Best pistol

S

south.texas.dead.I

New member
I've been looking for a pistol since Christmas and getting into the final cuts but decided I'd ask y'all for opinions on one gun to do it all.
I was looking at the sig 229,226 and the full size kimber stainless raptors however, I saw that article on all the kimber malfunctions a couple days ago. I dont like the glocks because they feel cheap in my hand. I like .40s&w, 10mm and 45acp calibers. So what do y'all need to know to get me on the right track?
 
Have you looked at the Springfield Armory 1911s? Sigs are nice too.

The best pistol is the one you like and shoot well...
 
The SIG P226 is very versatile. With the X-Change kits and a .357SIG or .40S&W barrel you can have your P226 in (4) calibers, .22lr, 9mm, .357SIG and .40S&W using all factory parts. Very versatile package for sure.

I'm working on completing my (4) caliber P226 right now.
 
I haven't seen the Kimber malfunction article but I personally have a lot of rounds through my Kimber and know quite a few people who also have a lot of rounds through their Kimber's. To date, none of us have had any kind of malfunctions.

My vote is still for the Kimber.....
 
I have a Kimber Tatical Entry II .45 acp 5" barrel, and a S&W M&P .40. Both are great guns, not a hint of trouble with either and the Kimber has had some serious range time. I prefer the Kimber - better hand feel, aims more naturally, more heft. It's a very well make machine! So too is the S&W, just I'm partial to the 1911. I got the M&P because I like the .40 cal and I think that platform with the CTC grips is excellent and this is my bedside piece.

I'm really drawn to the 1911s overall and am now shopping for a 2nd one, a bit lower cost, to put a 460 Rowland kit into.
 
So what do y'all need to know to get me on the right track?
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What are you going to use the gun for ........ Range, carry, home, or all of the above?

Is capacity a factor in your decision? Single stack, Double stack?

Do you prefer hammer fired guns, or doesn't it matter? (hammer or striker)
 
HK45C

I finally settled on an HK45C for a .45 after owning various makes. I really love it. The trigger is good for my taste. It can be carried C&L. It is very accurate. It is the softest shooting .45 I have shot other than the HK P9S. It has the interchangeable back straps to get a good egronomic grip, and it's reliable. In other words, it's an HK. At least try one out before you finally decide on something. Oh, it can be carried concealed. Good Luck.
 
brabham78 said:
What are you going to use the gun for ........ Range, carry, home, or all of the above?

Is capacity a factor in your decision? Single stack, Double stack?

Do you prefer hammer fired guns, or doesn't it matter? (hammer or striker)
Click to expand...

It will definitly be all the above I'm turning 21 in a year and live on my own already. Capacity is not that big of a deal to me either.
 
No gun will do it all.

Of the ones you list, I have a P226 and can say it's a very reliable full-size handgun. More reliable than my 1911's.

Have you thought about getting a .22lr for your first? They are MUCH cheaper for practice and just fun to shoot.

The Ruger 22/45 has the same grip and similar controls to a 1911. I like mine. Buckmarks get high marks too, but I've never shot one.
 
Sig P229

I have the Sig P229 in .40, the Sig P226 in 9mm and a Kimber .45 in 4 inch barrel size. My personal opinion is that the Sig P229 in .40 is the best of the lot, in terms of reliability, accuracy, and versatility for various uses.

SigP22930.jpg
 
Would be nice to know:
1. primary purpose of handgun (CC, range/HD, etc)
2. previous experience with firearms
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In 45, Sig P220, HK 45, 1911 (STI, Springfield, Kimber, S&W, Sig)
If Kimber, I would stick with their lower models, Custom II in blue or ss with or without front strap checkering.
If SA, maybe Loaded, Range Officer, or Mil-Spec
No experience with FN but their .45 looks good.
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..... but for 1st pistol, a .22 like Ruger MKxx, 22/45 and Browning buckmark are nice - cheap to shoot and tend to be easier to learn basics with.
or 9mm for first pistol -- cheapest ammo of the centerfires and recoils less.
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keep in mind - pick a handgun that fits - good trigger reach. With SA/DA, trigger reach is a compromise.
 
AFAIC my favorite pistol is the Browning Type lll Hi-Power in 9mm or .40 S&W. Can't say it is the 'best' though. It is my best. YMMV.:)
 
Out of the choices given, I would vote for the Sig229 in .40s&w for an all around pistol. I like the shorter barrel (4"?) of the 229 better than the 226 which IIRC has a 4.5" or 5" barrel.

If you are still considering other options, I would HIGHLY recommend the Springfield Armory XD or XDm platform.
 
I dont mind shooting a more expensive caliber, I plan on reloading for it. I had a Taurus 24/7 pro for a little while in .40 so I wouldn't consider it my first pistol. But my first pistol that I plan on keeping for good.
 
however, I saw that article on all the kimber malfunctions a couple days ago.
Click to expand...

I've never owned a Kimber but I will say that if you look long enough and hard enough on the internet, you will find reports of every pistol ever made malfunctioning at one time or another. Beating my favorite drum, one series of firearms that you will seldom find instances of malfunctioning is Smith & Wesson's "Third Generation" pistols (do a "search" and you'll see what I mean).
From your list, I'm acquainted (own and/or have owned) with SIG Models 220, 226 and 2340 and have found all of them well-made and reliable; the 220 and 226 being on the pricey side. However, the aforementioned SIGs and 1911s (i.e., the Raptor), if not examples of an "apples and oranges" dichotomy, are certainly oranges and tangerines when comparing these two different types of pistols.
You indicated that you want at least a .40 S&W, so my recommendation is to get a "police trade-in" Smith & Wesson Model 4006. In good or better condition, these recently discontinued pistols can be found for $350.00 or less.
 
Kimber Stainless II

I absolutely love my Kimber Stainless II...it is one gun that I will never trade...it was the first expensive gun that I could afford...had to save up for over a year, but finally did it...since then I have bought, sold or trade dozens of firearms, but this one is still in the gun safe :-) If I could only figure out how to carry it CCW without it being uncomfortable, I would be a happy man :-)
 
Well, you're comparing apples to oranges comparing SIG to 1911. If you love the 1911 and the 10mm, get a Dan Wesson Razorback and dont look back.
 
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