I promise this is my last post for advice on a pistol :D

[bhhacker]

Hey guys..i finally KNOW what features I want in my pistol.

1.SA trigger

2.Accurate to about 25 yards...thats all ill ever need, and if I need more i'll just use my rifle.

3.I want the trigger to have no slack whatsoever, I want to just barely pull on it and have it go off. I like it to be stiff and then just give away...(I hope im describing it halfway clear for you guys)That way im suprised each time i pull it and im not flinching at the slack point.

4.I am comfortable with getting a 9mm,.40, or .45...but id rather have the last two.

5.I would like the gun to hold 10-12+ rounds

6.Price range can be up to $650 (I sold that Sigma)

Thank you guys for your time. Who would have known that picking a handgun would be so darn hard. I have heard that rock arms has got some decent .45s that would be well in my price range. What do you guys have to say about that?

 

[Quoheleth]

Rock Islands are available in a classic 1911A1 .45 ACP platform. Decent trigger, I would guess about a 5-6 lb trigger, plenty accurate for what you describe, but only 7+1 rounds. Cost - about $350 for base GI model.

Go down to McBrides tomorrow and look at the PLETHORA of 1911s they have - both new and used. They'll have a whole bunch of 1911s that fit under your price range used; a handful new.

Check out the Springfield XD, too. It's technically a SA auto, but without the hammer like the 1911 has. Whether 9, 40 or 45, it's a high capacity pistol. An XD will eat up the vast majority of your budget, though.

Since you're new to pistols, a suggestion may be to get a good, used 1911 and a brand new Ruger .22/45. The Ruger has a 1911 style grip angle; use it to learn the basics of trigger squeeze, sight picture, etc. You'll get a WHOLE bunch more range time out of $10 worth of ammo than out of a .45, .40 or even 9mm.

Happy shopping!!!

Q

 

[MikePGS]

As far as mag capacity there aren't too many options if you want a single action. Though the following guns are single action: Taurus 24/7, Browning Hi-Power, Sig Sauer SAO PT220. I'm sure i'm missing a ton, but those are the ones that spring to mind.

 

[mavracer]

look at a STI spartan

 

[Quoheleth]

STIs are made just up the road in Georgetown!!!

 

[CountGlockula]

The way you're picking out a handgun isn't "hard", but smart. When all is said and done: You're putting in good money on quality.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[browningguy]

You can get a BHP Practical in .40 (10+1) at Gander Mountain for $599 new. Hard to beat that, you'll need to remove the magazine disconnect to get the trigger decent, but even a hamfisted Neanderthal like me can do that. That's my regular carry gun with Esmerelda grips.

 

[bhhacker]

So which ones are better? The Rock or STI or springfield 1911s? Or is it just opinion?

 

[Autolycus]

I would look at an HK USP or USPc in .40 S&W.

 

[ugaarguy]

1.SA trigger

3.I want the trigger to have no slack whatsoever, I want to just barely pull on it and have it go off. I like it to be stiff and then just give away...(I hope im describing it halfway clear for you guys)That way im suprised each time i pull it and im not flinching at the slack point.

Right up to here you're describing a 1911. With a little work a good gunsmith can eliminate the take-up (slack before the trigger breaks) and overtravel (excess distance the trigger moves after it breaks). I've felt others that have come close, but the way the internals of a 1911 work means nothing will match it when set-up correctly.

4.I am comfortable with getting a 9mm,.40, or .45...but id rather have the last two.

You're still talkin 1911 here.

5.I would like the gun to hold 10-12+ rounds

Single stack 1911 .45s are 7 or 8 in a flush fit mag, with those in 9mm/.38 Super/ .40 S&W/ 10mm gaining a round. At this point you're looking at a double stack 1911 to get the capacity you really want in a caliber you really want.

6.Price range can be up to $650 (I sold that Sigma)

Para-Ordnance, Springfield Armory Double Stack, or the BUL Transmark M5 from Israel -formerly known as the Kimber BP Ten II, but now imported as the BUL M5 by Charles Daly fit that budget. Alternately save your money a bit longer and go all the way for an STI 2011. If you can compromise and stick with a single stack 1911 a base Springfield Loaded, Rock Island, or STI Spartan would be my top picks for a new gun. Colts, and older Kimbers (those made before the II Series) are generally good values on the used market.

 

[browningguy]

The other option I should have mentioned is the Witness Elite Match. In .40 it's a 15+1 pistol, and more accurate than than it has any right to be. It will way outshoot my BHP Competition, and I use it now for IDPA. It comes from the factory with a very sweet 2-3 pound SA trigger (the best you'll find on any factory pistol) and very good adjustable sights. It's a big pistol though and not suited to carry for most people, but for a range gun it's extraordinary, all for under $500.

 

[10-Ring]

From what you've described, I'd recommend the HK USP in which ever caliber that works best in your hands.

 

[Alphazulu6]

I would have to agree with 10-Ring on the HK USP b/c Kimber is slightly out of your price range. Good Luck!

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I haven't seen a sub-$700 USP in quite some time. At least NIB. Used can be found in the mid-$500 to $600 range. They're fine guns, but the trigger is going to be in 8-12 lbs and there will be considerable takeup on the single action pull. If you were to get a USP pattern in .45, I'd suggest the USP Compact in .45. These are nice.

I've seen Kimber Custom IIs for right at $650 new. Local shop had one in the used case for $500. Lasted about 3 days. Almost tempted me. Maybe look at Charles Daly for the BUL M-5. 1911 format. High capacity. Polymer frame. My personal preference would be a Kimber TLE II (about $750 around here), but it's also a single stack .

Now if you set yourself to look around, you may be able to find a Para-Ordnance P13 gently used for cheap. I stumbled across an all stainless on at a local gunshow for $450. The dealer could have sold it as NIB. Didn't have a scratch on it. Mags are expensive and the thing is heavy. It's got an excellent production trigger and, being 1911 format, I'm sure a good gunsmith can work it through so that it's even better.