What is the best quality .40 cal steel framed handgun I can buy for 1200 dollars?

[model4006]

What is the best quality .40 cal steel framed handgun I can buy for 1200 dollars?

I would like something a little more "pretty" and not so "business".

I am thinking SIG P226 Elite or Equinox. Got any better suggestions?

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I change your title as "Question" isn't the best choice as it tends to be ignored.

 

[skwab]

Here's my 229 elite in .40 - very nice shooter an quite a looker if you ask me!

Should be able to get it for under 1200 but who knows these days.

 

[shield20]

I vote a SIG with DAK trigger.

 

[kirkcdl]

One of these,this one is not mine,and/or maybe you can find one a little cheaper,but by far the best $1000 or so gun value in the market today...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125776640

They make this one in 40,too,if you want to spend just a little more...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125783535

 

[RippinSVT]

Sig, or a custom Hi-Power.

 

[hardluk1]

Dam there are many great guns for 600 or less and most of those could be bought for 500. I tend to really lke the new sr9 ruger if small hands or cz/witness line if bigger hands. Is it a carry gun?? 1200 dollar for a gun is throwing away good money. Go to some shooting ranges and see what fits you and your needs.

 

[Choclabman]

The regular Elite and Equinox may have a stainless slide, but have tin can frames.

If you want an all stainless steel then get the P229 Elite Stainless, or P226 Elite Stainless.
These last two may be the ones you meant. Just wanted to clarify, that the first two have Aluminum frames.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I've had a p226 and it was excellent, so my vote will get cast with a p226 elite Stainless. Should be just over a grand at a good shop.

 

[Maelstrom]

Here you go. STI Trojan in .40

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125626677

 

[lechiffre]

browning hi power

s&w 4006tsw

 

[Deanimator]

What is the best quality .40 cal steel framed handgun I can buy for 1200 dollars?

You need to provide more specifics.

Double action? Conventional? Double action only?

Single column magazine? Double column magazine?

Lots of people like S&W autos. I can't stand them because I can't stand conventional double action and double action only.

Absent more information, I'd recommend either a Browning High Power or a CZ75B. As I said, I don't like D/A without the ability to carry cocked and locked. Either would be a good gun, with the CZ probably being significantly cheaper these days.

 

[burningsquirrels]

if it's a carry gun, there's lots of nice 40 cal steel framed guns out there. CZ, SIG, i believe para makes some carry 1911s very compact in 40 as well.

as a range gun or sport gun, EAA and CZ make excellent guns.

1200 can buy you a whole lot of gun. heck, you could buy one carry and one range/sport gun for that money.

 

[rougeqc21]

I saw a sig X-5 going for that other day. I think many would hold that as an instant buy in that price range. I mean 2'' MOA at 50yds. come on

 

[hardluk1]

choclubman You need to wake up My witness elit match is all magnetic stainless steel and carbon steel with a fancy finish. Love it when peole don't check facts.

 

[Bufford t. Justice]

Here you go.

http://czusa.net/product_detail.php?id=108

Dan Wesson SS Custom 1911 in 40S&W. For your money.....Look no further.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

hardluk1, I think you are talking about the Tanfoglio gun, whereas the other guy is talking about a Sig gun.

 

[hardluk1]

Ah , if thats the case i will say i am sorry to him.

 

[model4006]

I already have a carry gun (M&P 40c crimson trace), and several other handguns. I don't "need" this gun for a particular reason.

I want a nice looking gun. All of my guns besides my chrome desert eagle 50AE are all business. I typically buy guns to serve some purpose, and now I feel like I have one for every purpose.

This gun is actually a graduation present (bachelor of Mechanical Engineering May 09) from my dad, and I want to pick out something I will keep forever to kinda remember this occasion by. I will however shoot it, it wont stay in the safe.

The amount of money is how much my gander mtn gift card is for (long story thats not where i normally purchase guns from), so ive been instructed to spend it all on a really nice gun.

I want a .40, and i want an all metal frame, the alloy frame of the normal P226 is fine, or any alloy frame would be fine. I don't particularly care about mag capacity. I do NOT want a 1911 style gun, if i get a 1911 style gun it will be in .45, period. Thats just not what im buying right now.

I like the P226 equinox, but the picture on SIG's homepage shows it with wood brown grips, but the gun comes with dark gray grips. I like the rosewood grips on the elite but I like the finish of the equinox better. SIG told me you cant buy the grips by themselves. Is that SRT trigger anything to write home about? Is it worth factoring in? How bad could the regular SIG trigger be?

 

[CWL]

H&K P7M10

You said you wanted "pretty". -Just happens to be accurate as well.

You will need to buy it pre-owned since they are out of production, however anyone who would own a P7M10 would have babied it.

 

[clang]

S&W Tactical .40:

It's all business AND it's pretty. Good Luck finding one...

 

[bluetopper]

I think Dan Wesson makes a fawty 1911.

 

[UnTainted]

I also would recommend a stainless framed Sig Sauer. I love mine, and plan on purchasing more. You can't go wrong with a stainless 226 elite, or a 229 stainless elite.

I went with the 229 elite stainless in .40 and got a 9mm bar sto conversion barrel all for just about $1199. I've changed the grips to hogue, and though it's pretty, I have no problem doubting its business duties as my home defense gun.

If you don't go with Sig, I don't own any STI guns, but I have enjoyed shooting them. I'm sure others' suggestions will make your face hurt from smiling at the range as happens in my case.

 

[blitzen]

Browning High Power, very good looking, says something about the owner. Besides that it is a thumper that is comfy to shoot. Browning did it right.
There is no machanical solution to a training problem with this gun!

 

[kyo]

Hell if I had 1200 bucks and wanted a .40 I would pick up 2 Ruger P944's with successive numbers right from the factory. They can do that, and they are metal. Idk if you think they are pretty. But yea, a dual setup would be pretty hot for a nice memory no? Get them engraved and everything.