purchasing first semi-auto

S

STAGE 2

New member
Hey All!!! I'm probably beating a really dead horse here, but I have been trying to decide on my first semi-auto pistol for the last month, and just stumbled on to this board. Must be my lucky day. First, I should mention that I'm a .45 junkie, but since this is going to be my first semi, Im not completely opposed to another caliber.

I've narrowed my options to... a Springfield 1911 (I have been told the the quality of Colt is now crap)... Wilson's new tactical KZ (w/10 round mag)... Beretta Cougar... and a Para .45. I'm also mulling over a Walther P99 in .40, and maybe, just maybe a Beretta 92. I've shot the Springfield, and will shoot the Para and both Beretta's before I make any decision, but I have yet to find a place that has the Walther or the Wilson.

Since this will be my only semi, reliability is a large factor in my decision. Again, I have heard mixed reviews about Para's quality, and I am unfamiliar with Wilson. I would be more than happy for any opinions and suggestions from those who have shot/own any of these firearms. Thanks Alot.
 
Since you mention Wilson, I assume you have a big budget. The top of the line Springfield models are hard to beat, and are a bit more affordable than the Wilson guns. Then again, the Wilsons are pretty good too. I have fired several Springfield models and have yet to run into one I didn't like. Had a well worn Springfield Milspec a while back, but traded off for an XD-40. I'll probably be picking up a Loaded Operator in the next month or so. I plan on having the beveled mag well added at the factory. I just couldn't afford the TRP Operator. If I were on an unlimited budget, that's what I'd get barring custom jobs. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with the ParaOrdnance guns, but I have very limited experience with the LDA models (<50 rnds).
 
IMO, Springfield and Para are about on par as a production gun maker (most of their stuff is pretty good, some dogs). I think Kimber is a notch up and I believe most would agree Wilson is a big step up in both performance and cost. I personally think the most-1911-for-the-money winner is the STI Trojan which is a hand made gun for under $900. That's the one I have. First rate gun and a nice company to deal with.

http://www.rushusa.com/html/products/sti/trojan.html
 
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