A "turning 21" handgun?

[Eightball]

Alright, so a thought's running through my head. This summer, I'll turn 21. Plans are to get the CCW thing going ASAP, and pick up one of those .380 KTs for all of the purposes those things are good for, but will probably have some spending cash left over, and have an itch for a couple more things. So, the question becomes......as a good "celebratory" pistol that's a present to self, which would be better---

Option A): Pick up a SIG 232/WaltherPPK/Bersa type item (handy for conceal, yet won't necissarily fill the same roles as the KT).
Option B ): Pick up a Colt Series 70 Repro, because I don't own a .45ACP or a 1911 yet. Could conceivably be carried,. And....it's a 1911! (Please don't suggest other brands for the 1911 bit).

Already own a good .357 revo, and a SIG Mosquito, so the "revolver" and ".22" niche are filled.

Thoughts one way or another?

 

[Ala Dan]

Kind'a pricey, but one that will last you a lifetime-

Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911

 

[sm]

I was 21 once ...

Call me old fashioned , a fuddy-dud, or sentimental, still I would find something that fit you, really nice and special.
If a 1911 fits, then by all means get one.

Other ideas come to mind, like some guns that are no longer made with the metallurgy, craftsmanship, quality control and other factors of yesteryear.

Model 18 .22 revolver for instance, or similar K frame .22.
Affordable to shoot, last a lifetime, hold its value and as the years go by, the sentimental value you add to it will make it more special.

K frames in center fire, 3" would be great!
Blue, or Stainless, .38spl or .357, these guns just "are", and not only work for home, also for CCW and range.

BHP, in 9mm, also a classic, finding a good used one, would be a neat gift to self of a proven classic.

Colt Detective Specials are another great gun, these will never be made again...
nor will other classic Colts.

The years will start flying by, maybe kids enter the picture, and having some guns, sentimental and special to assist your kids on, and pass down to...
One cannot put a monetary value on all this.

Too many folks wished they had kept guns they had received on special gift giving days.
Too many folks wished they knew where those guns were dad, mom, grandpa and other kinfolks taught them to shoot on.

Just my thoughts...

 

[Silvanus]

If it were me, I would get the Colt. It's not that hard to conceal and for general shooting at the range or "plinking" it's a lot more enjoyable than a compact .380.

I don't know if you want to hear about other options, but I also think that the Browning HP would be an excellent choice. It's a classic, good-looking firearms like the 1911 but shoots a less expensive cartridge. Plus it's easier to conceal, if you want to carry it.

 

[RobertFBurnett]

One really good 1911 is like a satisfying meal, it will tide you over for a long while, I am a paper shooter so I usually tend to the Match series of 1911s...SIGs are like Lays potato chips, bet ya can't just buy one. I didn't believe it until I bought one, and I literally shoot 3 times the ammo with it than I normally would any other caliber, which is handy since its 9mm.

Also +1 on already having a wheelgun .357 still my favorite caliber, its just so versatile, the range from cowboy lead .38s to DoubleTap 200 gr Hard Casts is diverse and will do darn near anything.

My $0.02

RFB

 

[J Lambs]

I think you are on the right track. If you are going to carry, you need to have a summer carry and a winter carry. Since KY is alot like NC, those should work nicely.

 

[bowl443]

Springfield EMP

 

[jlbraun]

A Glock 21, of course!

(ducks)

 

[JDGray]

If I could turn 21 again, I would skip the bar scene, and treat myself to a 1911 Sounds like a great idea, maybe I'll do it when I turn 43

 

[-v-]

I would say get something with a metal frame (1911, CZ, SiG, etc.), as the wood paneling can be customized to add to the aesthetic value, and it definitely falls in the category of "Hand this down to your kids when they turn 21". I personally don't see polymer handguns as having much heirloom value, and that to me seemed to be something that you were after.

 

[Walkalong]

If I could turn 21 again, I would skip the bar scene, and treat myself to a 1911

If I could turn back to 21, I would keep the Remington Rand I had. :banghead:

Oh well, can't go back.

