Which to get first?

[Croyance]

I am thinking of getting a new range gun. My other niches are well represented, so home defence, concealed carry, or hunting are not issues.
Right now, I am thinking of the CZ-75 SA, Glock G34, or Beretta PX4. All are 9x19 mm because ammo is cheap.
While window shopping, I also ran into a used S&W 625 with a red dot sight (.45 ACP revolver) and a used Colt Patrolman (?) (a .357 Magnum revolver).
Since it is meant to be a fun gun, I did not consider the .40 S&W choises.

All are about the same price. All but the G34 are sitting in a display case now. Of these guns, which would you get first for a range/fun?

 

[raghorn]

From that list I'd definitely choose the S&W 625.

I'm currently pondering a new range gun also... BHP Practical or Springfield 1911? Decisions, decisions...

 

[Jim Watson]

What do you do with a "range gun?" That will help you pick.
This is kind of a hard concept for me. Anything I shoot on the range is either in competition or practice or is practice with a defensive weapon. So any new gun I consider must fit a competition category or be a suitable home or carry weapon.

 

[Lou22]

I believe a 357 is one of most fun because you can shoot a wide range of ammo, from mild 38spl 148gr wadcutters to hot 357 loads. This is especially so if you handload. A revolver is not picky about what it will handle. I had a Colt Trooper MKIII 357 at one time that I handloaded for. Playing with different powder/bullet combinations (within safety limitations, of course) was a blast. Even if you don't handload there's tons of 38/357 factory loads out there.

Just for the heck of it I once loaded a slow-burning powder (2400) behind a light bullet (110gr) and shot that at the range. Even in broad daylight you shoulda seen the ball of fire out of the muzzle.

Lou

 

[raghorn]

What do you do with a "range gun?" That will help you pick.
This is kind of a hard concept for me. Anything I shoot on the range is either in competition or practice or is practice with a defensive weapon. So any new gun I consider must fit a competition category or be a suitable home or carry weapon.

I was thinking "competition."

 

[ReadyontheRight]

The Colt seems the most unique and most likely to increase in value. Unless you already have a .357 and/or a Colt revolver, that's what I'd get.

 

[tc300mag1]

i would go for the 625

 

[Sunray]

"...the S&W 625..." Yep, but lose the red dot sight. The 'niche' thing is kind of curious though. If you're not regularly shooting the 'home defense' gun, you'll never be able to shoot it well enough to defend your hearth with it.

 

[Croyance]

Well as far as the niche thing goes:
My routine at the range is to start out with my home defense gun. If I am living at that time in a state that allows concealed carry, that is next. After that, it is about fun, so a .22 LR or whatever.

On the S&W 625:
I am going to remove the red dot sight, unless I find I am so enamoured of it.

 

[Lucky 7]

I put my vote in for the CZ. By far my fav platform and own three variants. Accurate, great grip (unlike the Block, er, Glock) and the SA trig is just plain smooth w/ a lil uptake. Consider the Baby Eagle, better grip,imo, more accurate (polygonal rifling and heavy for a nine) and more stylish (again imo). Its TDA w/ a decocker so that may turn you off, but they are worth a serious look.
Semper Fi!
-L7

 

[Ala Dan]

s&w 625

 

[Dave Dembinski]

I want to say CZ-75 because I like mine so well, but I have to go with the S&W 625. Saw one at a gunshow yesterday that broke my heart because I couldn't afford it.

 

[10-Ring]

625