Need help deciding which handgun Beretta, SIG or STI?

[corney]

I'm having a really difficult time deciding which handgun to keep. Before I get the "buy 'em all!" response, it's simply not economically responsible to do that. I've got a young family and very little disposable income, so money needs to go to family interests before my personal toys.

To start, the first handgun I had was a Beretta 92F (9mm), it felt really good shooting, but I only put a box through it before I ran into money concerns and had to sell it. So, I never got a chance to really test it out.

The next pistol I had was a Norinco 1911A1C commander (45ACP). It shoot wonderfully, and I probably shouldn't have sold it, but I couldn't give up a great deal on the EE and I could only afford the one pistol, so I traded it for a STI Ranger II.

The great deal on the EE was for a SIG P229R (40SW), which also shot very well, but the grip was far too small for my big hands, so it really had to go.

Currently I still have the STI Ranger II (9mm). It's a really nice pistol, and it shoots like a dream, it's hands down the nicest pistol I've ever owned, however I'm just not 100% convinced I want to own a 1911 that isn't in 45ACP.

I'm thinking that I really need to line up a Beretta 92FS, a SIG P226 and a 1911 in 45ACP and try them all at the same time in order to decide which feels and shoots best for me. I even have all the ammo I'd need for the testing. The problem is that I don't know anyone around that has any of these pistols, or who'd be willing to let me shoot a couple rounds.

My planned use for the pistol is just recreational shooting, home defense and competing in the ORA shoots at CFB Borden.

Are there any gun nutz near Owen Sound that could help out?

Thats very responsible for you to consider your family commitments first. I too was there not that long ago. I would suggest reconsidering getting a 45 ACP if cash is tight. They are expensive pigs to feed even if you reload.

That STI Ranger is a beauty and if you like it stick with it. That family will grow and in 15-20 years you may be able to expand your horizons

 

[enefgee]

You could get a Sig 1911 (two birds with one stone) - seriously though if you're shooting a 1911 it should be a one that's built the way that God and John Browning intended you to shoot it, and in the Holy Calibre. STI comes closest to that.

 

[jun]

if you found p229 to be small for your hands, try out a p226 it definitely has a bigger grip circumference, some even bigger with optional wood grips. one thing to be noted, you have to try both regular trigger and SRT. SRT is great but it sits closer to you that your trigger finger may not feel the most comfortable, and that may certainly be the case if you got long fingers