An elegant weapon for a more civilized age...

[JeeperCreeper]

So I have the bug again for a new handgun. I'm thinking auto and not a revolver. Basically, I have all my "needs" met as far as function, but want a more "pleasure" handgun of sorts... something like a classic car to take for a gentle cruise on sunday evenings.

I'm looking for a modern classic or even a regular classic. I'm thinking along the lines of a 1911 or a CZ75. Maybe a Beretta 92. Maybe an old Sig P series. Maybe even a Star Model B or Makarov.

Not sure. So what do you guys think is a good handgun that will bring a smile to my face and never go out of style?? Maybe something around $500

 

[GooseGestapo]

Ruger RS-6". Early Model Ruger Mk 22lr. Sleek, accurate, functional.
Though I prefer a K-22 myself. None more elegant than these. Except a Early K-38.

 

[jamesjames]

Colt 1911 gov't model. Get one of them through the CMP when the government gets around to releasing them. A piece of history. No bells and whistles. No nonsense. Honest wear around the edges.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

500 bucks ain't going far in the Colt 1911world.

A Ruger MK isn't a bad suggestion. 500 bucks will get you one of the more rare and desirable models like a Government Model or a 10 incher.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Yeah I didn't think about a .22... I'm really going to now.

And I don't really want a Colt. I'm fine with a clone of any sort... more want the style to shoot it and enjoy it than worry about legitimacy

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For a fun gun just to enjoy I would look at either the Ruger Mark IV or the S&W SW22 Victory pistols. I have not shot the Ruger yet but I hear it's great. I have shot the SW22 Victory and I like it a lot. The SW22 lists for $409 and the Mark IV lists for $449 so both are well within your budget.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have shot a new Ruger MKIV.... Horrible trigger out of these box. Much worse than any of the prior generations. I put a VQ trigger kit in it to remedy that problem....The gun feels more hefty due to it's machined grip frame compared to the stamped frame of the earlier models.

 

[Danoobie]

So I have the bug again for a new handgun. I'm thinking auto and not a revolver. Basically, I have all my "needs" met as far as function, but want a more "pleasure" handgun of sorts... something like a classic car to take for a gentle cruise on sunday evenings.

I'm looking for a modern classic or even a regular classic. I'm thinking along the lines of a 1911 or a CZ75. Maybe a Beretta 92. Maybe an old Sig P series. Maybe even a Star Model B or Makarov.

Not sure. So what do you guys think is a good handgun that will bring a smile to my face and never go out of style?? Maybe something around $500

I've always enjoyed my Beretta 92s. So nice, I literally bought it twice.
Although I have to agree about the Ruger MK series. With a 7" bull barrel,
scoped, 50 yard accuracy is not only tenable, it's expected. With the added joy of 22LR economy.

 

[drk1]

As others have mentioned, $500 won't get you very far, but if you're really after "elegant" as you mention in your title, you should consider one of the Cabot models. Yes, not many folks have heard of them, but the seem to be doing pretty well. Check out Cabotgun.com. I'm not connected or related in any way, but after almost 60 years of looking, I've never seen any finer! Best of luck on your search.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

It's quite a bit under 500 dollars, but I love my CZ-82. I find I can shoot smaller groups easier with it than I can any other auto-loader I have ever fired. The break down, the fix barrel, and most importantly the point are not matched by any other firearm. When I let my tacktical friends shoot it, they shoot it better than they do their pricey firearms they hand it back and smile at me almost as if they're ashamed.

Don't forget the Czecks were the first to attempt a rebelious break from the Soviet Union.

All I'm asking is that you consider one.

 

[bannockburn]

For the most part Ruger Mk.IIs, like the 5 1/2" bull barrel model, make for pretty decent shooters right out of the box. Always had good, quality performance from all of the Star pistols I have owned though spare parts and magazines may be a little problematic. RIA makes a nice 1911 for the money as well.

 

[drband]

Browning Hipower.
You'll have to look for one in your price range, but it will be worth it in the long run. They can be made into great shooters for little money.

NOTHING feels or points like a Hipower!

 

[Spats McGee]

When I hear "An elegant weapon for a more civilized age . . . ," there are a handful of weapons that come to mind:
1. Lightsaber (obviously);
2. Browning Hi-Power;
3. 1911;
4. CZ 75 of some kind; and
5. Something full sized and steel from Sig Sauer.

In full disclosure, I don't claim full, operator-level knowledge of any of the above, so I can't attest to how they shoot. In fact, the only ones of the above that I've ever shot were 1911s and a CZ 75 Compact.

 

[Balrog]

I think a 5" blued Colt Series 70 1911, with no ugly light rail and no front slide serrations is the answer to this question.

 

[Armored farmer]

. So what do you guys think is a good handgun that will bring a smile to my face and never go out of style?? Maybe something around $500

(And I don't really want a Colt. I'm fine with a clone of any sort... more want the style to shoot it and enjoy it than worry about legitimacy)


How about an 1873 SAA.?
Vaquero? Uberti Cattleman?
A real big bore boomer, and .45colt is fun to reload in a wide range of possibilities,...including black powder.

