I thought I would let you folks know what I ended up getting this past weekend after several posts asking for advice on new gun purchases. First, let me explain that I had posted several inquiries about 1911's, and specifically about the Kimber line. I had convinced myself that an Ultra Elite would be the perfect compliment to my small, but cherished collection. I've never owned, or shot a 1911, but always thought they were pieces of art.
Anyway, Saturday my wife and I drove a couple of hours across Texas to see some friends and stopped by Champion Arms in College Station, which I had found advertised on the Internet (BTW, this is a very well stocked store with excellent service and great prices). I made a beeline to the 45s, handled the UE, and was very impressed by its look. But, being the first 1911 I had ever picked up, I found the daunting array of buttons, knobs, levers, safeties, etc. a little much, as well as the price tag, which was close to $900. I was a little at a loss, since I had my heart set on a 1911, but did not really care for the feel and did not have a backup choice. The salesman could see the disappointment in my face, and after hearing that I already owned a Glock 17, suggested I consider a Glock 23 (.40 version, with slightly smaller barrel and frame than the 17). This gun I really liked, especially the fact that it was more concealable than the 17, and with a better defensive load. So, I gave a thumbs up to the 23 with night sights.
That was just the start.
Since I had planned on spending around $1000 on a gun, and now had a few hundred left, I asked if the salesman could suggest a good .22lr semi-auto (previous posts had mentioned the Ruger 22/45s and Browning Buckmark). He told me to wait while he went in the back and returned with a Sig Hammerli Trailside, which I had read raving reviews about on other posts. That was an easy decision based on the great feel and Sig name, so add gun #2 to the list.
Finally, I asked if they had any AR-15s in stock, with the intention of just handling one (I had for some time thought about getting one some day, but certainly not this year, or probably not even next). I even assured my wife that I just wanted a look (in retrospect I now understand her skepticism). Anyway, to make a long story short, the gun he showed me was beautiful, with a detachable handle and 20" barrel, and was listed at a great price. When I realized that it was a Bushmaster, which I've read is one of the better brands, I was sold - tally gun #3.
My wife and I took them out to a range this mrning, and had a ball. All the guns were great, and I was tickled pink about how they performed. Needless to say, my gun-buying days are over for quite awhile, but that one day buying spree will give me memories to last for years.
I hope everyone enjoyed this post, and has at least momentarily lived vicariously through my experiences. Thanks for your contributions on my research, and I'd be happy to answer any questions I my new additions.
rock
Anyway, Saturday my wife and I drove a couple of hours across Texas to see some friends and stopped by Champion Arms in College Station, which I had found advertised on the Internet (BTW, this is a very well stocked store with excellent service and great prices). I made a beeline to the 45s, handled the UE, and was very impressed by its look. But, being the first 1911 I had ever picked up, I found the daunting array of buttons, knobs, levers, safeties, etc. a little much, as well as the price tag, which was close to $900. I was a little at a loss, since I had my heart set on a 1911, but did not really care for the feel and did not have a backup choice. The salesman could see the disappointment in my face, and after hearing that I already owned a Glock 17, suggested I consider a Glock 23 (.40 version, with slightly smaller barrel and frame than the 17). This gun I really liked, especially the fact that it was more concealable than the 17, and with a better defensive load. So, I gave a thumbs up to the 23 with night sights.
That was just the start.
Since I had planned on spending around $1000 on a gun, and now had a few hundred left, I asked if the salesman could suggest a good .22lr semi-auto (previous posts had mentioned the Ruger 22/45s and Browning Buckmark). He told me to wait while he went in the back and returned with a Sig Hammerli Trailside, which I had read raving reviews about on other posts. That was an easy decision based on the great feel and Sig name, so add gun #2 to the list.
Finally, I asked if they had any AR-15s in stock, with the intention of just handling one (I had for some time thought about getting one some day, but certainly not this year, or probably not even next). I even assured my wife that I just wanted a look (in retrospect I now understand her skepticism). Anyway, to make a long story short, the gun he showed me was beautiful, with a detachable handle and 20" barrel, and was listed at a great price. When I realized that it was a Bushmaster, which I've read is one of the better brands, I was sold - tally gun #3.
My wife and I took them out to a range this mrning, and had a ball. All the guns were great, and I was tickled pink about how they performed. Needless to say, my gun-buying days are over for quite awhile, but that one day buying spree will give me memories to last for years.
I hope everyone enjoyed this post, and has at least momentarily lived vicariously through my experiences. Thanks for your contributions on my research, and I'd be happy to answer any questions I my new additions.
rock
HOPE YOU LOVE YOUR NEW "TOYS"!!!
If I could afford a Glock, OR a Trailside, OR an AR-15, I'd be tickled pink. You must be a pretty happy man! And your wife is obviously a lady of fine taste and great tolerance. 
so I'm not so sure anymore that I want a 1911 for my next firearm. An AR-15 sounds good though . . . anyway, just curious. Have fun!
Enjoy and remember, never look back. Time and tide wait for no man.