Need Handgun Help From the Experts!

S

sundance43.5

New member
Whenever I need advice, I come to you guys. I've got the opportunity to buy my 2nd handgun, the first being a Glock 17, and I need a push one way or the other as far as deciding on a gun. This gun will be used for plinking, maybe defense, and light hunting. Here are the choices:

Ruger P90 or P97- I really like the price!

Colt 1991A1- I really like the 1911 look.

HK USP .45- I am in love with this gun, but the price tag makes me a little leary. I would have to save up longer, and it would put me in a financial crunch. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!! Damn capitalist DOGS!!!

Anyway, help is appreciated.

Chris

Hey, it's my 100th post!!!
 
I think I'd go for a 1911 full sized gun if it's just for the range. I like my Glocks, but my favorite range gun is my Kimber 1911.
 
I have a Colt 1991-A1 modified to shoot 45 Super in addition to a Glock 17L (and a 26, 19, and 21).
I like the 1991 trigger better than the others you mentioned (and I do not like DA semis in general.)


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Osama, Ya Momma :mad: :barf:
 
Quite frankly, I'd say go for a Springfield Armory. I feel that you get more gun than with the Colt 1991A1, and really at a better price.
 
sundance43.5 -
Happy 100th post. :)

On to the question. Well I don't have experience with the HK but I can tell you about Ruger VS 1911. The Ruger is real nice, but seems to have quite a large grip. The 1911 has a nice thin grip that fits almost everyone. If it just isn't right, you can get thinner or thicker grip panels to compensate. The question about a 1911 is, will you be comfortable carrying a SA pistol cocked and locked? If not, definately go with something that is DA or DAO.

One more comment I might add has to do with magazines and parts. 1911 parts are everywhere! Should you choose this fine weapon, you should never have a problem getting anything you need for it. If you want a bunch of mags for your range bag, you can usually use the $5 mail order mags as long as you are feeding it ball ammo. To me, that is a big plus. Let us know what you decide. :)
 
I'm no expert and don't even play one on tv but I would suggest a full size 1911 variant pistol. Personally I like Kimbers but a Springfield Loaded pistol would be good too. A Kimber Custom pistol would be close in price to a Colt 1991A1.
 
I've got a Springfield MilSpec.

Got it nused (new but used), for a song.

Ok, I had to sing to the tune of $235 for it.

The only problems I've had with it have centered around crappy Quality Control on my handloads. I'm going to have to fire the guy who does the handloading, but if I do that, I won't be able to shoot anymore, because I won't be handloading...

I guess I should just make me buy me a new gun or something... :)
 
First off if you want a 1911 get a kimber or a para not a colt. Their quality has been so shotty lately that they bring disgrace to the 1911 family. The HK is the best of the guns you listed. The ruger is a bargan. I think you should consider a glock 21 and 30 as well as a sig 220 as well. All are good 45 auto's.
PAT
 
Go for a used USP 45 Full size. I got one that was fairly used for a good price. It wasn't in the prettiest condition, but boy this thing shoot well, recoil is very tame, and is a pleasure to shoot. There are lots of toys available for it as well (tactical light, laser, compensated barrel, etc.).

It does feel a bit blocky in the hand, but the size may actually be helping reduce felt recoil (larger surface area for recoil transfer to your hand). This may also help in controllability when shooting rapid-fire as well.

You can shoot just about anything that fits (.45/+P/+, .45 Super, 450 SMC)...maybe that's everything that fits!

Sam
 
First off you won't do much hunting with any of those mentioned. The caliber isn't legal in most states for hunting game other than varmints.

