MikePGS
Member
Yes, another one of "those" threads 
I intend on buying a pistol in the near future and would like some input as to which one would be most suitable. First, a little background. For the past year, maybe two even I've been looking for a suitable pistol. I've fired a good number, everything from Glock's (23, 17 and 19) an XD (45 Compact) a Sig (229, .40 caliber DAK) and a slew of 1911's (2 Kimbers and a slew of Colts, including one if .38 Superrool. That being said, while I really like the ergonomics of the 1911, I'm afraid that I will not be able to justify the purchase with my present level of income. That is, justify said purchase and still remain in a relationship with my girlfriend That being said, there are three particular pistols that I have zeroed in on.
Bachelorette # 1: Ruger P95 (available at cdnninvestments for 250, + 12 shipping + 20 dollar FFL transfer fee = $282 total).
Advantages: From what my research has shown me, Ruger has a reputation for (near) complete reliability, and also the fact that 9mm is almost always the least expensive ammunition is appealing as well.
Disadvantages: The design while rather rugged, isn't the most concealable by any means, something which might be annoying in the future were I to try to conceal and carry it (though i'm 6' 3" 270 lbs, hopefully that might work to my advantage). Also the 9mm round is intellectually more than capable in regards to stopping power to me, yet reading the board too much has caused me to have some twinges of doubt about it, which might be detrimental to my confidence with the round.
#2: Ruger P345 (available at a local gun dealer for 395, plus 6 % sales tax bringing it to a grand total of 418.70)
Advantages: Again, a rugged design though its a bit more ergonomic than the P95 in my extremely limited experience (ie i held them both for perhaps a minute). The .45 acp is of course a legendary manstopper and this particular pistol's barrel length (4.25) should be more than sufficient to accelerate the cartridge to an acceptable speed.
Disadvantages: Only carries 8 rounds rather than the 15 of the P95. (however I think that were I ever to be in a circumstance in which i needed to fire my weapon in self-defense, that if i needed more than 9 rounds another magazine probably wouldn't help out much).
#3: Smith and Wesson M&P 40 (available at Budsgunshop for 439, -50 dollars for rebate (also gives two more mags, which is nice) + 20 for FFL transfer = 409).
Advantages: A high capacity in a very good round. Supposed the ergonomics are terrific, though I am yet to hold one as of yet. From what I've read, the low bore axis helps contribute to a less "snappy" recoil than other .40 cal's in a similar weight (the .40's i shot were indeed rather sharp in the recoil department, but not something I couldn't get used to). The backstraps are interchangeable, so when my girlfriend wants to shoot it she would probably have an easier time of fitting it to her hand.
Disadvantages: In spite of its already good reputation it is still a new model, so there might be unforeseen difficulties with it.
Sorry for the ridiculously long post, but I'm just trying to sum up my thought process so that anyone with input can see where I'm coming from. I'm mostly going to use it for range/home defense, but when i get a CPL in the future I fully intend to carry the pistol, so please keep that in mind. I have no interest in a .22 caliber at this time, and will only be able to buy one pistol for quite some time (baby on the way, yikes!). If anyone has another model that might be suitable, please feel free to suggest it. Thanks in advance for any help/input.
I intend on buying a pistol in the near future and would like some input as to which one would be most suitable. First, a little background. For the past year, maybe two even I've been looking for a suitable pistol. I've fired a good number, everything from Glock's (23, 17 and 19) an XD (45 Compact) a Sig (229, .40 caliber DAK) and a slew of 1911's (2 Kimbers and a slew of Colts, including one if .38 Super
rool. That being said, while I really like the ergonomics of the 1911, I'm afraid that I will not be able to justify the purchase with my present level of income. That is, justify said purchase and still remain in a relationship with my girlfriend That being said, there are three particular pistols that I have zeroed in on. Bachelorette # 1: Ruger P95 (available at cdnninvestments for 250, + 12 shipping + 20 dollar FFL transfer fee = $282 total).
Advantages: From what my research has shown me, Ruger has a reputation for (near) complete reliability, and also the fact that 9mm is almost always the least expensive ammunition is appealing as well.
Disadvantages: The design while rather rugged, isn't the most concealable by any means, something which might be annoying in the future were I to try to conceal and carry it (though i'm 6' 3" 270 lbs, hopefully that might work to my advantage). Also the 9mm round is intellectually more than capable in regards to stopping power to me, yet reading the board too much has caused me to have some twinges of doubt about it, which might be detrimental to my confidence with the round.
#2: Ruger P345 (available at a local gun dealer for 395, plus 6 % sales tax bringing it to a grand total of 418.70)
Advantages: Again, a rugged design though its a bit more ergonomic than the P95 in my extremely limited experience (ie i held them both for perhaps a minute). The .45 acp is of course a legendary manstopper and this particular pistol's barrel length (4.25) should be more than sufficient to accelerate the cartridge to an acceptable speed.
Disadvantages: Only carries 8 rounds rather than the 15 of the P95. (however I think that were I ever to be in a circumstance in which i needed to fire my weapon in self-defense, that if i needed more than 9 rounds another magazine probably wouldn't help out much).
#3: Smith and Wesson M&P 40 (available at Budsgunshop for 439, -50 dollars for rebate (also gives two more mags, which is nice) + 20 for FFL transfer = 409).
Advantages: A high capacity in a very good round. Supposed the ergonomics are terrific, though I am yet to hold one as of yet. From what I've read, the low bore axis helps contribute to a less "snappy" recoil than other .40 cal's in a similar weight (the .40's i shot were indeed rather sharp in the recoil department, but not something I couldn't get used to). The backstraps are interchangeable, so when my girlfriend wants to shoot it she would probably have an easier time of fitting it to her hand.
Disadvantages: In spite of its already good reputation it is still a new model, so there might be unforeseen difficulties with it.
Sorry for the ridiculously long post, but I'm just trying to sum up my thought process so that anyone with input can see where I'm coming from. I'm mostly going to use it for range/home defense, but when i get a CPL in the future I fully intend to carry the pistol, so please keep that in mind. I have no interest in a .22 caliber at this time, and will only be able to buy one pistol for quite some time (baby on the way, yikes!). If anyone has another model that might be suitable, please feel free to suggest it. Thanks in advance for any help/input.
