Best Pistol for $800 or Less... Thoughts Wanted

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FTSESQ

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Hi all. I have a question for the great minds of THR. I'm trying to help the kid at work choose his first pistol for HD and target practice, but I thought a few other ideas couldn't hurt. So far he has taken an intro/ basic pistol class at the range and second class that is a little more advanced. He is a quick learner and shoots well with many pistols. He has rented a bunch of guns, shot a few of mine and a few other members guns, and so far has boiled it down to the following criteria:

1. medium to full size auto
2. caliber 45 ACP or 9mm
3. has a hammer
4. has a manual safety or decocker
5. Has to be under $800

His top choices so far are the SIG 229, Browning HP, The 1911, 1911 in 9mm, and HK USP 45 or USP 9. I recommended the Glock 19 because he shot it well, its uber reliable, and is half of what he is willing to spend, but he didn't like it. So any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you
 
I'd go with the Sig 226. You can buy a lot of pistol for $800. The 226 in 9mm is a fantastic shooter (arguably the best). It's ridiculously accurate, dang near indestructible, has a good weight that will more than handle the 9mm cartridge, and they hold their value very well. Probably my second choice for 9mm would be the Beretta 92FS or 90-Two. Both can be had for your price range and both are very close in quality to the Sig.

-Marcos

P.S. If he's wanting to go a lot of target practice then I'd steer clear of the .45's. 9mm is a common round that can be found at some VERY low prices. It'll be much cheaper for him to shoot and therefore I would imagine he'd do more shooting (always a plus). And contrary to myth, a 9mm really does hurt if you get shot with it.
 
FNP 45 or 9mm your choice, they even come in a version with both a manual safety and a decocker.
 
Have him hold a CZ75, it's like a HiPower, but with more options in how to store and carry it.
 
If I were going metal-framed, a SIG 229R Elite Stainless. You can find them used (barely) under $800 if you shop carefully.

Polymer-framed, I still love the XDm in 9mm, but as that is similar to the Glock, and is striker-fired, I would then defer to the USP, although I would select numerous striker-fired pistols over it if purchasing with my dollar.
 
Thanks guys, Keep em coming. The CZ75 is a great idea as is the 226. He didn't like the 92fs/m9. But I think that 9mm would be good because its cheaper, so hopefully he will shoot more, but I gotta say, he is a scary accurate shot with almost anything he picks up. Puts me to shame with my own guns... dang old eyes. Yeah, thats it. Im blaming my old eyes. :)
 
Sig 226 or CZ-75, with a preference to the latter. It's less money too.

The 1911 is a great gun, but I can't recommend it for a relatively new shooter for many reasons. Chief among them is ammo cost and availability. Reloaded .45 costs more than factory new 9mm, unless you are going to cast your own bullets and can get free lead somewhere. It's also rather unforgiving of user error.
 
Two used Glock 19s. If he shoots it accurately, his search is over. Tell him not to be bull headed about what he shoots well :).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr
 
i was also thinking that berretta 92, as well, though i prefer the taurus pt 92 model better, that would leave money left over for ammo and gear. spending some of that money on training wouldn't be a bad idea either.
 
Nuttin' wrong with a P229R, but for less money, if he can stand the size, and it fits his hand, he might want to eye the SIG SP2022? $495 at the local shop with 2 mags and night sights.

I kinda like the HK USPC also-'bout the only HK that fits my hand-most of those HKs are freakin' huge!

EDIT: Fergot to add, as usual, there is no "best"...
 
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cz82 mil surp a really nice gun that has a great trigger and is accurate holds a 12 rd mag caliber is 9 makarov if you cant get it done with 12 rds of 9 makarov you really should not be operating a pistol. price 220 at the wholesalers at this time. that leave a ton for ammo
 
Ok, that's like me sayin' I took 2 race classes and want a car with a V6 or a V8, for less than 60K. And you suggest a Civic. :)
 
So long as you're still shopping, you might add the CZ P-01 to the list, since it fits the criteria.
 
SIG P226 has no external safety, CZ 75B or SP-01 good choice. Beretta 92FS great choice, personally I would get the SIG P226 and use the external safety between your ears. If this is your first pistol I would recommend starting with a .22lr like a CZ Kadet or a Beretta 87 Target. On second thought get a CZ 75 and the Kadet conversion slide to shoot both 9mm and .22 total shold be near your price point.
 
if he wants a new in the box gun for under $800.00 that has all the features that you have stated, i would consider the following firearms

CZ 75B
CZ P01
Berretta 92
Springfield GI 1911
Springfield mil spec 1911 (this may be close to or above his price ceiling)
Sig 2022

these should all be attainable at or below his price cap NIB.

if he were to purchase used, his options would include all of the above and the following

Browning Hi power
Various 1911's, Colt, Kimber, Springfield, etc.
Sig P226, 229, 220
HK USP, USP Compact

IMHO, there are NO bad choices in this selection, or any of the other posts. they'll all work provided he does his part.
 
Police trade 92FS and police trade Sig P226.

92FS @ $350-375 and P226 @ $450.

Now you have two of the finest 9mm ever made.

YMMV.

Lumbergh
 
huntsman said:
I would buy a 3rd gen S&W a case of ammo and a holster.
Click to expand...
I still stand by my preferences (for me personally, at least) listed in my previous post, but this is an excellent idea.

If you have a tight budget for a firearm, and you come in right at that on your purchase, it's tough to shell out another 75-100+ dollars on a quality holster and then even more on cartridges.


The Smiths are fine hammer-fired pistols, and would leave room for a quality holster and practice rounds. 9mm is what, under $10 a box for Federal at WalMart or $12 for Monarch at Academy?
 
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