Suggest my next handgun

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joe sixpack

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This is still in the formative stages regarding whether or not I will purchase
another handgun (just have one, a mak), but there is a distinct possibility of something around $600 coming my way before xmas.

In the event that I acquire the finance and choose to devote it to such
a purpose, what recommendations do you have as to the device to
consign this surplus to?

I would like something that is easy to get accurate and fast follow up
shots with. Perhaps this is more a function of training than with any gun,
but with my current handgun I do have some trouble with getting it
back on the point of aim.

Something that is "fun" to shoot. I probably just need to install some
Pearce grips on the mak to make it more fun, but let's be a little extravagant and blow some cash here.

I have a definite bias towards a semi-auto pistol, but revolvers are not entirely out of the question.

That being said, the following are guns that I have not personally
shot, but that I consider in the running:

Browning Hi-Power or clone.
CZ 75, or compact type like PCR, PO-1.
Colt 1911, 1991.

Guns I have shot and liked but as it was essentially the first time shooting pretty much anything, I did not have much experience to evaluate them
properly except in relation to each other.

Glock 17, 19.
Sig P226.
CZ 52 strangely appealing and accurate.

Guns I have shot but am not particularly enamored with for whatever
personal reason:

6" Colt Python, seemed to shoot well but appeared rather large.
38 snubnose seemed alright.

Awaiting your consideration, thank you.

cheers, ab
 
Any of the H&K P7 variants could be fun. Too expensive new, but you just have to look for good deals on police trade-ins from various distributors.
 
From your list...

CZ-75
Glock 17

If you expect to carry it then go for the more compact versions.
 
I've had the good fortune (Thanks to THR Get-togethers) to shoot the cz-75 and the sig 226.


Both are fine guns. I personally might lean to the cz - fits my hand well.
 
Since a HiPower,a 1911 and a CZ75 are all on your list why not split the difference and get a CZ-75SA (single action)? In 9mm,it`ll be cheap to shoot,very accurate (it`s a CZ) and very easy to control in rapid fire thanks to it`s great ergonomics,low bore/hand axis and steel frame. Plus if you shop around you should be able to pick up a case of ammo and a few hi caps too with that $600. :) Marcus
 
May I expand your list a wee bit? You mentioned the world class
SIG-SAUER P226, but have you even considered its counterpart,
the world famous .45 caliber SIG-SAUER P220A? Before making
any decision regarding purchase of a new sidearm, I would
try to get acquainted with this most excellent firearm. Some of
its features include, but are not limited to:

  • RELIABILITY - second to none
  • ACCURACY - that exceeds most out of the box guns
  • CRAFTSMANSHIP - that is above industry standards

These are just a few of the reasons that I chose the SIG-SAUER
P220 in .45 ACP as my duty weapon. I would suggest that you
try one out first hand.

Respectfully,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
If self defence is not a requirment how about a a 22lr handgun? One of the guns I take to the range everytime is my Ruger 22/45 4 inch bull barrel,very easy to get rapped accurate follow up shots with.With the money you have left over you can buy a Ruger P-95 9mm,I bought both at Turner's in Pasadena for less than six bills.

If neither of the above are of your taste,and taking those on your lists guns I shoot regularly the Glock 19 and a 1911 are good choices if you can get some more range time with them and sell yourself on the accuracy and trigger traits.The FEG Hi Power clones are pretty good also and for the $ are hard to beat.Try the Firing-Line in Burbank,the rent all these models and more and decide which you are really comfortable with.

One gun that needs mentioning is the often mentioned Bersa 380.Mine is very accurate and follow up shots with it are easy,a natural pointer too.

As mentioned above if self defense is not a requirment get a good 22 auto and with the $ left over join a range if you are not already a member to one and buy a bunch of 22 ammo and shoot every weekend.

If you liked the CZ 52,buy one.What are they $100 from AIM,or SOG and have it sent to Mr Doomanis at [www.CDfirearms.com] in Burbank.He will charge you $40-$60,depending if you are a NRA member.Just do not dry fire these model because it can break the firing pin.

CW
 
FNH/Browning Hi-Power SA in 9mm. #1 :D


Now, listen up. You want to have a fun gun? One that's accurate and provides quick follow ups? One that has ballistics equivelant to or better than your Mak? Check out this Ruger SP-101 in 32 H&R Magnum.



132L.gif


Black Hills
32 H&R Magnum
85 Gr. Jacketed Hollow Point
Velocity 1100 FPS
Energy 228 Ft. Lbs.

Federal
32 H&R Magnum
95 Gr. Jacketed Hollow Point
Velocity 1100 FPS
Energy 230 FT. Lbs



OR, if you really really want fun and quick follow ups........


Ruger New Model Blackhawk in .30 Carbine

100H.gif



Federal 110 SP Power Shok
Velocity 1,990 FPS
Energy 965 FT Lbs

*Carbine length bbl

Cover your ears! :D
 
You mentioned you had trouble getting back on target for repeat shots. My wife had same problem with a Ruger P-95 (9mm) which has an empty weight of 27 ounces. She settled on a used Ruger Speed Six .357 magnum revolver with a 2 3/4" barrel. Double action trigger pull was lightened to 8-lbs. It's loaded with .38 special+P 125 gr. JHP's.

