Help me decide what pistol i want

[JASON50CAL]

I'm about to buy a new pistol in either 10mm, 40s&w or 45acp. It will only be for plinking and target shooting so size and weight are not a factor, accuracy is my main concern. I like the feel of a 1911 but would like something different as i've had them before. A friend of mine has a Walther P99 QA that i REALLY like but would rather have a 10mm or 45acp. I have others tell me to get a GLOCK  and if they werent so ugly i probably would and they seem to have more felt recoil to me that other pistols i've shot. So what pistol would you buy if you were going to buy one tomorrow, what caliber would you get. I would like to stay around $800, so what pistol would you buy in that price range? Thanks.

[saddlebum]

You asked what I would buy with that criteria. I know you said that you weren't favoring the 1911 as a choice but.....Since you want it for plinking and target shooting the 1911 would be the best for that, IMO. If the targets you shoot at are large and suitable for double action shooting then you could be happy I suppose with one of the others. The 1911 is just more precise and accurate for shooting say tin cans out to 25+ yards. I choose the .45 because it is the most popular and easiest to aquire ammo and reloading components for, among other reasons that are personal preferences of mine. You seem to be leaning toward the double actions, but you did ask what I would buy. Kimber Custom in .45acp.

[Ak.Hiker]

Since you want it for target shooting and the range you may want to consider the Glock 35 in 40 S&W. I love my Glock 22 but I have always wanted a Glock 35. It may be just the ticket for your needs. If you get bored with the 40 a simple after market 357 Sig barrel would be an interesting addition to the package as well. The longer barrel of the 35 also will give you more velocity out of either load.

[Dand]

If  you like the P99 but want 45 ACP. Smith and Wesson made (jointly with Walther I think) a S&W 99 in 45 ACP.  I don't know which of the Walther firing systems it had, QA or AS or whatever the 3rd variation was. I like my Walther P99 in 40. Pretty accurate but the trigger is a bit spongy and the trigger guard is rather smallish. But its very comfortable to shoot. Quite light.

For something different that is heavier, the CZ 75 series is worth considering in 9 or 40. I almost bought the CZ but they're a bit heavy so I went with the 99. The CZ sure gets a lot of good press for reliability and accuracy. It sure felt good in my hand.

EAA makes a 45 cal that is the CZ format. The one I've seen was very nice but a little big for my hands with the double stack mag (I think).

You might consider Ruger. I've never fired the 345 or the P90 but they are generally considered reliable and durable. Of the 2 the P90 feels better in my hand but it sure is ugly.

For a while now, I've been thinking about a 40 in the P series Ruger or CZ 75 or 45 in P series Ruger for a more rugged hard use gun vs my P99 plastic frame gun. 

But maybe more experienced folks will speak up.

[williamlayton]

If you buy a used of anything you should be able to stay in that rage of cost.
The first thought that came to my mind was a Browing Hi-Power and I would look for a .45 in all the choices considered.
Not a fan of the nitch .40 or 10mm.
I like Colt Commander sized weapons but they do not have to be a Colt--Kimber and others have the same sized called by other names.
NOW, Sig Sauers are absolutely the best--accuracy wise and straight out of the box. The 239 and othe simular sized are found in .45. Their foremat is more simular, or can be found in foremats more simular, too the Walthers---if that melts your butter.
I like steel guns and I like heavy guns--just my choices.
Don't worry too much about this first one---You will find that you are not limited too just one or just one type.
Blessings

[J-Train]

I'm a big fan of the 1911, but if I were going to buy something else, I would take a long, hard look at the Springfield
XD(M).  Looks like a lot of gun for the money.

[Autorim]

I would also look at the Springfield XDM

[Graybeard]

Unless your definition of plinking is seeing how fast you can burn up your ammo it seems to me what you really need is a quality double action revolver in anything from .357 Magnum to .44 Magnum with there being several choices in between. You'll find them far more accurate than splatter matics and since target shooting is the primary use that is for sure the most accurate choice for the task.

