Best all around semiauto pistol

[schoolmaster]

I am essentially ignorant of the pros and cons of the current crop of pistols. The last big caliber semiauto I carried was a series 70 Colt .45 auto. Now there is a bewildering array to choose from. My next purchase would have to be a do all sort of handgun. It would have to be accurate enough to be pressed into service as a hunting gun, have enough stopping power for up close and personal, shoot flat enough to use at extended ranges, and carry enough rounds for a serious rate of fire. I need some feedback to help me decide what to buy. I am an experienced handgunner. I own/ shoot a .44 mag Redhawk, a S&W 617, and a Ruger 22/45. All opinions welcome. Personal experience preferred.

[Almtnman]

My personal choice is a Sig P220. It fits my hand perfectly which in turn is very accurate for me. It only holds 8 rounds, but I figure that 2 will be all I ever need in defense of my life, maybe even just one shot. If I had to have 12 to 15 rounds for multiple use, then I figure the other fellow would have been shooting back, so my first shot will count the most. My personal experience with the 45acp which is the caliber of my Sig is this. I carried a M1911 while in Korea and saw the results of what they do. Then later on I worked for many years as a LEO and saw the same results of what a 45acp will do while in that capacity. While working in that capacity I noticed 3 different firearms that did a lot of damage, a 45acp, a 44 magnum and a 12 gauge shotgun. The shotgun is too hard to carry everyday and the 44 magnum is a little too bulky and hard to conceal, so I went with the 45acp Sig. Based on my experience I prefer carrying a 45acp caliber, but other peoples opinions may vary, but I bas mine on my own personal experience of 50+ years.

So how do you decide which is best for you? Go to a gun shop and pick up and feel several different pistols that interest you. Find a few that fits your hand and feels like it's part of it. If the gun shop owner will let you dry fire the few choices you narrowed down to , aim at a mirror on the wall. The trick is, you're looking at four sights, two on the pistol and the image of those two in the mirror. If you can dry fire the pistol and keep all four sights lined up during the dry fire, then you have found one that will more than likely best your best choice for accuracy.

[skarke]

CZ 75.  This is a fabulous pistol, in its many variants.  It is accurate, beautiful, ergonomically well designed, and in the SP 01, truly state of the art.

The Sig is nice also.

[Empty Quiver]

My .02, Find a Smith & Wesson in 10mm. Barring that, a Glock 20 ought to do a good job. The 10mm is a good hot round from an auto pistol. The Smith though no longer made, is all steel and more pleasant to shoot, and won't make baby's cry when they look at it. The Glock is about like a blacksmiths hammer, and has no soul, but some people are into that.

My rec is based on the hunting aspect of your do all question. 10mm is usually recognized as minimum standard for hunting in an auto. Glock's are sometimes fitted with extended length barrels for even better performance. Bullet selection is a down side to 10mm but any auto will have SD type bullets.

[HAMMERHEAD]

10mm is good if you can stock up on ammo. I had a Glock 20 that was pretty darn good. Glock triggers are not easy to master, but once you do, they shoot very well. You can get .40s&w conversion barrels for them as well.
The 9mm CZ 75, Sig P226 are great high cap 9's. Both have excellent accuracy and above average triggers for DA/SA pistols. I would include Berettas in the same category, but they don't seem to have the long range accuracy of a Sig or CZ.
The .45 Sig is another good suggestion, they shoot well.
You can buy Sigs and CZs with .22lr conversions.
I have a Glock 19. It's snappier than the CZ, but it's rustproof, rugged, easy to repair, parts need no fitting, most common brand in the U.S.
My other auto is a .38 Super 1911 (Baer). Superb accuracy and trigger, a step up in power from 9mm, 100% reliable. It's the easiest pistol for me to hit with out to 50 yards. With my loading press I can go from light lead loads for small game to serious self defense loads. Thinking of getting a 9mm barrel fitted for versatility.
Since we're in the survival forum, it's hard for me to think of a better all around gun than your .44 Redhawk.

