Looking for Opinions

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grace2u

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Sorry to jump in and start a thread, but I can't really find what I'm looking for with the search function.

I'm in the market for a new pistol, but know very little about them. I have owned: XD9, Ruger 94 in .40, Taurus 745, and 24/7 in 9mm.

I am looking to exit the polymers. A compact frame. possibly a .40sw.

The XD's forced me to torque my hand and were uncomfortable, the Ruger was massive, and the Taurus' were ok, but I haven't fallen in love with anything.

Looking to spend up to $600, but I'm not even really sure what's out there.

It would be a catch-all for self defense, home defense, carry, etc. until I decided to buy more toys.

I am looking for your opinions so I can form a knowledge base for research, so that when I go to the range I have some idea of what I want to get a hand on.

Please don't flame the noob, and thanks
 
Yeah, I've looked at the MP's, but I was wanting to try to find something that wasn't polymer. I might even be leaning toward a compact 1911. I love the look of the EMP's, but they're out of my range.
 
if you had trouble with the 9mm torqueing on you, then why are you looking at a compact .40 ? It'll twist and torque even more.

If you insist on a compact, then consider the all steel Kahr K-9 in 9mm. It has a pleasing heft that goes a long ways towards taming the kick and twist. In a proper holster worn on a good belt, the weight goes unnoticed.

Then, take your K-9 and take a gun class so you can work on your stance and shooting technique. Once you have a proper technique nailed down, nothing will torque beyond what you can handle.
 
What I mean by torque is that in order to have a good grip and hold in the safe feature on the back of the handle, I had to have an awkward "twisted" grip (I've got small hands). I was just never felt comfortable having to force my grip like that. The recoil isn't a problem with any of the calibers I have encountered so far. Sorry for the miscommunication of what I meant.
 
Yeah, I've looked at the MP's, but I was wanting to try to find something that wasn't polymer. I might even be leaning toward a compact 1911. I love the look of the EMP's, but they're out of my range.
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if that's the case, take a look at CZ's 40cals. these are the most accurate 40cal's i have fired, and never jam. they have full size and compact models :)
 
I recommend the CZ compact pistols in .40. There are a bunch of models to choose from, all excellent, reliable, and accurate.
 
Well, if you want to go steel, the 1911 begs to be handled. Stick with .45 - it'll make you smile. The CZ line is also excellent and available in 9, 40 or 45 depending on which gun you choose. Older steel Smith & Wessons are available in police trades, sometimes.

Find a good local gun shop and go handle what they have. Gander Mtn or Cabellas will also have a good selection, but you may be better served, price wise, elsewhere.

Q
 
I have small hands (size 8 glove) and like the 1911 in .45 ACP. Trigger reach is prefect and my thumb naturally rests on the the thumb safety.

The CZ75 is a pistol I just want to like, but I haven't bought one because the trigger and safety are both difficult for me to reach comfortably. The CZ does feel very good in the hand. However, in double action mode the trigger is at the limits of my reach. In single action mode (you can carry many CZ models "cocked and locked" like the 1911) the trigger reach is just fine. However, my thumb has a hard time reaching the standard thumb safety. The CZ 75 SA (single action) may be a better choice since it has a larger, redesigned safety, but I haven't handled one yet. It is not a compact frame though.

The Browning Hi-Power is an excellent choice for those with small hands.

One common complaint with both the 1911 (non-beavertail equipped) and the Hi-Power is "hammer bite", but it usually is not a problem for those with small hands.
 
It sounds like the OP doesn't like the grip safety. That's how I read it. A Kahr K Series or MK series would work nicely with small hands.
 
Berreta PX4. Compact, Comes in 9mm,.40 cal & .45 (I think), light, changeable grip sizes, thumb safety with decocker, can shoot double action with safety off, goes to single action after. After market mags, holsters ect. and finally Berreta makes a great product.

Mack
 
Has everyone overlooked the OP's desire to move away from polymer?

For non-polymer under $600, you really only have the following to look at:

NEW:
EAA Witness line (CZ 75 clone) - good guns, but google "EAA Customer Service" before making a purchase.

Phillipine 1911 - RIA, Hi Standard, also marketed in other brands. I'm not sure if they market a size smaller than government, and I'm pretty sure you're only going to find them in .45.

