Which semi-auto handguns to buy?

[wombat13]

So for the third year in a row, NY liberals have pushed a micro-stamping bill and narrowly failed to get it through both houses. I'm afraid that sooner or later they will succeed. I'm thinking of adding a couple semi-auto handguns in the next year or so. Unfortunately, there are no ranges around here that rent handguns, so I can't really try before I buy. So I really need to gather information before making purchases. Please offer any recommendations and describe your reasons and experiences.

I currently own the following:

Springfield XD45 (4 inch)
Smith M&P9c
Hi-Standard .22lr target pistol

I could see adding something very small, like a Ruger LCP. On the other hand, maybe I should consolidate calibers and add a very small 9mm like the Walther PPS or a Kahr and either a larger 9mm that accepts pre-ban hi-cap mags or another pistol in .45 like a 1911.

 

[wow6599]

"Hi-cap" 9mm.........M&P, XD, Glock, etc.

 

[JackSaxet]

Recommendation: Glock 26 - it will take any of the Glock 9mm mags; and Kel-Tec P3AT. Have not handled the Ruger LCP, but it gets high marks from a lot of people on this forum.

 

[tlen]

What will be the intended use for your new purchases ? Carry, HD, range, or WTSHTF ? If you want a versatile handgun you can pick up a .40 S&W Glock 23 or 22 that will take a 13 or 15 round "standard" magazines and then buy an after market barrel to shoot 9mm or .357 SIG as well.

 

[tiro6]

I would definitely recommend a nice 1911, like a DW Heritage or STI Trojan depending on your budget. You already shoot 45 and the XD's grip takes after the 1911, so you'll be somewhat familiar with it, but the trigger on a good 1911 is second to none. Its a great shooter and everyone needs to have one. Plus, there the historical part in that it is the 100 year anniversary of its inception into the Army.

Another recommendation I would add is either a Glock 19 or a HK P30. Both are high cap 9mm, like you mentioned and the 19 is a good all around choice - for carry, competition, or just shooting. The P30 is almost the same thing +$3/400 more but the ergonomics on it is amazing and its built like a tank (after all, its an HK - and check out the torture test done by pistol-training.com)

I just recently added a DW Valor and Glock 19 in the past couple months, which is why I'm recommending them as they have definitely impressed me and shot to the top of my handgun collection.

 

[towboat_er]

I reccomend any and all CZs.

 

[ThePlato]

Any of the wonder nines.. All extremely proven and reliable weapons, Beretta 92, Hi Power, Glock etc... Times are good for semi automatic handguns

 

[bentongunclub]

Always buy from a reputable dealer. Always remember that you get what you pay for. Always use the internet as a research/review tool. Decide what you will use your pistol for (recreation, defense, or both) then buy whatever your research directs you toward.

It looks like you already have the basics covered and anything else you buy is just more icing on the cake.

There are many aftermarket parts and pieces available that can adjust the fit to your physiology as well as your personality. And, if your don't like it, you can always re-sell or trade it in. If you lose a small amount of money then just consider that as a rental fee and continue your search.

 

[Mike OTDP]

I'd go for a 1911 first, with a high-end .22 second.

Here's my reasoning - a 1911 can be set up for a defense gun, or as a bullseye gun. Most of the current generation of defense guns have less-than-great accuracy and less-than-stellar triggers. 1911s don't start any better, but there's a well-established upgrade path. Get a Marvel .22 upper for it, and you have an excellent rimfire target pistol (meaning cheap practice).

 

[CCCP]

CZ-75 P06 in .40SW . I own one for more than a year. No problems so far.

For a compact version - CZ 2075 RAMI at caliber of your choice ( 9 mm or .40 )

 

[Smaug]

Swapping the M&Pc for a PPS sounds logical. PPS is the perfect carry 9, from what I've read.

 

[Smaug]

Also, don't rule out test firing a gun just because your local ranges don't rent guns. Why not put out the word here that you're looking to test fire certain guns, say where you are located, and offer to pay for ammo and range fees? I know I'd do it for you if you were near Chicago. I think it would be worth the effort.

I also agree with the earlier post that the ones that will be hardest to get will probably be hi-caps, so maybe consider a Glock 19, Glock 17, Beretta 92FS, Walther P99, etc. to replace the M&Pc.

Oh, and if you're not already, start participating in the Activism sub-forum.

 

[SigP229R]

Check into a Sig P6 if you can find one they are a nice size only thing is they are single stack. The Beretta 92 fs centurion is about the same size but will handle the double stack mags and, they are a little harder to find. If you wanted to go a few more bucks you could probably find a P229 CPO in 40S&W. All the pistols I have mentioned are essentially the same size.

 

[Skylerbone]

If you're looking to add rather than adding and subtracting I'd look into a set of full size mags for your current M&P and an X-Grip. For under $100 you'll still have a compact enough to carry 9mm with high capacity range-friendly grip. Then take the money you were considering spending and move to a state that respects the rights of its taxpaying citizens.

