Getting back into it...

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1899

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So I have been out of handguns for +20 years and I am just doing my RPAL next weekend, because, I have the itch.

So I haven't kept up much over the years and looking for some input. Would like a 9mm and am leaning towards a P226 or Beretta 92FS. I remember really liking the Beretta back in those days. Fit me well and was smooth to shoot. I also shot a Glock 19 a fair bit, but not a huge fan of the "chunky" feel.

Also considering a .45 and maybe a revolver. Revolver would be a 629 because I like them! But for the .45 and the 9mm my budget would be $1500 each. I'd like high quality, easy shooting and reliable. My hands aren't very big - say medium - and while I have shot and enjoyed Desert Eagle (.44 & .50) and Casull revolvers, I much prefer something a bit sleeker!

What do you suggest in my price range?
 
For your 45 and recolver kick, I would recommend the Ruger Redhawk Convertible 45 ACP/45 Colt. Beautiful handling revolver. Nice weight. Comfortable grip. Accurate.

And between SIG 226 and Beretta 92...go for feel.
I own a couple different models of each. Love them all. Accuracy/weight/recoil is all close to same. See what fits your hand most comfortable, easiest to hold at reach.
Pick the one that feels best.
Or pick both. Like I said, both great. Haha.
 
When you say ".45" I'm guessing you're referring to a 1911? Have a look at the STI Trojan. They have a reputation as being excellent value in a mid range production 1911 and would fit your budget. I've had one for a couple of years and it's been flawless.

In terms of the 9mm in your price range I'd also consider the CZ Shadow along with the Sig and the Beretta
 
Agree on the 629, one of my favorites...for your 9mm and the .45 ACP, try a P226 and P220 and see how they fit. I went that route, and really appreciate having the same controls/operation of both.
 
For the 9mm you should consider a CZ, they are wonderful shooters. I have both the new Shadow 2 and an older SP01 Shadowlne which I have shot 1000's of round through and it has been flawless, beautiful trigger, slim grips etc.
Revolvers I have the .44 mag in S&W, but personally prefer the 627 and TRR8 in .357 mag.
 
Nothing wrong with Berretta or SIG. The CZ Shadow has been in favour for a long while now, so those a worth a look. The Walther PPQ has seen a lot of praise in the striker fired polymer market if you want to try something different from Glock.
 
Welcome back to handguns!
You have a very nice budget for 9mm and .45.
Definitely get the 629 if you like big blasting .44 mags! Anywhere between 4.2 and 6" barrels should fill your needs and they look so ###y!

For 9mm, the higher end SIG226s, like the X5 or a CZ SP-01/02 Shadow would be my choice. The grips for medium sized hands are fantastic. These guns are reliable and very accurate and the CZ trigger is second to none for a stock pistol. The SIG with the SRT trigger is nice also; not as good as the CZ trigger in SA, but very good otherwise. The SAO versions are nicer but pricier. One small drawback of the SIG is the higher bore axis which may affect follow up shots. This should not be a problem if you shoot .44 mag!

The Beretta is nice but not in the league of the other two, again IMHO. I'm also not a fan of slide mounted safeties. And the fixed front sight on the Beretta FS limits options if you want night sights or FO sights. Otherwise, no complaints about the 92FS.

You cannot go wrong with 1911s in .45. The STI Trojan as mentioned by Sailor is a great reliable and accurate gun. My issues with 1911s in general is the annoying reassembly process and trying to avoid the idiot scratch. But they are natural pointers, generally very accurate and have great triggers.
You can also look at the SIg 220 as mentioned. Again, the high bore axis may be a small issue, like the 226. I've had versions of it for 30 years and I love mine. In fact, it's the only .45 I own now.
Also take a look at the HK USP45. It's an instinctive pointer and shoots well also. The gun is quite big though, so handle it before you decide.
 
Chas59 said:
For the 9mm you should consider a CZ, they are wonderful shooters. I have both the new Shadow 2 and an older SP01 Shadowlne which I have shot 1000's of round through and it has been flawless, beautiful trigger, slim grips etc.
Revolvers I have the .44 mag in S&W, but personally prefer the 627 and TRR8 in .357 mag.
Click to expand...

I echo the Cz sentiment.. mines been an awesome shooter since day one. I prefer it to sig p226 and the 92fs. I think shadow ones are available from 800?

No comment on the revolvers as I haven't got there yet.
 
R U near any kind of range, for 300 bucks you can probably shoot about 5 semi-autos and 2 revolvers and that will help you make up your mind

Jeff
 
Thanks for the tips. I have shot with the CZ 75 - again this would have been around 1993, so I suspect there have been some changes since then. I did like it, but side by side with the 92 I preferred the 92. But I am sure there have been lots of changes and new models introduced since then.

As for ".45" it doesn't have to be 1911, although I do like those too. There seems to be endless choices when it comes to 1911's from cheap Nocinco's to ++$2000 versions.


Jefferson - no ranges here. I used to go to Phoenix in Edmonton when I lived there and tried lots of different handguns. Too bad I don't have that option.
 
I agree with Jefferson. If you're willing to spend $4500 on three guns, i think its worthwhile drive to Vancouver to DVC Indoor Range in Port Coquitlam. Even if you count the gas and overnight stay.

Not knocking all the good advice above re: gun choices. But there is nothing like first hand experience, specially since you've been away for a bit.

I might be able to help you convince Kelly to give you a deal to shoot many of their guns for a low flat fee, whatever. Given that you drove all the way from Prince George. The education, knowledge and experience you gain will be invaluable in making your buying decisions.

If you come over, you can shoot some of my guns as well. Save you on some rental expense.
 
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easyrider604 said:
I agree with Jefferson. If you're willing to spend $4500 on three guns, i think its worthwhile drive to Vancouver to DVC Indoor Range in Port Coquitlam. Even if you count the gas and overnight stay.

Not knocking all the good advice above re: gun choices. But there is nothing like first hand experience, specially since you've been away for a bit.

I might be able to help you convince Kelly to give you a deal to shoot many of their guns for a low flat fee, whatever. Given that you drove all the way from Prince George. The education, knowledge and experience you gain will be invaluable in making your buying decisions.

If you come over, you can shoot some of my guns as well. Save you on some rental expense.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this offer. I will likely be driving to Vancouver in the springtime. I don't know how long the wait is for RPAL these days, but as I said the course is this coming Sunday, so I do have a bit of time.

Since starting this thread I have been doing a bit more reading. It looks like Dan Wesson pistols receive lots of praise. A bit over my budget, but maybe I'd just get one to start with.
 
I have medium sized hands as well and have owned a SIG 226, Beretta 92 FS, a STI 1911 and a CZ SP01. Although I liked the feel of the Beretta, the trigger is really long and quite stiff compared to the others listed. I shot it quite poorly. I also feel that the Sig is quite light and snappy which made it more challenging to control. I prefer the weight of the CZ or the 1911 which both have a great feel and excellent triggers (or can be easily modified to be great triggers).
 
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