[Tiapan64]

I agree with Graybeard about the Revolver.  But if you are hardset on an Auto then might I suggest taking a look at the EAA Witness??  I own the 10mm in the full size frame and can testify for it as far as reliability and bang for the buck.  Also you can get interchangable barrels and springs for it for the large frame for anything from the 22 long to the 10mm.  I am going to get the 40 as the 10 is a bit much for the wife to shoot.
They run about 270 and you can change up the look of your pistol by mixing the stainless slide with the wonderfinish base for a unique look.  They are heavy, but seem to me to be well balanced and easy to shoot.
Thats just MHO and I have nowhere near the experience of most of these gents on here.

[Empty Quiver]

If punching paper is the main use consider 9mm. Ammo cost alone is reason enough, in a few months shooting you'll save enough money to pay for the gun. If your heart is set on a bigger hole I understand. Around here .40S&W was the most available round during the insanity, your area may differ.

I am an unabashed SIG fanboy. If you shop you should find a SIG in your price range. Here are a few models to check.

P220 Single stack .45 most common,  9mm used euro mag are out there. Full size frame

P226 Double stack 9mm, .40, .357sig, full size frame

P229 See above, midsize frame

P239 Single stack, 9mm, .40, .357sig, compact frame

These all come as DA/SA with decocker or as a DA only configuration.

Lots of German police turn in P6/P225 out there at bargain prices all are 9mm, same with P228 again turn ins but in a double stack 9mm. If you are willing to entertain a polymer gun check out a SIGpro 2220 2009 or 2340. A finer trigger you won't find. A real bargain too if they fit your hand, kinda chunky, but at <$500 you can't go wrong.

[skarke]

Well, a good smith 6 or 7 shot 357 would make a good choice, as GB says, a revolver.  I have the 627, but it is a couple bills high for your needs.  That smith, with good ammo, will flat shoot, and I mean great.  They are also easy to tune to excellence.

[JASON50CAL]

I have a Taurus Tracker in 44 mag that i really like and a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 that is ok but not as accurate as the Taurus and a S&W 5906 in 9mm that i don't care for but it work's just fine. I just want another semi auto pistol and want something a little different from what i have now. I personally am not a fan of the 40 either so i prefer a 10mm or 45 even though i've never had a 10mm before. If the Walther was in 10 or 45 i would go buy it right now but it don't so i still need help

[Dand]

Maybe I wasn't clear but it sounds like you'd like a Walther P99 in 45 ACP. The S&W 99 is essentially a Walther P99 sized up for 45 ACP. And likely you could get one well below $800.

check out listings on Gun Broker.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=166088350

I was all hot for one for a while but have stayed content with my .40 for now.
The 45's don't show up on Gun Broker as much as they used to but with a little shopping  you could find one. You could look at Guns America too.

Go to the Ruger handgun forum further down there is an extensive thread on the Ruger P90 if you have interest in it.

[theduke]

glock 45 acp shoots well even daughter can shoot accurately with it.  mine is glock 30.

[scootrd]

Maybe I wasn't clear but it sounds like you'd like a Walther P99 in 45 ACP.

+1 on the P99 But I'll take mine in 9MM QA
For example:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=165836864

P99C (Compact)
The Walther P99C is the  compact style of the Walther® P99 and is available in both Anti-Stress and Quick Action versions.

P99AS (Anti-stress)
Prior to 2004, there was no designation for the double action trigger which Walther® now markets as the P99AS ("Anti-Stress") trigger. It is called anti-stress because the trigger pull is the same length for the first shot, regardless of single or double-action. The anti-stress trigger functions as a sort of two-stage trigger, lessening the possibility of unintentional "reflex" firing in stressful situations.

P99QA (Quick-action)
The Walther® P99QA is a Glock-style action with preloaded striker (shorter, lighter pull). This short pull with its quick reset provides quick shot delivery from the Walther® P99 QA hand gun, especially in competitive situations.

[cankiller]

The fnp 45 by fn wouid be a good one to look in to

[1sourdough]

 Getting close to the price of a slightly used HK-45.