First handguns in 30 years

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Dr. Gonzo

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Hi CGN folks. My RPAL showed up in the mail about 2 weeks ago and I am now contemplating the purchase of a couple or three handguns. A little backstory as follows: I owned two handguns in the 80's, a Browning Highpower and a Walther PPK. I shot the PPK occasionally, and the HP a lot, literally thousands of rounds. I sold both as part of economies associated with buying a house and university. I got married and suffered through ten years of a shztty marriage eventually divorcing the crack addict that ##### had become. Since then re-invented myself, found a great gal, great job and a new daughter 8 years ago. Got my PAL in 2012 and have built a collection of pretty good long guns.
So fast forward to 2018, got the RPAL and now considering what to get. I'm a newbie in the case of polymer pistols. Circumstances this year are such that I will have a windfall in my tax return and have decided to get three handguns. Originally I thought one 22, one automatic, and one wheel gun. However I am considering replacing the 22 with a small center fire, namely the Browning 1911-380, as my (second) wife is very interested and likes what she has seen about that gun. I'm very interested in the collective wisdom of the community here and am looking for some insight. Thoughts?
 
Wow! Glad you got on your feet and life is now good! Congrats!

You will get a ton of different replies and advice. None are wrong but are each individual’s experience and personal choices.
Budget, caliber, type and style of shooting, frequency of shooting, types of action all come into play.

Your best bet is to seek out rental ranges near you, ask to try someone’s guns that may interest you, research on YouTube and go feel out ones at your LGS.
It’s easier to give us a small selection that you may be interested in rather than have such an open ended question. You’ll never get a consensus on here!

Re-read you post. Missed the 1911-.380 reference. The Black Label is a very nice looking gun. A shrunken 1911! I have no problem with it but some new shooters may find the .380 rd a bit harsh. It’s also expensive and a bit more rare. I would rather get a .22 1911 than the .380. Spend a bit more on your other choices in the collection.
 
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IMHO. A good .22 pistol always has a place.
Easy to handle and inexpensive to feed.
Helps new shooters by not inducing flinch.
Cheapest shooting short of handloading.

The .380 cartridge can be unpleasant to shoot in many small automatics.

9mm in large pistols such as the 1911, tend to shoot more softly in thehand.
the 1911 fits small hands well. 9mm is common and deals can be found.

A revolver in .357 can use mild .38 Special loads to good effect.

The solution of course.
try to not limit your family to just three handguns!
 
Ok good advice to start. First thoughts were a 22, perhaps a Ruger, or Buckmark, then a BHP, which I know well, and a classic double action revolver like a S&W 27. Could get a 22 wheel gun like a Single Six instead of the Ruger/Buckmark. I really like 1911's as well and would like to put that in the mix. Also considering a CZ, and willing to look at pretty much anything of good or excellent quality.
I plan to hit a local range that has a rental offering. I will try a polymer frame or two, interested to form my own opinion on Glocks, perhaps a Walther PPQ (I have a soft spot for Walthers, call it nostalgia - the PPK was superb). As I mentioned I like the 1911-380 as it hits a couple of check marks.
I'm not looking for consensus, as I don't have much preconceptions beyond my narrow experiences as noted in my first post. Interested in what anyone thinks. In the end I will put it through my own filters in the hope that in a few years time I will be satisfied and without regret.
 
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All good advise above. I’ll keep my suggestions short and sweet.

Get a semi that fits your hands. For me I’d buy:

1911 in either 45 or 9mm
.22 Ruger 22/45 Mk IV
S&W 686 (many different grips available to make it work)
 
Either the Ruger or Buckmark will work fine! Both are time tested designs. If you’re looking at a polymer .22 based on a full size design, my first pick would be the S&W M&P .22. It’s the only one I’ve seen ( other than the CZ conversion kit) that has not jammed with anything you feed it.

Funny you mentioned BHP. I just sold mine! Great gun and if you’re experienced with one, go for it. It may be a bit heavy for a lady and the trigger pull can be atrocious.

