Convert: Helping pick the piece

[Michael_2112]

Hello Everyone,

I recently got the bass player in my band to the range. He really loves shooting, who would have thought it?

Well after several range sessions he has decided that he is ready to purchase his first pistol. He really enjoys shooting my SA Loaded, loves my CZ-75B, loves the BHP as well. He is looking for a pistol capable of performing many different roles because this will be the only pistol he purchases for a while. I told him once he gets one, many more are sure to follow him home, but then I said the same thing when I bought my first pistol as well.

He is looking for something fun to shoot at the range, something he can use as a HD pistol, and something he could easily CCW (in the future, after getting some formal training) as well. So fullsize pistols are out for CCW purposes. Subcompacts are out for shooting a lot at the range. I always carry Condition 1, but he is very uncomfortable with it. I have tried to explain the mechanics of it, but the way I look at it....he needs to be comfortable with what he chooses.

My suggestion for him was the CZ P-01 but I'm looking for a few more opinions here on the board.

So here are the requirements:

He is looking for either a 9mm or .45 (after only a few range sessions he seems to prefer the latter from the big grin on his face.)
DA/SA
Decocker
Manual Safety
Big enough to shoot a lot at the range comfortably.
Small enough to conceal easily.
Not to exceed the $600.00 price point.

So what do you all suggest in 9mm as well as in .45?

I want to try and get him to a range that rents a lot of different pistol's to see what fits him best. I know that it is hard to suggest something over the internet, because what is good for you, or me....doesnt mean it would be good for him. If it was up to me it would probably be a commander sized 1911 or BHP, but he has no interested in a SA pistol at this time. I'm sure he will get one of those in the near future anyway.

Thanks everyone for your time, I certainly appreciate it and look forward to your responses,

~Michael

 

[Bren]

I think the PCR or P01 is a good choice and 9mm is much cheaper and easier to shoot for a new shooter.

Some may say "get a wheel gun" but I'll bet he shoots autos better for now.

He could get a larger or smaller gun later to fill the nich of either roll. Bren

 

[Michael_2112]

The P-01 or PCR was what I suggested first as well. I think it is a great choice.

He is not interested in a revolver, and honestly I think starting with an auto is fine. The way I look at it...he will shoot more if he gets something he really wants (an autoloader in this case) rather then something he has little interest in (a revolver.)

Thanks for the quick response and keep them coming,

~Michael

 

[arinvolvo]

Hmm...Have you let him shoot a 40 caliber? That might make him grin also.

Maybe a Steyr S-40...or M40...in 40 caliber....the S is compact, and the M is medium build....both are excellent shooters for the range....Both have glock-like safety triggers, but with the addition of a manual safety also.

And due to the design, they are very mild when it come to recoil. The 40 caliber steyrs recoil like 9mm...which might be good for a new handgunner, who wants to also use it for HD.

They are also available in 9mm...both the compact and the medium...and all four guns can be had for less than 400....more in the range of 300-350.

CDNN has some of the steyr models for 299.

Isnt it fun helping a friend pick a gun?

 

[Michael_2112]

He has not shot a .40 yet....maybe he can give my XD-40 a try next time we go to the range. It's kinda funny...he calls me up and asks me if I want to go to the range, when usually it should be the other way around. I actually didnt even think about the possibility of a Steyr. I wonder if I can find a range that has an M40 he can rent. So how is the Steyr Reset-Action Trigger System? I'm not really that familiar with it.

Yes it is indeed fun helping a friend pick out a pistol. The thing is though, that it might just cause me to bring something new home as well. I'm starting to feel like that will be the case. That's not such a bad problem.

~Michael

 

[arinvolvo]

Mike, the reset action trigger is fairly similar to the glock design wit the addition of an external safety...the feel of the tigger however, puts glock to shame....it is short, and crisp in comparison. I have never gotten over the mushy feel of the glock trigger...

A guy named Wilhelm was the designer, and was a former employee/designer at glock...he defected and went over to Steyr.

That is my job here at THR...to make sure no one ever forgets Steyr as an affordable, reliable, and accurate choice.

Finding local dealers is always the problem though...I was lucky enough to have a dealer in my town, that not only rents them, but also sells them....I admit however, that i never shot one of their rentals before I bought mine...I just loved the way it felt.

 

[Michael_2112]

Is anyone here familiar with the FN Hi-Power Compact in DA/SA with the ambi decocker? Like the one on page 3 of the latest CDNN catalog. Honestly, I think the whole concept of a HP in anything but a SA is kind of a little strange. This however, might also be a good option for my friend who likes my BHP, but doesnt really want a SA pistol.

Opinions and experience's on this pistol would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,
~Michael

 

[Michael_2112]

I think that a Steyr might be creeping onto my shortlist of new pistols to purchase. The Steyr M357Sig sure looks like it would be a lot of fun. Arin, thanks a lot for your time as well as all the info, it is certainly appreciated.

~Michael

 

[arinvolvo]

Mike, I cant vouch for the 357 Steyr...I have never shot one...I do however have a lot of experince with the 9mm and the 40, and I and my brother own both respectively.

