a new handgun

[Madjohn]

i was wondering on what i should buy im kinda stuck so im going to put up a poll. but first i wanted to list some things on what im looking for so please vote on the option that best suits what im looking for. i am currently just looking for a fun target gun.
1.accuracy.
2.reliability.
3.durability.
4.best cost.
5.best warranty ( a couple years although lifetime is what im hoping for)
6.customization (grips,lasers,barrel modification)

 

[Majic]

YOU need to make some decisions first then post a poll. You have a revolver and semi-autos also a very large pistol and compact pistol. With such a wide disparity how is someone to even begin considering what you may be seeking.

 

[Roman2in]

Posting what you already have might be a good idea. If it's your first handgun, than what is the main reason you want to get it?

 

[jad0110]

I agree with the other two posters, we need more info (current handguns, the use for this latest acquisition, etc).

You say cost is a concern, but it would be helpful to know what your upper limit is. HKs and particularly Colt Pythons and Desert Eagles can be very pricey. For example, I don't think I've seen a Colt Python for under $1100 in years.

 

[Madjohn]

my limit at the moment is around $700 in the future i hope to look for more expensive purchases, which is why the desert eagle and colt python are up there. just for future reference.

 

[eldon519]

If you're looking for reliability or any level of practicality, the Desert Eagle might not be for you.

 

[Madjohn]

yeah i figured as much. but it would still be a fun gun to shoot.

 

[Isher]

I would seriously consider any of the CZ products.

Bombproof.

Accurate.

Reliable.

My carry pistol is a CZ P01.

And BTW seems to fit into your price range.


Isher

 

[Lookn4Brass]

Well, to me, none of these are a fun target gun except for the Colt Python. I've always felt that the Python was overrated and overpriced, to me. I would spend less and get more. You only listed one revolver- that one, and you kind of hit the whole spectrum with your poll. Everything from compact, almost pocket-sized gun to extremely large and powerful is on the list. Wish I could help. If I were buying a gun on the list, I would buy the HK USP because I think they're cool and would be a great combat pistol.

 

[Madjohn]

the glock or the ppk are probably in the direction im headed. anyone have any info on those specifically? oh and do they come with lifetime warranties?

 

[EMT40SW]

Go with the Glock because:
1. You can get your money out of it should you decide to sell it.
2. You will have a pistol you cannot rust or stop (read reliable).
3. Cost- I can get a new Glock for $399 locally if you are a First Responder or if a civilian joins GSSF for $35 annually see here for details:
http://www.gssfonline.com/

Also go with a Glock 19 because it is more versitile and you can easily conceal it.

 

[Madjohn]

thanks for all your input im still seriously leaning towards a glock or the ppk so i will be doing another thread and poll on just those 2.

 

[possum]

the glock is the best of what you have listed as your needs. there is alot of guns on there that don't make since for your intended needs.

 

[Salty1]

I would not discount the Sig's...... accurate, reliable, and hold their value....

 

[Farnorthdan]

+1 on the CZ, I enjoy my CZ75B as a range plinker. Its not my carry gun but I do find myself taking it to the range often just for fun. Its very accurate, feeds reliably and fits my hand perfect. The price is right too.


DS

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Fun to shoot, cost effective, reliable, accurate.

Gosh I can't imagine why you wouldn't put a Browning Buckmark or Ruger MK series on your list.

I know, the post is for what you've listed. I would have leaned toward a 1911 in your price range, or a Ruger GP100 instead of the Python. But as Pythons are expensive, THEY DO NOT DEPRECIATE. So, from your list I go with the Python. Certainly not yet another plastic gun. Certainly a step above in quality compared to anything else you list there. Accurate, Fun to shoot, and Reliable/Durable.

OK, if you do get a safe queen that's 30 years old and still in the box without even the slightes cylinder ring mark, then start shooting the daylights out of it, yes it will depreciate lower than what you paid for it. But even shooter Pythons keep gaining in value year after year. Sweet triggers!

-Steve

 

[Daniel1120]

Wow, with those choices you are all over the board! I mean from a 380 carry gun to a 50ae desert eagle to a 9mm glock? Then to a wheelgun? ***? You need to figure out what KIND of gun you want (semi or revolver), then the caliber, THEN the model.

 

[earlthegoat2]

id go with the walther pps. It has a slim profile and a very positive grip. Slim equals easy to carry. It does have a crazy mag release lever though.

I guess I didnt read carefully enough as the gun in question doesnt necissarily have to be concealable.

Glocks and USPs feel clunky in my hands. PPKs feel good but 380 isnt enough. Desert Eagle is too much, more a novelty really.

So yeah go with the Python if you can find one cheap enough. Dont forget abouth Smith 686s though too. Similar to the Python and less expensive with the same quality and a better trigger pull.

 

[HarleyFixer]

None of the above.......Taurus 1911

 

[searcher451]

No knock on any of the guns mentioned, but either of the two Walthers mentioned, the PPK or the PPS, would be excellent choices for you. They are accurate, reliable, dependable firearms -- time after time, round after round. Walther's fine reputation for quality should not be overlooked.

 

[Apachedriver]

Fun Target Shooting?

Frankly, on your list the only ones I'd consider are the HK or Glock 17.

I prefer the HK.

However, for fun target shooting, get yourself a Ruger Mk II or III 22/45. Inexpensive gun and ammo, and can double up for varmints when they become a problem. A nice advantage is the similarity in handgrip position with the aforementioned HK (or any 1911) as well as the positioning of all the other controls. In other words, using the 22/45, you can now add positive habit transfer to your cheap fun as well as stepping towards increasing your effectiveness and handling skills with the HK as a quality carry or SD weapon. Positive habit transfer is the only reason I have never bought a Glock, but I do like them. I prefer all my pistols to have very similar controls and grip positioning.

The Walther ppk or ppks and Walther pps make me think of James Bond and such which leaves me feeling like I have a cute toy from a Cracker Jack box in my hand. Don't anyone get ruffled, it's just my reaction to them, not their owners.

The Desert Eagle while fun and flashy, is just too flashy at the range for my taste. I don't see a conventional use for it in my world so I can't justify owning it myself.

The Colt Python is the same as the Desert Eagle to me but it sure is a sexy looking handgun. I'd get that before a Desert Eagle any day.
If you're mainly looking to catch the eyes of other shooters at the range and to use as a showoff piece, I'd definitely say the Desert Eagle or the Colt Python. JMO

 

[mauiglide]

The handgun that covers all your criteria is the Glock 17. If it is target shooting you are into, you should consider a Ruger Mark III Hunter/Target model.

 

[hjaeger]

Seems to be a whos-who of video game guns with limited to no bearing on real life experience, practicality, or an organized thought process regarding functional needs and budget...sorry, but I'm just being frank.

 

[aka108]

For my money the Spanish Stars are hard to beat. The Firestar M43 and the Starfire 30M have never failed to function perfectly. Not the prettiest things around. No longer made but still available on the secondary market at reasonable prices.

 

[mljdeckard]

I very much want to own a 4 or six inch Python one day. But as far as I know, you are looking at used. Last I checked, the Colt Custom Shop doesn't even make them anymore.