[Bigeasy]

Another vote for a Glock 10mm.  With the the right ammo, a pleasant range gun, or a powerful round for big game hunting.  Glocks are accurate, light weight, just about impervious to rust, and pretty much always go bang when you pull the trigger.

Larry

[lakota]

Another vote for GLOCK. They are the AK-47 of handguns. Durable and simple to operate.

[Swampman]

Glock 17 or 34.

[Almtnman]

Be careful with the Glocks, an accidental discharge if you pull it out wrong and your toes might get shot off. 

[bronco73401]

Beretta M9.

Lance

[Thebear_78]

Glock 20 in 10mm

[1marty]

love my Browning hi power. Super accurate and reliable.

[Justin10mm]

+1 Glock 20 10mm

In my opinion it is the most versatile platform around. A simple barrel switch and one gun can fire up to 4 different calibers. (10mm, 40 S&W, 357 sig, 9x25 dillon)

With a different slide and magazine you can add two more to that list.(45 acp, 50 GI)   

Now better auto cartridge for hunting than hot 10mm.

A 10mm 1911 would be a good choice also.

[mcwoodduck]

I do not think there is a best semi Auto.
While there are great guns they may not be best for you.
I will let you know that I am a Sig fan up front but have shot almost everything out there.
I own 380, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP semi auto guns.
The Glocks are neat but do not fit me.  i do own a S&W version of the Glock that I like.
I think the best gun for you is the one you like,
Either the name, features, fit, feel, color....What have you.
And the one that you can afford, and afford to feed on a regular basis.  You will not hit what you wnat in a time of need with out using it on a regular basis.
If you liked your 1911 get another.  I see the Ruger you have has the same grip angle as the 1911, adding a new 1911 may make sense.  Cheap way to get some practice in use 10-50 rounds out of the 1911 and the rest out of the 22 for the session.  Depending on what you want ot work on.  One handed, two handed, weak hand, mag changes, clear jams, ect

[Almtnman]

I do not think there is a best semi Auto.
While there are great guns they may not be best for you.
I will let you know that I am a Sig fan up front but have shot almost everything out there.
I own 380, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP semi auto guns.
The Glocks are neat but do not fit me.  i do own a S&W version of the Glock that I like.
I think the best gun for you is the one you like,
Either the name, features, fit, feel, color....What have you.
And the one that you can afford, and afford to feed on a regular basis.  You will not hit what you wnat in a time of need with out using it on a regular basis.
If you liked your 1911 get another.  I see the Ruger you have has the same grip angle as the 1911, adding a new 1911 may make sense.  Cheap way to get some practice in use 10-50 rounds out of the 1911 and the rest out of the 22 for the session.  Depending on what you want ot work on.  One handed, two handed, weak hand, mag changes, clear jams, ect

I like the way you think!

My thoughts are almost identical to what you said. My best all around semiauto is one that fits my hand the best and I can shoot more accurately than some of the others. I have shot a lot of different pistols in my lifetime and found that it makes a real difference in the feel and fit of the handgun in your hand. I shoot a Sig P220 and that's what is best for me, but I have suggested many times before for people to check out the fit and feel of a handgun before buying it. If it doesn't feel right n your hand, you're never going to be able to shoot accurately with it. To just come out and endorse one brand like I have seen here sounds more like advertisement for what somebody else likes than purchasing something that you will be able to shoot accurately. Also I see mentioned that the 10mm would be the best choice. maybe it would if you could hit the target with it, but everybody's hands or physic is not the same, that's why the FBI decided not to go with that round and went with the 40s&W so that the smaller agents would be able to hit what they were shooting at. The 10mm is a good round, it can be compared to the 41 magnum in power, but not everyone on the planet would be able to shoot it accurately. Shoot a different variety of handgun and pick out the one that you can shoot the best.

