If not S&W, then who?

F

FUD

Moderator
As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. I happen to like traditional double action / single action pistols with a manual safety (not just a decocker like on Ruger, Sig, etc.; but an actual safety which makes the pistol unshootable until it is disengaged) -- this is what I was trained with and where 18 years of expereince lies (I own revovlers and 1911's but I feel most comfortable with a traditional DA/SA pistol with a manual safety).

With the boycott of S&W products under way, I will not be buying any more of their products unless it's already in the dealer's case, but what other alternatives can anyone suggest for compact & full size pistols with these features. Beretta is one consideration but they are not very big with stainless steel models and living in the hot & humid Florida swamps, rust is a big factor.

Any suggestions? Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
fud-nra.gif
 
HK USP. The standard finish is quite weather-resistant, but you can get stainless steel instead if you prefer. Good choice of calibers (I have the .45) and you can carry it cocked and locked or hammer down and chambered, whichever you prefer.
 
Well, FUD,

I have faced your same problem. I too live in the Sunny South, where early March is already scorching and humid and carrying concealed is a bit harder.

Berettas have been my choice for years. No, stainless is not available on all of the models, but the Bruniton finish (as in the normal 92FS) is just as tough. In fact, it is not the same as the traditional "Python-blue" or the classic S&W-revolver blue. It is almost a teflon coat off of which most sweat and grime can be easily wiped.

Besides, wiping your gun with a lightly-oiled cloth is a good routine to establish when, at the end of the day, you take your gun off - whether it is blued or stainless. It will add years to the gun's practical life and beautiful finish.

Take a look at the brand new polymer-frame 9000-Series, where a much-reduced 92 Slide (with traditional 92 safety-decocker)is mated to a polymer frame. It comes in both 9 and 40, holds 10 rounds and weighs 27oz empty (kind of like a Kahr).

I had a chance to play with one and I really loved it. It may be my next purchase. They will be hitting the stores around June, so check one out if you have the chance.

With a Beretta you really can't go wrong. Biased? Maybe, but then that's the gun on which I too bet my beloved backside every day! :)
 
If I was going to go with another da/sa manual safety gun, it would probably be the Beretta Border Marshal. A friend of mine has one,and it has been a great gun. The finish has been good so far, it seems very sturdy, the trigger is the best da/sa that I'm aware of. They retail for around $650 or so, and come with tritium sights. Accuracy has been excellent, and to my knowledge there has been no malfunctions.

A little less $, but still a good da/sa gun, with the same control setup, try on a Baby Eagle. They may be a little rougher than a Beretta, but the one that I have tried was a very impressive gun for the money. The finish appears parkerized, I'm not sure about how corrosion resistant it is. The Baby Eagle was a good shooter, I couldn't tell you group size because our targets where pop cans at 10 to 20 yards. But we where nailing those suckers consistently.

I also feel your pain, I really wanted a 4513 TSW, (the one with the short grip). Eventually I hope to see an old used one, pre-sellout, and I will take it home, to love it and give it a good home. :)
 
While there are other autos that can take the place of S&W autos, I'm not sure that there are other revolvers that can take the place of S&W revolvers, at least for me personally. Too bad Colt's picked this time to get rid of their DA revolvers!!!

What about Ruger and Taurus? Both make good revolvers, I have no doubt. But I've just never been able to warm up to them. Maybe it's time I learned. ;)
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Irwin: Try Kahr or Taurus.[/quote]Own a micro Kahr for deep concealment purposes (it's a double action only with no manual safety -- not a traditional double action / single action with a safety) -- Taurus might be a good alternative.
 
Beretta. Dead reliable, easy to clean. I agree with the TFLer who advised the ritual wipe-down. This will protect the weapon.
And Beretta is in on the counter-suite against HUD and associated filth.

Jimmy. You've gotta try out a Ruger GP-100. I used to favor the Smiths until I ran a GP-100 through it's paces.

[This message has been edited by Shin-Tao (edited April 26, 2000).]
 
Kimber man, read the posting before responding; a safety is a must, not just a decocker. This excludes SIG. I will have to agree that HK USP. Also, Beretta 92FS does come in Stainless steel.

[This message has been edited by thequickad (edited April 26, 2000).]
 
Interesting thought about Colt dropping their revolver line just when some folks prefer not to buy S&W. One more example of Colt zigging when they should zag.

Look at the record:

Colt does not resume production of SAA soon enought and misses fast draw craze.

Colt fails to develop a .44 magnum in time, misses "Dirty Harry" craze.

Colt drops small revolvers, just as states enact laws allowing concealed carry.

Colt again drops regular production SAA just as Cowboy Action Shooting takes off.

Colt reenters percussion market years after Civil War centennial.

Colt finally comes up with a DA 9mm pistol with the market saturated and the gun is a disaster (AA-2000).

Colt finally introduces a .44 magnum into another saturated market.

Colt resumes small revolver production, then drops it again just as major competitor gets in trouble.

Can anyone think of any company with as many missteps that has managed to survive?

Jim
 
WOW Jim! I was aware of Colt's mistakes but never really saw the truth of it until you put it in order there. How did these morons survive?
Personally, There are only two Colt revolvers I ever liked. The small D-frame guns (Det. Spl, Police Pos, etc) and the Pythons. But, alas they are no more, unless you buy used and then they sell for more than they're really worth. Ok, make it three, I've got a soft spot for the old New Service guns too.
But, There are thousands of good used Smith revolvers and autos out there that won't put another penny in the traitor's pockets. I wouldn't hesitate a second to pick up a good used one.

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TFL's official "Curmudgeon Member" and damned proud of it!
 
The LDA looks like an excellent choice. The tigger is excellent. Has all the advantages of the 1911. Comes in two sizes and soon to be in single stack if you prefer.
 
Greetings FUD & Other's; If a safety is a must; then the H&K USP is the way to go!!! :)

Regards,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Grayfox: I will tell you how Colt has survived through all their blunders.
The American taxpayer and all the goverment contracts for M16's. We have a goverment that is willing to spend a $1000.00 on a toilet lid, and the rest is history.
Sling Shot

[This message has been edited by Sling Shot (edited April 28, 2000).]
 
Jim,
Don't forget that they drop the Pocket9 as soon as it hit the market. I was wanting one of those bad boys. A 9mm that is the same size or smaller than a PPK, wow. But I woundn't get one now even if I were to find one of the few that did hit the market. If the thing ever messes up how are you going to get replacement parts?

Correia,
I have a pre-sellout 4513TSW that I bought back in 1998, then put Trijicon Tritium sightes on it. Carry it everyday IWB, it's great. But now I am starting to wonder about the future of S&W, and woundn't buy another one of their products for anything - and I have always been a S&W guy. Now I am looking at products from companies that take a pro-active stance to our RKBA, I'm salavating over a Glock 30. I think my next gun purchase will be a G30.

45er
 
Hey FUD,
I have a Taurus PT-92 AFS. This little gem has a manual safety, and a decocker. It also is stainless. The best of both worlds! :)

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BOYCOTT SMITH AND WESSON!!!
Defend the Constitution from the foreign threat!!!!
 
Sounds like the stainless steel Taurus PT-92 AFS might be the ticket. Are you happy with it? What calibers is it available in?
 
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