Any decent all steel precision 9 mm semi-auto's out there?

Computer Numerical Control(CNC) uses a program written by an engineer or operator that the machines computer reads and follows to cut the metal into the designed shape.

I'm no expert about this stuff, but the possible disadvantages could be slightly larger variance in part tolerances due to tool wear, if the CNC operator isn't watching closely, and due to my inexperience I'm not sure what else.

I would imagine the "Forged" P210's and the "CNC" P210's would be made out of the same stock material, CNC is just the computerized process with less hands on skilled work and fitting by a machinist.

As to whether or not you're being too picky, I would expect the CNC built pistols to function 100% equal to the "Forged"(manual machined?) pistols, the big difference is the CNC is more akin to a mass produced model, and the "Forged" is closer to a hand fitted custom pistol. So its really up to your preference in collecting.

If I'm out of line with any of these comments I'm sure someone will come along and correct me, but thats just my take on it.
 
Ahhh this is very helpful- Thank you
I've made a listing of the different pistols mentioned in this extensive thread, together with their location of availability and price... now going to visit several places a get a good look. I'm very intrigued with the Mauser P08, but my offer might not fly. Then I have to decide for myself several other alternatives....
This doesn't mean that the P08 is my no 1 right now... I have to see them, try them and weigh those impressions against the comments here.
I'm getting a good education in a short time!!
Found an interesting Sig 1911 as well ....the match elite...
 
I agree with ttarp.
Smith & Wesson, a leading manufacturer of mass produced firearms with forged frames, once pointed out that there is no unworked surface in their guns, everything inside and out is machined. I bet they own CNC machining centers to do that work; the day of the meticulous artisan running a lathe (mill, shaper, etc.) is gone.

That bac can feel the difference in whether a gun was manually machined from an Arthur Balfour forging or CNC machined from a bar is amazing. I doubt I could tell.
 
I agree with ttarp.
Smith & Wesson, a leading manufacturer of mass produced firearms with forged frames, once pointed out that there is no unworked surface in their guns, everything inside and out is machined. I bet they own CNC machining centers to do that work; the day of the meticulous artisan running a lathe (mill, shaper, etc.) is gone.

That bac can feel the difference in whether a gun was manually machined from an Arthur Balfour forging or CNC machined from a bar is amazing. I doubt I could tell.

Jim, with all due respect, did you read any of my posts? Its not the frame itself that I can differentiate (although they do look different). Its everything else that makes the older forged models more desirable. There was more hand fitting and the guns are tighter. Some of the small parts are of better quality than the later Swiss guns as well.

There's a reason the guns from the "sweet spot" of P210 production sell for more. The later Swiss guns don't bring as much money as the forged target models.

I own and have owned many P210's from all different eras of production. I feel I know the gun pretty well by now. With your knowledge of handguns, I guarantee you that you could feel a difference between a 1970 P210-6 and a 2000 P210-6 if they were both laid in front of you.

The later CNC frame models are still great pistols. They just aren't what I would consider among the finest pistols in the world. Not even close.
 
I guarantee you that you could feel a difference between a 1970 P210-6 and a 2000 P210-6 if they were both laid in front of you.

I would not bet on it, I am insensitive to such stuff. Unless the older gun had the weird grips they put on the target models of the day.
Kind of like the common assertion that the brand of powder makes a difference in recoil. I have heard it, I have tried it, but same bullet or shot weight at same velocity, I cannot tell a difference.
 
This is what fascinates me with handguns and firearms in general is the workmanship/ craftsmanship demonstrated (and needed) to bring the "finest pistols in the world" into existence.

I wonder if the modern computer is able to DUPLICATE the handcrafting and tight tolerances of a WWI or WWII P08 Luger. IMO- I don't think so. Perhaps this is why hand craftsmanship still has a place in the building process of the top cars of the world?

https://www.google.nl/url?sa=t&sour...nd-amp&usg=AFQjCNHqKkgqDYTGr95xbZsLBE6gGSXb1w
 
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Here are some closer pictures of some P210-6 models.


Here is a 2002 P210-6 with the CNC frame.









Here is a 1967 P210-6 with the forged frame.



 
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Here is a mid 70's forged Heavy National Match Frame model.

This is definitely the holy grail of P210 pistols. Very few were made and they are known to be the finest in terms fit and finish among P210 experts.







 
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Wonderful photos!! Impressive collection!!
I cannot tell the difference by looking at a photo, but
handling and shooting would be a different experience!
I had a "pre '64" Winchester model 1894 30-30 when I was
living in the US... wonderful gun that was....

I'm hoping the shop will answer soon re. that
Swiss p210 original..... they have some fine guns up there-
it's about 2+ hours from here. Well worth the trip.
I will see that bull barrel this coming Monday but I'm not
going to decide anything until I see the earlier mentioned
p210 and p210-6 ....
 
Well.... Thanks to all for this valuable input!!
I have three main contenders:
- P08 Luger sport barrel 1975 new, but more a collector's item, but should be a great shooter!
- P210- looks very nice, shop calling me after 1 customer ahead of me decides
- P210-6 also looks nice- will see this gun on 22 October.

I'm tending more toward one of the Sigs. Either one could be gone in the meantime though. If all three fall through, then I have more homework of course with the list from this thread.
 
I gotta tell ya bac1023, I've never thought of semi autos as being aesthetically beautiful like my revolvers, but those Sigs have changed my thinking. Truly gorgeous guns.
 
I have a 41. Brilliant gun (and beautiful too)!
If that gun were available in 9 mm I'd buy it in a second. Seems to me that the Sig P210 has similar lines when I think about it.... Contours of the grip remind me of a P38 while the shape of the barrel and upper frame remind me of the 41.

Really?? Only one guy assembling the 41??
I wish him many years of good health and a steady hand....
 
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