The M27 is a N frame. It’s a big, heavy gun. Well made, a classic and will take anything you throw at it. They’re a bit harder to find now. May I suggest the 686 or the M19/66 instead? The older K frames ( M19/66) do not like a diet of full magnum loads regularly. The new K frames will shoot magnums all day. The K and L frame ( 586/686) are the most popular sizes, I think, in Canada for a S&W. The 4.2- 5” barrel is my choice but most like the 6” version.

No arguments about a 1911. Issue is they can be finicky and the takedown, reassembly is old school. Cocked and locked carry may also scare newer shooters, if they shoot the gun in competition.

If you shot a PPK, the 1911-380 should be no problem. The PPK definitely has a worse trigger than the 1911!

The Glock, PPQ, M&P, Canik, HK SFP9, FN FNS and other polymers all have their proponents and haters. They are all good, reliable and accurate enough guns. Comes down to personal feel and taste.
Don’t forget to look at DA/SA guns like the CZ-75 family/ variants, HK USP as well as the Beretta 92 clan also!

See? I told you there were just too many to discuss!

Where are you located? Post your location. CGN has a lot of good people who are more than happy to do Range time with a new shooter. Just supply the ammo, to be fair.
 
Already this thread is awesome! I am in Edmonton. I have no experience with revolvers, I shot a 27 many years ago and was completely impressed with the power and authority of the gun and cartridge, but that would be my impressions on less than one box of ammo. I like a big revolver, although I reckon it will not be a 44 magnum for my first one.
One of the things that impressed me about the 1911-380 was how it reminded me of the PPK, in terms of the size, muzzle weight, and grip size. Going on 31 years since I last shot the PPK it could be that my memory is fooling me, but it felt like an old friend.
I have read lately that both the BHP and PPK have mediocre triggers. I think I shot the PPK acceptably and the BHP pretty well and I would like to experience what is considered to be a good trigger.
If anyone is local to me I would happily provide ammo to take a few shots with anything. I agree that the fit of a handgun is most important and nothing is better than actual experience. I am a member of CHAS and have access to the Genessee range, also Pheonix on Thursday (IIRC) evenings.
 
Cool that you started with two guns that have mediocre triggers! Now everything will feel amazing! Even a Glock!

If you like Smith and Wesson’s, really look at the newer K frames. I think they are beautiful and well balanced for the .357 round.

Good luck with your hunt and post any more questions you may have. Hopefully someone in Edm can help you out!
 
The Browning 1911-380 is an absolutely excellent pistol. I am incredibly accurate with mine as I am able to get a really good grip on the smaller frame. My hands are large. My wife liked my Black Label so much I bought her the Pro. The only downside is the cost of ammunition. I was in the states last week and there were bulk packs and cases of .380 in the Walmarts that really made me jealous. Haven't seen cases up here in awhile. We both find the 380 very tame and easy to shoot out of the 1911-380.

My wife also shoots a 9mm PPQ. This is another excellent pistol that I am trying hard not to enjoy more than my RTF2 Glocks. I am a hardcore Glock guy, and if it wasn't for all the Glock mags I have I'd make the switch for sure.
 
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Great input! My instinct, plus first impressions, plus all that I have found on the Internet, is that the 1911-380 will be in the mix. I should say that my budget for three handguns is $2500-$3000, so I am not particularly limited to low cost options. I have always made it a point to value quality over price and found that the best bet was about 2/3 of the range of low good to best possible.
I would still like to get the 380, a 22, a midsize automatic and a revolver; maybe one can wait? The more I think about it the harder it seems to limit it to three. I appear to have taken a good gulp of the handgun Koolaid.
 
I was in a similar situation to yours about 2.5 years ago, having owned and shot a BHP (Inglis), and a S&W .38 SPL. I sold all my guns to go to school, get married and have a family.

