Semi-Auto $850 ceiling.

[maskedman504]

I was basically dead set on a CZ-75. My father wants to buy me a handgun for a gift and an heirloom. My generally prefers Sigs and urged me not to but the 'cheap' CZ. I told him I had done alot of research and the gun fits my hand well - I have larger hands. The CZ was $479 but he wants me to consider something up to $850. This kind of open the possibility of some nicer 1911s. I know the CZ is a great gun for a great price; show me your handsgun pictures and recommend a better pistol!

FYI - I have fired a CZ-75 and a Beretta 92FS and I really like the way they handled.

 

[Hostile Amish]

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/32909

S&W makes some great 1911's. With the S&H and FFL transfer fee it should put you a bit over $850.

 

[Bat22]

I myself have a SIG P229. No regrets but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend because there are a number of good pistols out there for less $$$. The CZ-75 is no exception.

My youngest brother's first pistol was a Kimber 1911. Kimber + 1911 = what could go wrong? Well, he wound up with a total jamming lemon. He'd lost all confidence in it by the time it returned from the repair shop. The replacement: a CZ 75 Compact in .40 caliber.
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=63
It's got a great feel in his and my hands, and it shoots beautifully and reliably.

That's why I wouldn't write off the CZ 75 based on its more thrifty value.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/cz75_091305/

It's your call, though, depending on what you're willing to spend; how if feels in your hands; and what features/options you like.

 

[MachIVshooter]

There are really nice variants of the CZ-75 in the $850 price range, if he's dead set on spending that much.

As combat handguns go, I'd put a CZ up against a Sig any day.

 

[Trebor]

The CZ-75 is a great handgun. It's probably my personal favorite.

A higher price does not always equal greater value. HK's cost more then CZ's, but I'd take a CZ over a HK any day.

If you do look at other guns, I also reccomend Sigs. I especially like the 226 series.

For 1911's, in the under $850 price range I recommend the Dan Wessons. They have a good rep in that price range. (Just don't tell your Dad they are owned by CZ)

 

[Dan Crocker]

You can always get two CZ-75s.
Honestly, there is very little that a $2500 1911 will go that a plain vanilla 1911, Glock, Sig, CZ, HK, etc won't do. A Wilson Combat is guaranteed to shoot 1" at 25 yds...but I sure can't! If he's giving you an $850 limit and you like the CZ, then buy it and use the rest to buy mags, holsters, ammo, etc. The CZ is an excellent design, the Czechs are not newbies when it comes to making guns. You can't go wrong with one.

 

[bannockburn]

maskedman504

I don't think I would necessarily let a certain price point be the deciding factor in what you get. If you like the CZ75, then that's what you should get. As Dan Crocker posted, use the rest of the gift money to get accessories and ammo, and have fun with your new gift. It will mean more to you having the gun you want, and as such, be more like a family heirloom, every time you shoot it; versus getting something else that you may not want, for more money.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There is nothing cheap about the CZ. And I paid nearly $1000 for a handgun that still malfunctioned and broke anyway.

 

[P Rockwell]

Quite often, for more money, you get better alloys, tighter tolerances, greater accuracy, etc.
I can't shoot as well as some of my guns have the capability of, but I can shoot better than a couple of them can.

 

[brif]

I would beg, steal or borrow the extra $150 and get this cz.

http://czcustom.com/testproduct-179.aspx

 

[Rob P.]

Your dad wants you to get a reliable handgun that is also an "heirloom."

I would automatically rule out any of the "cheap" handguns. I would look for something "special" instead.

1911's in this price range are dime-a-dozen and unless they have some sort of provenance attached, are going to lose value. Ditto with the other semi's. ESPECIALLY with the "tacticool" and plastic stuff.

I would look for a collectible revolver in either .357 or .44 magnum. You will most likely find collectibles in .38 spl but you can find later versions of revolvers in the bigger calibers too.

But, then again, this is myself who has a hard time saying "no" to anything over 50 years old anyway.

 

[10-Ring]

You know, the only firearm I had to get rid of b/c it was a lemon was a SIG P-series pistol -- if you want 'cheap' go w/ 'cheap' -- just don't settle

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Close to - but still within - your price ceiling is the SIG P220. I rather fancy the SAO version.