Beretta 92fs - I'm pretty sure you can find these for around $500-$600 new if you look hard.

Jerico - Used to be marketed as the Baby Eagle by Magnum research, I think Charles Daly imports them now. I think they're about in your price range. Another CZ 75 clone.

Charles Daly Hi-Power - Pretty sure they're made by FEG, and I've never heard anything positive or negative about them, but they're out there.

Ruger - P90? P95? I can't remember what the number is, but they do make aluminum frame autos. They'll be just as massive as your 94, though.

USED:

Beretta 96 - Beretta 92, except in .40, no longer produced.

Sig - lots of options for a used gun

various low-end major manufacter 1911s - nothing custom, but some nice stuff, Springfield GI, maybe loaded, Kimber Custom IIs, etc. Basically the base models of all the major companies.

Old S&W autos - They're all steel, so there won't be too much recoil, and alothough I'm no expert, I've heard the 3rd gen ones are pretty good.

Browning/FN Hi-Power - You should be able to find one for $600ish if you look. The softest shooting non-comped 9mm I've ever shot.

And, of course, used versions of the ones in the new section.

That's all I can think of offhand, but they're all aluminum or steel framed, and should be within your budget. My advice would be to get your hands on all of them at a rental range or a gun shop and see how they fit you. Different guns work for different people.

ETA: Taurus also makes a Beretta 92/96 clone you could probably find for under $600 used, and I think some Kahr models are all metal, but they're spendy. You'd have to look for them used.

ETA mkII: I overlooked your requirement for a compact frame. Sorry.
 
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Wow, thanks for all the info guys. As I have begun to research some of your suggestions, it seems that I am going to have to keep polymers in the mix. In my opinion, which is meaningless, it looks like I could have some options with a Sig. I don't have much experience with them, but they look like a lot of bang for the buck and have a cult following that swears by them as strongly as any Glock.
 
In my opinion, which is meaningless
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LoL, that is funny considering it IS your opinion that matters because it is your money that you are spending for a firearm you are buying for yourself for protection for yourself and your loved ones. Other than that, your opinion has no merit!
 
If you wanted out of polymers and are reconsidering, I don't think you will be happy with one in the future. For me anyway, there just wasn't any pride of ownership with them. I have matured and my handgun tastes have too.
Research the choices that the Wiry Irishman recommended.
 
the wiry irishman said:

Phillipine 1911 - RIA, Hi Standard, also marketed in other brands. I'm not sure if they market a size smaller than government, and I'm pretty sure you're only going to find them in .45.
Click to expand...

They do. I'm PRETTY sure RIA makes a commander size, and I know they and High Standard also make a Officers or "Compact" size. And nope, I've never seen either in anything but .45. Though that doesnt mean they dont exist. If you find one please be sure to let me know I'd love a good reliable 1911 Compact in 9mm for under $500!


M
 
Non tupperware compacts SIG P229, rather fat in the slide, great pistol. CZ P06 .40S&W or the slimmer 9mm CZ PCR, PCR is my personal choice for a carry weapon. Plenty of 9mm 1911 clones to choose from but the price is more on average
 
I'm PRETTY sure RIA makes a commander size, and I know they and High Standard also make a Officers or "Compact" size.
Click to expand...

Guys, his 9mm's twist and torque in his hand. What do you think a compact .45 will do ?
 
What I mean by torque is that in order to have a good grip and hold in the safe feature on the back of the handle, I had to have an awkward "twisted" grip (I've got small hands).
Click to expand...

I'm having a hard time picturing your grip. It sounds odd, at best. Can you take a pic? It could just be a matter of correcting your grip.
 
Well, I just made a purchase. It was not THE purchase I was looking for, but it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up...SW99 .40 with decocker, 5 mags, fobus, safariland, cheapy holster, and a couple hundred rounds of practice and hd rounds for $500. I went with a buddy and found my next purchase...a sweet little Kimber. These SW99's are selling for $600 in my area (non-decockers $350), so I felt like it was a deal I wanted to jump all over. Put a couple of mags through it today and like it a lot. It's a good fit in the hand, but I'm going to look at getting the trigger tweaked a little.
 
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