Best Buy Under $650 ?

Scott_N

Scott_N

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Calgary, AB
I've enjoyed hunting for years and years now and recently decided that I wanted to buy a handgun for informal target shooting. I considered a .22 to start, but am leaning towards possibly a CZ 75 B or a Ruger GP100. I kind of like both revolvers and semi autos, and haven't shot either enough to have developed a preference. Any thing good or bad to say about either of these guns? Revolvers VS semi auto? Or should I be looking at something else?

I realize that it's all a matter of personal preference, and I suspect that it won't be long before I buy a second handgun. At the moment I don't know about any of the shooting sports and I don't have that much interest in that sort of thing... yet! What do you guys think about a first handgun.... on a budget?
 
Imho

I can recommend the CZ75 as the best buy in an auto these days. They run forever and are darn accurate out of the box.

Mine is 16 years old and still shoots great, having made much smoke and many smiles.

For a revolver? Probably a Smith 686 in .357. Shoot .38s in it and it will be around long after you are gone. Better to ask a die-hard wheelgun guy though.

Good shooting.:D

V7

EDIT: Oh, I forgot. Need a hammer? Buy a Ruger 9mm pistol. Yuck. YMMV.
 
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I would have to say Taurus PT99/101 for semi auto (from SIR about $650) or for just over $700 you can get a Raging Bull if you want a revolver.

Go to any other gun store and ask how much for RB they'll tell you the price is $900...
 
Scott N, It is a very good budget to buy the first handgun, both your are good choice. I have a CZ 75B in satin nickel and is my sweet hard. I don't have a GP 100 but I have a S&W 686. Both GP or 686 are the frist choice of a 357 mag Revolver. I enjoy revolver more than semi and I feel revolver has less muzzle jump than semi and thus for me I can shoot better with my revolver. By the end of the day, you really need to buy them all no matter which one come first.
Trigun
 
The CZ is definitely top quality. But, the stainless GP100 with the full barrel shroud is freaking cool! I think they are both good guns. But, if I had to choose one experience over the other, then I would have to say that shooting a .357mag is the way to go.
 
Hell a Norinco 1911 from Marstar at the $325 level has to be the best handgun buy in Canada if you want an auto. Comes in 9MM in the 1911 format for $349. Still the best buy. CZ is a great gun but twice as expensive. I own both so this is not a my gun is the best post.

Stay Safe
 
Although semi-autos are more popular these days, a good 6" revolver makes for a better first handgun IMO because of the sweet single action trigger, long sight radius and more natural pointability. A brand new S&W 686 is going to be a little more than $650 but it is one of the best .357 revolvers you can buy and is well worth the premium over Ruger and Taurus.
 
Scott. the best advice i cna give you is go to TSE and try out what they have in stock then buy soemthing that feels good in your hand. However, if you have thoughts of shooting IPSC that buy the 1911A1 Norinco.
 
NZ 85b from Armoc for 500 shipped was great. Really like it.
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why not get it from Marstar for $100 less? do they offer something Marstar doesn't? just curoius....

A brand new S&W 686 is going to be a little more than $650 but it is one of the best .357 revolvers you can buy and is well worth the premium over Ruger and Taurus.
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I like the S&W 686 but for .44mag I'd take (and did ;)) a Raging Bull over the Smith any day...
 
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Seeing as you're in Calgary, I recommend you try out the shooting edge renting some guns before you throw money down on something you may or may not like. Even after sampling a few, I'd also recommend getting something gently used, as your tastes may change once you've started.
Some of the refurb. Sigs are a good bet.
Personally, I think wheel guns are fun to shoot, but I'd stick to an auto in 9mm for the first one.
Good luck!!
 
IM_Lugger said:
I like the S&W 686 but for .44mag I'd take (and did ;)) a Raging Bull over the Smith any day...
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Personally, I'd take an N-Frame over a two Raging Bulls, but to each their own.
 
Personally, I'd take an N-Frame over a two Raging Bulls, but to each their own.
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you're right, it's all about personal choice, but there is no doubt in my mind that Raging bull is a stronger gun than a S&W 629 N frame; RB was originally designed to handle for .454cassul in '99 and was first ever .454 in DA. So a .44mag is peace a cake for the gun to handle. BTW Taurus is making one in .500S&W should be out any time now. As far as I know there is no .454 N frame ;) not to mention the .500s&w for which Smith had to design a whole new frame (X). It'd make more sense to compare Raging Bull to the new S&W X frame not the 'tiny' N frame.

but I'm sure your opinion will change when you get a chance to handle/shoot one :)
 
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Beater 1911A1 USGI .45ACP bought off 'Net, refinished, new Colt barrel added = less than $500 spent. Fun factor = "priceless". :p :D

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Just to play devil's advocate, I have handled and shot a few CZ pistols and really do not like them. To me, they just don't feel "right". Finding the right gun is just like buying a pair of pants - if it doesnt fit, it won't leave the closet.

Definately try out TSE in Calgary; their selection might actually be a bit overwhelming but it should help narrow down what you like and what you don't like.

Also, seeing as how you are on a budget, be wary of the cost of ammunition. If you are paying twice as much for 45acp relative to 9mm or 38spec, will that make a difference to you ?
 
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