SemiAutoSniper
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Sol- Thanks, That just confirmed everything I said in my reply to him.
Need help finding a good handgun
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bannockburn
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SemiAutoSniper
I have heard all sorts of concerns over the reliability of mini 1911s but having owned quite a few Officers Models over the years and not having problems with any of them (with the possible exception of some fit and finish issues on a stainless model), I can only tell you what my experiences have been, and they have been fine. My particular Officers Model has a preference for 185gr. and 200 gr. ammo over that of the typical 230 gr. hardball loading, but it handles all different types without any problems. Haven't made any modifications to the gun save that occasionally I might put a pair of cut-down Pachmayr grips on it from time to time. It hasn't required any trigger work or tune-ups and still remains pretty much box stock as when I got it.
And no, it's not for sale.
I have heard all sorts of concerns over the reliability of mini 1911s but having owned quite a few Officers Models over the years and not having problems with any of them (with the possible exception of some fit and finish issues on a stainless model), I can only tell you what my experiences have been, and they have been fine. My particular Officers Model has a preference for 185gr. and 200 gr. ammo over that of the typical 230 gr. hardball loading, but it handles all different types without any problems. Haven't made any modifications to the gun save that occasionally I might put a pair of cut-down Pachmayr grips on it from time to time. It hasn't required any trigger work or tune-ups and still remains pretty much box stock as when I got it.
And no, it's not for sale.
SemiAutoSniper
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Strambo- When I first starting buying guns, I thought we would be at odds aswell over the different types of guns that she likes and the ones I like. But believe it or not, We both have the same preference for guns. She even likes shooting my 12ga. shotgun, That was a huge surprise to me when she asked me to load another 6 rounds in it and put another target up. The only real difference between us is that I like stainless guns and she does not.
Bannockburn- Nice looking gun. I am very much still leaning towards one, I would prefer one in stainless though. Even though my wife likes the black version, I don't think the guy on the other end of the barrel is going to care what color the gun is.
Bannockburn- Nice looking gun. I am very much still leaning towards one, I would prefer one in stainless though. Even though my wife likes the black version, I don't think the guy on the other end of the barrel is going to care what color the gun is.
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george burns
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Go with the Colt, before the sale is over if you must have a steel gun. You have only another day or 2, to save some decent money on several models, look on slickguns.com.
If you want something with a double/single action, then perhaps the CZ guns are something to look at, as I think a few guys already mentioned also. Sig's are nice but in my estimation, over priced, unless you catch a sale on a 229 over on slickguns.com "again". http://www.slickguns.com/product/co...5-inch-barrel-ss-finish-novak-sights-8-round-
If you want something with a double/single action, then perhaps the CZ guns are something to look at, as I think a few guys already mentioned also. Sig's are nice but in my estimation, over priced, unless you catch a sale on a 229 over on slickguns.com "again". http://www.slickguns.com/product/co...5-inch-barrel-ss-finish-novak-sights-8-round-
Zerodefect
member
I'm going to suggest the Dan Wesson Valkyrie. Aluminum frame like all CCW oriented 1911's. But it'll still be around when you croak, so you can pass it on.
http://cz-usa.com/product/dan-wesson-valkyrie/
The Guncrafter Frag meets your needs except for barrel length. Your 3.5" requirement, and heavy gun requirement make no sense. But this will have the soft recoil you're looking for in a proper fighting pistol. Not some little mouse gun.
http://www.guncrafterindustries.com/fragcommander.htm
I'm pretty sure the Les Baer Stinger has a steel frame.
https://www.lesbaer.com/Stinger.html
HK P7 or PSP are a great choice. Small, steel, decent trigger. Weird cocking grip was weird to me, but works fine for others.
http://www.hkp7.com/
OP: It sounds like you need to buy 2 pistols. An all steel fullsize and a similar CCW.
http://cz-usa.com/product/dan-wesson-valkyrie/
The Guncrafter Frag meets your needs except for barrel length. Your 3.5" requirement, and heavy gun requirement make no sense. But this will have the soft recoil you're looking for in a proper fighting pistol. Not some little mouse gun.
http://www.guncrafterindustries.com/fragcommander.htm
I'm pretty sure the Les Baer Stinger has a steel frame.
https://www.lesbaer.com/Stinger.html
HK P7 or PSP are a great choice. Small, steel, decent trigger. Weird cocking grip was weird to me, but works fine for others.
http://www.hkp7.com/
OP: It sounds like you need to buy 2 pistols. An all steel fullsize and a similar CCW.
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SemiAutoSniper
Member
George- Thanks, I actually used to go to Slickguns a few years ago, But I actually forgot about them. I'll keep an eye out on there.
Zerodefect- Thanks for the suggestions, But both of those guns are out of my price range. I only have around $1,000 to maybe $1,200 to spend on one.
Zerodefect- Thanks for the suggestions, But both of those guns are out of my price range. I only have around $1,000 to maybe $1,200 to spend on one.
