PT1911, Sig P250, or CZ 97b?

[bbuddtec]

I am trying to settle on a first handgun, with reloading being a neccessity.

Limited budget points me toward these 3, but I am open minded, and value

the input from this forum! (pics would be great too!)

-Bryan

 

[Olympus]

You've really got a good spread of different style pistols. It's going to be difficult to recommend one because you've got such different options. Your best bet would be to go to a gun shop and handle the different ones and see which one feels best to you. Then I would try to find a gun range that will let you rent some different guns. Give a few different models a try and see which one speaks to you the most.

What I prefer and feels comfortable to me may not necessarily be the same for you.

 

[bbuddtec]

I hear ya, thanks, I will be researching much more before I ask

 

[mister2]

First handgun....

...doesn't necessarily mean it has to be brand new, does it?

I'd go PT 1911 (just because there's a TON of aftermarket support for 1911s), but might see if I could do better getting a used Colt, Kimber or higher end SA, if I could. Tax and FFL fees would be close to equivalent, so I think it's possible to get a good second hand gun for the same money. I certainly value my second hand Series 80 Colt more than a brand new 97b. My Colt, my opinion. YMMV


MR2

 

[rduckwor]

Either the SIG or CZ. Taurus has a hit or miss rep for reliability. A used 1911 from another maker would be a good choice.

RMD

 

[schmeky]

The Taurus has proprietary sights and a funky hammer. If you want a 1911, and I think this would be a great choice, I would look at an STI Spartan 1911, Rock Island Tactical, Springfield Mil-spec, or something similiar.

The 97 is a great platform, but it has a large grip, creepy/cammy SA trigger OTB, and long DA trigger reach. I'm not a fan of the Sig 250, but that's just me.

 

[Skylerbone]

Another vote for an RIA or Citadel 1911, some 231 and wadcutters. If I were looking at an inexpensive, import (gasp!) 1911 that's what I would choose. Taurus a distant second and the 250, I'd gather rocks for a slingshot first.

 

[Olympus]

The Taurus has proprietary sights and a funky hammer

It was my understanding that the first Taurus 1911 models used proprietary sight cuts, but the newer Taurus 1911s are using a more common sight cut. I could be wrong though.

 

[MtnCreek]

1911 and P250 are both great choices. They are Very different guns; the post above suggesting you try some out before purchasing is great advice. I have never fired a rd from a CZ, so can't comment on it.

the 250, I'd gather rocks for a slingshot first.

I have one; just put a couple hundred rds through it today. I call it the 'Flinch Buster'. This gun forces me to focus on the target with pricise, smooth, 'strait back' trigger pull. If you can't do that, maybe a slingshot is the way to go. {sorry, I had to take that jab !!!}

 

[ndoutdoors]

i have over 2k rnds though my 250 in 45. Probably my favorite handgun out of 12. i carry it or a 637 always. my 2 cents

 

[LawofThirds]

My 97B has never had a fte/ftf or any other failure in around 1000 rounds, and soaks up recoil til even +p .45 feels like a light 9mm. It would be my choice (although, knowing what I do now, I'd get a BD instead, the decocker makes more sense for a lefty such as myself.)

 

[Skylerbone]

Depending on the model Taurus, Novak or Heinie sights.

 

[Mitch from LA]

I love my PT1911, but you've got a real fruit salad to choose from there.

 

[bbuddtec]

I didnt know there was a bd, very nice indeed, thanks!

 

[CZ57]

If the grip is comfortable in your hand then a 97 B and handloading would be a perfect match.

 

[klash545]

the CZ is the best of the bunch by far

 

[jpwilly]

Why the Sig 250 and not the 220?

PS...I love my PT1911 too.

 

[chris in va]

45acp as your first handgun, wow.

I would have suggested a CZ 75 9mm as your first. But if you start reloading for 45, load to minimum charges so you won't start developing a bad flinch...like I did.

I had a Sig 220 for a few years, couldn't get used to it and got a Glock 21SF.

 

[weregunner]

Which ever gun fits you and your needs is the one to get.

I can reply to the Taurus PT1911.

Here's the story on that.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=2155.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=2063.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?board=25.0
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?t=501157
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?t=467369

Only the actual owners of PT1911s or those with actual experience with the PT1911 can comment on their experience. No on else.

There are links within the links provided that are right from the owners' mouths.

1911s of any make are easier to learn to shoot and hit targets consistantly. That's been documented in police and tactical journals for the last fewe decades.

That said I do not own a 1911 of any kind. I went down another path and it turned out well.

The board=25.0 leads to the www.taurusarmed.net board for PT1911s. Like the other gun models in play, before you make a choice with your hard earned money doing much research to find what will work for you is called for.

That's why the links. Ask at each of the forums at gun specific gun forums, as well as here, to find out the ins and outs of all the models proferred.

Do searches and ask the actual owners about the models. That's been done at this gun forum, but going to the specific gun forums gives one a better all around education on them all.

sigforum.com/eve/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=674608412
www.czforumsite.info/index.php
czechpistols82792.yuku.com/
www.czforum.com/

Which ever model you pick, happy shooting!

 

[LawofThirds]

My first handgun was a .45 ACP. Never developed a flinch but I did quickly start reloading powderpuff loads.

 

[Skylerbone]

Gunner, anyone can comment just as you did even though you wrote that only owners had that right then stated you owned no 1911s.

I have fired the PT1911 on numerous occasions, it was a reasonable example of what a well designed 1911 should be but with the price of a Citadel (which I have also fired and stripped) or its sibling RIA I find the price gap a bit too wide to overlook.

Then again I'm a snob in the 1911 department and choose only US made pistols for this particular model.

As for the Sig, pick any other model than the 250 and it will have much kinder words from me. I don't covet brands, I choose reliability and the 250 has much to prove. Congratulations to those owners whose pistols have proven to them reliable, many have not.

.45 ACP made my 6 year old flinch the first time, he was fine after that. Why is it the recoil is so overblown on them?

 

[jpwilly]

Why is it the recoil is so overblown on them?

Perception, While 45 auto does indeed have more overall recoil the impulse is slower than higher pressure 40 and 9mm. The perceived recoil of 45auto IMO is less "snappy" in full size frames and very manageable when spring-ed and timed correctly.

The difference between 9mm is something like 3ft/lbs and 45auto is 5.5ft/lbs.

 

[cheygriz]

Regardless of the other choices, if a SIG-SAUER is an option go for it!

 

[MarshallDodge]

If you want a 1911 then take a look at the Desert Eagle 1911's. I am much more impressed by them than what Taurus is turning out and I owned a Taurus.

The P250 is not a gun I would own. I find the trigger very difficult to manipulate for quick follow up shots.

The CZ97 is a decent gun but I would probably go with 9mm rather than 45 in a CZ.

 

[RX-178]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=532493


From when I handled a rental CZ97B last year.