1911, BHP, or the other one?

[Eightball]

Between the three of these, which would you buy first? Assume it will be your first .45ACP or 9mm, and that you've owned neither type before, but that your goal is to get all of them eventually. Purposes would be a range toy, possibly carry and possibly nightstand duty. Assume you have the capability to reload either calibre, and already own something along the line of a KTP3AT for small CCW purposes. All options will be full-size, no compact/"commander" versions of the original design.

So, which one first, and why? And, does the possible election and hypothetical magazine-capacity restriction (depending on what happens, of course) affect your decision?

 

[Black Majik]

No question about it, the 1911.

 

[robctwo]

I have all three, with a wide variety of the "other one". I bought the BHP and a CZ75BD with a Kadet Kit about the same time. The CZ with .22 conversion cost about what the BHP cost. I still have both. I've modified both. The CZ has had tens of thousands more rounds through it in .22. I had decided that I would never give in to the 1911 madness. Bought Sig 226 and 220, Glock 17 and 34, CZ P-01 and IPSC Standard (.40).

Then I bought a SA Black Stainless Target. Two years later I have the S&W1911PD Commander, Les Baer PII in .45 and 9mm and an Ed Brown Exec Target in .45. Also got a Ceiner .22 conversion for the 1911s. I shoot the 1911s most of the time. The BHP even with the mag disconnect removed and a professional trigger job is not as nice as the high end 1911s. The CZ is a great gun, has the DA and decocker, so has a different manual of arms that some like better for carry.

I guess for me the 1911s are more addictive, CZs addictive but more manageable, and the BHP just a very nice classic.

 

[lechiffre]

i voted hi power just because i like it better

 

[2nd 41]

1911. I have 2 45's and a BHP. The BHP is a well made very reliable shooter...but the 1911 is in a league of it's own. I do not enjoy Target shooting with HP.
Keep this in mind...boxes of 9mm are substantially than 45acp.
Try to fire and compare if you have an opportunity.

 

[DougDubya]

Someone had to show the tarted-up CZ-75 some love. No flies on the 1911 or the Hi-Power, but the Baby Eagle is a sweet little underdog.

 

[weisse52]

1911 first...Colt is always the right answer.

After that of your three I would go for the BHP. JMB was such a talented guy!

 

[Marshall]

Flip a coin. You'll end up with the 1911 or BHP regardless of which you buy first. Ammo cost might be a consideration.

 

[GearHead_1]

Buying these with an attitude of looking down the road I would probably pick up the Browning simply because they are becoming harder to find. Ultimately I would want the 1911 the most but feel there will be versions of it around for many years to come.

 

[HM2PAC]

1911
BHP
Baby Eagle

I would start with the .45ACP, then move on to the 9mm's.

To throw another wrench in it....Any of the modern pistols chambered in 9mm can be had in .40S&W. I would much prefer a 40 over a 9.

(Mind you this is not intended to start a 9 vs 40 vs 45 caliber war, it's just my way of thinking.)

 

[Moonclip]

I own all three. If going for my 1st and primary use is a range gun I voted BHP. 9x19 ammo is cheaper and the BHP is slightly easier to ccw than the other two I'd say.

If you are going to shoot A LOT of ammo and hot ammo I'd maybe go for the Baby Eagle.

And of course it makes a good home defense piece as well as do the other two choices.

Also do you prefer single action or da/sa auots? Is price a consideration? The Baby Eagle will leave you with more ammo money unless you are willing to get a Colt or BHP clone.

I should clarify, I don't own a Colt series 70 but I own other Colts and clones of the series 70. Also my Baby Eagle is in .40. I have yet to shoot a Baby Eagle in other calibers.

 

[10-Ring]

Colt 1911, then the BHP, then another 1911...then if you have to, the B-Eagle

 

[belus]

I chose the BHP first, then picked up a CZ 75 (of which the Beagle is a clone). I'm currently researching 1911's...

So my vote goes to the BHP for two reasons. First, I personally love single actions, and second, 9mm is going to be cheaper to shoot and give you more range time.

 

[don95sml]

I voted for the BHP, assuming you will remove the magazine disconnect to improve trigger pull. There is just no better handling, esthetically pleasing, serve-all-functions, full size gun out there.

 

[Pilot]

If you don't reload, you'll shoot the cheaper 9MM BHP more. Can't go wrong with either, but I'd get the BHP now and the 1911 later.

 

[chieftain]

I chose the BHP first simply because they are harder to find.

Also choosing a 1911, I do suggest your first be a Colt. But finding the "right" one can take time. It is like a finding a good cigar or fine wine. Savor it and enjoy.

My two primary carry/CCW weapons are a Colt Gunsite Pistol, Government of course, and a factory Chromed Browning High power that has been tweaked up by Novak.

Both are very sweet pistols. Up until recently I was on a BHP thing. Just went back to the Colt.

Just a matter of what I am feeling like when I dress and put on my holster for the weapon to carry that day.

Go figure.

Fred

 

[phrozenlikwid]

CZ variants are easily the most, for the least, out of that group. Bonus is that 9mm is considerably cheaper to shoot than .45acp which is much of the reason I've moved away from 1911's as my primary pistolas.

No flies on a good 1911 or Hi-power, though. I suppose it's going to come down to just how much you want to spend.

 

[308sc]

1911 nuff siad