[SHOOTALL]

Since this is in survival skills and you made little mention of what the situation would be lets go for worst case . A 1911 would work well. One there are enough of them and parts to last for years a good thing . If you need parts i bet ya find 3 to one 1911's to just about any other auto. Second the grips on a 1911 are only grips so if one breaks the gun still works and no parts fall out also a good thing . If you use a 1911 as a club its all steel (in most cases) a nice detail . Cal. well 45 would be hard to beat over all been around for over 100 years so might be alot of ammo around. 10 mm would work and some parts would work but not as easy as a 45.
 Some would rightfully say well if your gun breaks pick up one off your attacker . But you might not be in a fight with other humans you might be by your lonesome .
 Last the 1911 is not best at everything but it is very serviceable at most anything .

[schoolmaster]

OK guys, here is my decision. I took all the suggestions into consideration and went down to my gunshop and talked to my old friend Jan and the other guy who is their Glock armorer. After handling the Glocks and other pistols there. I decided to have a stainless steel framed, 6 inch ported, long slide, 40 S&W Glock built. The frame is slimmed and contoured like a 1911, the trigger will be ajustable, and other barrels in different calibers are available. i.e. 9mm, 357 sig. The 40 S&W round will have enough punch to do what I want it to do. Oh also the sights will be fiber optics, red in front and green in the rear. 40 S&W brass is readily available and the custom barrel will also be able to shoot cast bullets which for me is another plus. Ammo is easy to find.

[skarke]

Cooooolllll

Pics when you are done please.

[Yes, 357_SIG]

This is very difficult [recommend for a stranger].
I need to learn a lot more about you, and preferably to be around you in classes, hunts, etc., etc.
Please check my other posts [SIG, Ruger, etc]; they would be helpful to you.

However, here goes:

If you can get past the price tag, the SIG P226 and P229 are excellent.
The 9mm is fine, but my first choice would be the 40 cal and a 357SIG barrel.
Also, get the SIG 22 rimfire conversion unit.

Because your last semi was a 1911, I would recommend a Springfield XDM in either 9mm, or 40 cal.

If you truly understand all of the fire control systems, and their intrinsic advantages and disadvantages; and decide that a Glock fits your needs, they are fine very durable weapons; very accurate and reliable in 9mm.
In Glocks, I like: G34, G17, or G19. [I cannot recommend any other Glock].

Ammo prices are stabilizing and 40cal is easier to get and not too much more expensive than 9mm; ...
45acp prices are going up ... again.
Also, in the XDM [and SIGs], 40cal accuracy is becoming respectable.
For a variety of reasons, I just can no longer recommend 45acp for most folks.

You already have ...
the heavy artillery: 44 mag Redhawk;
and the "trainers / plinkers": a S&W 617, and a Ruger 22/45;

so I am leaning toward a self defense pistol.

---------------------------------------------------------
Si vis pacem, para bellum ...
“If you wish for peace, prepare for war.”
 
Semper Preparatus:
Training + Practice =======>>> Safety ... for all.

Thanks,
            Chuck
 

[Bigeasy]

After handling the Glocks and other pistols there. I decided to have a stainless steel framed, 6 inch ported, long slide, 40 S&W Glock built. The frame is slimmed and contoured like a 1911, the trigger will be ajustable, and other barrels in different calibers are available. i.e. 9mm, 357 sig.

Who makes a stainless steel frame for a Glock?

Larry

[schoolmaster]

Robar makes both alumnium and stainless. The stainless makes up a finished pistol about 40 ounces.

[Yes, 357_SIG]

Trying to distill several volumes into a few paragraphs, I left out some of my favorites.

Instead of:

"In Glocks, I like: G34, G17, or G19. [I cannot recommend any other Glock]."
                                         
                                                                                                            
I really should have said:

In Glocks, I like: G34, G17, & / or G19; and G32 & / or G31.
[For most folks / uses, I cannot recommend other Glocks].

[Yes, 357_SIG]

Obviously, I should have asked for a lot more info before I waded into this.

"This is very difficult [recommend for a stranger].
I need to learn a lot more about you, and preferably to be around you in classes, hunts, etc., etc.
Please check my other posts [SIG, Ruger, etc]; they would be helpful to you.

However, here goes:"
                                                                                             


In any event, it sounds like you are going to end up with a very nice pistol ... system.        


