Looking for advice

Barnes_270

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Happy to say that I successfully challenged the restricted course today. :)

Ok, while I wait for the CFC to do the paperwork, it's time to decide on what I'll get first...

Some thoughts:

- semi auto
- shoots well with cast bullets
- reasonably priced (say, under $800)
- a 1911 would be fun, do they play well with cast?


Let's hear your thoughts! Thanks.
 
Get a 22 first. You'll build your skills up faster without breaking the bank. Ruger Mark 1 or 2, browning buckmark, S&W. Stay away from the simulator or ' copy ' guns, ie: the GSG 1911, Chiappa copy of the beretta 92. They're great practice guns for later on but not as accurate or reliable as the others I mentioned.

When you're at the range see what other people are using, ask how they like them, and then make a better informed opinion of what you want next.

Yes, 1911 love cast. 200 or 230 gr SWC can live in the X all day long with the right reloads.
 
I would recommend a SAM Commander-E .45ACP, good sights, well made and reliable. I have shot many hard cast 230 Gr. round nose bullets with no problems and good accuracy.
 
Get a 22 first. You'll build your skills up faster without breaking the bank. Ruger Mark 1 or 2, browning buckmark, S&W. Stay away from the simulator or ' copy ' guns, ie: the GSG 1911, Chiappa copy of the beretta 92. They're great practice guns for later on but not as accurate or reliable as the others I mentioned.

When you're at the range see what other people are using, ask how they like them, and then make a better informed opinion of what you want next.

Yes, 1911 love cast. 200 or 230 gr SWC can live in the X all day long with the right reloads.

Thanks for the input. I should have mentioned that I already have an antique revolver (S&W 44 Russian) that I shoot quite a bit, and at a low cost. Good advice on the 22, though - if I go with a 1911, what would a good 1911 in 22lr be to go along with it?
 
If you're asking about cast bullets in the guns then I'm thinking that you're already into reloading. Saying that you're shooting for cheap with .44 Russian pretty much clinches that you're reloading.

And since you're used to the recoil of the .44 Russian you could easily manage just fine with a 1911 shooting 180 to 200gn SWC loads. And by reloading your own it'll be still much cheaper than factory 9mm.

A 1911 in .22 is fine for those that really want one. But if you started with an antique S&W top break and now you're after a semi I'd say that you might be more the sort which would prefer the more iconic guns in each caliber. And for rimfire semiauto there area far better fully purpose built guns that fit the bill and which will add a lot more variety to your collection.

But if I'm reading you wrong and you really like the idea of a rimfire 1911 then GSG is the budget minded winner. From there you go up quickly in price to the Kimber dedicated 1911 in .22. But if you're going to look at things at that price range then a S&W Model 41 begins to look pretty shiny. Or a CZ Kadet.

For new and classic rimfire guns there's the Ruger Mk series and the Browning Buckmark in various styles. I'm also a fan of the S&W 22a. But not everyone agrees with me.

For used I can heartily recommend a S&W 422, 622 or 2206. All three guns are part of a family that has been out of production for a couple of decades but which still deliver in fine style. If you find one and find that it fits you well then buy it. They really are nice shooting guns.
 
Happy to say that I successfully challenged the restricted course today. :)

Ok, while I wait for the CFC to do the paperwork, it's time to decide on what I'll get first...

Some thoughts:

- semi auto
- shoots well with cast bullets
- reasonably priced (say, under $800)
- a 1911 would be fun, do they play well with cast?


Let's hear your thoughts! Thanks.

Like accuracy? Get a GP100 .357...or a SP101 .357...
 
For 1911's in 22 LR you've got 2 options. Either go with a stand alone gun like the GSG/Sig, or Colt, or go with a conversion top end. For stand alone I recommend the GSG. It's probably the best value out there atm. You can find them on EE at a decent discount or new at a number of dealers. Once you iron out a few of it's issues ( crappy guide rod, pita to load mags, fussy with some ammo till broken in ) they're great guns.

Conversion top ends have the advantage that you use your existing 1911 lower ( once you get one ). This means that you're practicing with the same trigger pull and set up of your main while saving practice cash. GSG makes a nice top end at a good value. From there the sky is the limit in terms of extra features and upgrades. Check EE for bargains from time to time or the banner dealers for what's in stock. Either way you're well off.
 
Thanks for the input. I should have mentioned that I already have an antique revolver (S&W 44 Russian) that I shoot quite a bit, and at a low cost. Good advice on the 22, though - if I go with a 1911, what would a good 1911 in 22lr be to go along with it?

If you go 1911, Get a GSG conversion kit. Takes a minute to swap from .45 to .22 on my Remington. It's a very good value for the money.

Edit: I see BCRider beat me to it. Note to self: read all replies before typing.
 
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