Pistol Advice

S

Shockwave

Inactive
When I turn 21, I'm planning on purchasing a pistol. I already have a Charles Daly 1911 with a 4" barrel, but I don't really like it. I mean, I love the 1911, but the CD is a cheap clone. But, it was all I could get. Here in MI, I can't buy a handgun from a FFL. I can, and did, buy one from a private citizen (A friend of mine who just happens to have an FFL ;). Anyway, I will probably only be able to afford one pistol for awhile (I'm a college student. College = poverty), and am having trouble deciding which pistol I should get. Problem is, I won't be 21 for a couple years, and by then it may be nearly impossible to get decent hi-cap mags, 'cause I doubt they're going to repeal the Brady Bill anytime soon. So that makes a .45 with an 8 round magazine seem a little more practical. I'm not real experienced with pistols, and am curious as to which models and calibers I should consider.

I have my eye on a good 1911, maybe a Colt or, if I really want to splurge, a Les Baer. Or, perhaps a Hi-Power. I don't like the look of the Beretta 92 or the feel of the Glock. Maybe even a Desert Eagle, if I have excess testosterone to burn off. :) I don't see any big advantage in buying a double action autoloader. But, I'm left handed, so any pistol I buy has to have amidextrious sights. Any suggestions?
 
Since you won't be 21 in a couple of years, you have plenty of time to think about this.

If you HAVE to buy a SA, go with a Kimber or Springfield (save your money; they are expensive, but worth every penny ;) )

[This message has been edited by Quantum Singularity (edited September 23, 2000).]
 
There was an HK USP 45 SOCCOM (threaded barrel and everything) in my local gun store a while back, for about 750 dollars. Made me drool. I've got a special place in my heart for the 1911, though. I like the way it feels in my hand.

How is the CZ series pistol? I also kinda like the way the Sig P226 looks.
 
If you're stuck on .45 ACP, there's always the SIG P220. There are quite a few of them around and they're excellent.

Otherwise, you're more or less stuck with 1911 clones that, as you've found, are rarely any good at a reasonable price.

If you want something super cheap in .45, you might consider a Ballester-Molina. If you're not familiar with it, it's an Argentine 1911 style pistol that was modified to meet their needs. Look and feel is 1911, but about the only part that is interchangeable is the magazine.
 
Decent relatively cheap 45s are, IMO:
Ruger P97 $300
Argentenian Sistema Colt $250-270

My own pick was Glock 21 at $450 used with two 13rd mags.
 
I hope you plan to vote in November so you'll be able to make that decision on which gun to buy after you turn 21. All you've mentioned are fine guns.. Good luck and be sure to vote.




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Rick
 
Darn straight. I live 600 miles from Western Michigan University where I'm attending, but I've got my absentee ballot form right here on my desk, to be mailed out monday....this is the first time I'm ever voted, and I'm looking forward to it!
 
Here are some 45s:
SIG 220 :cool:
SIG 245
Glock 30
Glock 36
1911 clone
Beretta Cougar 8045
HK USP 45 Compact
Ruger P97
Ruger P90/KP90

Now for some other calibers:
SIG 225 - 9mm
Glock 26 - 9mm
Glock 27 - .40 S&W
Glock 29 - 10mm :eek:
Glock 33 - 357SIG
HK P7M10 - .40 S&W
HK P7M8 - 9mm
HK P7PSP - 9mm
Kel-Tec P40 - .40 S&W
Kahr K9/MK9 - 9mm
Kahr K40/MK40 - .40 S&W
SIG 239 - .40 S&W
SIG 239 - 357SIG
Pre-Sellout S&W's in various calibers

All guns listed are 9mm or better and are designed to hold 10 rounds or less (no hi-cap pistols).

Here's the exception:
HK P7M13 - 9mm

There are no 10 rnd mags for this gun, only 13 rounders. The down side is HK hasn't made one for a civilian since the ban (they don't want to retool for a 10 rnd mag), so they're usually bought used at a high price.

[This message has been edited by .357SIG (edited September 23, 2000).]
 
Raven personally believes .45 is the only way to go for man stopping power. If you are planning on concealed carry I would suggest the Sig P220, Glock 36 single stack or the Colt 1911. All feel really good in your hand and have a relatively slender shape which would be better for concealed carry. If you just want something for your car or home I would still suggest the Colt 1911 with some modifications (Wolf Recoil Spring, and polish that ramp!), the HK USP, and again the Sig P220. I personally own an HK and love it! Plus with the HK it has ambidextrious safety and mag release on it which is good for lefties! However it is a little big for concealed carry.

I would personally stick to a Colt (or brand similiar ex. Kimber, Springfield, or Caspian), HK, Sig, or Glock. Stay away from cheaper makes because they tend to be less reliable and remember your life will depend on it one day. Overall, get the pistol that you shoot the best and feels the most comfortable in your hand! Fit is most important! Go out and test shoot some of these pistols and see which one you like the best.
 
If you are only going to have one, make it a good one. I'd go with Glock. However, Glock isn't for everyone. If you can try one before you buy it, that would be best.
 
It may be cheaper to have a gunsmith go over and improve your Charles Daly 1911 (which isn't a fundamentally bad gun) than to buy or trade for something better. Quite a few people have started with the CD as a base gun and are very happy with the result.

(Of course, you could probably sell it outright and get a Ruger P-97... You could do worse.)
 
Shockwave, you and your friend, with the FFL, had better pray that you bought the pistol out of his privately owned firearms. Why? If he transfered this pistol to you it is viewed as a straw deal. What does this mean? It means your friend purchased a pistol with the intent to transfer it to you, an under 21 buyer. This is illegal in Michigan. Regards, Richard.
 
Good point Walt....Another gunsmith to consider is Terry Tussey out of Nevada. He has done everything on my custom 1911 and I am very pleased with everything he has done. You can also visit him at tusseycustom.com.
 
Sell the CD. Take the money you save between now and then along with the funds from the sale and get you whatever you want.

If you want inexpensive but reliable get a Ruger. I've had 4 and never one problem with any of them.

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The best weapon for self defense is the one you have when the need arises!
 
Shockwave, I'm in the same position as you are. I'm trying to find a private citizen in Houston, TX or Austin that wants to sell their P7M8. So far I've had no luck.
 
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