So many choices!

T

triggerhappy

Inactive
I am having a little difficulty deciding which handgun to get. The gun would be used for self-defense, at the range, plinking, and maybe competition (but i doubt it). Anyway, the guns that the shop has are Colt Government XS, Commander XS, 1991A1, Kimber Custom, Springfield Loaded, Sig P229, about 5 Beretta 92FS's, HK USP .40S&W, HK P7M? (Stainless), but suprisingly no Glocks! I would like to have all of these but unfortunately funds do not permit. I would like to get a Beretta for their reliability and accuracy. A 1911 because I have always wanted one and was the gun I learned to shoot with. Either HK would be nice especially the P7 but its a little small (I like big guns). The Sig wouldn't be to bad but once again I like big guns. All of these fit my hands good. I shoot best with the Beretta and 1911's but I have never shot the Sig and can't rent it or one around here. I already own a Ruger P85 MKII but plan on selling that to a friend when I get my next gun. Please help me as I can't make up my friggin mind! Which would you choose and why? TIA
 
I've got a Beretta 92, and I like it quite a bit. If you like big guns, you'll LOVE IT! It's a tremendous big honker. :)

I personally would go with just about any of those. Depends on what caliber you want, and what action style.

I'm not as crazed about the HK USP, as it doesn't fit my hand well and the magazine release grinds in the tip of my trigger finger. A short shooting session and I have a blister.

Of the 45s I personally would go with the Springfield. I find them to be a bit more refined and reliable than the Colts right out of the box.
 
TH,

You state a couple of conflicting requirements. You like big guns but yet you want one for self defense which would imply concealed carry. Some of the guns you list like the Beretta 9Xs are just plain big as are the fullsize 1911 types. The USP40 fullsize is still fairly big also unless you get the compact version which is better. All are adequate(provide more accuracy then you need) for recreational/plinking type shooting, so tough part is if you have big hands and intend to carry, choosing the one that feels most natural in you hand. If you're looking for a nightstand/house gun then just get whichever one feels the best and you'll be able to plink and cover self defense. For carry purposes of the ones you listed the P7M8 is the best in my opinion.

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I am sorry. For personal defense I mean like a night stand gun. Even if I was to use it concealed carry I can easily hide a 1911. Also many people slam the Rugers for being big and blocky and hard to conceal but I can conceal mine better than some can a Walther PPK. And that is the honest truth. We were having a discussion and the range one day about concealed carry and my friend has Walther (very accurate by the way) and he was bragging about how easy it was to conceal but in the holster he had it was extremely obvious he was packin. The he made fun of my P85 which he didnt think i had on me and i pulled it out from underneath my t-shirt and his jaw dropped. I had it in an IWB behind my hip a ways. I know the Colt and Beretta will be hard to use IWB, but with all of the holsters out there i should be able to find one that works good for me. Anyways thanks for the responses so far. I love this board!
 
Sorry - I don't think anyone can help you. Although I, no doubt along with several others, will be glad to give opinions of what "we'd" like.

Your expected uses were 1) self-defense, 2) range, 3) plinking, and 4) (maybe) competition.

You can plink with anything, but cheap ammo helps. .38 spc, 9mm and .45 ACP are readily available in low cost "burn 'em up" configurations. Not as low as .22 RF, and you might want to consider a .22 conversion kit if you end up with one of the 1911 configurations or the Beretta 92.

Competition? Bullseye means you're looking at the top end (match grade) of the larger guns - probably one of the 1911 configuration, but I've seen Beretta 92s that would shoot with the Gold Cups. If you're considering action competition - then shoot what you buy for self-defense. Good practice, lot of fun.

Range? I assume this is for regular practice so as to gain (or maintain) proficiency with your gun. (As opposed to fun plinking.)

Self-defense - All of the guns you mentioned would do OK. Personally I fall into the "big bullets is better" school of thought. But shot placement is probably more critical than an extra 100 fps or 20 grains of mass.

If you plan on concealed carry, large guns present some problems, but for most people a few accomadations to dress and gun, most problems can be satisfactorily addressed.

My personal pick of the larger guns would be something like a light weight Commander with good sights and a crisp trigger - but YMMV.

Enjoy the anticipation and agonizing - it isn't quite as much fun as actually shooting, but it's fun anyway.

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Jim Fox
 
Thanks for your comment Jim. You're right when you say no one can help me. I like all of those guns so all I need is a little persuasion(sp?) either way. I would gladly take any of them but I think thanks to you guys I am going to go with the 92FS and get some action work and a Jarvis fitted barrel. But still I kind of want a 1911 arrrgggghhh!!! The agonizing anticipation is to much! Seriously thought I've narrowed it down to the Beretta and one of the many 1911's they have. I think the Beretta because I am going to join the Sturgis Police Reserves here soon and try to get my police career set off. Still don't know. I think i will just pinch my pennies and get both. That would solve my problem. Or if anyone wants to trade a NIB Colt or Beretta for a banged up but reliable Ruger P85! C'mon you know you want one! Sorry I am just ranting. I think I will go down to the shop and check them out some more.
 
Personal preference, not meant to be binding on anybody: In the 1911, I'd rather have a Series 70 or older. I'd rather buy a used gun and build it up. The fit and finish of the older guns just seems to be better.

By having a 9mm top and a 9mm ejector, you can shoot low-recoil, cheap ammo, too. One thing about the 1911 and 9mm: There just ain't no recoil. :)

FWIW, Art
 
With that selection you're hard pressed to pick a clunker, except maybe for the 1991A1, which tends to be too expensive for what you get. My Kimber Classic Stainless Target is just flat-out unbelieveably fantastic; the only gun I've shot that comes close to it is my old Glock 23, which I was a total moron to sell...I used the $$$ to buy a bigger Glock (35) that, for some wierd reason, I can't shoot worth a damn. Go Figure.

C.B.

[This message has been edited by CastleBravo (edited May 09, 2000).]
 
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