So for $500...

[10-Ring]

H&k Usp

 

[xds&gsps]

I voted other & say XD45, but if I could have I would have also voted for the sig.

 

[6_gunner]

I voted for the 1911; my choice would be a Sistema 1927. For $500, unless prices have spiked drastically, I could probably get a pistol in nice condition, a few spare mags and maybe some ammo.

Having said that, my second choice would be a Browning Hi-power. I would want an Inglis.

 

[Tempusfugit77]

I voted for a 1911. I have a Taurus PT1911 that is my favorite gun to shoot. 100% reliable so far. 1911's are slim and easily concealed. You can probably find a new one for $500. Another option would be the Rock Island Tactical for $389 from Sarco with $100 left over for grips, accessories, modifications, etc.

 

[Hokkmike]

I can't believe that Beretta has received no votes! (now, I feel bad!)

 

[bigred82]

Resistance is futile! You cannot deny the power of the SIG side.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The CZ75D P-01 and PCR impress me when I hold them, but I haven't shot one yet. They are at or under half a grand, though.

 

[Commander Guineapig]

MUST - MOVE - TOWARDS - THE - SIG
I'm just doing what my hormones are telling me to.
Well...and my navy SEAL buddy said it was the finest handgun
he'd ever shot in the field. That never hurts.
Held one today...not many autoloaders fit my hand like that.
That being said, I still want to find a CZ somewhere that I can
hold...
gP

 

[Bearlaker]

Browning Hi Power of course. Gently used models are in your price range.

 

[doc2rn]

I would go with the SIG in .357 or 9mm if you want a different type of gun, but in all hosnesty it is gonna be hard to beat the Glock. I hope you get what you really want, the new EMP in 9mm I hear is also a sweet all steal 1911 style.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I can't believe no one else has brought up the Beretta PX4 Storm. With three interchangeable palm swells, it will fit just about anyone. I shoot it with the medium, but with the small installed it's perfect for my wife (5'2", small hands). It's a very soft shooter thanks to some great balancing with the solid slide and the rotating lock up of the barrel that helps absorb some of the energy. It's a completely different experience from the 92FS.

Note that I also have 2 CZ's (used to have 3). They're fantastic guns, but if I could only have one it would be the PX4 -- hands down.

Jim

 

[nero45acp]

CZ P-01



nero

 

[Deacon Blues]

The CZ grip seems to be very polarizing; it's either the most ergonomic grip you've ever set your hands on, or it's ridiculously bulky. The easy solution to this is custom grips. Of course, it's hard to get excited enough about a gun that doesn't fit your hand in the first place.

If you can find a SIG for that price, jump on it, period. Less bang for buck than the CZ, perhaps, but there's very little buyer's remorse with SIGs.

 

[bl4ckd0g]

I purchased a used LE USPc in .45, which came out to $550 plus transfer.

Both you and your wife should rent or borrow the chosen pistols in your list and decide what shoots comfortable and feels the best in both of your hands. 1911's are nice, but I'm against using a cocked & locked single action for CCW.

You might also want to add a Springfield XO and a Steyr M9/40 to the list.

 

[bwavec]

You can rarely go wrong with a used USP or USP Compact. Unless the previous owner has been storing it in the trunk...under the spare....but even then it should clean up easily and shoot fine. The trick is finding one for under $500....

 

[Lonestar49]

500 bucks or less.. NIB

...

9mm, forgiving in recoil, (with rotating barrel) semi-full length, lightweight and balanced, reliable and dependable, without doubt..

One of, if not, the easiest guns to disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble, out there, bar none.

400 - 500 bucks NIB

Beretta Px4 9mm


Ls






PS.. the wife will love the easy action, along with the DA pull, semi DA pull, and the SA pull, smooth, weights, along with the 3 backstraps that will customize the grip to fit both your hands. Does come in 40cal, but think the wife may enjoy the 9mm a lot more IMHO.

 

[sholling]

I voted other... S&W M&P. For that price you can buy a brand new full sized or compact 9mm or 40S&W, or maybe get lucky and find a full sized M&P45 for that price. I'd suggest the M&P9c for your needs. I paid $500 for mine. Right now they have a $50 mail in rebate and 2 extra free mags (for a total of 4) by mail promotion.

 

[Commander Guineapig]

wow the Sigs and the CZs are REALLY close...
if you guys keep this up, I may just have to demand a recount
gunshow here today...gonna go fondle every autoloader I can get my
hands on.
Then again, my ex-SEAL buddy has a few mags he said he'd give me
for a 228 if I got one...so there's a little bias, but I think the
way it holds for me will ultimately decide which one I get.
gP