It matters little what the best value is, or what we think of any particular gun. You are the ultimate user and you need to determine if it is right for you. Try as many as you can, talk to other shooters, and seriously consider what sport(s) you may persue. Then look at your budget and short list what you can afford. Any modern gun built by a repudable manufacturer should give you a lifetime of good service.
Best pistol buy
- Thread starter TNT
- Start date
TNT said:
I was going to say "start with a .22" then I saw this post.
What kind of shooting do you want to do and what is your budget?
If you want an accurate gun then a S&W model 52 fits the bill. You don't get much more accurate with a production gun. But this would be the wrong gun to pick if you want to shoot IPSC. Decide what you want to do with it then look at guns in the high end of your budget. Decide if weight is an issue. The heavier the better for accurate shooting. The down side is you have to have the strength to keep up a heavy gun.
I have a very accurate CZ75. The previous owner put a custom barrel made for it and had the trigger worked on. Was a good gun before and a great gun now. I have a 1911 Norinco that (after a little work) shoots about the same as my Colt Gold Cup. There are more accurate guns but it's accuracy is a lot better than mine.
I like 1911s, they fit my hand so well and shooting is great. I have two right now. Springfield in .45ACP and STI in .40S&W, and I like both of them. STI is a better gun, but if you pay more you get more.
I also have XD9.
I love the look of the gun, it works well, never jams.
My only problem is ergonomics, my hands are way to big for that handgun and the trigger is bit long.
I also have XD9.
I love the look of the gun, it works well, never jams.
My only problem is ergonomics, my hands are way to big for that handgun and the trigger is bit long.
Whooooaaaaa....Nelly!
If you start with HGs please note that you WILL become addicted. It's a fact of life. Thus, there is no ONE perfect gun, but a multitude of tantalizing tasty morsels begging to be sampled. As such, be prepared to acquire at LEAST one example each of the following:
a) 22LR (either Revolver or Semi-Auto pistol, preferably both)
b) 9X19mm (in a good reliable brand like SIG or Beretta)
c) a "Tupperware Gun" (most likely an HK USP or a GLOCK, to see what the LEO's have)
d) 45ACP in a 1911-type format (many names to choose from to see why the Yanks rave about it)
e) a reliable Magnum revolver (357 or 41 or 44)
f) an historic piece (Inglis HP or WWII 1911 etc...)
g) a SA revolver (who hasn't wanted to be a cowboy, eh?)
h).....and repeat steps a through to g. Hehe.
Honestly, you probably won't own all at the same time, but it behooves you to at LEAST try one example of each.
If you start with HGs please note that you WILL become addicted. It's a fact of life. Thus, there is no ONE perfect gun, but a multitude of tantalizing tasty morsels begging to be sampled. As such, be prepared to acquire at LEAST one example each of the following:
a) 22LR (either Revolver or Semi-Auto pistol, preferably both)
b) 9X19mm (in a good reliable brand like SIG or Beretta)
c) a "Tupperware Gun" (most likely an HK USP or a GLOCK, to see what the LEO's have)
d) 45ACP in a 1911-type format (many names to choose from to see why the Yanks rave about it)
e) a reliable Magnum revolver (357 or 41 or 44)
f) an historic piece (Inglis HP or WWII 1911 etc...)
g) a SA revolver (who hasn't wanted to be a cowboy, eh?)
h).....and repeat steps a through to g. Hehe.
Honestly, you probably won't own all at the same time, but it behooves you to at LEAST try one example of each.
locgo
and your point was? You left out CZ/Tanfoglio pattern pistols and what about a Hi-Power along with the Inglis for historic reasons.
Jeeez guy I made your whole list..Hi my name is Bob and I have a problem.
Take Care
Bob
and your point was? You left out CZ/Tanfoglio pattern pistols and what about a Hi-Power along with the Inglis for historic reasons.
Jeeez guy I made your whole list..Hi my name is Bob and I have a problem.
Take Care
Bob
I think that after reading this thread, and everyones honest opinion, it boils down to what is most comfortable in YOUR hand. What Jack or Bob or William likes in high end pistols may not be the right one for you. It is a personal choice. I am sure you have heard the expression "fit and finish" in regard to firearms in general. For me when it comes to a handgun it is "Fit and feel".
