Need help deciding. Have to buy a pistol this week!!!!

[Xringfighter]

I have to buy a pistol for work. My choices are a used G22 for $450 a new Steyr M40-A1 for $409 and a new Rock Island Armory Tactical 1911 for $419.

I'm familiar w/ the G22 (I've owned two and I wonder if there is a reason I don't own them any more)

I've always Liked the Steyrs but Magazines are not as inexpensive as the G22's

Don't know much about the RIA but have read nothing bad about them.

Please help!!!

This pistol will be worn concealed. Probably inside the waistband appendix carry.

 

[jpwilly]

An aquainence of mine got a Steyr and it was really a nice pistol for the money...his was 9mm. I have a Taurus PT1911 and it would compare to the Rock Island Armory Tactical. The 1911 hits a sweet spot with me and is my favorite handgun at the range! But If your going to carry you may want to consider the Steyr. I personally carry a Taurus PT145 Millenium Pro 3rd Gen.

 

[usp_fan]

IWB apendix carry isn't where I'd put a 1911. Maybe behind the hip. So...why have you been getting rid of G22's? If you are familiar with the platform and trust it, it should serve you well. I like the M40, but it isn't as easy to set up with mags, leather, and other add ons as the 1911 or Glock. Buy the one that fits your hand and that you trust.

 

[Xringfighter]

Thanks for the input. I looked at a PT1911 at a local sporting goods store. The Slide/ frame fit was horrible. I went across town and for curiosity's sake, looked at another. This one was as good as any S/A or Kimber I've seen but was $100 more expensive.

I don't know what it is about the G22 I don't like. I shoot well with it, it's obviously a proven design but It just doesn't feel right.

The Steyr seems to be the best bet but I really liked the manual safety of the older generation especially for Appendix carry.

I should have mentioned that the IWB Appendix carry was for the M40-A1 or the G22. I have typically worn my 1911's IWB on or just ahead of my hip. We wear cover garments.

 

[jpwilly]

I've heard that some are looser than others. I checked mine out and it's plenty tight and just as accurate even after 1600rnds. I won't try to convince you a PT1911 is right for you I also like the SA loaded and S&W 1911 for $699! The RIA is an Armscor product and of pretty good quality.

 

[possum]

of the guns that you listed, i would say go with the glock 22. though i prefer, the 9mm models of the glocks, but i believe the glock tp be far superior to the other makers/models listed.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Since you're already willing to buy a used pistol and also willing to spend up to $450 I have a better suggestion than the RIA 1911. Why not buy a used Springfield 1911-A1? I bought one for my son just before Christmas for $400. It's a great 1911 and even used beats the heck out of the Rock Island!

I wasn't trying to step on your thread by suggesting something other than you mentioned but I thought you might not mind for the reasons I listed above.

 

[Xringfighter]

Thanks AACD, I've looked Springfield 1911's are at a premium around here. Seems like everyone and their Grandmother wants one. I won't buy a used pistol sight unseen so I'm stuck looking for one at a gun show.

 

[Xringfighter]

JP. Taurus makes a fine firearm. I believe the one I handled was a production anomaly. Congrats on your purchase.

Thanks for all of your input everyone. I just came across some info about the Steyr's. The SA-1 is scheduled for release in March. I think I'm going with the M40-A1 ($409- can't beat it!) for now and I'll preorder the SA-1 in 9mm. The SA-1 has the manual safety.

I have a friend that does polymer work and I'll have him add a little texture to the M40's grip.

 

[Treo]

Of the three guns you mentioned I would pick the RIA because that's what I'm experienced with. If you are willing to expand your parameters a little, you can't go wrong W/ a CZ product

 

[hardwarehacker]

I have been following a few other threads recently about 1911 type pistols. One observation which seems to keep showing up from many people is that a good 1911 is totally reliable and a great stopper but... Until you have shot it enough, found ammo which it likes, etc. you may not want to trust your life to it. Similar words came from owners of many different grades and brands.

If you need something NOW which you can depend on NOW, that may not be the best option. I think of Glocks as 'shooting appliances'. Not much character, but push the button and they play. No personal experience with Steyrs, but what I have read is similar.

FWIW
HH