First pistol opinons wanted

ranger_scout

ranger_scout

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I have had my RPAL for a long time and am only now going to get a pistol. I did not have a range to shoot at and went to a friends farm and that type of thing where a restricted would be of no use. I have since moved and am joining the local range that is small (25m), so a pistol would be a fun addition and now possible as I would be a range member. I have shot pistols before with brief experiences in law enforcement and my continually serving time in the army reserves so I am not a complete new guy but shot government issue stuff so not an expert shooter of super comp guns. Kinda looking into getting into this for fun/more practice and who knows this range does have competitions so maybe I will move that way eventually?

So my debate it what hand gun to get. It will be my first and plan on keeping it for long time (but still using). I really like the GI look on guns and don't like super exotic guns or super "platicy" hand guns. Obviously in short time I will get a bundle of ammo and mag's and cleaning stuff but first the platform... In my own research I have found the following;

- Norinco 1911 from Marstar (get nice grips for free ATM)
- Remington's 1911 (quality american stuff?)
- browning Hi power

These are so far the ones I like but will look into suggestions. I like them because of the clean simple look familiarity of action and maintenance. My Budget is up to 1100.00$ on the gun it's self extra stuff for it will come later not included in the previous price. So my question for you is which one is the best go for me in your opinions and operators likes and dislikes on the guns listed would be wonderful.
 
Well, you're going to get as many opinions as there are pistols, but I'll be brave and start the ball rolling.

Many will suggest that "everyone should have a .22", and there is some good sense in this as ammo is cheap so you can do a lot of practice for little outlay. In this case you can hardly go wrong with one of the Ruger pistols. That being said, I had less (read "almost no") handgun experience when I first got into them a few years ago and almost simultaneously bought a Ruger Mk. II target .22 AND an STI Spartan 1911 in .45 ACP. Guess which one I shoot the most...

Although the Norincos have improved quite a bit, if your budget allows, I'd look a bit further up the line, such as the Remington or, as I did, the STI Spartan, which, although the bottom of the STI lineup, is really an excellent pistol. I shot an STI Trojan (in .40) up at the range this summer and it was even better :) but it's right at the top of your budget. These will satisfy "the GI look" and shoot really well, too. You can also get 1911-type pistols in 9mm, which will cost you less to shoot. The SAM line (made by Armscor in the Phillipines, who also manufacture for STI) have also been getting good reviews. The Phillipines has a long 1911 tradition. Oh, and don't forget the Ruger 1911. 100% "Made in the US" too.

The Browning HP is iconic (like the 1911) but needs a bit of "gunsmith love" to get a decent trigger, and a master craftsman/magician to get a really great trigger. (I think JMB went into partnership with Rube Goldberg on the trigger design.)

Many will suggest the CZ 75, and from what I've read (as I don't own one) you can't go wrong with this. With your experience in LE and the military you're no doubt familiar with the SA/DA trigger, too.

Are you set on a semi-auto to the exclusion of revolvers? I now have a couple of S&W's, a Model 14 (.38 Spec.) target and a 625 (.45 ACP/Auto Rim) and got hooked. Smooth triggers in DA and very, very crisp in SA. I also appreciate not having to chase my brass. The Ruger GP100 (.357/.38 Spec) is a less expensive alternative and also highly regarded. Revolver shooting has a different feel from a semi but there is something about revolvers that I've come to really like. And you can compete with them, too; stock up on speedloaders.

One thing to consider in your budget is ammo. While you can buy in bulk, you should also consider reloading. You can crank out a lot of ammo on a progressive press (I still have a single-stage but that will be replaced next year). While "Big Blue" (Dillon) is the cream of the crop, many folks turn out tons of perfectly good ammo on a lowly Lee Classic Cast (putting flame suit on now...) We have lots of sponsors here on CGN who can set you up, such as Henry at Budget Shooter Supply. If you're in the Lower Mainland area of BC, Custom Reloading Service in Maple Ridge also provides good loaded ammo as well as Berry's plated bullets for reloading. For hard-cast bullets, look at The Bullet Barn.

I'll let others chime in now...

:) Stuart
 
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Skip the Norinco. I know there are fans but having seen one in person, it's really as crappy as the price suggests. They look much better in pictures than in real life. That alone wouldn't be enough for me to recommend against it. An ugly gun that works is a good gun in my books. But I know of 2nd hand accounts of a guy going through 3 of them from a retailer before he got one that worked.

Have a look at a 92FS. I really miss mine - superbly made and super reliable.

I had a Ruger SR1911, would recommend one in a heartbeat over anything else in the same class, including STI. One of the few guns I'd recommend buying new.

I'm super sour at Remington. The amount of work that my 700 required before it was a good shooter was obscene. And if they can't make a good 700 308 rifle, then the whole company is worth about as much as a fist full of diaper #### in my opinion.
 
ranger_scout said:
I really like the GI look on guns and don't like super exotic guns or super "platicy" hand guns.

- Norinco 1911 from Marstar (get nice grips for free ATM)
- Remington's 1911 (quality american stuff?)
- browning Hi power
Click to expand...

Personally I would stick with 9mm (to start). I have similar tastes in HG's (GI look & steel) but I have to say my G17 is a workhorse and low maintenance.
That said...out of the 3 you listed I would choose the BHP hands down because we all know it's an improved 1911:)
 
SAM pistols are made by Shooters Arms Manufacturing and not by Armscor. Most parts for STI Spartan are made by Armscor. There was a rumor before that Para GI Expert is also assembled by Armscor but no confirmation still.

