already made about sticking with all-steel if it's a range toy (as you said was your intention), but going with polymer if it'll be frequently carried.
But keep in mind, your intentions may change. You can always successfully use a polymer pistol as a range gun, but humping around a big steel pistol everyday, still sucks.

MIL-DOT said:

I concur with the statements already made about sticking with all-steel if it's a range toy (as you said was your intention), but going with polymer if it'll be frequently carried.
But keep in mind, your intentions may change. You can always successfully use a polymer pistol as a range gun, but humping around a big steel pistol everyday, still stinks.

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That's not always true. There are a lot if people who have, and still do carry a full size 1911 for SD every day and don't feel it's a burden. A good belt and proper holster goes a long way in making any gun carry comfortably. Many polymer handguns are much wider than a 1911 and I think that is more uncomfortable than the additional weight of the 1911.

If carry is not a concern and you're looking primarily at something for range or home protection, I would suggest an all metal gun with night sights.

Some of my top suggestions:

Sig Sauer P220, P226, or P227

Beretta 92G (not an F or FS as they have a safety, the G is a decock only, and in my opinion, a better self defense option whether carried or as a night stand gun).

CZ 75 with night sights. These are great guns, but I have a little difficulty grasping the slide to clear a malfunction at times, however.

HK USP or P30L. Though they're polymer guns, they're outstanding quality and I find them to be a bit more tame to shoot than a Glock in the same caliber. I also find them to have far superior ergonomics.

Walther PPQ. Great gun, but be aware, there is not as much of an accessories market for these (i.e. night sights and magazines).

S&W 5609 if you're not opposed to buying used and would rather put the extra money into ammo or mags.

Springfield Range Officer Operator but beware, since it's a 1911, you may or may not run into some little bobbles in the first 1000 rounds or so.

The pistols aren't the issue, it's the person's ability to make a decision.
Look at it this way. If you're at least down to two choices, you're doing well.
Now, just decide which one to buy first if you can't buy both right now.
Later, buy the 2nd one, if you're even still wanting it.
Just make a decision.

I never thought I'd give up my M19-4 wheelgun, but for fun shooting I have a 1911 with a 22 conversion kit on it.

The Tanfoglio guns are really nice. My sister has a Match, and I have a Limited, both in 10mm. Obviously I like my limited better, but it was a much more expensive gun. Hers is a shooter, too, though. The Match doesn't have the tapered cone heavy barrel, or the full dust cover and exaggerated features of the Limited, but it's also $400 less. For me, it was also aesthetics. I sure like the look of my Limited

Winkman822 said:

If carry is not a concern and you're looking primarily at something for range or home protection, I would suggest an all metal gun with night sights.

Some of my top suggestions:

Sig Sauer P220, P226, or P227

Beretta 92G (not an F or FS as they have a safety, the G is a decock only, and in my opinion, a better self defense option whether carried or as a night stand gun).

CZ 75 with night sights. These are great guns, but I have a little difficulty grasping the slide to clear a malfunction at times, however.

HK USP or P30L. Though they're polymer guns, they're outstanding quality and I find them to be a bit more tame to shoot than a Glock in the same caliber. I also find them to have far superior ergonomics.

Walther PPQ. Great gun, but be aware, there is not as much of an accessories market for these (i.e. night sights and magazines).

S&W 5609 if you're not opposed to buying used and would rather put the extra money into ammo or mags.

Springfield Range Officer Operator but beware, since it's a 1911, you may or may not run into some little bobbles in the first 1000 rounds or so.

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What's wrong with the Tanfoglio Match? They are very high quality guns and just because it's nota big name here doesn't make it a bad gun. I have a suspension the OP lives outside the USA.

Glock 17 and three cases of ammunition.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

ArchAngelCD said:

Just an observation, it sounds like you already made up your mind. Why would you need anyone else to tell you which gun to buy? There is no wrong answer if you like the gun.

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Sounds that way to me too. I say go with the Tang since that's what is clearly desired.

Which gun would you choose for 1200$ for range use?

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My pic for range only gun would be the CZ Tactical Sport..

Its big and requires large hands though.
I have one and its a better range gun in every conceivable way to my guns that cost 4x its price.

Nothing wrong with Tanfoglio's though... They are proving themselves day in and day out in the competition circuits.

I agree with an all metal range/night stand gun. My choices would be as follows: 1. DW 1911, 2. SA Range Officer or Loaded, 3. Remington R11. I'd take the 45 Automatic in any of these. I reload so the 45 round is not that expensive to shoot regularly. If polymer I would go with a M&P or Glock 21. My carry needs are totally different than above.

I sure like the SIG P226. Try one.

I think I have 5 poly handguns and 4 all steel. I definitely carry the poly guns more. I enjoy shooting the steel ones more. The steel ones are more pleasant to admire, with their precision machining, and seem to have a soul. The poly ones have parting lines from the mold, and look & feel cheap, but they work fantastically.

I much prefer a metal gun for target shooting . If you can get a Tanfoglio for $1200 and you like it , I would get it .

I would also look at the Range Officer and CZ 75 SA , if you want to save some money .