Recommend a $400 (or less) autoloader to me?
- Thread starter RX-178
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never understood why they are sold as Stoeger when Beretta has their own importing/manufacturing operation in the US
REAPER4206969
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Because they are made in Turkey on Beretta tooling.
Sevenfaces
Member
for that price, I would suggest Used Glocks. My own personal experience also includes the Ruger p944, and the Taurus pt 24/7 .45 acp, both of which you might be able to find for 400 new, and certainly for 400 used. of those, the Glock is the superior weapon, IMO.
Jed Carter
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Rock Island Armory 1911, Stoeger would be a great choice, if you could locate one.
triplebike
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Another vote for the Stoeger/Beretta Cougar 8000. If it fits your hand & you're comfortable with it, buy it. You will not find a better handgun for the money. $369 NIB where I live. I've seem a couple of used ones for less than $250.
Furncliff
Member
A very lightly used Cz75b or 75 pre b would fit your criteria. I bought a .22 conversion kit (Kadet Kit) for mine. It's a quick change and I use it a lot. Like this.
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9944442&oh=216543
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9944442&oh=216543
Ragnar Danneskjold
Member
Here's another vote for Taurus Millennium Pro. I have the PT111 and it has been extremely dependable for me. I also put a slip on Hogue grip and it is by far the most comfortable gun to shoot I own. It's a perfect size for CCW. Big enough to feel like a real gun in your hand, unlike some pocket pistols, but still small enough to be a true compact. MilPros are some of the best pistols I have ever shot.
RX-178
Member
Well, the Stoeger Cougar seems to be in the lead, although I'm also giving serious consideration to an RIA 1911 as well. A Springfield XD is a runner up so far.
Off the top of my head guns that I have seen regularly at your stated price range and that otherwise fullfill your criteria.
Used glock (my preference would be a 19 or a 26)
Used Steyr M9 or M9A1
Used 3rd gen S&W
Kahr CW9
RIA 1911
FM high power
Used glock (my preference would be a 19 or a 26)
Used Steyr M9 or M9A1
Used 3rd gen S&W
Kahr CW9
RIA 1911
FM high power
If this is to be your primary handgun I wouldn't be too concerned about how it "points" at the time you buy it. If it's your primary you will (read: should) shoot it enough for it to become a natural pointer for you.
This is what I experienced when I went looking for a concealed carry gun - I rented XDs, M&Ps and Glocks and found I shot the Glock best, plus there were more holster options and cheaper parts available. The Glock was the least "natural" pointer of the guns I considered - when I bought it it pointed "up" when I just stuck it out at arm's length. But after shooting it for just a little while my wrist adapted. (Note: I've been shooting handguns, including the 1911, for 50+ years, so there was a lot of muscle memory, but the Glock grip angle became natural within a few range sessions.) Now after carrying it for a couple of years, and using it in IDPA matches in addition to range sessions, it is the natural pointer for me. When I handle other autoloaders they tend to point low.
That said, I'd add a vote for a Glock 19 or 26. Their utter simplicity, legendary reliability (which has also been my experience), ease of personal repair/parts replacement if needed, and vast range of holsters and accessories if you want 'em, make for a powerfully attractive package. I got my G19 used from Summit Gunbrokers, previously linked, for under $400.
This is what I experienced when I went looking for a concealed carry gun - I rented XDs, M&Ps and Glocks and found I shot the Glock best, plus there were more holster options and cheaper parts available. The Glock was the least "natural" pointer of the guns I considered - when I bought it it pointed "up" when I just stuck it out at arm's length. But after shooting it for just a little while my wrist adapted. (Note: I've been shooting handguns, including the 1911, for 50+ years, so there was a lot of muscle memory, but the Glock grip angle became natural within a few range sessions.) Now after carrying it for a couple of years, and using it in IDPA matches in addition to range sessions, it is the natural pointer for me. When I handle other autoloaders they tend to point low.
That said, I'd add a vote for a Glock 19 or 26. Their utter simplicity, legendary reliability (which has also been my experience), ease of personal repair/parts replacement if needed, and vast range of holsters and accessories if you want 'em, make for a powerfully attractive package. I got my G19 used from Summit Gunbrokers, previously linked, for under $400.
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