For the choice of pistol, a .22 cal means cheap ammo and lots of fun. GSG 1911 for a GI platform, with Ruger or Browning as better options if you are looking for reliability out of the box.
Moving to a bigger caliber: For 9mm - CZ 75/85 is my choice. Sig 226 and Glock 17 right next to it with Ruger SR9 not far behind. STI Trojan is also good.
For .40 Cal - same pistol line are offered in .40 cal.
Now moving to the beast: .45 cal - Ruger SR 1911 is a good choice. STI Spartan, Remington R1 or a CZ 97 are currently in the market within a reasonable price level.

Of course, you can always go further up, budget permitting. You will find Kimber, Colt, STI 2011 series and some customized pistols to your liking.

Norincos are not bad for the price. But likely, you will try to look for a better finish as they do not have the finish of the more expensive ones. Don't get me wrong, they have gone better compared to at least 5 years ago. Value for money - yes. Overall quality and reliability - still few things required to make it desirable.

Before you proceed buying a pistol of your choice, try everything you can get hold of. If you belong to a club, as some shooters politely if you can try their pistol. Buy a small box of factory ammo of your desired caliber for you to use in their pistol. Grip and Sight picture are my basic criteria for choosing my pistols.

Good luck! Safe shooting!
 
=ambishooter;9521382]SAM pistols are made by Shooters Arms Manufacturing and not by Armscor. ...
Click to expand...

Oops... I stand (sit) corrected. Thanks for that. Lots of good advice for the OP, too.

:) Stuart
 
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Yea thanks for the other options and opinions guys. A big problem was buying china and the quality they are good from my experience I have an M14s from them and it is my favourite gun. But a "good" pistol is probably a good idea as I wont be running out to buy new ones. A nice one that preforms, lasts and looks good later is important so I will turn away form norc.

The previous will be another reason I will not buy a 22. LR pistol (ATM). I am sure they are fun but I got a 22. rifle to play with for cheap so I wont lose out on cheap fun... I hope and want a fun pistol that I can shoot but still would be in a pistol cal.

A revolver would be interesting as I love westerns and would like a colt single action army in .357 but a "practical" range pistol comes first until I have tons of money or get board?

I looked up most of those guns and I like the CZ but I would spend the buck on a high power as it is a nice service pistol and I am very familiar with this one... again maybe one day a 9mm will be in my safe too

I saw the Colt 1911 model and it has the "Perfect!" (love at first site) look I want but a bit higher than my price but I may bite the bullet. It has that GI look an non foreign based company. Wolverine supply carries thanks to a quick google search. So any one own one and pros/cons for it?

Thanks again guys great advice and opinions to get my brain off just prices.
 
You won't go wrong with the HI Power. Not too many used ones for sale, seems like most owners keep them. Says volumes over other brands that seem to be disposable according to the EE
 
Actually, Browning Hi-Powers do turn up on EE from time to time, and they're worth the wait.

I'd suggest to the OP that he might want to rethink his resistance to 'plastic' guns... Polymer pistols work extremely well and are budget friendly. A 9mm M&P range kit from Smith&Wesson usually costs under $700 and have everything you need for basic practical shooting competition. Glock aftermarket magazines and accessories are everywhere...something you absolutely cannot say about the Hi-Power.
 
Yea I think after a couple of recommendations I am either going to order a Browning high power or the Colt 1911 government. Both sounded like excellent guns from opinions. Both made in local, proven, reliable and familiar guns to me.

Glocks are customizable and reliable guns I don't hate them, it is just not the "look" or feel I would want to enjoy for my first one. Something about solid steel, wood and army guns gets me every time. The customizable thing is not a huge deal to me either as if it works it works. I wont be mounting flash lights or lasers or scopes or but stocks.... As said before although mods can look nice I like the basic look and operation for hand guns.
 
Local as in not china or Philippines I am okay with american stuff. I know they used to be made by inglis for the CF they where but I am not sure any more.

Also I saw the hand gun I was going to order yesterday online at wolverine supply, colt 1911 govt in black with wood grips but today it is gone. The hunt continues
 
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ranger_scout said:
Local as in not china or Philippines I am okay with american stuff. I know they used to be made by inglis for the CF they where but I am not sure any more.

Also I saw the hand gun I was going to order yesterday online at wolverine supply, colt 1911 govt in black with wood grips but today it is gone. The hunt continues
Click to expand...

My 75th anniversary Hi Power is: "Made in Belgium - Assembled in Portugal". I'm happy with it....
I'm also happy with my Remington R1....
 
Yup shooterschoice.ca has one at a great price with taxes incl.

Modern COLT 1911 pistols are the real deal. Better snatch it up now and don't look back!
 
If you want a 9mm, The (hi power) is a increadible pistol .
I have one, and its my fave ,there are newer pistols, but when I shoot the hi power, it feels like the slide is running on ball berrings.
the trigger is a bit heavy for single action but breaks super clean.
Mine is made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal .
The hi power is probably the most issued side arm in the world still to this day .
Follow this link to Wikipedia. to see all the glamour and this pistol carries.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Hi-Power
 
I love shooting hi powers.

But I think they are now just used by 3rd world countries, banana republics, and Canada.

For me they are full of nostalgic awesomeness.
 
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