Auto of Choice

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Hello, this is my first post here so please be gentle. I love revolvers, and own a Kimber Gold Match .45ACP, S&W 686 in .357, Ruger Vaquero .45Colt, and a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in .44Mag.

For me the 1911 and revolvers were easy decisions, I picked the caliber and saw my options, weeded through some reviews, shot some and bought what felt good.

Now I am considering getting a more "tactical" auto in probably either 9mm, .40, or 45. The problem I am running into is there are SO many options.

H&K USP, Dozens of Sigs, Glocks, and XD oh my. where before I could rent two guns and choose, what am supposed to rent 18 guns? I don't even know where to start. All have good models at roughly equal prices, and I am a CA resident so a hi-capacity is null and void.

Any help or expieriences you enthusiasts can provide would be greatly appriciated.

Thank you,
RFB
 
Welcome to The High Road. I hope you enjoy you stay.

My recent obsession is Smith and Wesson's relatively new M&P line of pistols. The ergonomics are simply unmatched (in my opinion) when compared to other polymer pistols.

Lots of choices though, as you've already figured out.
 
You will certainly not go wrong with a Glock, but I too like the S&W M&Ps better, for their superior grip shape, hand fit and pointing. My 9mm compact has performed flawlessly.

Also take a look at CZ's offerings, which as an added bonus are usually $30-$50 less. I am very pleased with my 75D Compact PCR.
 
I'd go with a Sig.
Sig's the gun I wanted, Glocks the gun I got. Recently bought me a Sig P220. The Glock is now a neglected child.(sort of)
For carry I choose my Glock, For the range and home defense I choose my Sig.
Which is the gun that everyone thinks is sexy, handles better and at the range isn't put down till the ammo's gone... The Sig!

As for calibre go with either 9mm or 45acp.
I handle 9mm and 45acp better then 40cal, not sure why though.

Mind you this is opinion, but after spending X amount of money and a few years worth a range trips my moneys on the Sig.

Now which gun would I take into combat and have trusted my life and that of others on. The Glock can take two steps forward.

You won't go wrong either way. Oh yeah, neither have safety's.
 
Welcome to the site.

You also mentioned HK. I have a USP45 and love the thing. if you are familiar with the 1911 you'll probably like the USP, it is in a sense based on the Browning design (loosely).

Double-action/Single-action.
External safety.
Similar take-down.
Can be carried "cocked and locked".
10 or 12 rd mags.
Polygonal rifling.(So no bare lead through the tube.)

It is a large full-size duty pistol, and can be difficult to CCW, but not impossible. Some people prefer the compact version, (USPc). I know people who carry it daily in a saltwater environment, and with proper care there is no corrosion/rust.

The USP Tactical comes with a threaded barrel and adjustable sights.

HK also has marketed the HK45, since it didn't get picked up by the military. Might be something to check out.

Hope this helps.

http://www.hecklerkoch-usa.com/
 
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A liitle more information, please~? Such as, the primary use of the weapon
and whether or not it will ever be used as a CCW piece; and type of action
preferred, either single-action or double-action first shot capability.

In my case, I'm a SIG-A-HOLIC at heart; but upon retiring after many years
as a LEO, I have found a liking to single-action 1911's. Two that come to
find, are the Smith & Wesson 5" stainless version (#108282) and my Les
Baer Thunder Ranch Special. They are at the opposite ends of the price
scale, with the S&W costing only a fraction of what the Baer cost; but
both perform admirably~! :scrutiny: ;)
 
After giving this some more thought, I think maybe you should focus on which trigger pull you prefer.

My thoughts:

To me, most striker fired polymer pistols shoot the same. Some triggers are slightly better than others, but the action is generally the same. I own Glocks and M&Ps, and have owned XDs. They all shoot remarkably similarly. However the Sig is a different animal. The classic Sig series typically has a DA/SA trigger, which some people despise and others worship. Typically, it seems the dividing line is whether the person shot revolvers previously and was already used to a double action trigger. If so, you'll probably dig the Sig.

So...If I were you and you were me, and I was faced with choosing three guns to rent (excluding revolvers and 1911s - as per your previous comments), I would settle on a caliber first, then shoot the same caliber in different actions.

I might suggest the 9mm. Choose a Glock 17 or 19, a P226 and maybe a CZ.

If you like the polymer gun, then that narrows down your options. If you like the P226, then by all means grab it. It's an awesome gun.

Just some additional thoughts to maybe help you devise a strategy for renting. Hopefully it makes a little sense. :D
 
I fyou can't go hi-cap, 9mm is a less compelling choice except for factors like low recoil and low price for practice ammo. If I was you, and was limited to 10 rounds, I'd be looking at .40, or, most likely, .45 ACP.

First, decide if you want an external, manual safety and/or a grip safety. The decide if you want a decocker, single action, double action, "safe action", etc. When my wife and I picked our first pistol, it had to have a manual safety, be double action, and be 9mm. This narrowed the field.

Go to your local gun shop(s), and fondle all of their guns. Find out what is comfortable and fits your above criteria.

