Help me choose my 6 lifetime guns (outide the US) :-)

Thanks guys... so this week I went to almost all of the best stores in my country. 8 or 9...

A sidenote... people in my country are not that much literate or educated. Some regions go up to 40% iliterate rate... but people in the gun shops are so nice, polite, educated, like... enjoying their work and knowledgeable, specially compared with people in other kinds of stores... wow... is it the same in the US?

So now I narrowed it down to two (Literary 2) options:

G30 USA Gen4, it appears not to be tenifer anymore for $1433
G30 Austria Gen4, still tenifer finish $1866

I know it looks outrageous for all of you, but remember my limitations and considering thiese guns life time purchases. I like the size of gun, and want to try a different caliber. One of the clerks asked me if I didnt have any condition in my hands and yes I have a chronic pain in my shooting hand wrist, not sure what it is... and a dislocated thumb. I could shoot 200 rounds of 9mm with the beretta no problem... is the recoil of the .45 out of the G30 a lot more?

CZ P07 FDE frame for $1306 or Sphinx SDP compact for $1666. The sphinx looks a little nicer finished, not by much, but it has a lot nicer sights. Luminescent Night sigts. Putting nice sights on the p07 swould cost me around $250. Both models less bigger and heavier than the G30, but are hammer fired... what I am used too. There are 2 Kriss distributors i9n hte country, one can sell only sphinx and the other the vector carbines, but both tell me that thell could find me parts if needed. On the other hand the CZ distributor have 30 years in business in my country, CZ is the third mos popular brand here...so.

What do you guys think?
 
My CZ's are my favorite and best of all my 9mm's. My P07 is a fantastic gun, and my 75B SA is the best and most pleasant semi auto to shoot of all the 9mm's I've ever had. If I could only have one and it had to serve as a CCW, range gun, EDC,and home defence pistol it would have to be the P07 but I would sure hate to give up the 75B SA.
 
CZ P07 FDE frame for $1306 or Sphinx SDP compact for $1666. The sphinx looks a little nicer finished, not by much, but it has a lot nicer sights. Luminescent Night sigts. Putting nice sights on the p07 swould cost me around $250. Both models less bigger and heavier than the G30, but are hammer fired... what I am used too. There are 2 Kriss distributors i9n hte country, one can sell only sphinx and the other the vector carbines, but both tell me that thell could find me parts if needed. On the other hand the CZ distributor have 30 years in business in my country, CZ is the third mos popular brand here...so.
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There is not comparison between the fit, finish and quality of the Sphinx vs the P07. I talked with David of Cajun Gun Works, one of the best CZ smiths in the US, once about the SDP vs the P07. He said you could get a P07 send it to him and you still have a nice P07 but with the Sphinx you have the foundation for a whole different level of pistol.

There is a risk with Sphinx which in the US is control by Kriss. They are no longer made in Switzerland but the new ones still seem like high quality.

I would not buy a modern FN pistol. They have changed their platform too many times too quickly and mags, parts and holsters are not compatible. If you want a large capacity 45 ACP get the HK 45.

If it were me and I could only have 6 handguns that had to last me my lifetime I would get the following.

-Browning Hi Power in 9mm still one of the finest 9mms ever made. It is super slim for concealed carry. Fits in my hand perfectly and points naturally.

-1911 Govt in 45 ACP I know it is more of an American thing but everyone should own a 1911. The trigger alone justifies it as one of the 6. JMB got this one almost perfect.

-Sig P228 IMHO the prefect Sig. I prefer its balance over the P229 because of the carbon steel slide. Since you are limited in the number of guns you can get I would pick compacts which are perfect for multiple roles. The P226 will give you a longer sight radius so it might be more accurate but unless you are a big guy with the right rig you cannot carry it.

-CZ 75 Compact Again going with a proven versatile pistol that can play multiple roles. Cocked and locked or DA/SA this one is a winner.

-HK 45 if you are looking for a large capacity 45 that will last your lifetime this would be my pick. I am not a huge HK fan but this one is solid. Only complaint is the DA trigger is too heavy and not as smooth as I would like.

-S&W 19 4". If I could only have one. It is the do everything classic .357. You will not find a better shooting, better pointing revolver. IMHO
 
Am I correct in assuming that your country would not allow a .22lr conversion kit to be purchased and used on a centerfire handgun frame?

