Picky, need a handgun recommendation.

[War Squirrel]

Here's what I am looking for:

• steel or alloy frame
• at least 10 rnd capacity
• single action preferred
• surplus or military style, i like classic designs
• reliability is of utmost importance
• preferably full size but this isnt necessary

Caliber isn't important but I already stock 9x18 and 9x19.
I am thinking BHP or CZ82. I already have a Mak which i loveand an FEG Hi Power but it isn't reliable at all...

 

[David E]

Not too many surplus or military designs that fit, but even tho the frame is polymer, consider the Glock 17

Otherwise, a good BHP or, less enthusiastically, the CZ-75

(Side note: my BHP was "unreliable" until I figured out a couple magazines were the problem. Maybe your FEG just needs better mags.

 

[War Squirrel]

You are probably right on mags. Mine are both bargain bin mystery mags...
I don't like Glocks much but they are superb guns.

 

[Ed Ames]

You didn't say what it is for. Carry, range use, etc.

CZ82 is DA/SA but can be treated as SA (cocked and locked), and it is fairly small but has good ergonomics. It would be a good choice.

There are 9x19 1911s that would match those requirements (or come close, e.g. the single stacks may be 9+1 capacity, which is technically all you asked for).

Zastava M70a would be a meh choice in my opinion but maybe you would like it.

 

[War Squirrel]

Its gonna be for carry, range and field use. There's an Armscor 1911a2 double stack nearby for a good price but I know nothing of them.

 

[LT.Diver]

Glock 19 or 23. I don't care if they don't fit any of your criteria, just get one!

 

[Ed Ames]

I have a RIA (aka Armscor) double stack 1911 in 9mm (and .22 TCM, it came with two barrels).

I like it a lot. Would buy again.

 

[Armor Snail]

Arcus 98 (DA/SA but has a manual safety)

Grand Power K100 (same as above, awesome gun though. Rotating barrel and super short reset). This is poly though but not to be overlooked.

Mag 98. (Again, DA/SA but with the right kind of switch. Solid Polish design.)

A CZ75 SAO would be the best though. (Fits all of your criteria perfectly)

 

[rule303]

As far as meeting all the checkpoints on your list, the Browning Hi-Power is all I can come up with. If you want to go DA/SA a CZ-75, Sig P229, Beretta 92/M9, or Taurus PT92 would fit the bill. All of those are big, bulky handguns that will be a chore to CC. CZ82 or 83 in 9x18 might be an option for something a bit smaller.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

Česká Zbrojovka vz.82. The absolute Cadillac of 9x18s.

 

[bannockburn]

I would go Browning Hi-Power, CZ 75 SAO, or Taurus PT 92, as it also has the option of being used in Condition One.

 

[MedWheeler]

Even before I got to the point in your question where the BHP came to your mind, it had already come to mine.

 

[BCRider]

Since you said "preferably full size..." I'm going to suggest one of the 1911's in 9mm or a CZ 75b. I'd add in the idea of a Hi Power but you sort of already have one. The IWI Jericho, previously known as the Baby Eagle, is another good all metal and lower cost option.

The 10 round minimum suggests the CZ which has the higher capacity double stack magazines. There are 10 rounders available for the 1911 in 9mm but they stick out the bottom a little if that bothers you.

Going up in price range you also move into the higher end 1911's and Sig's.

I'd also suggest that you not give up on the FEG until you're sure it's a lost cause or a gunsmith pronounces it as beyond economical repair. The Hi Power platform is a good performer IF all the parts are working together. So it's likely that your FEG can be fixed. It's just how much it'll cost and a question of the knowledge to figure out what isn't mating up correctly.

 

[wally]

There's an Armscor 1911a2 double stack nearby for a good price but I know nothing of them.

I've got a pair, one in .45ACP, the other 9mm, that I've had for ~10 years now, each has well over 10,000 rounds through them. I think they are outstanding guns for the money.

They use para P14 and P18 mags respectively, that will likely be your main issue as there are a lot of crap P14 & P18 mags floating around out there. Stick with the Mec-Gars and you should have no problems.

Current production is under the RIA brand name.

 

[Bentonville]

Can't get any more classic than a Beretta 92FS. 15, 18, and 20 round magazines available all day long. Mine and thousands of others have been totally reliable after thousands of rounds downrange. DA/SA with a D spring (which is a factory spring which is easily installed and causes no change of reliable ignition) is a nice trigger. It is a full size handgun that cycles like it is on ball bearings. Very little muzzle flip. Has a chrome-lined barrel and is easy to maintain. It is a very accurate gun which is all metal. The overall look is as classic as it gets. What else do you want?

 

[JohnBiltz]

I'm going to try and save you some money. If you are planning on carrying it don't go steel or full size. There are going to be some people saying they are doing this they are the minority and they are the minority for a reason. Big and heavy just makes carry harder than it needs to be.

 

[mr.trooper]

There ARE single action only versions of the CZ-75

 

[War Squirrel]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Ill keep working on this bhp until it runs right. Better two guns to one.
I'll probably get them cz82 next. I sure love 9x18...

As for the BHP, anyone have Arnie Dews number? He is a great hi power smith in the Fayetteville NC area from what I hear. I can't find contact info online.

 

[shooter1059]

I would recommend the CZ P-01. It's a NATO approved compact 75, that feels great in the hand. You would be impressed with the reliability tests it had to go through and still fire accurately.

 

[56hawk]

The C96 Mauser and the Savage 1907 fit all your requirements.

 

[krupparms]

The CZ 75, CZ 82, M70a. I know you like classic designs, but check out a S&W. SD9VE, 19×19mm. It holds 16+1, is a improved Glock and cost about $300-$350! They are reliable &accurate, about the size of the G19. Good luck with your FEG'.

 

[palmetto99]

Look into 3rd gen S&W pistols on the used market. I prefer Glocks, but have been very satisfied with a model 6906 I picked up a couple of years ago.

 

[WestKentucky]

I noticed the m9 is conspicuously missing from the list. 18 and 20rd mags are available but I think military mags are 17. Full frame. Single/double action. It fits your description for sure.

 

[Armor Snail]

No option for a SA first shot unless it's an early 92 or a rare CB model.

 

[Bentonville]

Sorry. Didn't see he required the first shot to be SA. Still, the first pull with D spring installed isn't as heavy as one would think.