Pistol families questions

[bratch]

If anybody has noticed I have been posting alot of open ended questions trying to figure some stuff out and want to thank everyone for bearing with me as I'm going through my kid in a candy store with a month's allowance syndrome.

Right now my first purchase is leaning towards one maker that I can interchange magazines and operations would be the same. This seems to make the most sense to me right now. I'm looking for a "full size" for regular carry and a "compact" for when it needs to be more discrete. I'm using fullsize and compact loosely.

So what family of pistols do you like and why?

 

[George Hill]

Look at CZ's.
Why? The mags from the full sizes work in the compacts... and they are fricken awesome.


Edit:
I also like Beretta's and Springfields and SIGs... But CZ's would give you the most options.

 

[RON in PA]

Glocks in 9mm will do it for you. the full size magazine from a G17 will fit into the compact G19 and subcompact G26. In forty you have the fullsize 22, compact 23 and subcompact 27.

 

[sm]

1911 style stay with 5" ( Full) and 4" - 4.25" ( Commander Size ) mags exchange.

First Purchase - Humm - I know this is in Autoloaders, but what about a Medium frame Revolver like a Old S&W K frame? Not dependent on mags, Speedloaders for a Short bbl ( 2" or 3" ) for CCW will work in a 4" - 6" for HD or Woods. MOA is same. Monies saved on a new gun and mags spent on Used Police trade in will buy/ go toward ammo, training, holster, belt.

Same applies to Used Rugers ( find a Security Six for instance) , Colts....

Just a thought.

 

[bratch]

Thanks so far guys.

George: I've been eyeballing the CZs sound like nice guns. Only concern is I have heard the trigger is long for people with short fat fingers . Only way to tell will be to handle one but that goes for everything.

The Glocks are always a possiblity as are revolvers a snub of some form is in my future who knows I may decide on it first.

What is the Sig line up? Will the 226 mags work in a 239? Those seem to be the two pistols on opposite ends of the size chart.

 

[TK73]

Dear Bratch:

No, the high-capacity double-stack magazines for the full-size SIG-Sauer P226 doesn't fit the SIG-Sauer P239, as the latter is a very compact, single-stack pistol design (mainly for concealed carry purposes).

I'd guess, the P226 mags work in the slightly more compact P228/229 that utilize basically the same frame, albeit shorter (about 1 cm), altough they'll stick out from the bottom somewhat. The double-stack SIG-Sauer pistols are relatively "fat" handguns and I believe it's almost as easy to carry the full-size P226 instead of P228/229 compact models.

Then there are the single-stack SIG-Sauer models P220 and 225. The former is also a full-size service pistol (similar in size to the P226) that's most common in .45 ACP-chambering, although they can be encountered in .38 Super, 9 mm Luger and 9x21 mm, too. In Europe, the P220 is rather common with "European-style" magazine release located on the rear bottom of the magazine well (I believe the Swiss army still uses this SIG model in cal. 9 mm Luger in addition to their old but well-respected P210). The "Americanized" version of P220 utilizes the magazine release button on left side of the frame.

The SIG-Sauer P225 is a compact version of the P220 that was originally developed for the German police pistol trials in the late '70s. It features the magazine release on the side of the frame. As far as I know, the P220 and P225 use different magazines that don't interchange.

The SIG P210 is an expensive, finely crafted, all-steel service pistol with single-action trigger featuring a slimmer frame w/single-stack magazine. It's typically chambered for the 9 mm Luger round. Some are available in cal. 7,65 mm Parabellum (= the former Swiss military handgun round), too. The P210's durability, accuracy and reliability are legendary. Some shooters still argue that the P210 the best 9 mm pistol ever made.

All of the aforesaid pistols incl. the P239 are fine sidearms, though. Of course, there are specialized versions (IDPA, IPSC Production or Bullseye competiton) of almost all SIG pistols available, too. Certainly you should take a look at them before you make you final choice.

Kind Regards!

 

[WEPS]

what about a CZ P01 or A Glock 23 both are outstanding guns and they fit both roles great. you always here about guys saying this is my winter gun, that is my summer gun ect. why not carry a golck 23 or a P01 all year round.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Don't make a "paper analysis only" purchase

Hi,

You will get good advice from many good people here at THR. But these people are also human. More often than not, they will offer advice based on their personal experience on platforms that have served them well. With Autoloaders, you can't always "borrow" personal experience from others.

Autoloaders are like shoes. Either they fit you or they don't. Take the good advice given to create a "short list". Make your decision minimally with extended hands on examination, ideally with a "try-before-you-buy" rental or perhaps a "buddy-borrow" range session.

Like shoes, where a tweak here and there can make a difference in comfort, the out of the box sight picture, grip, and even trigger of an autoloader can be modified/customized for the tastes of the owner.

I own autoloaders by Sig, CZ, and Glock (some others too including a Springfield 1911).

I find the Sig's to be high quality pistols, but the DA/SA trigger transition for self-defense shooting takes some practice. Accessories are readily available but tend to be expensive. Initial acquisition costs can be high. However, quality used pieces can be found.

The CZ line is a great value out of the shop. Some don't like the location or feel of the operational controls. I've found that with practice, those issues can be overcome. CZ's aren't as commonly found in shops in my area...the availability on the whole of accessories takes some digging...you can get good gear, but expect you may need to send off for it. By way of disclosure, I've found my CZ-75B to be the most "forgiving" piece I own and it is my "alpha-autoloader".

Glocks are simple to operate, comparably affordable, and accessories WIDELY available and are generally quite reasonably priced. The triggers are not great but can be learned (3.5lb trigger connectors can be installed). I find that Glocks "let you know" whenever you make a mistake...which can be a good thing...I train often with my Glocks because they don't let me get away with anything.

I was that same "kid in a candy store" not that long ago. I strongly urge you to take every opportunity to "sample the candy" before you buy.

Good luck!

CZ52'

 

[bratch]

I missed out on a range with killer rentals over the summer they had the Glock and Sig line ups plus 1911s. Hopefully I can find one close to home with that nice of rental selection because like everyone said its all preference.

Thanks for all the info so far.