I'd buy a Colt. Period.
 
sundance43.5, let deal with these pistols by maker or type of pistol. 1) Ruger P90/P97 these are value leaders. What do I mean? You can't buy more pistol for the money, They are accurate, reliable, and have Ruger service behind them. You can buy a Sig P220 for a lot more money and it won't be much more accurate than a P90. How do I know? I own all three of these pistols. 2) 1911A1 pistols, Pat and I will part company on this one. I usually respect his opinion but I have a different one this time. I own a Kimber Custom Compact, Colt Commander, Colt Officers Model, and a Springfield 1911A1(loaded). I have also shot a whole bunch of Colt 1991A1 pistols. My opine is they are all good pistols and I would not be ashamed to own any of them. The pick of the litter seams to be the Kimber. Mine is match accurate out of the box. 3) HK USP .45, I have never shot, owned, or cared to own one. If you are talking full sized HK USP .45 it is a huge pistol and unnecessarily complex. I hope this helps. Regards, Richard
 
Richard, if you have "never shot, owned, or cared to own" an HK - how are you qualified to speak toward thier level of complexity or their ability to meet his requirements? It obvious that you have a strong bias, and that is great. But why streer the guy away from what many people around the word (who use them for a living) consider to be a great pistol? If you dont know anything about them and dont care to - leave it at that.

Sundance - yes HK is expensive. Yes they are worth it. I own two. I will leave it at that.

1911 - mixed bag of tricks. I sold the one I had. I think the are wonderful in many respects. I was in the store the other day fliping through a copy of Combat Handguns - they profiled a Philippine Manufactured 1911 that looked very promising and the price was rumored to be about $450.00.

Ruger - outstanding value.


Good luck.
 
Mo_Zam_Beek, I have also never given two to the body and one to the head. I have held and accessed more than a few HK pistols and again I do not care for the duplicity of controls. Am I comfortable with a Glock, Sig, 1911, etc? Yes, but I do have a bias against unnecessarily complex handguns. This is how I see H&K USP .45 pistols. How do you view Korth handguns or Walther P88s? Regards, Richard
 
"I do not care for the duplicity of controls"

Is that like the 3 safeties on a 1911?

HKs come in variety of variants in which the user can determine what control feature are to be on their USP.

Your original post indicated that although you have held a few in shop - it was your opinion (and your advice to someone asking for assistance from those who know the answer) that the weapon was too large and too complex for their (sundance's) intended use.

I own two of them. I carry them. I compete with them. I trust them.

Sundance wanted to know about plinking, hunting and SD. None of these situations have much of anything to do with size.

Complexity? Maybe compared to a glock. However, they do not need to completely stripped. Additionally, if one is really interested there are a variety of sources that will walk you through it - step by step.

As for the two weapons you mentioned I am not familiar enough with either to comment.

Good luck
 
Mo_Zam_Beek, what part of: "HK USP .45, I have never shot, owned, or cared to own one. If you are talking full sized HK USP .45 it is a huge pistol and unnecessarily complex. I hope this helps." do you not understand? Is it the size? I am sure you can do anything as well with a small pistol like the Glock 21 or Sig P220. Every one has "one" and this is mine. An opinion of the three pistols was asked and I gave mine. I am new to this game of handguns and I can only rely on 40 years of experience. If you have more I will give way to your knowledge. Regards, Richard
 
Of the three, the 1911 is the tinker's gun. It's all metal and can be completely taken down and individual parts replaced to make it work more like a late 20th century pistol. They shoot nice but are of scattered reliability depending on the quality of manufacture and tightness. With the 1911 tight = accurate but fussy. Loose = reliable. Of RECENT production, I've heard the fewest complaints about Springfield. People are hot and cold on Kimbers and the diehard Colt fans must being dying out. Old surplus is often a good way to go (Sistema).

USP is supposed to be all things to all people: Several different carry modes, higher capacity, lower recoil, light, strong, accurate. They shoot great. $700 great? Don't know. The technophile's .45. A better way to do business at that price than an alloy framed SIG.

Ruger. The KISS principle at work. Not a gun produced to be loved, but they're safe, modern and accurate. I've read more than a couple articles by various authors contending the P90 and 97 were their favorite .45's. If I was equiping an army or police force with .45 they would be a top choice due to consistant quality and low price.

I would look at the CZ97, sounds nice, got the Cooper recommendation, but I don't have any personal experience.
 
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