 

[Kookla]

I'll echo some of the recommendations for a Ruger Mk .22. Personally I like the ones with the tapered target barrels, but the bull barrels are nice too.

 

[John Joseph]

Shooting .22lr, a S&W Model 41, High Standard or Colt Woodsman would fill the bill---a little more elegant than Rugers, but there is a classic elegance to Rugers as well.
The 1911, the way JM Browning envisioned them, aren't elegant---they're street brawlers. An elegant 1911 would have to be something aolng the lines of a National Match Gold Cup.
You might consider a Lahti, SIG 210, or a Radom for continental elegance---and of course the Browning HP.

 

[Blkhrt13]

I got a 92s for three bills. Predecessor to the 92fs. Then you have about 2 bills left for ammo to burn.

 

[everydefense]

...want a more "pleasure" handgun of sorts... something like a classic car to take for a gentle cruise on sunday evenings.

I'm looking for a modern classic or even a regular classic. I'm thinking along the lines of a 1911 or a CZ75.

Not sure. So what do you guys think is a good handgun that will bring a smile to my face and never go out of style?? Maybe something around $500

Sounds like a CZ 75 would fit the bill nicely (though most new CZs are $500-575 around here, rather than $500 or below... I wouldn't be scared of buying a gently used one, though). If you're not planning on carrying it, the all-steel full-sized B model soaks up recoil nicely at the range. That comes with a traditional safety, but if you prefer decockers, look for the BD model.

If you want to carry, the compact models are great, too. The C (compact) is also steel-framed but a bit smaller, and comes with a traditional safety... some say this is a bit heavy for carry but would still make for fun at the range. My own personal choice is the alloy-framed D compact, also known as the "PCR"- similar dimensions to the other compact, but it's lighter and has a decocker. Despite its lighter weight, mine is extremely accurate and fun to shoot. None of the above have an accessory rail, so if you want that, get a P-01.

All of these CZs have legendary ergonomics and I've never owned one that didn't go bang every time (I'm always surprised when I hear of rare lemons). People's biggest complaint about CZs are usually the heavy double-action trigger, but if that bothers you too much, you can always drop in a lighter spring kit provided by Cajun Gun Works, CZ Custom, etc...

Hope that helped rather than confuse, haha.

 

[pauli]

Classic autoloader for gentle use? Never go out of style? BHP, SIG P210, and Luger jump to mind. Might not match well with that budget, though...

 

[Armored farmer]

(And I don't really want a Colt. I'm fine with a clone of any sort... more want the style to shoot it and enjoy it than worry about legitimacy)


How about an 1873 SAA.?
Vaquero? Uberti Cattleman?
A real big bore boomer, and .45colt is fun to reload in a wide range of possibilities,...including black powder.

My bad....
I misread the part about wanting an autoloader....

I second the Ruger MK suggestions:

 

[Sunray]

"...go out of style..." Handguns do not "go out of style". They are not shoes.
As mentioned, $500 isn't going to go far. Even a Makarov is going to run $400. Anyway, the thing must fit your hand. You need to try a bunch on for size first.

 

[usp9]

Elegant and stylish...

Sig P230/232
Beretta 81/84/85
Beretta 92
Walther PPK
Walther PP
Colt Woodsman
... many others. these are some of my favorites.

 

[FL-NC]

For $500 you will be in the used market. For single action, maybe a BHP or Remington or Springfield 1911. Or a Sig 226 or 228 if DA/SA is your style. Or even an older S&W.

 

[JONWILL]

Sounds like a CZ 75 would fit the bill nicely (though most new CZs are $500-575 around here, rather than $500 or below... I wouldn't be scared of buying a gently used one, though). If you're not planning on carrying it, the all-steel full-sized B model soaks up recoil nicely at the range. That comes with a traditional safety, but if you prefer decockers, look for the BD model.

If you want to carry, the compact models are great, too. The C (compact) is also steel-framed but a bit smaller, and comes with a traditional safety... some say this is a bit heavy for carry but would still make for fun at the range. My own personal choice is the alloy-framed D compact, also known as the "PCR"- similar dimensions to the other compact, but it's lighter and has a decocker. Despite its lighter weight, mine is extremely accurate and fun to shoot. None of the above have an accessory rail, so if you want that, get a P-01.

All of these CZs have legendary ergonomics and I've never owned one that didn't go bang every time (I'm always surprised when I hear of rare lemons). People's biggest complaint about CZs are usually the heavy double-action trigger, but if that bothers you too much, you can always drop in a lighter spring kit provided by Cajun Gun Works, CZ Custom, etc...

Hope that helped rather than confuse, haha.

I agree. You can get decent used ones for under $400 from CDI Sales. I have gotten several and they have all been excellent shooters.

I Duracoat myself. No too bad to takedown and refinish yourself.