What's the best "out of the box" semi-automatic pistol you've owned?
- Thread starter JDBerg
- Start date
Charlie Fox
New member
Glock 19. Bought it in 2000 to replace my G22 and it now has a round count somewhere north of 10000 with out a failure.
Thinking back over the years, I can only recall a few pistols I bought new in the box, a Browning BDA 45, a Desert Eagle .44Magnum, and a stainless Luger 9mm.
The only problem I have had (that wasn't due to unsuitable ammo), is the Luger, (with less than 200rnds through it so far) doesn't lock open on the last round. Locks open with an empty mag, but not when shooting the last round. I haven't done anything to it, yet, will wait a bit and see if it breaks in ok.
I expect a semi auto to choke once in a while, its the nature of the beast. If it doesn't, I'm pleasantly surprised.
44 AMP: said:
Agreed; It's necessary to practice tap rack bang drills even if you have to load a snapper in the mag every so often. You can account for the condition of your gun to make sure it functions practically all of the time. But you can't account for some of the substandard factory ammo you come across
Omaha-BeenGlockin
New member
Glock 19's and Ruger P95's----multiples of both---never a problem
Tough question: "Best" out of the box to me includes a lot of factors: Reliability (gotta work first time out, no "break-in), accuracy (2" or a bit more from rest at 25 yds), fit in the hand (my hands, not some composite made up in a laboratory), suitability to purpose (a carry piece that's got weight to absorb recoil, and enough barrel to give a sight picture usable to 50 yds or more), and power commensurate with the defensive pistol's prime purpose (put the adversary down, man or beast when the chips are down), just to name a few.
Meeting all of those listed criteria, I'd go with Ruger's SR1911 CMD, my Browning Hi-Power in .40 S&W, and a Sig P226 Mk 25 (this last in spite of that pitiful caliber).
All three have been superbly accurate for me, as close to 100% reliability as is possible in a machine made, production pistol, and all fit my hands comfortably (read: I shoot them well with no warm-up). Were I to pick one for all purposes, it'd be the Browning at this point in my life....great feel (hell, I'll say that it's the best feeling pistol in the world in my hands), good/great caliber with a wide choice in bullet weights and all that unlimited brass for reloading. The Browning's that good, and I'm an old 1911 shooter for better than 50 yrs now, but the Ruger and Sig (despite it's caliber), run a very close 2nd...and about tied in that regard, I'd say.
HTH's & YMMV, Rod
Meeting all of those listed criteria, I'd go with Ruger's SR1911 CMD, my Browning Hi-Power in .40 S&W, and a Sig P226 Mk 25 (this last in spite of that pitiful caliber).
All three have been superbly accurate for me, as close to 100% reliability as is possible in a machine made, production pistol, and all fit my hands comfortably (read: I shoot them well with no warm-up). Were I to pick one for all purposes, it'd be the Browning at this point in my life....great feel (hell, I'll say that it's the best feeling pistol in the world in my hands), good/great caliber with a wide choice in bullet weights and all that unlimited brass for reloading. The Browning's that good, and I'm an old 1911 shooter for better than 50 yrs now, but the Ruger and Sig (despite it's caliber), run a very close 2nd...and about tied in that regard, I'd say.
HTH's & YMMV, Rod
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Cousin Pat
New member
Sig p226 (40sw) - never fails, accurate, easy strip
bledsoeG19
New member
My CZ75B SA. Thing just runs. I have added some aftermarket parts for my preferences but it ran flawlessly before that as well. Some vz g10 grips and a fiber optic front and serrated rear from czc. This is my EDC and has never let me down.
Crankylove
New member
My '72 C series Hi Power and '97 vintage Kimber Stainless LE tie for it.
I've had plenty of factory new autos over the years that were reliable, accurate, well put together, etc.. But out of all of them the "best" out of the box auto I've owned is my Les Baer Boss .45. Excellent fit and finish, extremely accurate, and 100% reliable, it is the total package, by far the best factory built gun I've ever had.
Ignition Override
New member
All four Makarovs: the commercial Russian Izhevsk .380, Bulgy (9x18) and both East Germans (9x18). Both Polish P-83s (the 64's larger brother).
The slightly-used Sig 232 (.380).
None of these have ever experienced any misfeed nor any other glitch.
The slightly-used Sig 232 (.380).
None of these have ever experienced any misfeed nor any other glitch.
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Tucker 1371
New member
Easily my CZ75 SP01. Believe it or not a close second was my Taurus PT1911, sold it to buy a "better" 1911 that was almost double the price and half as reliable.
jackstrawIII
New member
CZ P-01.