I had a Glock until I got my XD40 from TSE. The XD fit my hand perfectly and I sold the Glock to make room for other stuff. The XD just felt better in my hand, more comfortable. On the other hand, a Kimber might feel nicer in your hand than an XD.
As I said in my previous post and Redleg reiterated, try as many as you can even if you can only hold 'em. I guarantee you'll be happier with what you feel comfortable with than a trendy buy.
I had a Glock until I got my XD40 from TSE. The XD fit my hand perfectly and I sold the Glock to make room for other stuff. The XD just felt better in my hand, more comfortable. On the other hand, a Kimber might feel nicer in your hand than an XD.
As I said in my previous post and Redleg reiterated, try as many as you can even if you can only hold 'em. I guarantee you'll be happier with what you feel comfortable with than a trendy buy.
TNT said:
FWIW:
Ever considered a German surplus Walther P5?
SOG (Southern Ohio Gun) has them for sale for around $430 (US). These pistols came from Germany and are top quality, and have a fantastic reputation for accuracy and reliability. I think when new the P5's sold for around $1000... (US)
General reputation of the P5 is just below the H&K P7M8 for a LOT less money.
I have a 9mm Sig/S&W/Star/KelTec/Bersa and all of those are nice pistols. But the Walther is just special.
Just another option..
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy
Sorry, I don't know what is, and what is not prohibited in Canada..
I haven't measured the barrel, but the pistol is the same approximate size as my S&W 3913, Walther P1, Sig P239, or Bersa Thunder 9 (Ultra Compact).
All are imo pretty large, tho concealable pistols, so I just didn't consider whether or not they might be too small for your firearms laws..
The P5 was the final and end result of the ww2 P38. It is DA with a decocker, and has several safety features. The only downside to the P5 I've ever heard is that it's a single stack holding 8+1 rds..
The P5 was a popular firearm for some German and Dutch agencies and has a great reputation. I've heard the German Border Patrol used them a great deal.
Sorry if I pointed you in the wrong direction..
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy
I haven't measured the barrel, but the pistol is the same approximate size as my S&W 3913, Walther P1, Sig P239, or Bersa Thunder 9 (Ultra Compact).
All are imo pretty large, tho concealable pistols, so I just didn't consider whether or not they might be too small for your firearms laws..
The P5 was the final and end result of the ww2 P38. It is DA with a decocker, and has several safety features. The only downside to the P5 I've ever heard is that it's a single stack holding 8+1 rds..
The P5 was a popular firearm for some German and Dutch agencies and has a great reputation. I've heard the German Border Patrol used them a great deal.
Sorry if I pointed you in the wrong direction..
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy
- Location
- Waterloo, On
Alas it does appear that the P5 is prohib. with the barrel at 90 mm. They do have one in a long barrel but it makes it look kinda...odd. It looks kinda like a Luger barrel was grafted onto the P5. world.guns.ru has it listed.
Hard to pick a best buy - your wants and needs will dictate how a list of possibilities will be constructed. That said, there are some guns that, in my opinion, provide alot of versatility or value for the money.
Glock G17/22/21/20
Sig P226/P220
Springfield XD
I am quite impressed by the new M&P from S&W
STI and Kimber are both premium guns - superb guns and you pay for it
Glock G17/22/21/20
Sig P226/P220
Springfield XD
I am quite impressed by the new M&P from S&W
STI and Kimber are both premium guns - superb guns and you pay for it
Best bang for the buck..Glock 22 from Canada Ammo. PM CanAM he's got them brand new with night sights for $755 including shipping, but of course plus taxes.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101010
I'm not a big fan of Glocks, but I've seen alot of pistols for sale in the EE and in retail. This is by far the best buy at the moment.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101010
I'm not a big fan of Glocks, but I've seen alot of pistols for sale in the EE and in retail. This is by far the best buy at the moment.
- Location
- Waterloo, On
Not trying to hijack the thread or anything but what about the Beretta line?
Ive never fired one so I dont have much of an opinion but when my PAL comes though its my second gun that I plan on getting (after a cheaper Ruger MkII/III)
Anyone got an opinion on the Berettas then?