Zerodefect
member
I edited to add the HK p7. I think that ticked all your boxes, except it's not a 1911-like pistol.
ugaarguy
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That Ed Brown article ignores Type III hard anodizing, which is 60-70 HRC. That's as hard as, or harder than, high end knife blades are heat treated to; and nearly as hard as nitrocarburized steel. Type III hard anodizing is also more abrasion resistant than cyanide case hardened steel (that's the family of processes under which Tennifer, Melonite, Tufftride, and most similar nitrocarburizing processes fall). Ref - http://www.fortwayneanodizing.com/hardcoat/properties.htm
That is true.
I never assumed you hated polymer frames. I was just trying to address the durability question.
That clarifies things tremendously. In your first post you said you were concerned with durability and didn't mention wanting a heavier gun to mitigate recoil. We can't get around the physics of a heavier frame material.
There was no disrespect intended. I was simply trying to address the durability question, which may have given you a wider variety of options. However, you want a heavier gun, so that puts the argument more in favor of a steel frame.
Thank you for keeping an open mind.
Many years ago, late '90s / early 2000s, Kimber had published in their literature and on their website that they fired 20,000 rounds through one of their aluminum frame pistols, and there was no measurable wear comparing the before and after measurements. Of course, Kimber also uses 7075-T6 aluminum and they hard anodize it. Unfortunately I no longer have a verifiable source to the results. But, there is the above linked info about the properties of hard anodized aluminum.
That area is where steel does have an advantage. Even with Type III hard anodizing aluminum is not as impact resistant as most steels. I'll try to find you some links with specific metrics.
SemiAutoSniper
Member
Zerodefect- The stinger does look nice, But at $1,800 it too is just out of my price range. And the P7, I don't think I could ever get used to the way the grip is, And I just showed it to my wife and she does not like it much either. But thanks anyway though, It's much appreciated.
Jhwolfe- I have seen those before, And I almost bought one a while back, But car trouble prevented me from it. I will start looking around for one and see what I can find.
Ugaarguy- I have always had an open mind. As I said, We won't learn anything unless we ask. No disrespect was intended from me either, I just took it as you were trying to say that aluminum was just as strong as steel, I have seen other threads start out like that and it usually ends up being a huge argument lasting 10 pages of back and forth bickering about which is better before the mods close it. That is the bad thing about internet forums, They don't convey emotions well so you don't know if someone is actually trying to be helpful(as you are), Or if someone is trying to be an a-hole and start an argument for the fun of it. I appreciate any links you can get me. My AR-15 has a Type III coating on it, And it already has a couple of little bumps and bruises on it just from taking it in and out of my gun cabinet.
Jhwolfe- I have seen those before, And I almost bought one a while back, But car trouble prevented me from it. I will start looking around for one and see what I can find.
Ugaarguy- I have always had an open mind. As I said, We won't learn anything unless we ask. No disrespect was intended from me either, I just took it as you were trying to say that aluminum was just as strong as steel, I have seen other threads start out like that and it usually ends up being a huge argument lasting 10 pages of back and forth bickering about which is better before the mods close it. That is the bad thing about internet forums, They don't convey emotions well so you don't know if someone is actually trying to be helpful(as you are), Or if someone is trying to be an a-hole and start an argument for the fun of it. I appreciate any links you can get me. My AR-15 has a Type III coating on it, And it already has a couple of little bumps and bruises on it just from taking it in and out of my gun cabinet.
If you shot one, you may be very surprised at how intuitively you work the squeeze cocking mechanism, and how well you can shoot it.
SemiAutoSniper
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Pilot- Really? It looks like it would be cumbersome. But it is an H&K, So I know it would be pretty good quality. Does H&K make them anymore, Or have they been discontinued? I have not seen any on the new market in awhile, So I am guessing the latter. One thing I forgot to mention also, Is I would like something that is easy to find parts for, And that are not super expensive to repair. Hence why I was leaning towards an 1911 platform, Parts are everywhere and not too expensive because there are so many of them.
SemiAutoSniper
Member
PS229- I am looking for something a little slimmer, Like something that takes a single stack mag. I don't want anything too wide so its not too obvious that I am carrying a gun. I have already had some crazy lady come running up to my wife screaming and cussing at her all because she seen me carrying a old Beretta 92D I used to have. I thought the lady was going to have a heart attack she was flipping out so bad. All because she seen the gun on my side, My wife tried to tell her that it is not only for our protection, But hers aswell, But she did not want to listen. She was one of those types that thought that no person on earth should have any kind of firearm and that anyone who did was going to start killing every man woman and child they saw. It was sad really, We just had to walk away and leave her screaming. But thanks for making a suggestion.
Plan2Live
Member
It sounds like what you looking for is a Browning High Power "Detective" variant. Looks like you might be about a decade too late with your shopping.
Zaydok Allen
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I'm usually not a huge defender of polymer, being a revolver guy, but polymer guns do hold up really well, and the steel rails can be easily replaced on many models.
