Recommendations

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Bulldog44

New member
I am looking for recommendations as to a well-built, solid, reliable semiautomatic handgun. For years, I've owned large bore revolvers (.44 Specials, .44 Magnum, etc.), and I'd love to move on to a semiautomatic. I'd like something no smaller than 9 mm, and have been strongly thinking about .40 caliber. Since I have big hands, I want plenty of grip to wrap my hands around, and I don't really care if it's "clunky" or not. As long as I can count on it, I don't care if it feels like a cement block in my hand. This will be mainly used at home and not for CCW.

Any advice? Pros and cons of the Ruger P series, Glocks, S&W, etc. Thanks.
 
9mm or better, totally reliable out of the box & you don't care if it's "chunky." Answer is the USP 45. Do a search and you'll find a lot of happy shooters using the USP 45. :) Can't recommend it any more enthusiasitcally.
 
This might be one time to go with the ruger. From what I here they are good guns and cheap, since you don't mind big.
 
Bulldog
I am having the same problem you are...what to buy. Its a nice problem, but it does take alot of effort to pick the right pistol. I have found this forum to be extremely helpful in my search. Of course, you have to take every post with a grain of salt(everyone loves THEIR pistol:)). With that said I have narrowed my pistol selection down to a select few. If I go with a 45 I am looking at either a CZ97b, or a Ruger P-90. I hear the CZ's grip is quite wide, so that may be an asset to you. I like the Ruger becasue I hear nothing but good about them, with the exception of the looks, and the feel(which is purely a personal choice). I'm really thinking of going with a 45, but a part of me is saying "get a 9mm, while high caps are still around, and get a 45 later". I suggest going to you local shop and checking out some diffrent pistols, get the one that "feels" right. OF course do you researrch first. Its always good to go in with a working knowledge of the pistols your looking at. I suggest looking here and at unitedforums.com
Good Luck
 
Another vote for Ruger in whatever flavor you choose...BIG solid semi-automatic handguns that are the best gun for the money...my P94 .40cal is accurate and feeds any ammo I put in it,
Tony.
 
For a sure thing, I recommend the Sig P220 .45ACP-

But there are lot's of good choice's out there. I suggest
that you visit a range that offers rental handguns, and
try a few out.:) Quality pieces out there other than Sig's
are; but not limited to: H&K USP's, Beretta's 92 & 96 series,
Glock's of all model's, CZ's, and Ruger auto's. Perhaps a
full size Sig P220 in 9m/m, or a P229 in .40S&W might
suit you well? Or maybe, Sig's near perfect P228 in 9m/m,
as it offer's perfect balance combined with excellent fire
power.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Ruger:Pro-Good price,solid,reliable.
Con-not pretty,"clunky"

Glock:Pro-Very reliable,OK price.
Con-not pretty,"clunky"

HK USP:Pro-Very reliable,accurate,many variations
Con-high price,"clunky"

SIG P:Pro-Very reliable,accurate,good looking,good hand feel.
Con-high price

Walther P99:Pro-Very reliable,accurate,good looking,good hand feel
Con-high price


S&W:makes a dang good revolver.:p
 
notBubba,
The "clunkiness" of a Ruger seems to go away after awhile...when it keeps working and working...it starts to look...well...pretty?
Tony.
 
Ok, from the description of what you like (big guns for big guys), I'm going to suggest something in 10mm. Mucho power (200grn@1200FPS) in a full-frame automatic.

If you like Glocks, a G20 10mm will knock your socks off. Consistent, not too heavy trigger pull. Low bore axis makes for less muzzle flip. The thing will run and run and run and run, like the energizer bunny.

If you don't like Glocks, the EAA Witness in 10mm is a very good deal, best 10mm bang for buck I think. DA/SA system, very strong design based on the CZ75. Trigger can be worked into a crisp SA "match" trigger easily.

Used S&W 1006 10mm. I'm not a fan of S&W autos, but this one just about turned me around.

Used Colt Delta Elite 10mm. Don't know if 1911s appeal to you now, but if CB shows up posting pics of his Delta they will. Nothing like a well-made, tuned 1911.
 
Since you like big bore wheelguns...

I'd be inclined to steer you towards something in .45 ACP. Any of the following would be more than acceptable in my book (I have a Glock 21, just for reference):

Glock 21 (can't think of anything with a BIGGER grip)
Sig P220 (my personal second choice - sorry Dan! :cool: )
HK USP 45
Kimber, Colt, or Springfield Armory 1911
CZ97B
Ruger P90 or P97

Glock, Sig, HK, CZ, and Ruger all have 9mm offerings, and .40 S&W as well (I think - not sure about CZ).

I also like the advice on getting out to the range. Nothing can take the place of a "test drive". :D
 
Since you seem to be interested in a .40......the CZ 75B in .40 is the most accurate .40 S&W I've shot (including Sigs, Glocks, Browning BHP's, HK's, & Rugers), and its soft on recoil too. In addition, the frame is all steel (which I consider a bonus) and the grip ergonomics are first rate.

That said, I would never suggest to anyone to rush out and buy a pistol without trying several brands out.

So, try several makes and calibers out....such as Beretta, HK, CZ, BHP, Ruger, Sig, Glock, etc in various cartridges (9mm, .40, .45). Good luck finding the one that fits you best.
 
Get a Ruger, and you wont' have a knee jerk every time you put a scratch on the slide. Shoot your money's worth out of it, and be happy. These are on the big side, but well built, and solid. Should last you all life.
 
Any full size gun from a good manufacturer in 45 ACP or 10 mm,find one you like and have fun.I like guns that are either single or double action only.
 
Glock.

IMO, the .45ACP Glocks have less recoil than the .40s&w Glocks. Since you are not concerned about concealing this pistol, I would get the Glock 21 (in .45ACP). Pick up a standard capacity mag (I paid $150 for two 13 round mags a few months ago) and you can have a reliable, durable, accurate sidearm that holds 13 rounds in the mag and one in the pipe. Around here, the 21 will run you about $500 +/-.

While no firearm is perfectly reliable, I have never had a jam with any of my Glocks that was not induced by me.

Check out the .40s&w forum and .45ACP forum over at http://glocktalk.com

Good luck to you!
 
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