First and probably only Pistol

Animatronic Fireman said:
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.
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Then truthfully go to the Hi-Power, but I'm not sure about a 22 kit? Most if not all guns mentioned here are good ones. Can't speak to all the polymer striker pistols, but they take more time & practice to get competent with compared to most of the steel framed guns mentioned. I own both, & like both. But one gun, that's not going to get shot a lot, would be a revolver in my mind. Pending that, a steel or alloy hammered DA/SA pistol. Typically have much better triggers and have the ability to be shot in different actions. I'm pretty sure the Hi-Power comes in a DA/SA model or did? Again, absolutely nothing wrong with a Browning & believe a 9mm is a wise choice. The weight savings of a polymer frame really doesn't make a difference in your description of use & that savings in weight is going to make felt recoil a "LITTLE" worse. I mean it's a nine, so at the worst of times it's not bad...

Opinions on the interweb are just that! A range day with rentals is a great idea if you can find one open anytime soon. -Cheers
 
Sorry forgot to mention that I don't figure the mag disconnect of the Hi-Power should be a reason to opt it out of your choices. I don't know if you have any sentimental feelings towards those Hi-Powers & the half gaffed mags that the military use to issue with them. But those kind of feelings may make the value or hate of that gun more than another choice?..
 
I recall tons of double feeds with the mags the last time I shot. I will definitely have to look into these hi powers. Advice of renting and trying some different pistols out is sound advice as well.

Honestly I might look into revolvers some more after this thread, I really enjoy the look of the classic Webleys.
 
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Animatronic Fireman said:
I recall tons of double feeds with the mags the last time I shot. I will definitely have to look into these hi powers. Advice of renting and trying some different pistols out is sound advice as well.

Honestly I might look into revolvers some more after this thread, I really enjoy the look of the classic Webleys.
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For the love of all that is good, buy a revolver if you must but please don’t buy a Webley as your first and only handgun.
As others have recommended, buy a S&W K or L frame or any Ruger.
 
If you qualify with the high power and you seriously only plan on getting one hand gun then I would stay with what you are already trained on. If there ever is a SHTF situation you will be dead nuts proficient with what you have and that will be worth more than all the toilet paper in Costco...
 
Considering your situation, just stick with the Hi Power. It's the only gun you're sort of using now, so at least this way you can get in a little practice between your yearly qualifying sessions.

Just out of curiousity, what is your qualifying course of fire?
 
Not a bad idea to go with a semi auto pistol as you just don't know what kind of stupid legislation they'll try to push.

Have you considered some of the clones? There are some good Chinese, Spanish and Turkish guns out there for very reasonable prices. The cost really belies how much gun you're getting in some cases.
 
Animatronic Fireman said:
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.

I will be in self quarantine soon and not sure what my connectivity will be so apologies if I don't respond to questions right away.

Thanks for assistance.
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Keeping in line with your original question, I’ll suggest Glock. Some militaries use it. Your annual qualification using HiPowers is not enough experience to develop the muscle memory to be tied down to HiPower.

Buy a used Glock on the EE for $500. Spend the rest of your budget on spare parts and 1,000 rds ammo. Within 100 rds you will have forgotten your Browning background.

Glock is like the 1911 of the polymer world. Reliable and durable, they’re icons of their genre. You’ll never have a parts supply problem with either.
 
With all of the surplus CZ 75s, Hi-Powers and 92s floating around the market for super reasonable prices right now I don't think this should be much of dilemma. Pick one and enjoy shooting it.

My vote is for a CZ 75, but that's because I own one and it runs like a top. Google surplus CZ 75 Canada and you can find one for less than 600 bucks.
 
If you’re only going to buy one, buy something nice. At the least head to your gun store and handle a few, better yet shoot them if you can. Nothing wrong with a polymer striker fire pistol, you’ll know right away if you like it once you hold it in your hands. If I had to buy one handgun it would be a Sig 226 or a Cz85c, both are very well made and feel nice in my hands.
 
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?
 
If you want to only have one pistol, you might as well make it a good one. A Sig P226 in 9mm can be converted to .22LR, .40 S&W and 357Sig, assuming you can find the conversion kits. 9mm conversion barrels are also available for M&P40s...and Glocks as well, I believe. Those cover most budgets, and it's easy to find those guns in excellent used condition at a lower price.

If you are comfortable with the Hi-Power, either an authentic FN/Browning or one of the clones, it's not a bad choice either.
 
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