If you do decide on picking up a 357 model, I would be very interested in a range report....I have been interested in these ever since i fell in love with my M9, yet none of the local dealers sell, or rent them.

As for your appreciation, you are very welcome....I have very limited handgun experience, but the experience I DO have, I will gladly pass along to others.

Helping friends pick guns is the greatest....I recently turned a friend of mine on to a like new used Beretta brigadeer stainless ($399), that he is absolutely in love with, and that I am jealous of.

 

[firestar]

This seems to be a common type of gun that people are wanting now. It seems that people are looking for a gun that is easy, accurate and fun to shoot while at the same time being large enough to handle a "real" caliber and small and light enough to be easily carried concealed. It is sort of the mid-frame gun. I would describe it as: 9mm-.45acp cal, at least 10 round capacity, small and light enough to carry but large enough to feel like you have control when shooting.

I'm not sure that the gun exists yet. It seems that the Kel-Tec P-11 is almost perfect in design but the quality is just not there.

My friend is in the same boat. He was looking at Kel-Tecs and the Taurus Millenium but he is not quite happy with the quality of those guns. The CZ P01 and PCR are nice guns but they are a lot bigger and heavier which makes them harder to carry. If the Kahr P-9 came in a slightly fatter frame that held 10 rounds, I think it would fit the bill for most shooters. I think it could be a semi-staggered mag and wouldn't add too much to the width of the grip. Even if it did, it would still be confortable as the single stack grip is almost too thin for most people.

 

[Michael_2112]

Firestar,
I totally agree that it seems to be a common type of gun that people are wanting now. I am really kinda suprised that the gun industry isnt all over it. The CZ P-01 was as close as I initially could suggest to him...with keeping as many of his requirements in mind. I also agree the P-01 is a touch on the big and heavy side. I at least feel confident that he will thoroughly enjoy the CZ, and I know it is of good quality and priced well. I think it is a lot of gun for the money.


~Michael

 

[Selfdfenz]

P.......C.......R

S........-

 

[Boats]

Beretta 8045:

>$600
Decocker/Manual Safety
8+1 .45ACP
Reliable
Large enough for the range, but not impossible to conceal.
Decent range of holsters
Italian panache, (BUSA doesn't make it, it's imported).

Fills the bill presented here without having to go to the "compromise caliber."

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

NO manual safety; but the gun you are describing
seems to be a SIG-Sauer P245. While its
smaller than its big-brother the P220; its capable
of some good range work, and would double quite
nicely as a CCW piece. With three (3) passive saftey's,
there is NO need for the manual safety; and it has
a decocking lever as well.

Safety Note: NEVER lower the hammer on a SIG by pulling the triigger, while lowering the hammer with your thumb!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[firestar]

Michael_2112,
I'm sure the CZ-P01 or PCR is a great weapon but everybody's idea of "easily concealed" is different. It depends on your body size and personal preferences on how big a handgun one can conceal. For me, I want it as small and light as possible but I would rather have a thin, heavy gun than a thick, light gun.

I'm surprised as well that the gun companies aren't all over this idea. With hi-caps being banned it seems like there would be more guns coming out that were compact and designed from the get-go as a 10 round gun. Just chopping and bobbing a full size pistol doesn't cut for me because it leaves the gun way too fast most of the time. Look at the Glock 26/27 to see what I mean.

I would like to see a double stack Kahr P-9 or a slimer Glock 26 type pistol. The Kel-Tec P-11 is really close to what I think would make a great carry gun.

 

[RepublicanMan]

Range Note

Depending on where you are in PA I know of a range that rents and sales a variety of pistols, indoor range. It's located in Montgomeryville, called Target World. (May also be a Chalfont address, not real sure)

 

[Pheonix]

Why would a subcompact not be good for long shooting sessions? I have never had a problem.

 

[axeman_g]

BHP

FN BHP in 9mm. Pride of ownership, cheap mags, cheap ammo, simple use, accesories etc etc etc.

I have one of the SFS Police Models. It works the opposite of a decocker and has a cocker. You rack slide, then simply push trigger forward to disengage trigger. To fire simply hit cocker like you would a decocker and rock and roll.

I love mine, very accurate. Cheap price now also for a BHP, great quality. On the page next to the Compact in the CDNN catalog.

 

[TheMariner]

CZ-75 comes in .40S&W, so mayeb that could solve things right there...
otherwise, Springfield 1911 or (Yes there is not manual safety or than the trigger lock) a P99 in .40S&W or 9mm... Love mine... I'd love a .45 but too much recoil for me to do one-handed....

 

[12 Volt Man]

If he needs a decocker like you mentioned originally. I will second, third, or fourth the P-01 or PCR. Totally reliable, accurate and classic looking. Although rare, you can find high caps for them, and you can get a killer holster for concealment from Eric (PCRCCW).

 

[Berg01]

For guns that meet all of your criteria, try the Smith & Wesson 908 (matt finish) 908s (stainless), in 9mm, or the Smith & Wesson 457 in .45 ACP