Going to try a striker fired again...help

[Mn Fats]

Makes complete sense to fit the grip to your hand. I personally don't think you give up much by going with the full size barrel...but then I prefer the Commander length slide on a 1911 also.

Yep, I like the commander length as well. Not because I think I can draw it faster than the full size in some sort of intense tactical situation but because it just balances nicely for me. I do own full sized 1911's and even full lug 6" revolvers, but in this case, I figured the P320 carry is a striker for me.

 

[Mn Fats]

Sweat proof and much more comfortable, no break in time like with the cow hide.

Sweat proof as in it doesn't absorb sweat? I'll go ahead and order that one then. I figured the extra dough was purely due to the color. Thanks man.

 

[bnolsen]

I have several leather holsters in the drawer for me it's now all kydex and I wear an undershirt to deal with aggressive grips. But holster are very personal...

 

[pblanc]

I own a full size P320 in .45 ACP and a compact P320 in 9 mm. But I have also purchased a carry model grip module and 3 of the 17 round magazines for it (which can also be used with the compact grip module and could be carried as extras). So in effect, I have a full-size, a carry, and a compact model.

IMO the carry model is a very good choice, especially for those with larger hands. The difference in overall height between the carry and compact grip modules is only .2", less than 1/4", so the difference in concealability is not very great. With my hand size, I can get all my fingers on the compact grip with reasonable comfort, but the flesh of my fifth finger overhangs the end of the magazine well slightly and I am at risk of pinching myself with a rapid magazine change. The .2" also buys a 2 round additional magazine capacity, and I can very comfortably get all of my hand and finger flesh on the grip without fear of compromising a magazine change.

As for the full-size versus carry model choice, I have seen quite a few comment that the full-size P320 feels top heavy, although I don't personally appreciate that. The compact/carry models give up just over 3/4" in slide length and barrel length, but I do not feel that the difference in sight radius compromises accuracy to a very great degree, at least not at typical self-defense handgun ranges and not in my hands. And the shorter slide and barrel length does provide a 3 ounce weight reduction.

 

[JDR]

NOTE: Please don't vote for what's not listed. Glock, Smith, Springfield, Ruger etc. I looked into them and have nothing against them, but these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to. NOTE 2: I can NOT handle/rent these. My lgs here in the boonies carries none and Im not driving 2+ hours in my pickup to cabelas. So Im ordering blind here

It’s impossible to make informed firearms opinions and decisions based on such restrictions

 

[ATLDave]

To the extent you think it relevant, the P320 and the Walther are getting some real level of adoption in competitive shooting. The FNS and the H&K are generally not (with the exception of sponsored shooters for those companies).

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

It’s impossible to make informed firearms opinions and decisions based on such restrictions

I respectfully disagree.
It would be great to actually fire a bunch of rounds through every firearm that could fit a persons needs. That's hardly practical or possible for most.
Selecting one of four quality firearms from a local dealer isn't much of a restriction.
Beside that we're talking about five to eight hundred dollar guns. If you decide you hate it in a year, sell or trade it and maybe lose $100 or $200 no big deal.

 

[SwampWolf]

If you're into 1911's and are used to the safety I'd consider one of the Sig 320's with a thumb safety similar in operation to a 1911.

I agree. If you have to have a striker-fired pistol, I'd want one with an external safety too. Whereas, I don't believe striker-fired pistols with "Glock-type" triggers are inherently unsafe, I do think they can be less "forgiving".
jmr40, I wasn't aware that the Model 320 was/will be offered with a thumb safety. It would be a good option for people who want one.

 

[Mn Fats]

I respectfully disagree.
It would be great to actually fire a bunch of rounds through every firearm that could fit a persons needs. That's hardly practical or possible for most.
Selecting one of four quality firearms from a local dealer isn't much of a restriction.
Beside that we're talking about five to eight hundred dollar guns. If you decide you hate it in a year, sell or trade it and maybe lose $100 or $200 no big deal.

