Best pistol in $500-$900 range?

[Cousin Mike]

I'm in the market for a new pistol soon, as I've decided to get myself a gift this holiday season. Recently deciding to hold off on purchasing a NIB Desert Eagle .44, I've decided to possibly go for a nice little deal on an AK47 I found, which could save me about $900+ for another pistol.

I would prefer something chambered in .45, and preferrably not another 1911 design, but I'm open to all make/model/platform suggestions. I would also prefer not to have anything smaller than .357 mag - I am skeptical of the .357sig round for some odd reason - please let me know if I shouldnt be.

Thanks to all in advance!

Cuz'n Mike

 

[2k5Adam]

HK USP/USP Compact in .45 or .40

 

[Black Majik]

SIG P220 ST

 

[gudel]

I bought a NIB P220ST, problem out of the box.

go with HK. bought 3 NIB so far, none ever had a problem out of the box.

 

[jeepmor]

I'd buy a 10mm

The 10mm seems to be a good powerful pistol that has higher pressure specs than the 45ACP's, which means bigger bullets, moving faster.....cool

Plus, they are relatively rare and well revered. Did I say they go bang real well too...

 

[otomik]

Beretta 96 Steel-I
http://www.beretta.com/index.aspx?m=74&idc=2&ids=30

 

[Cousin Mike]

Really cool suggestions so far from everyone. I've looked at all specific pistols mentioned, and I really like everything you guys have recommended. Glad I have a little while to make this decision... This is going to be a tough choice. Need to look up 10mm ballistics also

Keep 'em comin!

 

[Ala Dan]

How 'bout a stainless SIG P220~?

 

[max popenker]

CZ-97. 10 rounds o'45, all-steel and DA/SA....

 

[dcm]

SIG P220

I would recommend a SIG P220, Stainless or standard. I understand that SIG is coming out with a newer stainless model soon. It is to be lighter.

Anyway, if you decided that you wanted some more horsepower then .400 CorBon barrels are available for the P220 for $200.00. Just thought.

FWIW and respectfully submitted.

 

[Unisaw]

HK USP 45 Compact: utterly reliable, ability to carry in condition 1, lightweight, good ergonomics (YMMV), and accurate.

 

[BryanP]

I will join the chorus of SIG P220 owners. I prefer the classic blued model, not stainless, but that's a matter of personal preference.

 

[atblis]

Find a range that rents guns and shoot them first

I've got two 10mm's and My dad now has one. They are fun fun fun.

Check out this thread

http://p201.ezboard.com/fczechpistols82792frm35.showMessage?topicID=1553.topic

The Sig 220 did not agree with me at all. The trigger pull is way too short. Shoot guns before you buy them.

The CZ97B is a very fun range toy.

You might consider a Witness Match in 10mm (or 45). 10mm is a hoot to shoot and I would not overlook it. Ammo can be had from Georgia Arms for 9.50 per box.

 

[otomik]

I would recommend a SIG P220, Stainless or standard. I understand that SIG is coming out with a newer stainless model soon. It is to be lighter.

I'm intrigued, you must tell me where you heard this, just in time for the Joint Combat Pistol program.

 

[boofus]

The H&K USP Tactical in .45acp is a nice one. The adjustable match trigger on the Tacticals are worlds better than the standard USP triggers. My only gripe is the black on black target sights. I'd much rather have 3-dots.

 

[PCRCCW]

Ok..........nice suggestions so far and will follow suit. Hey, Im not a sheep..just have good taste

1) Sig 220 ST
2) CZ 97B
3) HK USP

You have the gambit for price also...........Sig/HK for around 6-700$ if you look around and the CZ for less.....

shoot well.

 

[George Hill]

Ok..........nice suggestions so far and will follow suit. Hey, Im not a sheep..just have good taste

1) Sig 220 ST
2) CZ 97B
3) HK USP

You have the gambit for price also...........Sig/HK for around 6-700$ if you look around and the CZ for less.....

shoot well.

DITTO.

 

[Cousin Mike]

I gotta admit...

...The Sig220 is a pretty little thing. Lots of different finishes I like as well. Any suggestions on accessories? I like the CTC Laser grips.

As for H&K pistols, it's been next to impossible to find any accessories for them. The only models I really like the look of is the Mark 23, with it's whopping $2500 price tag, and the USP Elite for around $1400.

I've never liked the look of the CZ for whatever reason, and I'm reluctant about things I've only heard about for the last 5 years or so. If the CZ is in fact a combat proven pistol, I'd like to know, as that could change my mind about them.

Sig is in the lead - I'm surprised I haven't heard from any Glock owners yet.

Thanks everyone, and keep 'em comin

 

[cslinger]

..........anybody mention a SIG P220 yet.

 

[waterhouse]

The H&K USP Tactical in .45acp is a nice one. The adjustable match trigger on the Tacticals are worlds better than the standard USP triggers. My only gripe is the black on black target sights. I'd much rather have 3-dots.

I also disliked the black on black. Bright orange model paint on the front sight fixed the problem.

My 220 feels better when I pick it up, but I got an HK tactical a few months ago to suppress, and it's a hell of a gun. They are both great guns, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The .357 SIG round can be loaded to perform just like a .357 Magnum round.

There are a number of guns in the $500-$900 range. It really depends on how you're going to use it...

 

[coylh]

Glock 38.

 

[10-Ring]

HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK

Go w/ the USP 45 or variant thereof...Expert, Elite, Tactical etc., you won't regret it!

OOOPS, I guess I should keep it closer to your budget. So maybe the USP 45 or USPc 45

 

[MarshallDodge]

My favorites in order:

Series 1 Kimber Target or Loaded Springfield 1911 with a good trigger job.

Sig P226 or P220.

I don't care for the feel of a Polymer framed gun and I would recommend shooting a gun before buying it.

 

[coylh]

S&W Schofield revolver.

Ruger Bisley .45

American Derringer Model 4 Engraved Series

RPM XL (in .45-70)

American Pistol Kit (http://www.possibleshop.com/pistol-kit.htm)