I have decided to purchase a sample of some of the best centre fire semi auto pistols. I have had a Glock 22 and hated it and sold that. I have had a Browning HiPower and it was too small for my hand and sold it, my first hand gun. I have lots of M1911s. I have bought a CZ75 Shadow and love it. I just bought a Beretta 92S so that will have to do. I have a selection of Ruger "P" series. I thought my next purchase would be the P226 Sig but I thought I would throw that out there for discussion. I read that the Walther P38 should be in the list. I have lots of revolvers so these are not in my radar at this time. I don't want plastic tupperware.
Little collection "best centre fire semi auto pistols"
- Thread starter rustynut1
- Start date
Still alive
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I won't call the 92S one of the best but it does have a good lineage. You already named a bunch of the best that you didn't like. Maybe a SIG 210? The best is hard to quantify as it varies from one person to another.
This is CGN after all!
This is CGN after all!
“Best” at what?
I’ve had dozens of top end pistols; P210’s, X5’s, X6, 952 5”, 952 6”, CZ TS, Pardini GT-9, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, and Baer 1911’s. All were nice guns in their own right, each unique, and with performance greater than all but pro shooters. The other thing they all had in common was I didn’t keep them. If you’re serious about collecting most of the mentioned guns are deserving of a spot. If you’re accumulating to shoot then you need to define your parameters.
I’ve had dozens of top end pistols; P210’s, X5’s, X6, 952 5”, 952 6”, CZ TS, Pardini GT-9, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, and Baer 1911’s. All were nice guns in their own right, each unique, and with performance greater than all but pro shooters. The other thing they all had in common was I didn’t keep them. If you’re serious about collecting most of the mentioned guns are deserving of a spot. If you’re accumulating to shoot then you need to define your parameters.
If you acquire the quality iron that knowledgeable members have suggested, take care of it, then you will not lose any money. Hang on to them for a while and you will likely be “up” on your investment........As well as enjoy shooting high end end pistols.
I really like my P226 Legion if you’re looking for P226 that’s a step up but still a manageable price. I think you should give modern polymer H&K pistols a rethink—I’ve owned a couple of USP Expert 9mms that were very easy to shoot accurately.
I did something similar—I wanted to assemble a collection of classic 1970s and 1980s pistols—that was when I was first getting into shooting. I’ve got an H&K VP70z, P7 PSP, and P9 S Target .45ACP, a Steyr GB, Pre-B CZ75, Beretta 92F, a Gen 2 Glock 19 and a Bren Ten. It’s fun assembling a collection with a theme.
I did something similar—I wanted to assemble a collection of classic 1970s and 1980s pistols—that was when I was first getting into shooting. I’ve got an H&K VP70z, P7 PSP, and P9 S Target .45ACP, a Steyr GB, Pre-B CZ75, Beretta 92F, a Gen 2 Glock 19 and a Bren Ten. It’s fun assembling a collection with a theme.
Something out of left field.
A Lionheart Industries LH9. Steel framed, 9mm, DA/SA/and a unique DA+. Expensive since you have to buy the "optional" threaded barrel to meet Canadian law as the original barrel is 104mm exactly, the threaded is I think 120 mm long?
A Lionheart Industries LH9. Steel framed, 9mm, DA/SA/and a unique DA+. Expensive since you have to buy the "optional" threaded barrel to meet Canadian law as the original barrel is 104mm exactly, the threaded is I think 120 mm long?
For what its worth, and worth exactly what you've paid for it....my list is:
Colt or equivalent 1911 pattern in .45 acp/Super .38/9mm/10mm. I've owned and shot 1 or 2 or 50. They are my go-to after a few years of trying different things. Different brands, all have different characteristics. But they all fit me.
Browning HP in 9mm. Awesome pistol. I've owned a few but currently don't have any. Always got sold to fund a new 1911, and because they just didn't feel as good to grip or shoot (as my 1911). Can't have it all at the same time...
A true blue P.38. I've bought and sold many 9mm pistols over the years, haven't managed to OWN one of these yet. But those I've tried have me sold. I'm still looking for the right one. It fits and points well for me.
A Gen 3 Glock. I've only owned 2, both full size G21 (.45 acp). Great shooters, but again sold because of my fascination with the 1911 platform. Wish I had them both back though.
I would love to try a Beretta 92, for the simple fact that I have a large pile of 9mm, and because Spenser For Hire brought it to my attention. It also has a few parallels to the P.38, ergonomically.
I'm also a big fan of early-mid 20th century firearms, so most of the current offerings leave me cold despite their competence in shooting sports. The exception is the Glock, mostly because of the age-old rivalry between it and the 1911 that the internet has brought to my attention. As for that, I'd call it a draw in my limited experience.
Colt or equivalent 1911 pattern in .45 acp/Super .38/9mm/10mm. I've owned and shot 1 or 2 or 50. They are my go-to after a few years of trying different things. Different brands, all have different characteristics. But they all fit me.
Browning HP in 9mm. Awesome pistol. I've owned a few but currently don't have any. Always got sold to fund a new 1911, and because they just didn't feel as good to grip or shoot (as my 1911). Can't have it all at the same time...
A true blue P.38. I've bought and sold many 9mm pistols over the years, haven't managed to OWN one of these yet. But those I've tried have me sold. I'm still looking for the right one. It fits and points well for me.
A Gen 3 Glock. I've only owned 2, both full size G21 (.45 acp). Great shooters, but again sold because of my fascination with the 1911 platform. Wish I had them both back though.
I would love to try a Beretta 92, for the simple fact that I have a large pile of 9mm, and because Spenser For Hire brought it to my attention. It also has a few parallels to the P.38, ergonomically.
I'm also a big fan of early-mid 20th century firearms, so most of the current offerings leave me cold despite their competence in shooting sports. The exception is the Glock, mostly because of the age-old rivalry between it and the 1911 that the internet has brought to my attention. As for that, I'd call it a draw in my limited experience.
