what are some MUST HAVE semi-automatic pistols??

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minh

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what are some semi-auto pistols that you would considered to be a must have in any collection?....of course a 1911, what else?
 
Like you said a 1911 in .45 should be in every collection. Also one of the DA "wondernines" like a Beretta 92, Sig P226, S&W 59... One of the modern plastic police guns in .40 S&W or 9mm (preferably a Glock) would be nice too.

Those three are essential to start a well rounded collection IMO.
 
a Glock, any caliber. A good mousegun too, like the Ruger LCP or one of the Kel-Tec models...and of course a good 1911. I'm looking for one too add to my own collection.
 
I'm a little into esoterica so, for a long time, a "must have" for me was an original Wolverine. Now it's a "do have." :D

I also think that the 7.62x25 family should be represented by at least one TT33 type. My Norinco 54-1 is a tack-drivin' monster. So is my CZ 52, btw.

For lighter. less car-and-house-penetrating duty, I love my Makarov. That pistol is rock solid reliable, simple, rugged, flat, & small. It's a great design.
 
Here are a few I can think of:

* - Ruger .22 pistol.

* - Glock, in most any caliber.

* - Good quality 1911.

* - Full caliber (9mm minimum) compact or subcompact.
 
XD over Glock any day, any caliber!

The Ruger or KT is good for a cheap mousegun. For better, get a Seecamp or Rohrbaugh if you have dough.

I also like Kahr. A little more dough than some, but they are well built. Their polymers make nice carry/pocket guns, but some have found their metal framed ones more reliable.

Also on the cheap, I like my Bersa. A lot carry their 380. I have their 45 compact. Fairly small size, but low capacity for a double stack.
 
In addition to the 1911.

Browning Hi Power
HK P7
CZ-75
Ruger MK II
P-08 Luger
 
My two kopeks.

You included the 1911. I'd add: a Browning Hi-Power 9mm; a full size "wondernine" by Ruger, S&W, Beretta or CZ; a Glock or at least an iteration of the "modern wonder-whatever" (i.e., high cap polymer pistol); and a good target auto, either a Ruger Mark, High Standard or S&W 41. Additionally, in a collection, I'd want to include an example of the "small self-shucker." I remember when the SIG 225 was considered a tiny 9mm. Ha! Those were the days. I don't know if I'd go polymer or steel for the bitsy 9mm, but I'd definitely consider something like a Rohrbaugh, Kahr MK9, or Kel-Tec.

Those are my thoughts on what would go into a "general semi-auto collection." I was focused on a sample of major handgun trends, without any brand loyalty or deep thought towards tacticimal applimications.

It just occurred to me that if I was putting one together like that, I'd get a 5" 1911 in .45 ACP, a 9mm Browning Hi-Power, a CZ75 9mm, a Glock 17 9mm, to show the evolutionary process in "big service handguns." Perhaps, similarly, I would do the same with "little carry handguns" and put on a Colt 1903, a SIG 225, a Kahr K9 9mm (preferably a "flatside" model predating the adoption of the .40 frame) and lastly maybe a Rohrbaugh.

Oh my, this could get expensive.
 
My list would be something like this

  1. A 1911 untility grade. Something you can just shoot and shoot and shoot.
  2. A high end 1911: Ed Brown, Wilson, Les Baer, etc. Every 1911 shooter should have one before he dies.
  3. Several good 9mm's: The P7M8 is on such handgun. It is a great design.
  4. BHP - Just because it's a classic.
  5. A CZ -Type. My choice is the AR-24. This design has almost unmatched ergonomics. The CZ design is easy to shoot, and has proven accuracy.
  6. .22's. Everyone needs a good one or two. I believe this should be no different than my choice for 1911's. First, I would like a good shooter I wouldn't mind taking to the range, or putting in a boat. That would be a Ruger or a Buckmark. Both are great .22 autos.
  7. Next would be a Smith 41. It speaks for its self.
  8. Next would be the small autos, and my choice would possibly be the new Ruger .380, but I would prefer the Seecamp.
  9. A good "plastic". My choice is the HK45 for high end, and an M&P for the other. Both are high quality handguns with good ergonomics.

The list gets larger, if I were to include revolvers. That reminds me, there are guns on this list I don't have. Hummmmm, my gun dealer is open, and it's Saturday morning....Gotta go:D:D.
 
It kind of depends on what kind of collector you are, but some classics for any collection IMO would be
1911
Luger
BHP
Glock 17
Beretta 92

Collections can go in many different directions into historical guns, tiny pocket guns, rare and unique guns, military, WWII, etc. Have fun and collect what interests you.
 
Buy the best of the best in each calibur. While we would all have our ideas what is best due to our differences, the search for what your best is will fill your collection.


1911
BHP
Smith 42 22lr
Walther ppk 380
Glock 40
Colt Delta Elite in 10MM
Colt 1903 in 32acp
S&W 52 in 38 special

Just a few of some of the better guns.

jj
 
What?

No Highpoint on anyones list? :)

Any list of must have guns should be made up of ones that have started a trend if not a revolution. Most of the guns mentioned fit that bill.

I'm suprised that JJ was the only one so far to put the Walther PPK on a list, +1.
 
1911 (in my case the Sig GSR Revolution and SW1911)
Hi Power
Glock 17/19
Baby Glock 26/27/33
Sig 226
Sig 220/225
Walther PPK
HK PSP/P7
HK45
CZ97
Ruger MKII/III
Walther PPS
Smith 5903/06
Smith 3913
 
The Walther P38 and its main derivative, the P5, should be starting points for any discussion about must-have semi-automatic pistols.
 
The 1911 is the only true "must have" pistol/handgun. All the others are nice, but not necessary......lol:neener: I think that is in the Bible(Proverbs I think). I believe it reads: "The beginning of all wisdom is the fear of the Lord and a 1911."
 
It's all been covered, even Glocks unfortunately. But besides that...I do believe that there is a good wide spread of AWESOME semi-automatics. I do have to admit that I would like to put CZ75 on that list (as I'm sure it already has been a number of times) and put some CTL grips on it (they're fun)!
 
Also +1 on the PPK.

Some will cough up their wheaties when I say this, but some of the most fun I've ever had at the range was with a Cobray M-12. Semi-auto MAC knockoffs are fairly cheap and hard to break (with proper care)
 
I hear good things about the Masterpiece Arms, and one I held seemed pretty decent, but I've never fired one.
 
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