 

[Wes Janson]

I'm in the same boat, and I've been debating what I'd like to get for my first FFL handgun purchase. Part of me would really like to get a custom 1911, but currency-bearing conifers are surprisingly scarce within my local ecosystem. I'd say, get something really special and of high quality, that you'll keep and use for a nice long time. Particularly something that you plan on carrying concealed.

 

[Kind of Blued]

The Kel Tec sounds like a great "always carry" or "back-up carry". I would reccomend something in a more substantial caliber as a main carry, or at least winter carry.

 

[cdcmj]

I went with an XD 9, couldnt have been happier

 

[RyanM]

Option A): Pick up a SIG 232/WaltherPPK/Bersa type item (handy for conceal, yet won't necissarily fill the same roles as the KT).

Having two carry pieces in the same caliber makes some sense. I'm guilty of owning a G23 and a Kahr MK40. Ammo prices being what they are, only needing to get one kind helps a little.

Me, I'd lean towards the 1911. Not too hard to conceal with a good holster, and a heckuvalot more power than .380.

 

[UnTainted]

Treat yourself to something really nice that you'll enjoy shooting at the range and will be masterable in terms of self defense.

I would recomend a 9mm (becuase it's my favorite to shoot and to trust my life to) in some package that fits your needs.

If you want a full size, there are lots of 9mm full size options. My first handgun was a hi-power in 9mm and i still would never sell that gun.

If you want a compact or subcompact for carry, 9mm is good here as well, with plenty of models. I think I would recomend the SIG P239. I've only owned my 239 for a few weeks, but I think it is very shootable at the range, more accurate by far than my kahr 9mm, and it carries well.

I also own a SIG P232, and would strongly recomend the 239 over the 232. The 380 is an ok caliber for SD, and I trust it to do what I need it to do (make a hole where I put the bullet), but I would prefer the 9mm or the 40/357sig combo of the 239 over the 232 any day. I wish I would have bought the 239 first, and then the 232 later as a collection piece.

Just a few thoughts, since you'll be making this decision in the end, and do so hopefully while being honest to yourself as to what you really really really really want.

"You only turn 21 once, make it a SIG!"

 

[misterwhipple]

Find a range that rents guns, and try 'em all! Just this Tuesday I went and tried every .40 and .45 they had on the wall. Now I know exactly what I want to buy.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Originally Posted by UnTainted
Treat yourself to something really nice that you'll enjoy shooting at the range and will be masterable in terms of self defense.

I would recomend a 9mm (becuase it's my favorite to shoot and to trust my life to) in some package that fits your needs.

If you want a full size, there are lots of 9mm full size options. My first handgun was a hi-power in 9mm and i still would never sell that gun.

If you want a compact or subcompact for carry, 9mm is good here as well, with plenty of models. I think I would recomend the SIG P239. I've only owned my 239 for a few weeks, but I think it is very shootable at the range, more accurate by far than my kahr 9mm, and it carries well.

I also own a SIG P232, and would strongly recomend the 239 over the 232. The 380 is an ok caliber for SD, and I trust it to do what I need it to do (make a hole where I put the bullet), but I would prefer the 9mm or the 40/357sig combo of the 239 over the 232 any day. I wish I would have bought the 239 first, and then the 232 later as a collection piece.

Just a few thoughts, since you'll be making this decision in the end, and do so hopefully while being honest to yourself as to what you really really really really want.

"You only turn 21 once, make it a SIG!"

Right on, UnTainted! The only thing I have to add is that a 9mm P229 is a superb choice.

 

[wditto]

turn 21 , get a G21....

 

[sparkyguy]

I love that. OP states Colt 1911 as one option and "Please don't suggest other brands for the 1911 bit", what does first responder post?

Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911!!!

Unbelievable. Anyway....I say go with your 1911.

 

[Flyfishtom]

21

I would certainly go with all metal and it would be 9mm or above. If you can shoot and plan to practice then a .45 acp will be great. Somewhere down the line you will own a SIG (took me 69 years) and then look out!