Cleaned Out Some Guns, What To Buy Now?

[Olympus]

I set up at a gun show this weekend and it was probably the best show I've ever had. I sold a lot of guns, a lot of brass, a lot of old holsters I had laying around, and a lot of other odds and ins. I ended up selling off quite a few of my cheaper guns (ie Taurus and RIA) and I'd really like to start replacing them with mid-range/mid-value guns.

The problem is, I don't really know what all I want to replace them with. I sold one full size 1911 in .45 and I'm fairly certain that I'd like to replace it with another 1911 except in 9mm. Doesn't necessarily have to be brand new. I'm thinking possibly a nice Springfield Loaded Target in 9mm or Kimber Custom Target 9mm. Any other suggestions?

I also sold one of my least used CCW options so I'd thinking about possibly replacing it. I was able to get my hands on a recent production S&W 360 with the scandium frame. And while I never had any interest in J-Frame Smiths, this one simply blew me away at how light it was. I'm really enamored with this gun for some reason. Maybe it's just a temporary fad for me, but seems like nothing in the CCW arena has really "spoken" to me like this gun did in a LONG time.

But other than those two options, I'm really option to suggestions. We're talking a max budget of $2800-$2900. Kind in mind, I'm not looking to blow my whole budget on one ultra high end gun (I'm currently having a Fusion 10mm built, so I don't want to spend more money on another high end pistol). I have ZERO interest in suggestions like "Buy a Rock Island and spend the rest on ammo". I'd like to get as much out of my budget as possible. So, 1-2-3 let's have it!

 

[rklessdriver]

SA makes a good pistol. I've never owned a bad one.

Kimber can make a good pistol but unfortunatly mine fell way short of "good" and I will never recomend anyone else buy a Kimber.

The SA Loaded 9mm stainless is just under 1K from what I've seen at local gun shows. One should make a great gun for you. Other options would be a step up or down in quality like one of the Smith and Wessons or Dan Wesson PM9.... both would be quite a bit more $$$. A RIA would be a step down and a few hundred less.

Talo had COLT build a few 9mm Govts (model 01992) this year but it's a pretty basic pistol and may not what your looking for.

On the 360PD. It is a light carry gun but be warned that shooting it with real .357 or even .38+P loads it kicks pretty hard and spits fire like a dragon.

For the rest of your collection you couldn't go wrong with a few nice shooter grade S&W or COLT revolvers, which is where I spend my $$$ these days.
Will

 

[Olympus]

Since I've sold most of my cheaper guns, I'd really like to stay in the $700 to $900ish range. In my mind, these are still nice, respectable guns that I wouldn't care to shoot the snot out of and enjoy. I'd don't really want to spend more than $1000 on any one gun.

 

[Furncliff]

Research the Sig 1911-9mm Match Elite if you like stainless.

 

[JRs12Valve]

I heard that the Springfield Armory Range Officer is a heck of a shooter.

A nice Arsenal milled receiver AK

An AR of some decent variety, Colt, Windham, POF, etc.

Every man needs a single action, be it an Uberti replica or a Colt.

A sharps rifle of some sort, or an Uberti 1860 Henry in .45 Colt.

Just some suggestions.

 

[Skylerbone]

A Sig 226 X-5 would be high on my personal list as would the BHP for a 9mm chambering, though both will exceed (slightly) your $1,000/pistol budget.

For CCW options, a Kahr K-Series (mine is great) or the Springfield EMP would be the forerunners. You might get 3 of these 4 given your total budget.

 

[Apple a Day]

If you want a 1911-ish gun in 9mm try the CZ-75. You get a lot for your money.

 

[Olympus]

Already have a BHP. And I think the X5 is out of my range.

 

[Skylerbone]

$1,150 for the Sig, $700 for the Kahr and $1,050 for the Springfield...the first two are in stock at Buds as we type.

Maybe a Warner True Radius ignition set for the HP and think on it? I'm always hesitant to recommend true 1911s in 9mm, even to guys well acquainted with the platform (as I know you are).

 

[DNS]

Since your a 360 fan you might want to take a look at the Ruger LCR too. As soon as I picked one up I was hooked and I really thought I was through buying. You can even get the .22 version for cheap practice.

 

[Olympus]

Since your a 360 fan you might want to take a look at the Ruger LCR too. As soon as I picked one up I was hooked and I really thought I was through buying. You can even get the .22 version for cheap practice.

Can't stand that gun. Sorry to those that have one and like it.

 

[tarosean]

Sti 2011

 

[Life During Wartime]

For the 9mm 1911 how about a para ordance p18*9, 18 rounds of 9mm double stack mag

 

[Olympus]

I'm not a huge fan of the Para guns. I'm going to keep an eye out for a used Kimber, STI, or Springfield in 9mm.

 

[CopperFouling]

A Dan Wesson, perhaps? The Pointman, if I recall correctly, is a 9mm. Or you could step up to the 10mm. Then you could put some of those super-sweet desert ironwood grips (from the link in your profile) on it.

 

[italianbreadman]

That Springfield Loaded is a nice-looking gun. I'd get the Springfield over the Kimber.

I'd also second that CZ 75 suggestion, though it's more similar to a Hi-Power, which you said you have.

Those lightweight Smiths have been calling out to me, too. My problem with those, though, is that S&W makes SO MANY different models that seem to be nearly identical. It doesn't help that S&W doesn't list heights for any of their handguns on their website.

I guess if you're looking for .357 capability, that number shrinks dramatically, though. Maybe check the 340 hammerless if this is intended for concealed carry?

 

[Olympus]

A Dan Wesson, perhaps? The Pointman, if I recall correctly, is a 9mm. Or you could step up to the 10mm. Then you could put some of those super-sweet desert ironwood grips (from the link in your profile) on it.

I already have 2 Dan Wesson 10mms. I'd love to add a PM-9, but those are selling for about $1500 used. That's just a little more than I wanted to spend on one gun. They are certainly nice though.

 

[CopperFouling]

I already have 2 Dan Wesson 10mms.

I'm jealous. I've always wanted one of those.

I'd love to add a PM-9, but those are selling for about $1500 used. That's just a little more than I wanted to spend on one gun.

This can't help you now, but there was one NIB at my LGS for $1300 about two months ago. I had to decide between it and a Valor, which is why I remember the price. DW has been producing new firearms for a little while, so you might find one at a decent price soon.

By the way, aren't you in Missouri?

 

[Olympus]

Yes, I'm in Missouri.

 

[Olympus]

Also thinking about either a 9mm compact 1911 or 9mm CCO as well.

 

[tuj]

How about a Sig210? Great target 9mm.

 

[italianbreadman]

I think everyone who has the money for it should get an H&K P7M8.

 

[orionengnr]

Compact 9mm 1911...have you looked at the Springfield EMP?
Although I did not have the best experience with mine, that was when they first came out (I had s/n 1073). I'm sure they work to perfection these days...and they are truly a jewel.

If you are in the market for a carry 1911, I am a big fan of the Commander-sized Scandium S&W 1911s, especially the E-series with the bobtail. New is around $1200, but I've seen one or two used ones for a bit less. If you want to save a few bucks, the GunSite edition is essentially the same gun minus bobtail. They have been around a while and I've seen them go for $750-800.