Get what you like, but I think you are limiting yourself needlessly.
Get what you like, but I think you are limiting yourself needlessly.
SemiAutoSniper
Member
Plan2live- Yeah, I remember the detective models... It would have been nice to have one.
460Kodiak- As I have said in my earlier posts.... I have absolutely nothing against polymer, And I know they will last a long time. I have a polymer pistol, A Springfield XD9 and I love the gun. But in a smaller CCW gun, I just want an all steel gun to help with recoil, Not as much for me but for my wife who will also be carrying it when I'm not with her. She likes to shoot, But she does not like snappy recoil, That is why she did not like me Glock 22.
460Kodiak- As I have said in my earlier posts.... I have absolutely nothing against polymer, And I know they will last a long time. I have a polymer pistol, A Springfield XD9 and I love the gun. But in a smaller CCW gun, I just want an all steel gun to help with recoil, Not as much for me but for my wife who will also be carrying it when I'm not with her. She likes to shoot, But she does not like snappy recoil, That is why she did not like me Glock 22.
When I started looking at "1911" pattern firearms for concealed carry a little over five years ago, I found that some high-end manufacturers, and some knowledgeable 1911 aficionados, recommended against a barrel length shorter than four inches. I bought a Guardian from STI with a 3.9 inch barrel. I wanted a steel frame because I intended to take it to a two-day class and wanted less recoil from the 950 to 1,200 rounds we expected to fire.
I have carried a couple of different firearms in the last six-plus years. Most recently, I changed to a Springfield XD-S 4.0 for primary carry, and I have sold the other semi-auto center fires.
The XD-S with that barrel is reliable, controllable, and concealable, and the grip safety provides insurance against a jacket string in the holster without requiring an extra step to disengage it before firing.
I added a Pachmayr grip sleeve and Pearce grip extenders. The recoil does not bother me, and I have tendonitis and arthritis.
I have carried a couple of different firearms in the last six-plus years. Most recently, I changed to a Springfield XD-S 4.0 for primary carry, and I have sold the other semi-auto center fires.
The XD-S with that barrel is reliable, controllable, and concealable, and the grip safety provides insurance against a jacket string in the holster without requiring an extra step to disengage it before firing.
I added a Pachmayr grip sleeve and Pearce grip extenders. The recoil does not bother me, and I have tendonitis and arthritis.
DeepSouth
Random Guy
When reading the OP I cou help but think about a Browning High Power, might want to look into that.
SemiAutoSniper
Member
Kleanbore- I remember reading all that stuff about the shorter 1911's being unreliable aswell, But what makes them so unreliable? Constant FTF's or FTE's? And as far as the XD-S, I have looked at those aswell, Shorter barrel, Smaller grip, Single stack mag so the frame is slimmer. But it still comes down to the recoil as I said. It's not bad for me, But my wife is pretty recoil sensitive. When I first got her to shoot a handgun, It was a Glock 26 and she started to get the "recoil flinch" when shooting it, But then I let her shoot a CZ-83 that I had and the flinch went away. She said the weight of the gun mad it easier to shoot for her.
Deepsouth- I like High Powers, But they are a bit too big to carry for my wife.
Deepsouth- I like High Powers, But they are a bit too big to carry for my wife.
If years of service is your goal I don't think you will beat a Sig especially one made in W. Germany. They were built to last but they do have an alloy frame.
The only handguns I can think of that come close to filling all your requirements are revolvers. The Ruger SP101 in .357 would seem to be right for you and your wife. She could carry it with .38 Spcl rounds in it. It isn't a back breaker with models having 3" barrels running around 27 oz.. It could be worse and IMO this is the gun that does the double duty you seem to be looking for (a gun for you and one for your wife).
SemiAutoSniper
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Cee Zee- I agree about the P6, Gun was very nice especially for being as old as it was, I believe mine was made in 1978. I would not mind a revolver, But my wife wants a semi-auto for carry. She likes the ability to change the mag in a matter of seconds instead of having to flip open the cylinder and using a speed loader and close it again. I used to have a Ruger LCR in 357 that I let her shoot and she did not like it very well. I actually bought it for her to carry, But she did not like the way it felt or the recoil it had, Even using 38 special.
Posted by SemiAutoSniper:
The Commander length (4.25) obviously worked okay.
There are people who trust the 3 inch models. There are those who do not.
It is said that frequent replacement of recoil springs helps.
I just don't like the idea.
Geometry. The barrel tilts downward at the rear to unlock from the slide, and the new round is driven into the tilted barrel from the magazine. The original design was for a five inch barrel. Obviously, a shorter barrel will tilt differently, and the cartridge will have to follow a different path. I am not an expert on this, but there were numerous discussions here back in the summer of 2009.
The Commander length (4.25) obviously worked okay.
There are people who trust the 3 inch models. There are those who do not.
It is said that frequent replacement of recoil springs helps.
I just don't like the idea.
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