Personal Pistol Question?

Nabs

Nabs

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Hello CGN

I am rather new to handguns overall, I do not know of many makes or models, and so I am putting this question out there: I am looking for a small-frame (or small overall, as I have small hands), semi-automatic pistol in a caliber that can be considered highly effective for personal defense with a minimum of shots at ranges of 50 or less meters, though I have no intent on using it for such, of course, only for the range :d. I am open to considering small frame revolvers as well.

Personally, I prefer older, military-style pistols for their simplicity and ruggedness. I do not like plastic "Hogue" grips, or Glocks etc. "Black" Pistols are not really my thing, I prefer steel and wood or steel and plastic grips. Previously, I have held a 1937 Tokarev in 7.62X25, I found this fit me and my hands quite well, though I could not actuate the slide release with one hand. I have a Beretta Model 71 in .22LR, that pistol is perfect in every way except for caliber, it is light, small, easy to handle and points well for me.

I AM willing to stretch my horizons if need be and look into "modern" pistols, though my knowledge of them is negligible. So, I am asking you wise ladies and gents to present with me a short list of some pistols I could look into for the purpose and specifications above.

Thank you, I am curious as to your replies! Sadly, I do not have a local shop that sells handguns and so I cannot "walk in and get a feel for a few different ones".

Nabs
 
If the Tok fit, look at 1911s, and for consistent 50 metre accuracy look at the higher end manufacturers. Another is the CZ lines.

For revolvers, the K frame round butt smiths are small grip and the good thing is you can get aftermarket low profile grips that fit well. The other small grip revolver to look at is the Ruger SP01.
 
Because I'm a huge fan of the Browning Hi Power, thats my suggestion.
Being that you like the older iron/military, you could find yourself an older FN or Inglis and have a great shooting iron and some history.
A common complaint about these guns though are the sights = just what I've heard, they don't bother me.
I'd also suggest a CZ75 - a have no experience with anything more modern in that species.
 
Another vote for the 1911 - seems to tick off all your boxes.
So far as which one ? There is some correlation to the amount of money spent and the quality of the piece. There are dozens of 1911 builders out there. Do a bit of reading and spend as much as you're comfortable with.They can run from just under $500 to $5000 and beyond. The more expensive they are, the more you get into better metallurgy, fit and finish and accuracy. I've had good luck buying lightly used pieces from guys on the EE - and read of people, sometimes having not such good luck - do your homework.
 
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Whatever you choose for your “purpose”, avoid the x25mm chambering. It penetrates a wee bit much and is LOUD!

If you like the TT. Get the 9mm version. Personally not my first or second choice.

As others have suggested, if you like older guns, then the Browning HiPower and the 1911s are great choices.
The CZ 75 also fits your parameters.
 
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What price range? You were mentioning Tokarev and there is nothing in that price point to compare except maybe Norinco.
Here are three in the $400-600 range.

You might try a SAM in 9mm or 45 from Wolverine for an affordable 1911. Made in Philippines.

Wolverine also have an Alpha Proj 38 sp revolver for $419 Czech made.

My 1st choice is a Girsan Regard 9mm which is a good reliable Beretta knockoff. Made in Turkey under licence from Beretta. SFRC $549

Both semi auto are steel slide and frame. They come in a variety of finishes.
Grips are easily replaced on a 1911 with something you like. Thousands of choices available.
Not a lot of adjustable palm swells available for hand fit in steel frame budget minded pistols.

There is also Norinco but they are not machined as well and will require a little finessing to get them to where you want. I own one you get what you pay for.

Worth it to pay a little extra. Feeding the pig will cost more than the gun.
 
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I,d go with the Tokerev, its a solid pistol in a smaller frame size as my first choice. It has some power in it, the Beretta Model 70 is an excellent pistol in .22 if that is enough for you.
 
I have seen M&P range kits go slightly used for $450 on our EE. If you are serious about what you want it for then get a reliable polymer gun that has some support. The small replaceable grip on the M&P should meet your small hand requirement. At that price $450 - $550 you will always get most if not all of your money back if you decide to move on to something else.

Take Care

Bob
 
If you like the Tokarev, you will probably also like the Browning Black Label 1911. Same size as the Tokarev (but about 3 times the cost). And it comes in .380 which is much softer shooting than 7.62x25 but still a capable round.

If budget is a factor, stick with what you like and get a Tok...As said by others, if you want a less aggressive calibre , get a 9mm version.
 
Given what you've asked for, a 1911. Berettas are huge, for people with small hands. BHP's are a disappointment for me - normally in the trigger department, and the sights generally don't work, without work. As much as I love my M&P, it's outside of your specs. The Tok, while a classic and shooting cheap ammo has virtually no sights if you're over 30 -they are there, just, not useable - unlike the safety which isn't there at all. As far as Tok ammo goes, some ranges won't allow you to shoot it because it goes straight through things. Holsters for Toks are pretty tough to come up with too, and if you get the urge to compete, even casually, you'll need another gun. So, for those reasons, I'd suggest a 1911, in 9mm due to ammo cost, there's no shortage of good guns from good makers and a wide variety of parts and accessories, and they're accepted everywhere. It doesn't hurt that 1911's can be tuned and tweaked - most handguns don't shoot well out to 50m, at least the 1911 can be made to - for a price.
 
Just off the top of my head;
SAM 1911 Commander
CZ75B
Sig P229
Browning High Power (S&J had milsurp in stock)

And if you're willing to look at polymer frame;
HK P2000
S&W M&P9
 
Canuck44 said:
I have seen M&P range kits go slightly used for $450 on our EE. If you are serious about what you want it for then get a reliable polymer gun that has some support. The small replaceable grip on the M&P should meet your small hand requirement. At that price $450 - $550 you will always get most if not all of your money back if you decide to move on to something else.

Take Care

Bob
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If you will only have one pistol, this is the logical choice. It is affordable and of decent build and quality. You want reliability and support, as Bob said.

You can always get what you want, ie, older military pistols, later.
 
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