Thinking of saving up for a new gun - any recommendations?

[Paincakesx]

I currently have a SIG-Sauer P228 that was given to me as a gift. I have fired over a thousand rounds through it now, and aside from one failure to eject, it has shot almost flawlessly (that one malfunction was likely due to breaking in). I'm getting my CHL soon and after trying to carry the P228 IWB around my house a bit to see if it's size is an issue, it seems to be able to conceal pretty well without feeling overly uncomfortable. Therefore, I am seriously considering carrying it.

After getting some night sights on it, I'm thinking of getting a new gun just to get a little collection going. It's true - you can't just own one gun

Anyway, I'm thinking of maybe going up to a higher caliber, likely either a .40 S&W or a .45 ACP, and maybe a .357 SIG though the price of ammunition for the .357 seems to be fairly high.

I was thinking of a Glock 23, and in shooting a rented Glock 19, I seemed to be able to shoot quite well with it. I assume the .40 will recoil more than the 9mm, but from I understand, the overall ergonomics of the 19 is the exact same as the 23?

Are there any other suggestions? I'd prefer an autoloader to a revolver for now and am willing to buy used (assuming it's in good condition). Therefore, the more expensive handguns such as SIG and H&K aren't too out of the question. Additionally, I may want to CCW it as well so I'd like something compact. The P228 seems to be a great size for me, so something close to that. I personally don't like sub-compact guns as my hands are a bit larger making gripping them uncomfortable.

Anyway, are there any suggestions to get my hunt started?

 

[Paladin38-40]

As a start

In keeping with your parameters: Being you like GLOCK, want a large caliber, and have large hands look at, and shoot if possible, a GLOCK 30 in .45 ACP. It will actually have less felt recoil than comparable .40's (.40 is a higher pressure round built on a 9mm platform) and as a practical matter is as concealable.

 

[bruzer]

For me I am looking into a Glock 22 or 23. I already shoot the .40 and with a 9mm barrel and magazines I can switch over to shooting the 9mm out of the same gun. Most of not all your aftermarket companies make something for the Glock so everything you need to support the weapon is readily available. Good luck,
Mike

 

[tiro6]

Since used H&Ks arent out of the question, Id say take a look at a H&K USPc in .40. Its my favorite handgun that I own, and you can probably find a good used one for around 600. Its about the same dimensions as a 228 but I think the trigger is a lot better and it was built for on the .40 platform, so it handles .40 much better than a glock 23 IMO, but you cant really go wrong with a glock. Another plus for the USP, the USP (non-LEM) also is a DA/SA like the 228 (assuming you dont have DAK) so the trigger controls will be same rather than having to learn a new trigger set with a glock.

 

[hirundo82]

I'm surprised that nobody has said this already, but now that you already have a good SD gun it would benefit your development as a shooter to get a good .22 handgun. Being able to shoot for 3 cents/round vs 50 cents really helps in terms of developing proper sight picture, trigger control, etc. Browning and Ruger are probably the best autoloading .22 pistols out there in the sub-$500 price range.

If you insist on another centerfire handgun for now, Glock's a great gun if it fits your hand, although I prefer it in 9x19 rather than .40S&W (I think the Sig P229's the best .40 out there). The Glock 19 and 23 (which are identical externally) are about the same size as the Sig P228 and P229 except maybe a bit thinner across the grip, although there are slim grips available for the Sigs.

 

[Jim PHL]

Today being the 100th anniversary of the U.S. miltary adopting the M1911, I'd suggest you check one out. It's tied for first on the list of "Every Gun Owner Should Have One". (along with the S+W Model 10)

 

[jaysouth]

Put a couple of thousand dollars in cash in your pocket.

Walk into a large gunstore.

The next one meant for you will jump out at you and follow you home.

Works everytime.

 

[0to60]

The FN FNP .45 is a gun that you don't hear to much about, but its pretty high on my want list. Its a polymer framed, SA/DA .45 that can be had with a thumb safety and/or decocking lever, and it holds 14 rounds of body dropping .45 acp. Its a largish gun, so it might fill your hand nicely. Its well under $600 online.

 

[earplug]

SIG 22 conversion kit

You will like the ability to practice with the factory conversion 22LR kit.
You can order them online.

 

[rellascout]

Take a look at the FN45... With your larger hands and familarity with Sig DA/SA triggers this might be the gun for you. It also can be carried cocked and locked. They can be had for around $550 including 3 mags, kydek holster & mag carrier.

I did not see the carrying requirement. If you are going to carry the FN45 might be too big.

 

[InkEd]

Since you are going to carry it, I suggest something lighter and a little smaller.

Checkout the various pistols made by Kahr.

 

[rhodco]

I always tell new shooters to first consider what you plan to do with it. If you just want to leave it in a drawer and only bring it out to shoot on occasion, if you hate taking it apart and cleaning it, then stick with something simple and reliable and don't mess with it.

If, however, you like to tweek and customize... if you enjoy shooting and cleaning your guns often, then you may be an enthusiast. These are the guys that enjoy experimenting with different springs and trigger bars to see what the difference is. We experiment with different loads and compare the results. If you are in that category, there are guns that lend themselves well to this hobby.