Best Pistol for $800 or Less... Thoughts Wanted
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speaksoftly
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I agree and disagree at the same time. Most of the LEO models (in my area at least) are not the DA/SA actions that you think of when thinking of a 92 or 226. Also, they often have as much as 10lb triggers which many shooters would rather avoid. That being said, I'll agree with you that a DA/SA 92 or 226 is one of the finest 9mm (or .40 in my case) pistols ever produced.
Lucky Strike
Member
If he's looking at USP he should instead look at the H&K P30....I bought one recently and it's the most ergonomic grip I've ever held
Prion
Member
HK USP 9 can be had for just under $800 NIB. My personal favorite.
Harvey
Member
Best bang for the buck? ... best gun for the money?
If I had $800 to drop, I'd go to the show and find a good used Colt 1911. Might as well buy the best.
If I had $800 to drop, I'd go to the show and find a good used Colt 1911. Might as well buy the best.
Tallinar
Member
+1 to post 21. Summed it up pretty good, I thought.
However, I would also want to ask if the shooter is left or right handed. That would adjust the answers a bit. A lefty using a 1911 will really appreciate an ambi safety. Same with some of the other guns mentioned.
However, I would also want to ask if the shooter is left or right handed. That would adjust the answers a bit. A lefty using a 1911 will really appreciate an ambi safety. Same with some of the other guns mentioned.
I love these threads......
If I had $800 to blow right now, and decided to buy a pistol I would likely go for a Springfield loaded 1911.
Then again, maybe a G 30 SF w/ Nite Sights & a lasermax insert....
Ruger Super Blackhawk in 45 LC
who knows.... Freedoms Arms 12 shot 22lr
If I had $800 to blow right now, and decided to buy a pistol I would likely go for a Springfield loaded 1911.
Then again, maybe a G 30 SF w/ Nite Sights & a lasermax insert....
Ruger Super Blackhawk in 45 LC
who knows.... Freedoms Arms 12 shot 22lr
Fishman777
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For my money...
It is not just about what you pay, nor is it the name on the slide. A lot of guns have strong brand images and people pay a premium for a gun that is equal, or at best marginally better than guns that cost $200 less.
I've been a long time revolver guy and recently bought my first autoloader a few weeks ago. I've rented dozens of autoloaders, spent a lot of time of gun forums, and read a lot of reviews.
There is a lot of bias towards certain handguns online and in print. I decided what worked best for me by sifting through the BS and trying things out for myself. I decided on the M&P line of autoloaders.
The M&P line has, in my opinion, the best ergonomics of any guns on the market. The polymer frame has a stainless steel chasis built in to strengthen the frame. The slide and the barrel are through-hardened stainless steel. The slide and barrel are coated with melonite and some sort of black finish. The barrels are fully supported to minimize the risk of KB malfunctions. The "regular" sights are nice, but for under $800, you can also get nightsights. If you buy the pro series, you get the nightsites and a competition trigger. The gun has a low bore-axis and I find that these guns don't really jump in the hand. The recoil is more straight back. They are reliable, durable, asthetically pleasing, made in America, ergonomic, accurate, and represent a great value. These guns are also backed by Smith and Wesson's warranty and customer support.
There are a lot of great guns out there, but Smith and Wessons M&P line is as good as it gets for under $800. I like XDs, Glocks, Berettas, Sigs, HKs, and CZ. I just like the M&Ps more.
It is not just about what you pay, nor is it the name on the slide. A lot of guns have strong brand images and people pay a premium for a gun that is equal, or at best marginally better than guns that cost $200 less.
I've been a long time revolver guy and recently bought my first autoloader a few weeks ago. I've rented dozens of autoloaders, spent a lot of time of gun forums, and read a lot of reviews.
There is a lot of bias towards certain handguns online and in print. I decided what worked best for me by sifting through the BS and trying things out for myself. I decided on the M&P line of autoloaders.
The M&P line has, in my opinion, the best ergonomics of any guns on the market. The polymer frame has a stainless steel chasis built in to strengthen the frame. The slide and the barrel are through-hardened stainless steel. The slide and barrel are coated with melonite and some sort of black finish. The barrels are fully supported to minimize the risk of KB malfunctions. The "regular" sights are nice, but for under $800, you can also get nightsights. If you buy the pro series, you get the nightsites and a competition trigger. The gun has a low bore-axis and I find that these guns don't really jump in the hand. The recoil is more straight back. They are reliable, durable, asthetically pleasing, made in America, ergonomic, accurate, and represent a great value. These guns are also backed by Smith and Wesson's warranty and customer support.
There are a lot of great guns out there, but Smith and Wessons M&P line is as good as it gets for under $800. I like XDs, Glocks, Berettas, Sigs, HKs, and CZ. I just like the M&Ps more.
speaksoftly
Member
Ditto, to everything Fishman said. I like and have owned all kinds of guns but the only two brands that I spend my money on are Sigs and M&P's. The M&P 40 5" Pro is a pistol that has me waiting like a kid outside a candy store for it's release.
wally
Member
IMHO more than $800 for a pistol is buying ego strokes and not anything that really matters, in fact many High end guns are so "tuned" for small ransom rest groups that reliability in the real world suffers.
My best bang for the buck guns will be well under $800 and leave you money for a case or more of practice ammo:
RIA Tactical .45ACP and now 9mm. ~$420
EAA Witness Elite Match ~$500.
S&W Sigma ~$300.
Any Glock (if they fit you) $450-550
Any S&W M&P $450-550.
Most all the rest of the mainstream pistols are in the $550-600 range.
My best bang for the buck guns will be well under $800 and leave you money for a case or more of practice ammo:
RIA Tactical .45ACP and now 9mm. ~$420
EAA Witness Elite Match ~$500.