 

[Telekinesis]

If you can't shoot the guns, I think the next best thing is to go to a gun store with a large selection and try out as many guns as you can. In my experience, the gun that fits you the best and feels comfortable in your hand is the one that you will shoot the best. Here's a quick test, take the gun and aim down the sights, then lower the gun to a low ready and close your eyes. Bring the gun up as if you were firing while your eyes are still closed, and then open your eyes and see how far off the sights are. The closer they are to being on target, the more intuitive the gun will be for you to shoot.

I actually did this today and was surprised at what I found. Out of the 10+ guns I tried, none of them felt better in my hand than my Sig 228. (Well, the HK P30 was nice, but a little expensive...) Because of this, I'm actually looking at getting my second 228 soon. I never would have thought that I'd like one gun enough to have a pair of them as my ONLY pistols, but after playing around with a bunch of other guns, my Sig fits better in my hand and is more accurate for me than anything else I've tried.

 

[theSHADOEknows]

+1 from me on the CZ line. I can't speak for all of them, but my 75BD is a dream to shoot and carries very nice. I have heard nothing but good things about all the other models as well.

I have been eyeing the sub $200 Makarovs on page 26 of the latest cdnn catalog!

 

[Skidawg]

Which one to buy?

If I was looking to buy a semi-auto right now (I guess I am always looking) I would look at a high capacity Glock. I have a Glock 19 and have been very pleased with the reliability of the various ammo I have put through it. I'd also look at the various 1911s out there, you cannot go wrong with 100 years of service. I own a Colt and have been pleased, but there are tons out there to choose from.

 

[Flash!]

Sig p226 for the most reliable self defense handgun.....

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

1911. Everyone should own one at least once in their life. Spring for the best you can afford, and you won't be sorry you did.

 

[skoro]

Please offer any recommendations and describe your reasons and experiences.

Here goes...

1. Colt 1911 Commander, because you'll fall in love with it. John M Browning got it right a century ago. Once you've handled and fired one, you'll know.

2. One of the subcompact pocket rockets: KelTec P3AT, Ruger LCP, S&W Bodyguard 380, because a pocket pistol is SO handy in SO many situations.

 

[Nushif]

So for the third year in a row, NY liberals have pushed a [...]

Antis. As you can tell on this board, it's the Antis giving us a bad name over there.

As for what to get? I'd get something classy. And if you look at the gun dictionary under "classy" there's a Beretta.
If you want something "epic" ... lemme look in the dictionary ... Yup. A 1911.

Those are my recommendations. the classiest gun I own is a Beretta 92D. It is slick, simple, beautiful.
The most epic gun I own is a compact 1911. There's something about .45 in a package that size with that trigger.

The oddball in my collection though is the Taurus PT911 (Not the 1911) ... It is stupidly reliable, and when you spiff them up a bit, they are beauties. All for very, very cheap. Also, it'll make people at the range look really bad for bashing Taurus.

 

[Jed Carter]

SIG P239 compact, SIG P226 fullsize high cap 9mm, CZ P01 or a CZ PCR. 1911s are a lot of fun but can be a crapshoot to get one that runs and shoots well, STI makes some of the best for the money in 9mm, and .45ACP. Sub compacts are a handfull and if you do not have a concealed carry license, quite useless IMO. Glock, CZ, SIG, H&K and Beretta all make quality firearms, all have their detractors. If you cannot shoot them at least handle them if I could only own one pistol my SIG P226 would be at the top of the short list.

 

[Zerodefect]

Glock 26, 23, 22, 17, 35, 34

Dan Wesson 1911 (2010+)

Les Baer 1911

Ed Brown 1911

Kahr P380, PM9, MK9, K9, P9

HK P7, PSP

Walther PPK

 

[Pilot]

Any CZ-75 variant. Low bore axis for quick follow up shots, very accurate and relaible. Just a joy to shoot.

CZ-75B - full size, all steel
CZ SP01 - full size, all steel with rail
CZ Phantom - full size, polymer frame
CZ-75D PCR - compact, alloy frame
CZ P-01 - compact, alloy frame with rail
CZ Compact - compact, all steel
CZ P-07 - compact, polymer frame


These would be at the top of my list. If you are just looking for home defense and range, then the all steel choices would be great. The ligher weithg guns are great for range, HD and carry.

Others to consider:

Browning Hi Power
HK P7

 

[doc.lonestar]

without knowing what the intended use is ...

If you looking to pick up somthing to help consolidate - consider a g26/27 and/or a
g17/22 combo. This allows you to use the high capacity mags in the subcompact firearms. You have thus consolidated calibers, and also you have magazines that work in both. OR if you are a fan of the 45acp - go with a g21 and a g30 (my edc is a g30) same thing with the mags.