Then one day, on a whim, I was in the LGS with my eldest son, for I can't remember what, and what do you know, it was 'GLOCK' day! Shoot all you want for the price of ammo. Well, let me tell you, I have been making up for lost time ever since. Never mind the long guns and ARs; I have purchased and am enjoying the following (in order of appearance):

GLOCK 41, .45 AUTO
Steyr L9-A1, 9mm Luger
PARA Black Ops .45 AUTO
CZ Shadow 2, 9mm Luger
Ruger Redhawk 4.2", .45 Colt
Ruger Redhawk 5.5", .44 Magnum
Ruger Security-Six, 6", .357 Magnum
Ruger GP100, 4.2", .357 Magnum
S&W 28-2 Highway Patrolman, 6", .357 Magnum
Ruger SR1911, 5", .45 AUTO
Ruger Redhawk, 5.5", .45 Colt (x2)

Brace yourself, and save your brass. You may want to reload.

Welcome back.
 
Norc 1911 a1 45 , the humpty dumpty learn on it gun
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Dr. Gonzo said:
Already this thread is awesome! I am in Edmonton. I have no experience with revolvers, I shot a 27 many years ago and was completely impressed with the power and authority of the gun and cartridge, but that would be my impressions on less than one box of ammo. I like a big revolver, although I reckon it will not be a 44 magnum for my first one...
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Well, there's a "problem" that needs to be rectified right there :) The Model 27 (or 28 - same gun but with a less polished finish, being S&W's solution to a less expensive version of the 27) are wonderful and real classics. Also fairly pricey, although they do come up from time to time on the EE. Also on the large N frame is the model 25/625 which are either .45 Colt or .45 ACP/AR. I have a 625 5" and love it. Pretty rare, though, esp. in the politically-correct >105mm barrel length. There were a few on the recent massive sale at Wanstall's (site sponsor). One guy here picked up a gorgeous Model 25 6" with box. (I guess, having sold your PPK you won't have 12.6 status now?)

As someone else has mentioned, a 686 (or the blued 586) in .357 would be a good choice, and if you handload - and you really should - you can tailor loads to your comfort level. Going one frame size down from the L-frame 686/586 to a K-frame, there's the Model 19 ("Combat Magnum") or, if you can forgo the .357 Mag., a Model 14 in .38 Special. I have one of each of the latter and they are really nice. The 14 was designed from the get-go as a target revolver and they are very highly regarded. The trigger on my Model 14 is as smooth as butter. You really can't go wrong with a nice S&W.

Ruger's "equivalent" of the 686 is the GP100. I have one of these as well and it is a fine revolver. A bit "chunky", as Rugers tend to be, but built like a tank. I did a complete strip-down and internal polishing job on mine to smooth things out a bit (although it wasn't bad as received from the previous owner) and the trigger is really smooth. (This also happens with lots of shooting.)

I'm not familiar with the Alpha Project. From what I've read here, they're pretty good, but I'd spring for a S&W or Ruger if you can.

Phil at P&D would indeed be good to talk to. I've not dealt with them personally, but they seem to have an A+++ rating here on CGN. He's an ex-LEO, so will be very familiar with revolvers, too.
 
No I don't have 12(6). When I sold the PPK in 1988 there was no indication of what was coming either WRT the law or what would happen in my own life. I figured I would just buy another one. Thus the attraction to the 1911-380 as it (so far) is the closest to the PPK as far as I can remember what it was like. I hand load for rifles and could start loading for 38/357 without too much fuss.

Great advice on revolvers. I don't mind spending a few bucks more for a quality item. I like to think if price was not an issue what would I buy? Probably a Python. Now that would use up my entire budget for this year, maybe more, so perhaps one step down, which puts me in Model 27 country. From what I've seen I think I could swing that. And, as it turns out P&D have a new Smith 27 right now for $1125. I am aware that the new S&W product is thought by some to have dropped off in quality from those of the past, so if this looks like a probable I will ask the wisdom of those here about what trouble signs to look for.

As for Norinco products the fiasco about the MIM bolts in the new M305 rifles has kind of turned me off of their products. I think I have read that the new Norc 1911's also are full of MIM parts, which I think I will stay away from. A good used Norc 1911 would work, and they seem to come up on the EE regularly.

This is a fun problem to solve.
 
lowburb said:
Since you're in Edmonton, stop by P&D. Great people to deal with! They are vendors on here and have a link at the top of the page.
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I have bought several long guns from P&D and they are stand-up folks. Highly likely they will get one or more of the three guns I intend to buy.
 
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