I ask as I see you are missing a .22lr, which I consider an important part of any firearm owners' safe and shooting routine.

There are a few companies that make .22lr conversion top ends for handguns, which allow two calibers with a single firearm.

Yet, I know many countries license/register the barrel, and not the frame. If that is the case where you are, then this isn't an option.

IF I were you, and barrel changes for conversions are NOT allowed [even for .22lr top ends], I'd get the following:

.22lr handgun. I'd recommend the Ruger Single-Six Convertible, if allowed, as you get .22mag and .22lr in one firearm. If this is NOT allowed, then a solid .22lr revolver: like a S&W 617, or Ruger SP101 .22lr, or Ruger GP100 .22lr. I don't know European models, but there used to be some older ones that are good.

I like .22 semi-autos more, but a good .22lr revolver will probably last a lifetime with fewer repair parts and expenses.


A centerfire revolver, in .357mag [allows use of .357mag or .38special in same cylinder]. If you want it for Every Day Carry, with little shooting, the lighter it is, the better. If you want it for range use primarily, get at least a 4" barrel. I am partial to Ruger GP100s or Ruger LCRs, but S&W is great also.

a 9mm semi-auto handgun that fits your hand like a glove and points well for you. CZ makes GREAT pistols, that have a trigger reach that I find uncomfortable in Double-Action mode. In SingleAction mode they are awesome. Sigs can feel the same to me, unless they have the thin/short trigger and the short reset trigger installed. I don't know Sphinx or Canik well, but recognize they are respected. I used to have a Magnum Research Baby Eagle 9mm [CZ75 knock-off, like the EAA Witness]. I am partial to Hi Powers, but FN looks to be stopping production. FEG made a reputable copy [be careful- they make another that is a DA/SA design, but looks the same].

a .45acp semi-auto handgun that fits/feels 'right'. I am VERY partial to the 1911 design, as it just fits 'right', points 'right' and feels 'right' to me. I have a Glock G30SF also, which is tolerable, but doesn't feel as 'right' in my hand. I tried HK and Sigs: neither felt 'just right', like a 1911 does. 1911 and Glock probably have parts available. FN makes NICE pistols, but I haven't shot any.


For shotgun, I'd have to think about it. I'd either want a solid pump, like a remington 870, or a double-barrel that is stone-cold reliable. I don't know double-barrels that well. I have a few, but don't know them well. I'd stick to 12 gauge as an 'all around' gauge, and a chamber of 3 inches. 3 1/2 inch chambers are not worth the effort unless you are a goose hunter or want to stop charging grizzly bears.

For a rifle, it would depend on if I were thinking self-defense, or 'plinking', or long-range [300-700 meter] accuracy, or what.

For my needs, and dis-allowing self-defense or hunting of anything larger than a coyote, I'd probably stick to a .22lr. Ruger 10/22 is a reliable product- but I am partial to tube-fed .22 rifles, as they can hold up to 19 .22lr without making people as 'scared' as a 15 round magazine sticking out of the bottom.

If I were choosing a centerfire rifle, for putting 'meat' on the table and accuracy/fun, but not apocalypse self-defense, I'd probably go with a bolt-action in the caliber easiest to find in my area. Here, that would probably be a .308win round [7.62 nato], as a great all-purpose load. Bolt actions generally are very reliable, with few parts that wear out when compared to semi-autos [magazine feed lips, mag springs, recoil springs, cleaning gas tubes, etc].


Lastly, 'cool' depends on the person.

My idea of 'cool' handguns include:
  • 1950s Polish Tokarev [7.62 x 25mm]
  • 1945 Spanish Star Model B [.9mm]
  • 1942 Argentinian Ballester Molina [.45acp]
  • 1954 Colt Three Fifty Seven [that IS the model name; it predates the Python by a year].
  • 1950s Austrian Police issued FN GP35 [aka: browning hi power].
  • 1961 Argentinian DGFM model 1927 [aka: Colt 1911a1]
  • 1958 High Standard Supermatic S102 Trophy.

Now, I respect Glocks, but the modern designs don't excite me the way the old steel ones do.