 

[Dan Crocker]

That is true, Rockwell, you will get a better built gun with better materials. But unless you want to shoot bullseye matches or are planning on putting thousands upon thousands of rounds through it, then that extra cash you spent won't make a difference. I do get excited everytime I pick up a high-end custom gun, but I'd rather put the difference into mags, ammo, and non-perishables! :-D

 

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for a 5" matte stainless Smith & Wesson 1911, such as
product code #108282~! 'Round $800 + tax.

 

[mbr]

Get what you like and fits your hand. Its going to be your gun, isn't it?

 

[don95sml]

brif furnished a good reference, but there are other good alternatives at
http://czcustom.com/ .
Almost any gun you buy today is going to have a trigger designed to satisfy the manufacturer's lawyers, which means you will want some gunsmithing done to improve that trigger. Rather than starting your search with a basic gun that costs more, I suggest you stick with the CZ, and spend the extra money on modifications that will make it more accurate and fun to shoot. The CZ custom shop (Ghost Products, Inc.) can supply the gun and do all the work necessary to make you a happy shooter. I personally am awaiting shipment from them of a CZ75B-SA with several modifications. I chose the single-action-only version because I want a very accurate target gun. You may have different objectives. Look around their website and be prepared to be impressed.

 

[Atticum]

sp-01 Shadow at czcustom.com would be a nice choice for right at that amount.

luck you!

 

[Deer Hunter]

Just for the record...

I will Never own a gun that I plan on "passing down" to the generations of children I may or may not get to have.

Has anyone in the past, say your parents or grandparents really ever bought a gun for that purpose?

"Hm, I could buy this nice target revolver, shoot it once or twice, and then hand it down to my grandchildren when I kick off."

OR

"Hm, I could spend $$$$ on a nice revolver, or I could spend $ on this shotgun and actually use it..."

You don't buy heirlooms. You buy guns. If they're around by the time your kids are old enough to fight over the crap you'll leave behind, you have not shot them enough.

 

[maskedman504]

I have been digging around the websites since yesterday and I really think I am going to go CZ. Perhaps the .40 compacts or a CZ-97b. The gun just oozes quality when I handle one. I can I can get a CZ, a holster and some ammo for comparable price to the SIG my brother has decided on.

Direct quote from my dad-

"When I think of the CZ I only think of Czecho Solvania. When I think of SIG I think of BMWs and Mercedes."

It made me laugh- like the ShamWOW! commercial- you know the Germans make good stuff! Funny because my father owned a Russian SKS, Russian Saiga, Hungarian SA-85... (Aks and such are immune to country stereotyping)

P.S. Addressing the heirloom comment- I own two rifles and this will be my first handgun. I do have experience with handguns. My pops has let me fire all of his including a S&W .357 mag full size, SIG .40, Beretta .32 auto, some make .32 revolver, a Taurus Judge, S&W .38 special. He told me "If I catch you pawning this gun I will kick your ass- lol.

I am kinda deciding between a 9mm/.40 compact for carry or a 4" or 5" 1911 model.

 

[mtlucas0311]

I put about 3,000 rounds a SEASON through my revolver (PPC will do that to ya'). I understand the point deer hunter is making though, I've got bolt guns in my safe that I've never shot. And a nice shotgun would make a fine heirloom, it just depends on what you like to do. Another possibility is to buy a less expensive used 1911 (80 series maybe) and give it to a craftsman to make you a fine heirloom with the money left over, then you have exactly what you want. I personally don't think that the higher dollar guns that manufacturers claim are "match grade" are in the same class as one worked by a craftsman.

 

[maskedman504]

I now know I described the motive incorrectly; Not an 'heirloom' - a a reliable, semi-auto for a self-defense pistol (home, not carry) that I will keep for the rest of my life.

 

[bondmid003]

It's going to be your gun so get what you want. My next handgun is going to be a Sig but then again I've been eyeing CZ's as well.

 

[Sport45]

Has anyone in the past, say your parents or grandparents really ever bought a gun for that purpose?

I do. I have two sons and find that they make a great excuse for buying a 2nd 1911, or a 2nd .357mag, etc. I shoot most all of mine frequently and don't expect any to be "worn out" when it's time to pass them on.

That doesn't keep me from selling or trading them as I see fit.

 

[maskedman504]

Now I am thinking of one upping his german stereotype and am lookin at an HK USP .40. I need to handle one, but many owners seems to tout their ergonomics. Since the ergos were a main factor in my attraction to the CZ, I am eager to manhandle an HK.