low priced gun for defense drills?

[rugerdude]

I'm pretty new to handguns, and all I have in that department is a browning buckmark micro bull, and an old taurus 66 .357 revolver.

Anyway, I'm thinking of getting a "buisness" semi-auto mainly for defensive shooting drill like those practiced in competitive practical handgun competitions, except this will just be at my local range.

I would like either a 9mm or a .45. I know .45 will be much more expensive to shoot, but I really like 1911's and in that case I just wouldn't shoot quite as much. 9mm is a plus because I already have 9mm on hand for my hi-point carbine.

I'm thinking along the lines of a taurus PT-92, a cheaper 1911 (maker?), maybe a ruger P series.

What am I missing?

-Thanks guys (and gals)

 

[ARTiger]

With a monnicker like "rugerdude" I think you need a Ruger. Seriously - the P series are one of the best values among autoloaders. If you don't mind a bit larger, heavier than some others they're solid as tanks, accurate and very reliable. Maybe look at CZ's also. . . very accurate and dependable guns for the money.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're looking for a 1911 that's affordable then take a look at the Taurus PT1911B or PT1911SS. I think that's a good place to start if you want a .45 ACP 1911. http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=19

Taurus also makes 1911 style pistols in .40 S&W (PT1911B-1-40/PT1911SS-1-40) and in 9mm Para (PT1911B-1-9/PT1911SS-1-9) in both Blue and Stainless. (with Rails)
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=63&category=Pistol
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=62&category=Pistol

The make the same pistols without rails too in both Blue and Stailness..
(PT1911B-9/PT1911SS-9 and the PT1911B-40/PT1911SS-40)
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=76&category=Pistol
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=75&category=Pistol

They also have compact 1911's in .45 ACP like the PT1911SS-1/PT1911SS-3
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=73&category=Pistol

They also have SA/DA .45 ACP in a 1911 style in their PT945
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=378&category=Pistol
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=374&category=Pistol

I'm not telling you these are the BEST out there but they are reliable pistols that won't break the bank. There are a lot of good shooters in the Taurus line, look in their "Large Frame" pistol section for Beretta 92 Clones and others.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=LF1

 

[Quoheleth]

I love my Taurus PT92. It's a great range gun, has never given me a single problem (FTL/E/F) and shoots as well as I can. I bought mine about 5 years ago, trading a Savage 110 for it. 9mm is (relatively) cheap and this large-size pistol handles any recoil like a champ. I put a pair of Pachmayr grips on it and I now shoot it even better than before, which wasn't too bad.

If you find a good solid used one, I would jump on it and shoot the heck out of it.

Q

 

[BADUNAME13]

I would honestly get a Springfield Milspec (NOT the GI with the wooden grips)
AND I would pay the $100 more for SS... mark my words you will be glad later.

OR, I would look for a CZ75B.
They can be found for the low $300's.
I paid $275 for mine.

 

[ugaarguy]

In addition to what's already been suggested I'd look for a 1911 in 9mm, or one in .38 Super. The .38 super can be fitted with a 9mm bbl, generaly for under $150 parts & labor. You should be able to find a .38 Super Rock Island for under $400 new, then add the 9mm bbl. If you like 1911s and 9mms you should also look at a Browning/FN Hi-Power.