S&W Sigma ~$300.
Any Glock (if they fit you) $450-550
Any S&W M&P $450-550.
Most all the rest of the mainstream pistols are in the $550-600 range.
1911WB
Member
Auto choices
What I personally shoot best from that group are in the following order: 1911 ;Sig 229 (.40 S&W); Hi-power. WB
What I personally shoot best from that group are in the following order: 1911 ;Sig 229 (.40 S&W); Hi-power.
WBI have to second and third the folks recommending CZs on this thread - they will fit all his criteria and then some. If he's interested in carry - the P-01 or PCR in 9mm. If he wants a gun for the range/home defense then the 75b or SP-01. In any case - congratulations on the new shooting buddy!
A lot of good suggestions and for a new-ish shooter anything in the 92fs style would be nice but I'd personally say for for a glock. G17 G21 G30. All great guns and exceptionally priced. But why the need for all the features? Isnt the ultimate saftey not having your finger on the trigger untill you are ready to fire? That's what I've always been taught anyways. Just my .02 and tell him welcome to an amazing sport!
All good choices mentioned.. but has to be something that feels good in his hand. I think a good used Sig 226 is hard to beat for sub $500... then again my 75B shoots as good as anything.. And I like Glocks too.. oh and the 1911 is my favorite. How is that for confusing? So I say get him out there to shoot a bunch of them and then start pricing. Of all the guns I own though.. I'd probably keep my 226 over all of them.. and it's an old police trade-in I picked up at a shop for about $400.
Lonestar49
Member
Sig P229, he has good eyes/taste
Hammered gun/s
IF he can find a NIB Sig for under 800 bucks, then he should be looking at:
Sig P220/45 or its smaller P220 Carry 45.. full size (commander size) and medium size - Carry model
Sig P229 (and I agree here) as having both mentioned, he will find all the he requires in a NIB "forgiving gun": (full size - P226)
Most come with Sig night sights.. 3-dot (others come with 2-dot combat sights)
All have frame mounted decocker-only.. best placement IMO, as one never need sacrifice a good 2-hand grip to utilize it..
Most come with smooth, great DA and SA triggers out of the box and only get better with use.. (this he can test/choose from those he see's, and inspects) and simply take the one that feels best to him before buying.. along with a good inspection of frame/slide/ tightness and finish
Sigs mentioned also are one of, if not, the easiest guns to dissemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble out there, bar none.. Big benefit IMO
Sigs CS (from the few times I have used it) is quick, CS friendly and they "care" and treat their customers like they do..
They require no break-in, none of mine ever missed a beat from round 1 on thru, agv, 4000 flawless rounds thus far.. (each)
Accessories are huge: grips, laser grips, lighter main springs (from Wolff) to lighten, smooth out feeling via easier, quicker DA pulls.. if desired
Just make sure to inspect, feel tightness of slide to frame, DA pulls and clean SA breaks, and take the one, out of many NIB ones for sale out there, that passes in his own inspection or help from a friend that knows about these areas and he'll be happy camper.. without doubts
OMMV,
Ls
...
Hammered gun/s
IF he can find a NIB Sig for under 800 bucks, then he should be looking at:
Sig P220/45 or its smaller P220 Carry 45.. full size (commander size) and medium size - Carry model
Sig P229 (and I agree here) as having both mentioned, he will find all the he requires in a NIB "forgiving gun": (full size - P226)
Most come with Sig night sights.. 3-dot (others come with 2-dot combat sights)
All have frame mounted decocker-only.. best placement IMO, as one never need sacrifice a good 2-hand grip to utilize it..
Most come with smooth, great DA and SA triggers out of the box and only get better with use.. (this he can test/choose from those he see's, and inspects) and simply take the one that feels best to him before buying.. along with a good inspection of frame/slide/ tightness and finish
Sigs mentioned also are one of, if not, the easiest guns to dissemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble out there, bar none.. Big benefit IMO
Sigs CS (from the few times I have used it) is quick, CS friendly and they "care" and treat their customers like they do..
They require no break-in, none of mine ever missed a beat from round 1 on thru, agv, 4000 flawless rounds thus far.. (each)
Accessories are huge: grips, laser grips, lighter main springs (from Wolff) to lighten, smooth out feeling via easier, quicker DA pulls.. if desired
Just make sure to inspect, feel tightness of slide to frame, DA pulls and clean SA breaks, and take the one, out of many NIB ones for sale out there, that passes in his own inspection or help from a friend that knows about these areas and he'll be happy camper.. without doubts
OMMV,
Ls
Hawthorne2k
Member
Did he express a preference of one of those guns over the other?
With the budget set at $800, I like the idea of a lower cost ($500-ish) pistol and $300 worth of ammo, accessories and training to go with it. Buying a SuperDeluxeBlastomatic and turning it into a safe queen doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
HOME DEPOT GEORGE
Member
Rock Island Armory
Ok....do yourself a favor... get a Glock. (It's striker fired though.)
I was one of those that were very reluctant to accept the "Glock hype"... perhaps they are over rated I thought. But.... I'm now a firm believer of Glock's reliability. And yes... I have owned in the past both revolvers and autos... of various sizes and name brands... Glock is now my favorite.
I was one of those that were very reluctant to accept the "Glock hype"... perhaps they are over rated I thought. But.... I'm now a firm believer of Glock's reliability. And yes... I have owned in the past both revolvers and autos... of various sizes and name brands... Glock is now my favorite.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
3rd-gen S&W, or a Springfield XD45 with the optional manual safety, would be two excellent options you didn't list.
jackpinesavages
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M&P Pro 9 or in their .45, depending on how he feels about ammo pricing or re-loading.
Hangingrock
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S&w 4506 45acp
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