If you choose a 9mm semi-auto, then get one that is known for low felt recoil. I don't know the answer, but someone here will. I do know that "generally speaking" a heavy pistol will have less felt recoil then a light one.
 
Since you have a Mak, I would suggest you step up a notch to a more powerful round, the 9mm. It's cheap and more powerful! I have a CZ PCR and it is my favorite gun. I also have a Sig and highly recommend it and it's follow ups are faster than my CZ. The fastest follow up gun I have is the S&W 6906. The trigger reset is the shortest I have experienced. One, used in excellent
shape should run in the $400. range and they come with 12 round mags.
 
Something to consider about the P7 for a fun gun to shoot: It gets hot as hell after not that many rounds. I find P7s to be a lot of fun for the first 50 rounds. After that, I use them to light cigarettes.
 
If you're having problems with follow up shots on a Mak, you need professional training more than another gun. A good pistol class from OPS, Gunsite, Front Sight, etc costs less than a new gun.


I'd suggest a Glock 19, a Kahr K9, the Bersa Firestorm if you're on a budget (9mm, very Sig-like and a good trigger, for under $400) all of which can be easily concealed.
 
Don't know what your situation is in CA, but for those of us that are licenced to carry - small & light tends to be in favor. You mention the Glock 19 - which in my opinion is a good gun (provided it's holster carried). Otherwise a small frame revolver is likely going to prove to be most useful (i.e. Ruger SP101 or S&W J - Frame .38/.357). Either of which may be had new for under $600.

Larger frame handguns are more comfortable & easier to shoot - but much less portable unless you are willing to make significant alterations in dress & carry rigs. If you actually plan to carry it around a lot - limit your choices to 25 ounces in weight and under. Also, the operating system is important. A DA/SA revolver is the same drill all the time - as is the "safe trigger" action of the Glock. There are some DAO autos out there - but might as well go with a revolver with these for the added reliability. The DA to SA autos can be mastered - but the transition from first shot DA to remaining SA shots is something that must be mastered with practice (so with these go with 9MM since ammo is so cheap).

I tend to be a small frame, short barrel DA/SA revolver fan - but that's just me (after 30+ years of experimentation).
 
My Recommendation:

Glock 17

The original Glock. Everyone should have one of these.

The only drawback is... you live in CA (like me!)
Why is that a drawback? Because the Glock 17 was meant to hold 18 rounds, but of course you can only have 10 rnd mags here. :-( If you can live with that, I believe that's the best choice.


My SECOND recommendation would be a 1911 style pistol. 7-8 round mags (and you can even get 10 rnd mags that stick out of the bottom for a more 'evil' look! MUHAHAHA), and they're so PURDY!
 
I'm still here, thanks for the suggests. Will have to make it to a range that
rents these and try them out. Any more, or any other agreements with
the ones listed?

cheers, ab

ps: no worries about carry, I cannot.
 
You need one of these as they are fun to shoot and are examples of the most successful handgun designs: either a Smith and Wesson model 10(stainless counterpart, model 64) or a HiPower (Browning or FN).
 
Ala Dan: re the Sig P220, Turners here in Pasadena has certified used
P220s with two mags for $500. Good deal?
Also, is this handgun good for quick accurate follow up shots considering
it's recoil and such.

Again thanks to all who responded. I am going to have to get to the
range and try them out in order to better decide.

cheers, ab
 
the BHP is nice, can't go wrong with a classic. Also, shoot's 9mm, which is cheap and really, in the end, it's all about practice and rounds down teh range. You could get a really nice one and a couple mags for $600 or so.

Ever try a 4 inch .357mag revolver? Better balance than the 6" (although more "flip")
Python (but that's pushing your $600 limit), amazing triggers though usually. Colt King Cobra (used, nice around $400). about a million different S & W's. (not a S & W guy, I have no idea of the models). Plus, you can shoot .38 special out of a .357 (getting used to the double action trigger) which is cheap. not as cheap as 9mm, but way cheaper than .45ACP or .40S&W. You could go Ruger, and they are indestructable, but trigger actions are hit or miss.

Staying in the 9mm, the CZ75 is a nice choice, The Beretta 92 is a nice choice (if big, sounds like you don't really dig big all that much).

You can get into a lower end 1911 (Springfield Mil-spec for one) for under 600, but it's going to be close. And .45ACP is expensive (almost 200 for a 1000 rounds, almost double 9mm)

If you really want to get better, I like the other listers suggestion to go with a .22LR. Ammo is basically free. You'll never get a flinch from shooting .22 and there are some really nice .22's both revolver and semi-auto from just about everyone.

Edited to add the whole reason I originally hit reply.
Glock. the mid-frame model. (21?). small, but not itty bitty. nice pointability. Easy to shoot, fun, simple manual of arms. Cannot kill a glock, and sure be able to sell it later easily if you choose. go with the 9mm version which I really think is the 21. I'm not a glock guy, but even I can borrow someone else's. :)

Nice problem to have. ;)
 
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