Have you come up with a total cost for all of this ?     


If I could afford that one,
...  I would also have one built up [on the big frame] in 10mm, and with one of the big 45acp wildcats.                                                           
That would be a fabulous hog and deer pistol.                                             

[schoolmaster]

I am supposed to get a price quote Tues. I don't think they make the frame in the large size for the 10mm. If they did or do I will have one.

[Yes, 357_SIG]

Please keep us posted.

Also, send field reports.
That should be one really sweet shooting outfit.

[HAMMERHEAD]

After handling the Glocks and other pistols there. I decided to have a stainless steel framed, 6 inch ported, long slide, 40 S&W Glock built.

That sounds great. Love the multi caliber idea.
All the Glock 20 talk has gotten me to miss my old one, so, I'm bidding on a 2nd gen Glock 20. For some reason I shoot better with the monster grip of the 20. A .40 conversion barrel will be next.

[SHOOTALL]

After handling the Glocks and other pistols there. I decided to have a stainless steel framed, 6 inch ported, long slide, 40 S&W Glock built. The frame is slimmed and contoured like a 1911, the trigger will be ajustable, and other barrels in different calibers are available. i.e. 9mm, 357 sig.

Who makes a stainless steel frame for a Glock?

Larry

try-ccfraceframes.com   ss- $279.95   alum- $289.95

[teddy12b]

I am essentially ignorant of the pros and cons of the current crop of pistols. The last big caliber semiauto I carried was a series 70 Colt .45 auto. Now there is a bewildering array to choose from. My next purchase would have to be a do all sort of handgun. It would have to be accurate enough to be pressed into service as a hunting gun, have enough stopping power for up close and personal, shoot flat enough to use at extended ranges, and carry enough rounds for a serious rate of fire. I need some feedback to help me decide what to buy. I am an experienced handgunner. I own/ shoot a .44 mag Redhawk, a S&W 617, and a Ruger 22/45. All opinions welcome. Personal experience preferred.

Though I don't have experience with this handgun, I'm looking into buying Glock 20 in 10mm because of all the reasons you mentioned above.  I have a 44mag revolver, a full size 9mm, and a compact 9mm.  The way I see it all of those could be replaced by a glock 20 in 10mm.  The way the world is starting to look, I may end up selling all three of the guns I mentioned and buying two of the glocks with plenty of spare mags & ammo.  The glocks can be found new for less than $500 and that's hard to beat.

[SHOOTALL]

Where do ya get new Glock 20's for under $500.00 ? just asking . The 10 mm is a good gun but if you want to take advantage of the round you might wish to look at a Colt 10 mm or other 1911 based gun . Maybe a CZ but i have not shot one. I have shot both Glock and Colt and the Glock is just not as accurate for me.I can get smaller groups with the delta than the Glock which might be hitting a critter in the head and saving meat or not. Some will say the 10 is the equal the 41 mag. but don't finish the story. In the low bullet weight loads it comes close as bullet weight rises the 41 leaves the 10 in the dust. I consider the 10 to best the 357's best loads by a little. It holds more rounds than a 357 and shoots flater than a 45 ACP. and other pistol rounds .
 With either of the 10's buy extra recoil springs its insurance. When you start to look to buy a 10 mm you will need to look into non supported vs supported barrels . If you expect to reload for it them go supported if you can . Also get/set dies that resize all the case including expansion ring.
BTW I like the 10 just pointing out things to consider

[Yes, 357_SIG]

                                                         

If the handguns that you have:

"I have a 44mag revolver, a full size 9mm, and a compact 9mm."               

are good, quality, serviceable pieces; I would strongly recommend that you keep them.             

They fulfill a variety of roles from concealed carry to hunting / truck gun / home defense / artillery;
your ammo is easy to find, and ...
9mm ammo is affordable and the 44 mag revolver yields reloadable brass.                   

If you want to add a 10mm, have fun, ...         
but;                   
do not delude yourself into thinking that a G20 can honestly replace the battery that you have.