Similarly, for long guns:
  • Baikal IZ-27 [O/U 12 gauge Shotgun]
  • Mosin-Nagant M44 [7.65 russian]
  • Spanish FR-8 [7.62nato]
  • Springfield Garand M1 [.30-06]
  • Marlin model 39A [.22lr]
 
OP, I will address your #1 on your original list......get the FNX 45.

I have had one (and a fns and a fnx 40) for 4ish years and it/they is/are an exceptional weapon. 2000 or so rounds for me and the 45 resides on my night table when I do not carry it.

Also get a revolver in 357 magnum at least. I have two .... a Ruger SP101 2 1/4 inch 38/357 magnum and a S&W 627 4" 38/357. Both are exceptional. Other calibers are worth looking in to.

Do not know how much they will cost where you are.

I do not know the availability of ammo where you are.

Here, Bersas are a lot cheaper and may be there, but I have a 9mm and a 45 that have proved to be exceptional shooter and very reliable...no problems in over 2000 rounds each.

I will not purchase another Sig Sauer. Have a P938 and it was my got to carry until it started dropping magazines (after 2000+ rounds) while shooting and going from fire to safe while shooting. Got the problems fixed by Sig and also locally, but I will not trust it ever again for protection and will sell it.

Rifles???? well a Ruger 10/22 is always fun and utilitarian and like a Remington 870 Express shotgun is in my gun safe. The pump shotgun is a home defense weapon that I trust....never a problem (unless you count my replaced shoulder...LOL) in about 15 years.

Maybe an AR15/AK47/AK74 rifle or pistol.

Good luck in your search!
 
Thanks everyone... still choosing... Guns come in waves to my country, as there are only a few importers and a lot of shops. Right now is dry season anyway :-)

I just wanted to add an option and know what you think about this gun in my situation.... the SW Governor... seems like a ultra versatile gun... 45 acp is plentiful, 45 colt is reasonably easy to find and .410 hangun loads are starting to appear everywhere. In my country you cannot buy ammo of a caliber that you dont own a firearm of, and you can only buy 250 round per month for each caliber you own. So owning the governor would allow me to buy 250 more rounds a month for any other 45 acp firearm that I own. Plus right know they have and special, if I buy a governor they give me a SW bodyguard at a unheard of price :-) so, i would have 4 calibers, and a deep concelment gun in one purchse.

I know the governor is far from ideal for conceal carry, but I would have the bodyguard and the governor could be in the car or something.

So in my case, 6 to 9 guns for a lifetime and the ammo restrictions... is the governor something you would put on the list?
 
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Just my opinion. The S&W Governor and Taurus Judge are like Swiss Army Knives. They are versatile, and can generally be useful when the right tool is not at hand. Yet, there are limited tasks that they actually perform well.
 
muzzleblast... said:
Just my opinion. The S&W Governor and Taurus Judge are like Swiss Army Knives. They are versatile, and can generally be useful when the right tool is not at hand. Yet, there are limited tasks that they actually perform well.
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Great analogy... I saw it in a store a couple of days ago and that's exactly what I thought...
 
Good list there, I'd favor the P229 over the P226 because I like the balance better and it carries slightly easier.

Other than that ... I don't have much to say. Good list.

Maybe a 1911 over the Sphinx (as you have DA/SA 9mms covered well with the Sig and Beretta)
 
If you are legally limited to 'six guns' what is a gun?

Can you get a CZ with a cadet kit(22lr conversion) and count it as one gun?
Some of the Sigs and most of the glocks have caliber conversions available in the US. For instand a 40SW Glock can also fire 9mm and 357 Sig with just a barrel change.

Will an AR or Encore count as one gun even if you have different uppers or barrels?

As to those specific pistols in your first post, Sig would be my top choice. The G30 you talk about later would probably win me over, but if you don't like striker fired then don't or at least wait, especially if prices are dropping.

If you want another Beretta go for it. It won't be that much different than what you had before though.
 
Here's thoughts:

On Semi Autos
- I've owned a few FNs over the years. They all ran great, but I didn't like the feel of them. I know that's not very helpful, but that's my experience.
- I also am not a huge Sig fan.
- I'd steer you towards CZ for a semi-auto. Try the P-01. It fills the hand, but also conceals well. Runs flawlessly and is crazy accurate. Find one with a NATO serial number, I like the triggers better.