I'd look into a Glock 21SF, Glock 30, Sig P220, HK USP, Taurus 24/7 Pro or OSS, and a S&W M&P 45.
 
I would consider Sig and Sprinfield XD. Ruger has a new handgun called the SR9 that you may look at as well.

I have a Sig228 that I love - although to be honest I am a 1911 guy. I will get a XD next and maybe the Ruger SR9 if it is as good as I think.

Luke
 
Browning HiPower is my favorite auto. But out of the "tactical" types I'd have to go with the SW M&P followed closely by the Walther P99. I'd like to try the Steyr M9 out as well but haven't had a chance to yet.
 
Difficult to answer, as the purpose of the weapon is not stated. I think sixguns and 1911s cover all the practical bases quite thoroughly. Moreover, one's carry guns should not be of too great variety, lest there be a moment of confusion at the moment of truth. For example, after shooting a few hundred rounds through a Glunck at a shooting class, I flubbed the first shot or two through my SIG, so a dumped the Glunck, as I carry my P229 for duty and for occasional CCW. The SIGs DAK trigger stroke is compatible with my suxguns's triggers, and the SIG points like my sixguns, so they are compatible. If mere collecting is the goal, it really doesn't matter; get whatever suits your fancy. I know very little about the hobby of collecting, though I do tend to accumulate lots of sixguns.
 
Wow! Thank you all for the quick replies.

The Auto will be, as is all my other firearms, a paper shootin range gun primarily with a smattering of home defense (but that is why I own a pump shotgun).

But at this point in my life it is primarily another way to own a reasonably priced, (Never understood $2,300 Wilson Combat 1911's or Freedom Arms thats why I went S&W, Kimber and Rugers. :)) well crafted firearm. I love 'em, but they are not required for me to earn a living, CCW, daily carry, etc.

Whomever above said I must choose a caliber is probably correct. And just to give more background on myself, I own/shoot so many revolvers because that is what I found I shoot best. I can consistently hit 25 yard silhouettes with any of my revolvers, but STRUGGLE for consistent groupings (or hitting the paper at all) on a man sized target at 7-12 yards with my 1911. I have accepted that fact and trust wheel guns, but would really love the comfort of shooting an auto with SOME accuracy. So, and I am guessing here, good ergonomics and reliability are my priorities on this one so far.

Hope this helps answer the questions, and anytime I can help you help me I will. I look forward to reading more!

Thank you!
RFB
 
For me personally, I will always have absolute faith in the Ruger P90. I have other autos that I shoot more, including a 1911, but if I really had to choose one auto I own to go into battle or to defend my life with, that would be it.

With that being said, the Sig's seem to be pretty good guns. Not my cup of tea, but I don't think your gonna go wrong with one either.
 
My recent obsession is Smith and Wesson's relatively new M&P line of pistols. The ergonomics are simply unmatched (in my opinion) when compared to other polymer pistols.

Then you need to try the HK P30.
 
I like M&P's a lot but glocks are great. I have personal issues with H&K but they do make a good gun. I personally have never shot a sig so I cant testify.
 
My $0.02

Rent some varieties at a range and see what you like. I started out with a Sig P220 45 cal back in 1988. Made in West Germany. I could have stopped there. Outstanding pistol. Got a Glock 30 and liked it. Kimber 1911 Custom II is what I am shooting these days auto-wise. Lately I thought I was going back to revolvers for classic reasons and then picked up a Browning High Power and now it's my current fav!
 
Are you looking for a Fullsized?, Compact?, Sub Compact? Sized Gun.

Do you prefer DAO, DA/SA, ?

What's your budget?

What's the primary use of this gun, A CCW, home defense, range queen?

These are a few questions to think about. I personally love the new XD's, you can get them in many different barrel and grip lengths, and even different colors! Check out Springfield's website. The grip angle feels almost like a 1911, and has a grip saftey like one. XDtalk.com has all the information you need to "trick" one of these out if that is what you are looking to do. If you want a full bore tactical handcannon (and if money is not an issue)that any mall ninja would envy, go with a H&K USP.
 
In .40 S&W, I love my S&W 4006 more than any .40 I have shot. It has the weight to soak up the recoil from the .40 and allow fast and accurate shooting. I have not found that to be the case with the plastic framed guns.

In 9mm, my Browning Hi Power shoots best, but my Glock 17 and Glock 19 are not far behind.

In .45ACP, I have owned a Colt Gov't Model, S&W 645, and SIG P220. All are equally excellent.
 
what am supposed to rent 18 guns?
Easiest thing to do would be to go to a gun store (or 2 or 3) that carries as many of those as possible and start holding them and pointing em (not at other customers of course). Find out which feels best in your hand and points naturally for you. All the brands you listed are good reliable guns, should be close enough in accuracy, and will do the job so the biggest part of the equation is you. Try a bunch until you find that gem that fits your hand like a glove and points like an extension of your arm. Some of them now have interchangable backstraps now so if you are courteous maybe they'll let you try the different sizes/shapes.
 
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