multipurpose handgun

K

Kalezra

Inactive
I am looking for a good carry weapon and one that is good for target shooting at the local range. I would like to use the same weapon for both as I am limited on income at the moment. I currently have two hunting revolvers but they are way to large to carry. I am pretty good with my .44mag and my .357 mag at close range but not so good when I move back quite a bit or when I attempt rapid firing. I think what it comes down to is the recoil, when I fire faster the gun moves up quite a bit therefore my accuracy is effected drastically. I was thinking a smaller caliber would partially solve this problem along with practice. So what would be a good choice for a semiautomatic cheap carry/target pistol, please include caliber suggestions. I had a s&w 9mm and hatted it, the trigger weight was way to much and caused me to sway the gun when I pulled the trigger. Also I would prefer it to be DA/SA. Heck maybe I should go with a revolver. I would say around 500$ is my limit, maybe a little more.

Thank you.
 
Have you considered a 9x18 Makarov, the gun, not the caliber? Please check one out. It meets all of your requirements and it won't let you down. $500 will get you the pistol and a ton of ammo.
 
When you say "target shooting", do you mean formal competition or informal paper-punching?

There are lots of guns you can carry and also shoot in IDPA or some classes of USPSA competition. The same can't be said for bullseye or the more advanced USPSA matches.
 
Springfield Armory XD9. Although it could be a bit more conceilable, but as an allround excellent semi that is very reliable and very accurate and mags hold 16 rounds. And you get SA's reputation for high quality and excellent customer service and in your price range. :cool:
 
personal choice (recommend the 9x19)

Have you handled: CZ75 / Glock 17 or 19 / S&W M&P / Springfield Armory XD / EAA Witness?
 
Lem Varient one

I have the Varient one springs installed in my carry gun, it is perfectly safe, trigger pull is 4.5 lbs but to fire the gun the trigger has to be pulled fully back, it would be difficult to accidentally do this. It is also possible to "stage" the trigger for target shooting at longer ranges (25-50 yards). Yes I have used mine to shoot silhouette's.
 
Much as I hate to admit it, perhaps a Glock 19 or 36 would be a good choice.

The 19 is a double stack 9mm with a compact frame. Doesn't have the thick cylinder that your revolvers have.

The 36 is a single stack 45 with a compact frame.

The 19 will have faster follow-up, and both have less perceived recoil than a 357 or 44 Mag revolver, since the slide absorbs the sharp part of the recoil.

The reason I recommended two Glocks is that they have the same trigger pull each time, and a short trigger reset.

Be warned, they are only beautiful in function. I got bored of mine because it is so aesthetically un-pleasing.
 
Sorry for not responding sooner but I have not had a lot of free time as of late. Thank you for all of the reply's but the situation has changed a bit. I have signed up for a seven month course to become a police officer and I am required to buy a gun that meets their specifications. The school restricts my choice to Glocks and S&W, the calibers are limited to .40, .357mag, or 9mm. I think that I would be more comfortable with a 9mm.
 
Everybody is saying glock but I think he wants a de-cocker. Look at CZ's, SW autos and Sigs. for most of those you will have to go used (maybe not CZ) to stay in your price range.
 
I'm more of a S&W fan, but in this case I would say go with Glock. It's a great multi-purpose pistol. My brother is a cop and carries a S&W MP in .40. It didn't really fit my hand just right and I didn't like the fact that it won't fire with the magazine removed.
 
Although you are asking about semi-autos why not use .38 spl in the .357 magnum revolver since you say recoil was the issue?
 
You simply cannot beat a Glock in 9mm for $500 or less. G17 17+1, G19 15+1. The G19 may be more in your threshold and you could use the remainder for extras and ammo. Uber(read Uber) reliability, simplicity, accuracy and a cheap $ tag. I am getting one or the other after I lay my hands on them.
 
CZ's PCR would be a fine choice. I used to own one - only issue I had with it was the trigger reach. Other than that - reasonably priced, well made, reliable, durable, concealable, and quite accurate.
 
Thank you all for your informative reply's. Due to my current restrictions I am going to go with either the Glock G17 or G19. I got to test them both today and I must say I was surprised with the results. Both are comfortable and accurate. When cash is no longer an issue I may obtain something like a Springfield 1911.

Majic

The recoil is only an issue with the .357 and the .44 when I am expending multiple rounds quickly. It is not an issue if I am cocking the hammer each time I shoot. For what I use them for(hunting) the chances are slim that I will get more than one shot anyway.

teifmen1948

In my original post your statement would have suited my needs perfectly but as I stated the situation has changed. That does give me ideas for the future.:D

Again thank you all.
 
Go with a Glock 17 or a S&W M&P in 9mm.

For a service pistol that doesn't have to be concealed, a full size gun will be easier to shoot well, will recoil less, will have more ammo capacity, and will cost the same or less than the compact version.

Glock 17s can be found used for good prices.

If I were in your shoes, I would contact Glock & S&W and inquire about police discounts. I bet they both offer them.

I have no experience with the S&W M&P, but they get good reviews, and seem to have better ergonomics than Glock. Also, they are an American company, and buying their gun would keep just a bit more money in the US. ;) S&W also has rebates going now, ($50?) which I believe includes the M&Ps.
 
I own the G17 and yes it's a classic, but I really believe the 19 is the way to go. Glock has made some great firearms, but I think the 19 is their crowning achievement. 15+1 rounds of the stiffest 9mm you like in a package that small that goes bang every single time.

One other thing... 33 round backup magazines that will fit relatively well on your belt.
 
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