On Revolvers
- I wouldn't go with a barrel of less than 3" for the 357 mag. If you're going with a short barrel, just buy a J-frame and run 38 specials.
- Look at the 686+ with 3" barrel. A great gun that can be concealed. If not concealing, bump up to the 4" barrel.
 
johnwilliamson062 said:
If you are legally limited to 'six guns' what is a gun?

Can you get a CZ with a cadet kit(22lr conversion) and count it as one gun?
Some of the Sigs and most of the glocks have caliber conversions available in the US. For instand a 40SW Glock can also fire 9mm and 357 Sig with just a barrel change.

Will an AR or Encore count as one gun even if you have different uppers or barrels?

As to those specific pistols in your first post, Sig would be my top choice. The G30 you talk about later would probably win me over, but if you don't like striker fired then don't or at least wait, especially if prices are dropping.

If you want another Beretta go for it. It won't be that much different than what you had before though.
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Thanks for all the advice... you cant exchange barrels here unless the gun “includes it” and it’s sold like that from the shop. For some odd reason no one takes advantage of it and there are no conversion kits offered anywhere for any brand.
 
jackstrawIII said:
Here's thoughts:

On Semi Autos
- I've owned a few FNs over the years. They all ran great, but I didn't like the feel of them. I know that's not very helpful, but that's my experience.
- I also am not a huge Sig fan.
- I'd steer you towards CZ for a semi-auto. Try the P-01. It fills the hand, but also conceals well. Runs flawlessly and is crazy accurate. Find one with a NATO serial number, I like the triggers better.

On Revolvers
- I wouldn't go with a barrel of less than 3" for the 357 mag. If you're going with a short barrel, just buy a J-frame and run 38 specials.
- Look at the 686+ with 3" barrel. A great gun that can be concealed. If not concealing, bump up to the 4" barrel.
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Why don’t you like sig?

Unfortunately the CZ 01 does not come here... we do have CZ dealer. Really good shop, support and warranty... same with sig

There is a beautiful 686+ 3” right now in the shop and a 627 performance center 2.75”...
 
johnwilliamson062 said:
If you are legally limited to 'six guns' what is a gun?

Can you get a CZ with a cadet kit(22lr conversion) and count it as one gun?
Some of the Sigs and most of the glocks have caliber conversions available in the US. For instand a 40SW Glock can also fire 9mm and 357 Sig with just a barrel change.

Will an AR or Encore count as one gun even if you have different uppers or barrels?

As to those specific pistols in your first post, Sig would be my top choice. The G30 you talk about later would probably win me over, but if you don't like striker fired then don't or at least wait, especially if prices are dropping.

If you want another Beretta go for it. It won't be that much different than what you had before though.
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I had never seen a conversion kit until recently...

A .22 conversion kit for Beretta 92... it feets all 92 series variants which is nice. I learned that legally, the conversion kit is a firearm, so it requires registration and occupies a slot in your license. We have 3 slots per license, unlimited licenses but you have to pay for each one.
 
johnwilliamson062 said:
If it takes a slot I recommend you avoid conversions. Just get dedicated arms. Most of the time people just use one option in the conversion.
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Thanks...

Yeah, I see no point in a conversion kit with our laws and prices. It costs almost as much as a dedicated .22 and it takes a slot in the carry license.

The only use I would see is if you absolutely love Beretta platform and like to train with it, or train somebody else in the use of the beretta manual of arms.
 
If I were limited to six handguns I would go for a combination of essentials and classics. (1) a .22 semi automatic like a buckmark, (2) a.22 revolver probably a ruger (3) a quality .38 or .357 revolver probably S&W, (4) a 1911 or high power, (5) a modern service pistol similar to what my nation's military or police use, and (6) a concealable pistol.
 
Kevster said:
If I were limited to six handguns I would go for a combination of essentials and classics. (1) a .22 semi automatic like a buckmark, (2) a.22 revolver probably a ruger (3) a quality .38 or .357 revolver probably S&W, (4) a 1911 or high power, (5) a modern service pistol similar to what my nation's military or police use, and (6) a concealable pistol.
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Great advice... thanks...

The Police here use Beretta and Glock... so 5 and 6 I could achieve with a G19... damn it, so much going for the 19 but I dont want it :-D

I just put together all my paper work. Spent almost $30 just in what I have to present at the store...
 
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