Okay, experience requested

[barneyfife.357]

I have been looking to purchase a new pistol. I have a CZ 75B 9mm, and I was looking for maybe a different caliber, I like the 9mm but I also like diversity in calibers. I have shot a Glock 31 and I really like the 357 sig, but the glock doesn't fit my hands right.

I also have been looking into some 1911's I like the PT1911 because I prefer not to spend too much. Sig's are also great. The new gun will be mainly for "show off" and something I can have fun shooting at long ranges.

I was wondering what you experts had to say on the topic? Eventually I will have several, but I am jsut starting my "collection" and was wondering what I should get first? I have narrowed the market to a couple of frames--FN FiveSeven, SIG P226 (357 sig), Beretta 92 (9 or 40), or 1911 platform?

 

[hexidismal]

Firstly, welcome to THR.
Unfortunately..this is pretty much completely impossible to respond to. All you can really hope for is a list of people's personal favorites, which won't have much bearing on what works for you.

 

[barneyfife.357]

So true, see my predicament? What if I was to say I am going for the 1911 platform, what would be the best choice there? (they pretty much "feel" the same right)

 

[jdc1244]

You can only decide for yourself what you want; the parameters and criteria important to you. If money is an issue then, yes, you’re looking at a Taurus or RIA. To me the extra $200 or so was not an issue when buying my first new 1911: a Colt series 80 stainless. It was the best gun buy I’ve made in years as it has proven flawless. Again, the extra money was not an issue to me and I like the idea of having the original, it will retain its value better and become an heirloom.

But my decision was personal and subjective, for me gun buying is more then just function, there’s an art to it as well.

All I or anyone can tell you is his/her own personal experience: of the used Colts I own and the two new ones (a series 70 repo) they have all performed flawlessly and I can recommend them. You’ll have to take it from there.

Welcome and good luck.

 

[barneyfife.357]

Thanks for the imput, I am trying to wrangle some different 1911's to shoot this weekend, I have shot the other's listed previously, so we will see how it goes. thanks again

 

[mikec]

If you shoot at indoor ranges check with them about the FN FiveSeven. The range/shop near me sells them but they don't allow them on their range. The range has a 2,000fps rule. Some of the FiveSeven ammo goes higher then that.

 

[OU_Gryphon]

I personally like the feel of the Sig P229. This gun is available in .40 S&W and in .357 Sig. Whichever one you get, a new barrel ($100-150) is all that is required to switch calibers between 40 and 357. Some european police force traded in a bunch of lightly used 229s in 40 recently and I have seen them both online at Aimsurplus and in some local gun shops.

 

[Snubster]

If I were in your shoes and had narrowed it down to your choices, I would probably get the 1911 styled gun next. I would get something basic and leave it stock until you figured out if you wanted to customize it somehow to better suit your needs. My favorite 1911-patterned gun is a Colt series 70 repro that is completely stock. My first 1911 type gun was a Kimber series I Gold Match. I now regret buying that gun because most of the "upgrades" I could live without and to me add no value (benefit-wise) to the gun.

 

[Boarhunter]

If you are driven to "show off" and primarily shoot at targets at long range, really think outside the box and consider a Magnum Research single action revolver in .45/70. Now that is a true show-stopper of a gun!

Boarhunter

 

[bluetopper]

barneyfife, checkout an STI Spartan. I feel the best buy in the 1911 platform right now.

 

[rcmodel]

The "long-range" part pretty much rules out any of the auto-loaders listed.

For truly long range shooting, you need to be looking at a .41 or .44 Mag revolver, or TC Contender single-shot.

Combat grade autos are just not accurate enough, or powerful enough, for truly long-range shooting.


rcmodel

 

[Josh Aston]

(they pretty much "feel" the same right)

Nope. All depends on the mainspring housing, grip safety, thumb safety, trigger, grips, whether or not the front strap is undercut, etc.