First and probably only Pistol

Did anyone else smile when they read the thread title?

I posted earlier this month about looking for pistol #2 and now I'm at 3. I'm still not nearly as into handguns as I am rifles but since the apocalypse is upon us it doesn't hurt to stock up on whatever you can while you can.
 
I used to own a S&W M&P 9mm. It came with three mags, a holster and mag holder. Not sure if they make a .22 conversion kit but it’s a decent, very reliable gun. With all the extras plus a case it’s very good value if you want to buy new and buy only one.
 
I appreciate all the responses.

Nothing against Turkish guns....have actively been looking at some of their shotgun options but I have no plans on purchasing a Chinese or Russian firearm (though I have been considering a Finnish or Polish Moisins).

During my time off I have been looking more at revolvers as well so as some of you are suggesting just one may be impossible and maybe one of each is a more realistic goal.

Wolverine is my favourite dealer so I always try support them when I can but I don't live as close to them as I used to so going to them wont be an option. I have enjoyed Wanstalls as well and it seems like they actually have better selection right now. Although some items look to be out of stock. Of course will be watching exchange as well. All my browsing is currently from my phone so will definitely have to look at some of the site sponsors when I get home and have access to my computer and more time to browse. Once life begins to return to normal and social distancing isnt going to impede things I will see what I can physically handle in my local stores.

G34
P320 M17
FNX-9
Browning 1911

Definitely higher than the pistol budget so this would definitely be a stretch goal.
S&W Classic 19
S&W Classic 27

Is there anything fundamentally different between these Classic designs and say a 617, 686 or 66?

You can get a bad gun probably from any country. Some of the Turkish guns didn't turn out so great, but some are fantastic. Canik and Sarsilmaz (which has been around since 1880, and outfits the military) are great guns. The Turkish dollar is still relatively weak, but they have top notch, modern factories and make guns that would cost much more if they were produced in NA. Don't count out the Chinese guns either; you will want to research the models you are interested in as the Dominion Arms, and Norinco brand doesn't mean anything. Those are names that encompass the whole of Chinese gun factories having to do with nationalized companies. Each factory however makes a different gun (or maybe guns?), and some are not great, but some are really quite good. You spoke of getting a 1911, and a lot shooters here like the Norinco 1911, and we have one in our stable as well. It's a good gun, but in my opinion it isn't the best of the Chinese guns, as it's just not as polished as the CZ clones IMO. I'd take a hard look at the Ruger 1911. Ruger knows how to build (and over build) guns, and it'll probably be about twice as much as the Chinese gun, but much more affordable than many higher priced direct competition.

I don't have much experience with the new S&W guns, but they used to be at the top for quality. I do not think that is the case any longer, from all that I can gather on the subject. Again, I'd probably go the Ruger route on that, and pick up a GP 100. Some say a better gun than the smaller SP 101.

I think though, that you are/were on the right track when you mention a semi auto, if for now it is to be an only gun. If you are considering new goofy gun laws, and possibilities of getting "grandfathered", it only makes sense to buy the things that are most likely to be a liberal target. The Mighty Alliance Of The Ignorant, may just ram through a law prohibiting ALL semi automatics. Or maybe all semi auto center fires. Or maybe all "pistol cartridge" guns with barrels shorter than X, if you get my drift.

I wouldn't overlook the used/surplus guns either. Lots of fondled/carried but seldom fired guns out there for substantial savings.
 
OP:
I'm of the opinion that there is no such thing as "just one gun". Then they must breed in the cabinet, because they seem to spring up overnight, like mushrooms or a Timmie's franchise.

If you can, get out to your local LGSs once this madness settles down a bit, and see what feels comfortable in your hand, and what fits your "taste buds". You can't beata 22.lr for economy of shooting, and you can't beat a center fire for grin inducing capabilities.
 
For ease of use, simplicity and reliability. Glock. Hands down.
The Turkish versions on the Browning HP for familiarity if that's important to you.
SIG P226 if you want something more modern and fancier than the HP
 
I am interested in getting a pistol soon solely to be potentially grandfathered in depending on what happens - I don't get to the range much and so this probably wont see a ton of use in the short term so ideally keeping it >= $1000 would be great. I have only ever use a Browning Hi Power but only once a year so I am familiar with 9mm and would likely stick with that caliber. What would be so recommended reading to decide between a Glock, SIG or FN. My first thought was the P320 that Wolverine has (although I am not opposed to going used). I don't know the pros / cons, and design differences between a lot of these pistols but do like the idea of a military pistol...


Personally, I'd consider commonality and future parts availability. To me, that would suggest G17, G19, P320, and P320 Compact.

As you say, it's solely for the purpose of grandfathering, so it probably really doesn't matter (which one).
 
Here is what I am trying to learn more - why avoid a polymer striker fired?

Why would one choose a 226 over a 320 or vice versa or G17 vs a 19 vs 34? Are there core design concepts that are different? Reliabilty / simplicity in maintenance? Are safeties different? I am assuming none of these are like the Hi power that requires the mag in to fire off ? Some suited for larger vs smaller hands? Hi Power to bite some some soldiers due to their grip. I read 320s originally had a drop fire issue that has been rectified

I don't know what the future holds and was thinking something that I will be happy down the road should I get to a grandfathered in situation.

I do like the idea of a Hi-Power just because that is what I qualify on every year. If the army switched to the 226 or another modern pistol, that is probably what I would go with just for that consistency.


No offence bud but it sounds like you don’t know what you want and question opinions from folk who been there done that and got the tee shirt. You say you want to learn, good luck trying to learn from a website. That like being a virgin and asking online what kind of woman should you go after;) Since you already have experience with the P35 (fine pistol having owning two over the years) go for it, will serve you well. Once the lockdown wanes go out and try to fondle different handguns and go from there. I bet like Hefner you’ll want more than just one:p
 
Back
Top Bottom