Handgun purchase ques.

[JimJD]

I'm thinking about picking up another handgun.
Without going into all the details of the why's and how's, I'm looking at a few models. So far, it's the:

Springfield Armory Mil-spec's (WWII and regular)
Rock Island Armory Mil-spec (is that what it's called?)
Ruger P90
Ruger P89

I'd like to add a CZ75B in there, but I can't seem to find them at the price I want to pay.
I can pick up the S.A.'s for about $420.00 and $470.00
R.I.A. for $350.00
Rugers for about $350.00-$390.00
Wish I could find some of the prices I hear about in other parts of the country, but these are the best I have found thus far.
Of course, I'd like the most reliable and durable specimen out of the picks I mentioned.
I've heard that the R.I.A.'s are not exactly G.I parts interchangeable. Is that true? I'm concerned as far as repairs and such. Although, I will most likely leave these pistols stock. I really don't foresee having any upgrades done, I want them out of the box "plain jane".
The intended role of this pistol would be for the usual tasks I guess. Things like range shooting, car gun, HD, etc. Not for CCW. That's another story...
I'm leaning towards the S.A. Mil-spec's, can't beat the lifetime warranty. Just not crazy about the ILS system. Could take it out and replace the MSH and whatnot...Hmmm.

Thanks everyone!

 

[tc300mag1]

Well i have a p90 and was gonna pick up a springfield wwii the other day so either would be a good choice. Can say ria i have no exp with there guns and no exp with the p89.

ya cant go wrong with a springfield or ruger IMHO I have guns from both makers and am happy i have about 700-800 rounds though my p-90 not a ton of round but it shoots well

 

[jeff-10]

JimJD I am curious what part of Florida are you in? Down in the southern part of the state CZ-75Bs are pretty common and I know a gun shop that will order be a new CZ-75B Tactical for ~$400.

 

[boofus]

You can get Rock Island 5" Government Models from www.southernohiogun.com for around $275. That includes shipping to your FFL. Some parts on the RIA guns like the extractor are slightly different. I bought a Wilson Combat extractor and the thing would not fit in the RIA, the Chip McCormick grips would fit. It didn't like the CMC 8 round magazines and constantly jammed or failed to go into battery. I got rid of the thing because it was too aggravating to shoot.

 

[popeye]

Springfield WWII

 

[Berg01]

JimJD I am curious what part of Florida are you in? Down in the southern part of the state CZ-75Bs are pretty common and I know a gun shop that will order be a new CZ-75B Tactical for ~$400.

I live in suburban Philly PA; I was in Fla with the family on vacation this past March, and one day I wanted to go shooting; I checked the yellow pages and found a really nice range in Clearwater, right on 19. Nice place, and they also sold some new guns. They had a few Sigs & CZs; asking prices were $499.00 for a CZ 75B and $749.00(!!!) for a Sig P228; that was $150.00 more than I paid for my 75B (.40) and $300.00 more than I paid for my own P228. My bro in-law tells me that handgun prices in the Tampa / St. Pete area tend to be a "little" high.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Springfield or the CZ75. I can get either here in the PRK for $399 without hassle.

I haven't looked at Rugers so I don't know about the price, but the new slimmer KP345 Rugers I've seen does look rather interesting. I would expect retail to be in the same price range as the Springfield or CZ.

I'm not sold on the RIA's. I'd either pony up a few more bucks or buy used first.

 

[rde]

Ruger = out of the box no questions asked reliabilty. Period. Once you have something you know you can bet your life on...(assuming you don't already)...then and only then experiment. Humble suggestion only.

 

[JimJD]

Thanks for the replies thus far everyone!
I keep on hearing about Ruger semi's being out of the box reliable.
That alone might be the deciding factor for Me. I have a GP-100 and a Vaquero. So far, they have been great revolvers. Have a S&W too. Don't get Me wrong, I love My S&W M39-2, I just don't want to shoot it too much these days. Also picked up a Neos, but that 's just a range/fun gun.

