9mm 1911 or...?

[2bigfeet]

Hi folks. Been out of guns for twenty years. Kids are grown and I have a renewed interest. I have been pouring over all the magazines & sites for the past few months to get my feet wet again. I need some help/opinions...

I have rented a few guns at the local indoor range: 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45... single action, double/single and double only.

I want an auto for general range shooting, home defense secondary, CCW least. I have a bit of arthritis in my back and neck so I have settled on 9mm. It seems to effect my neck the least amount, and ammo is the least expensive, and I shot the best with the 9mm... (also my wife has interest in shooting as well).

Didn't care for double action only pistols I rented. I'm leaning towards a 1911 in 9mm. Question is whose? Springfield, Para, Tauras etc.?

I want to spend a $1000 or less. I'm really just looking for shooting fun, reliability. What does $1000 get you that $650 doesn't?

Thanks for any help suggestions.

 

[BullfrogKen]

2bigfeet said: What does $1000 get you that $650 doesn't?

A better gun.

Seriously, usually nice parts that people who carry it a lot, and shoot it a lot, eventually spend later to get anyways. Some don't, though, and are happy.

Colt doesn't make a base level 9mm 1911 anymore, but the used ones are pretty much awesome in most folk's reports. One option is to look on line for one, but good luck. They seldom appear, 'cause we who have 'em, love 'em.

You can get a 38 Super, it won't feel much different than a 9mm shooting it. Its more expensive, but if you find one you like and can afford, you can have a 9mm barrel professionally fitted for less than $200, usually. The mags and everything else is the same. I did that with mine.


Good luck. A 1911 in 9mm is a thing of joy. Kimber still makes one I believe, Springfield . . . don't let any naysayers here discourage you. They have distinct advantages for someone specifically with your concerns and situation over one in .45 ACP.

 

[10-Ring]

9mm in a SA semi auto??? To me that's calling out the BHP! Can't go wrong w/ the Hi Power! Welcome back by the way.

 

[shaggycat]

Have you considered the Browning Hi Power? Similiar manual of arms to that of a 1911 yet it was built with the 9mm in mind. Also created by John Moses Browning, the design has experienced a tremendous amount of success worldwide by both military and LE. It is also single action, like the 1911.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg17-e.htm

Many say it is the most accurate 9mm in their hands, so it will do just fine for the range.

 

[shaggycat]

10-ring, you beat me to it!

 

[wooderson]

Alongside the Hi-Power, I'd also venture a look at the CZ75 SP-01 - it weighs about as much as your average 1911, so recoil isn't an issue, and it retails for $490, give or take.

 

[rellascout]

+3 on the Browning Hi Power. The best SA 9mm in the world.

 

[halvey]

Stay away from the Para. I owned 2 and the one was good, but the other one had problems right from the get go. Not accurate at all.