Favorite Autoloader, $500-$1000

[Atom Smasher]

So I want to purchase my buddy (who's done a lot of work for me) a handgun to thank him for the work he's done. I want to spend between $500 and $1000, so I have a lot of room to work with. He's interested in IDPA, so something practical for that, although I think that most guns in the price range will be okay stock for IDPA. I just wanted to hear people's favorite guns, mainly just an excuse to list out your favorite mid-price-point autoloaders!

I'm leaning towards getting him a Browning Hi-Power 9mm, just for ammo cost and it's a gorgeous gun, although there are some Sig pistols I was looking at too. Thoughts, THR?

 

[ku4hx]

I was going to say Hi-Power until I got to the IDPA part. My "T" series BHP has a magazine safety and that means magazines don't drop free. IDPA rules specifically disallow disconnecting or disabling any safety device. So I can't remove it or prevent its action and remain legal.

I shoot IDPA with a Glock 20. Big heavy gun with little recoil with the right 180 grain load. I've also used my G17 and G19 with good success, but there are many other makes and models in your price range that work well too.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

IDPA SSP div? Either a Glock 34 or M&P9 pro series. There's others, but these are by far the most popular.

 

[allaroundhunter]

IDPA SSP div? Either a Glock 34 or M&P9 pro series. There's others, but these are by far the most popular.

+1

He would be most pleased with either of these great handguns.

 

[Blue68f100]

You need to check the handgun laws for your state...

 

[gearhead]

FNP-45. Not sure if the Tactical is IPDA legal but that would be my recommendation.

 

[1SOW]

If he likes steel guns, a CZ 85C with trigger work from the CZ Custom shop.
For polymer guns, M&P9 pro series with IDPA-type trigger work.
Both are very good guns with some minor trigger tweeks..

 

[browningguy]

I'd go with the Hipower, I shoot my .40 in IDPA with no problems at all. The newer mags for the .40 have the spring to pop them free.

 

[Walking Dead]

A Talo Glock would be a nice choice.

 

[JTQ]

ku4hx wrote,
I was going to say Hi-Power until I got to the IDPA part. My "T" series BHP has a magazine safety and that means magazines don't drop free. IDPA rules specifically disallow disconnecting or disabling any safety device. So I can't remove it or prevent its action and remain legal.

I'm not a gamer guy, but I think the word on the forums is IDPA has removed the restriction against removing magazine disconnects.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Colt 1911

 

[JustinJ]

HK P30. There is no finer factory handgun.

 

[UnclesNucleus]

Beretta 92 fs. New American classic

 

[ku4hx]

I'm not a gamer guy, but I think the word on the forums is IDPA has removed the restriction against removing magazine disconnects.

I downloaded the latest rule book from the IDAP site on 3/12 and it's still in that version. In fact, the reference is "E." on the attached. Truthfully, I hope this is some sort of oversight on my part or the site's. Maybe the BHP is specifically exempted and I just missed it ... I'd love that.

 

[Manson]

I'd like to reinforce Blue's point. You need to check the law in your state on how to "give" someone a gun. You don't want to run afoul of the straw purchase rule's.

 

[bannockburn]

Colt Government Model Series 70 .45 ACP.

 

[ku4hx]

Once it became SOP to fill out a federal form to purchase a gun, I ceased gifting them. A simple handwritten bill of sale is all you really need although there are examples all over the internet.

If you've ever had the law show up about a gun you own being used in a crime, not to mention a fatal shooting, being able to prove you sold it prior to the event is a good thing.

The feds do not track or regulate individual gun sales; my state follows suit. Not all states may be as "gun owner/sale friendly" as mine.

 

[BerettaBob]

My personal favorite is and always will be my Inox Beretta 92fs. Great gun in my opinion. Just make sure its made in Italy. The U.S. made 92's leave something to be desired. Don't get me wrong I always buy American if I'm able but a Beretta is just something that doesn't take well to being outsourced. Just my .02.