I like the S.A.'s, but the models I'm looking at seem to have too many extractor issues as of late. Got to check out the R.I.A., seemed solid, but I don't know how it would perform. I found out I can rent one at a local range. Might give it a try.
Unless I see a good deal on a CZ at the next gun show, I just might be getting another Ruger.
Then I'll save up again and get that EBR or an uber-pistol come Sept.!

 

[JimJD]

Went back and looked at the R.I.A. again.
Besides it being a M1911 clone, there's something about this pistol.
Anyone else have anything to say about them?

 

[PBIR]

If you can find a SA milspec with a national match frame, jump on it with both feet. They shoot side by side with models that cost twice as much.

 

[JimJD]

I have heard about those.
Is that the type with the "NM" prefix in the serial number?

 

[Feanaro]

A Ruger P-series handgun is indeed very reliable. But they feel... well, like a brick that is also a firearm. To me anyways. I've shot a P-85 rather extensively(My grand-father-in-law owns a P85) and I didn't enjoy it much. It was fairly accurate and stone cold reliable but uncomfortable. Doesn't point right and the controls... It isn't a bad weapon, far from it. But it's like a Glock, it has no soul and is unforgiving to the hands of some people. Some people have different tastes and needs. My idea is that, all other things being equal, life is too short(Or perhaps too long?) for uncomfortable weapons.

 

[George S.]

I have both a P89 and a SA 1911 (the Loaded model). The P89 was my first center-fire pistol and when I was shopping, I looked at Beretta, Glock and Taurus. The P89 model I decided upon was the P89TH model, a Davidson's specica. It's two-tone with Hogue grips. It felt much better in my hand than any of the others I looked at. Buying when Ruger was offering a $40 rebate sorta helped with the decision too!! BTW the P90 is also available in the "TH" configuration so check that one out for how it feels in your hand. The Hogue grips make a big difference in feel over the standard Ruger grip.

Rugers are indeed rugged pistols and mine is much more accurate than I am. Ruger states i ntheir owner's manual that the P-series pistol will handle any known factory load made in accordance with US and international standards so that was a pretty good recommendation to me.

I chose 9mm simply because of the lower cost to shoot over .45ACP. I did wind up with the 1911 later on as I had always wanted one and I got a good price for mine.

The SA Milspec is supposed to be a very good value for the money and the G.I. version is very accurate according to the reports I have read on different forums. My SA Loaded model has all of the features I would have installed on a Mil-Spec later on and the price was cheaper after I figured out what the mods would have cost me. I just ignore the ILS as my SA is a range/target pistol and is normally locked up in my safe. My P89 is my home defense pistol and at this point the P89 has none of the newer "safety" like the P345 has.

Ruger may not offer a specific warranty, but they will repair any Ruger product regardless of age or ownership. That's a prety good deal. SA has a good warranty deal and they stand behind their products too.

My recommendation would be either the SA Mil-Spec if you want a great 1911 pistol or either the Ruger P89 if you want a 9mm or the P90 in .45ACP (or get both the SA 1911 and the P90!! ).

 

[JimJD]

Thanks for the info all.
I have held the P series and thought they felt alright.
However, I have not held the versions with the Hogue grips. It was one of the davidson's two tone models. Looked nice.
For the money, they appear to be good pistols. Would have like to consider the P345, but I can't stand those "new" features. I can live with the internal lock If I really had to, but a magazine disconnect safety?

Blah.

 

[1911Ron]

WWII Mil-Spec seriously tho i can recomend the Springfield line as i own two WWII Mil-Specs both full sized and Champion size. I easily over look the ILS as it is not used. My phlosphy is if it feels good in your hands and you can shoot it well get it.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

With only approximately 100 rounds sent downrange, I can
hereby recommend the Springer WW-II "GI" MIL SPEC. I've
only owned this fine weapon for a couple of weeks; as I
received it as a gift from a wonderful friend. Got to shoot
it briefly on July 3rd, and it performed flawlessly.

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

 

[lee n. field]

I like my P90.

In that price range you should be able to find the EAA Witness (CZ clone).