Ive never fired one so I dont have much of an opinion but when my PAL comes though its my second gun that I plan on getting (after a cheaper Ruger MkII/III)
Anyone got an opinion on the Berettas then?
I've never shot one, but I've read a lot about the wide grip being better suited to those with big hands. I've always wanted one just because of the looks, but I think I'll go with a Glock 17 first (a lightweight "survival" gun with no manual safety).VincentVega said:
- Location
- Waterloo, On
CanFire said:
But what if you get a small twig stuck in the trigger safety!!!
Its just that one second that your bear/assailant needs to kill ya!
J/K
I will add my .02. I have quite a few handguns, and over the years have owned various Sig's, HK's and Glocks.
Best buy out there, IMHO, is the CZ SP01. I really cannot say enough good things about this pistol. Reasons (and my opinion re superiority / inferiority to Sig's and Glock's):
- All steel. Finish is fantastic, and a deep blue
- 9mm. Good caliber to shoot when on a budget, but still powerful.
- Full length dust cover: Gives you the option of adding a light if you are so inclined, but more significantly it reduces muzzle flip significantly. I have found it to be much more controllable than Glock's, the P226 and USP's.
- Trigger (on the safety model): Outstanding. It really is a beautiful trigger, and I am sorry to say that it beats even Sig's in SA mode. DA is pretty good as well. I would not get the Tactical model for the simple reason that the trigger is a lot heavier.
- Low bore axis: Points naturally and reduces muzzle flip. Similar low profile to Glock's, but lower than Sig's and USP's.
- Price: Around $760. That is cheaper than a new Glock, and WAY cheaper than a Sig or USP.
- Reliability / accuracy: No problems with mine. From a rest I managed to get a 2.5" group at 50m with my 124gr FMJ handloads, which is not amazing for some but it is incredible for me.
Best of all you can compete in IPSC Production with it if you so choose. Amongst IPSC shooters the general feeling is that it is probably the most competitive IPSC Production pistol out there at the moment, and having tried / owned USP's, Sig's, Glock's and tried the Tanfoglio line a couple of times, I agree!
Best buy out there, IMHO, is the CZ SP01. I really cannot say enough good things about this pistol. Reasons (and my opinion re superiority / inferiority to Sig's and Glock's):
- All steel. Finish is fantastic, and a deep blue
- 9mm. Good caliber to shoot when on a budget, but still powerful.
- Full length dust cover: Gives you the option of adding a light if you are so inclined, but more significantly it reduces muzzle flip significantly. I have found it to be much more controllable than Glock's, the P226 and USP's.
- Trigger (on the safety model): Outstanding. It really is a beautiful trigger, and I am sorry to say that it beats even Sig's in SA mode. DA is pretty good as well. I would not get the Tactical model for the simple reason that the trigger is a lot heavier.
- Low bore axis: Points naturally and reduces muzzle flip. Similar low profile to Glock's, but lower than Sig's and USP's.
- Price: Around $760. That is cheaper than a new Glock, and WAY cheaper than a Sig or USP.
- Reliability / accuracy: No problems with mine. From a rest I managed to get a 2.5" group at 50m with my 124gr FMJ handloads, which is not amazing for some but it is incredible for me.
Best of all you can compete in IPSC Production with it if you so choose. Amongst IPSC shooters the general feeling is that it is probably the most competitive IPSC Production pistol out there at the moment, and having tried / owned USP's, Sig's, Glock's and tried the Tanfoglio line a couple of times, I agree!
Although most would not agree, there is nothing quite like a good .45.
I have 3, 2 Colt 1911's, 1 14-45 Para. The Para was purchased for
IPSC, high-cap helps. Also have a 16-40 both of which run about
2000 rnd's a month with no failures. In my area there are a lot of
Para shooter's but I know they are not real popular in some places.
For what it's worth!
I have 3, 2 Colt 1911's, 1 14-45 Para. The Para was purchased for
IPSC, high-cap helps. Also have a 16-40 both of which run about
2000 rnd's a month with no failures. In my area there are a lot of
Para shooter's but I know they are not real popular in some places.
For what it's worth!