This was my thinking. I've ordered a handful of guns I've never shot nor handled and they all were home runs. My S&W 686, Ruger Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk, a sight unseen DW 15-2, a Ruger 22/45, multiple bolt actions and 2 shotguns.
If I for some reason absolutely hate the Sig, I'll sell it and take a $100 or so hit. Oh well. I'll find out soon enough.

 

[JDR]

I respectfully disagree.
It would be great to actually fire a bunch of rounds through every firearm that could fit a persons needs. That's hardly practical or possible for most.
Selecting one of four quality firearms from a local dealer isn't much of a restriction.
Beside that we're talking about five to eight hundred dollar guns. If you decide you hate it in a year, sell or trade it and maybe lose $100 or $200 no big deal.

Years back when I took the NRA Basic Handgun Safety course, the instructor recommended that you rent & borrow every type of handgun you could get yours hands for at least six months before you made an initial purchase decision on a firearm. BTW I rented a Browning Hi Power for that course. Based on the above comment I must have really screwed up because I followed the instructor’s advice to the letter, and I picked up a nice Sig P228 after having tried out 24 handguns over an 8 month period after I took the course. I can honestly say that this was the single best piece of advice about firearms that I’d ever heard!

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I'm not sure how my comment could be taken as a criticism of how you chose a handgun. It's great you were able to try so many handguns and find one you like.
For me the nearest range that rents handguns is 75 miles away. Not very practical to travel 150 miles to rent a handgun when I have a shooting range off my patio. I know many others in the same situation.

 

[ATLDave]

Most of the guns I'm interested in aren't black plastic things, so there's about zero chance I can rent them, either. That's just not a usable strategy for lots of people and lots of purchases, although where it is possible, it's obviously very good.

Having a wide circle of shooting friends can help.

 

[Mn Fats]

Years back when I took the NRA Basic Handgun Safety course, the instructor recommended that you rent & borrow every type of handgun you could get yours hands for at least six months before you made an initial purchase decision on a firearm.

So I should practice for 6 months on each of the pistols above to properly assess what's right for me? According to your instructor, in two years I'll learn which one suits me.

 

[Doublehelix]

So I should practice for 6 months on each of the pistols above to properly assess what's right for me? According to your instructor, in two years I'll learn which one suits me.

I think he meant 6 months *total* checking out as many pistols as you can during that 6 month period. I also think he was referring to new shooters that have no idea what they are looking for. At least that is the way I read his message...

 

[Mn Fats]

I think he meant 6 months *total* checking out as many pistols as you can during that 6 month period. I also think he was referring to new shooters that have no idea what they are looking for. At least that is the way I read his message...

Oh, gotcha I own 1911's and a BHP. Owned a Glock for a summer. Very proficient with my 1911's and BHP. Like I said, I only sold off the Glock because I didnt practice, or even attempt really, to get used to its trigger. Now that I know what's in store for me, and am willing to practice with a strikered fired (while trying to forget how crisp my wheelguns and 1911's triggers break) I chose some top polymers to get back at it. Its about the only style of handgun missing from collection.

The Sig P320 Carry came in the shop today. I'll eat my own words on being lucky with sight unseen guns. My first miss...kind of. I held it and it felt great. Perfect fit for my hand on the Carry model. Pointed great. But man did that bore seem high. Never shot it, just told my guy to send it back and order the HK Vp9. He just smiled and said "no problem". Before anyone thinks "told you so" the Sig really felt nice but that high bore put me off. I won't know if that actually matters as far as flip, but didnt take the chance. Could be missing out, I don't know. HK's on its way. So that's that. As they say.

 

[Kendahl]

It took me most of a year to select a 9 mm pistol and I was willing to consider just about any model from a respectable manufacturer. Reading and watching many, many internet reviews gave me a list of plausible candidates. Handling guns at shows, to check their fit to my hand and their triggers, helped narrow the list. By the time I visited a gun store, I was down to four choices and bought one of them. Checking out guns to avoid buyer's remorse will take time and some money. I figure going to shows cost me a full day out of my life and $100 in driving expenses.

 

[Spats McGee]

I've been following this thread, but don't have any good advice that hasn't already been given. Good luck finding a striker-fired pistol that suits you, Mn Fats.