Author Topic: What pistol in what caliber? (Read 1208 times)

bigger e · « **on:** November 10, 2005, 07:16:45 AM »

Under $500.00 Semiauto pistol. Looked at CZ's, S&w's , Magnum Research, Ruger's Taurus and others.9mm too light for me.
What are the differences between 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and 45 Colt.Ups and downs on pistol makes and different caliber choices.
This will be a carry around firearm for farm and field. A plinker and a self defense arm as well.Accuracy a plus.Reliability a must.
Also I saw some used Glocks in upper end of my price range.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2005, 08:24:43 AM »

It really comes down to your personal preference of semi-auto, single action or double action. The one gun that would be an all around gun in my opinion would be either a 357 Mag or 44 Mag in a 4 inch double action.

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2005, 10:57:48 AM »

Sounds like a Glock 20 or EAA witness in 10mm might be the ticket for you, if you are going semi auto. You can get a .40 S&W barrel for low cost plinking with either one of these. Either a .357 or .44 mag would be a good choice is a revolver. If you reload, get the .44 mag. If not the 38 spl is a good plinking round in the .357.
Savage

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2005, 11:03:44 AM »

Quote from: bigger e

Under $500.00 Semiauto pistol. Looked at CZ's, S&w's , Magnum Research, Ruger's Taurus and others.9mm too light for me.
What are the differences between 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and 45 Colt.Ups and downs on pistol makes and different caliber choices.
This will be a carry around firearm for farm and field. A plinker and a self defense arm as well.Accuracy a plus.Reliability a must.
Also I saw some used Glocks in upper end of my price range.

I know I was suggesting a revolver before, but in a semiauto the Springfield Mil spec in 45 ACP is a great handgun.

bigger e · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2005, 11:54:45 AM »

I have a 44 mag. 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk and will reload for that soon. Was looking for more of a carry around semi auto pistol. I have read great things about CZ's. I thought Springfields might be out of my price range. I just do not know alot about these calibers available. I have a Ruger MK 11 semi auto already. You can tell I'm partial to Rugers, but I'm not married to them and of course want the best bang for my buck.I asked you fellows as experience is always the best teacher.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2005, 12:45:23 PM »

It would be easier to pick a girlfriend/wife/mistress for you than a pistol!!
Used Sig's can be had for the top end of your price range, and a 357 Sig is an awsome little round (approximating a 357 mag with 125 grain bullets) and an inexpensive barrel change will get you a 40 S&W in the same gun.
For a little lower in price, the Springfield XDs are terriffic weapons as well.
Rugers are reliable, big, clunky and heavy but definately reliable
Glocks are butt ugly however you'd be hard pressed to find one that didn't shoot and function well
There are several manufacturers making 1911 clones in your stated price range and 45 acp is... well, it's 45 acp.
38 Super and 10 mm are both good rounds as well but I don't know of anyone making either in your given price limit.
So going out on a limb here, what I'd probably pick for you is a used Sig in 357 Sig. Super accurate with an excellent trigger right out of the box.
Every used one I've ever come across was in excellent condition some had a negligible amount of bluing wear on the edges near the muzzle from being carried in a holster but that was the worst. As in ALL used guns, you need to check them carefully.

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2005, 01:15:04 PM »

you're not by yourself when it comes to liking rugers
i have shot and carried just abt everything there is and right now the only pistol i have is a stainless vaqeuro in 45lc
but as far as semi autos go you cant beat a ruger p90
i have had a couple of them and they are built like a tank
will shoot anything you feed em with out a hiccup
sure they are thick slabbed but not overly so
i bought mine used for 200 bucks shot the hell out of it for abt a year and sold it for 275 you can usually find em used for around 300 that leaves you a couple hundred for holsters bullets and the one thing to me that makes a world of difference in the way it feels, a set of hogue wrap around finger groove grips
you can get the same gun in 9mm for even less money and have 15 rounds plus cheaper ammo
but if i was going out to buy another auto it would have to be a ruger
just my two on it
sureshot

papajohn428 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:31:18 PM »

If it was me, I'd look hard at the CZ's and EAA Witnesses in 40 and 45 caliber. Good values, reliable, and fun to shoot. I've got a Witness but my next might be a CZ, just because I don't have one yet. My Witness is 14 years old, 30,000 rounds thru it, never balks. I expect that much from the CZ. CDNN Investments has them for under $300 now and then, mostly in polymer. And as was mentioned, you can switch over to 357SIG with nothing more than a barrel change. I would also expect either to be available in the 45GAP soon, if not by now. Same ballistics as the ACP, but in a little smaller gun. Not a bad idea. I just like the CZ's and copies because they seem to fit every hand well, no matter the size.

Hope this helps.

PJ

jerkface11 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:59:05 PM »

I'd probably pick the CZ in 9mm. For plinking i'd get the CZ75 for carry i'd get the 2075.

rockbilly · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2005, 01:51:50 PM »

:-D I have to agree with ButlerFord45 and his comments on picking a lady.......what a bucket of worms you open when asking for advice on selecting a firearm.

I think his suggestion regarding the Sig is right on target. First, you just don't get any better. They are reliable, accurate, and offer the option of having one gun that can shoot several different rounds. There are a couple of models that will permit you to fire 9mm, .357 Sig and .40, and the cost is not out of sight.

The 9mm would allow you to practice with the gun for a very reasonable price, then you have the option of selecting a self defense round from the .357 or the .40. Both are great performers.

Unless you are built like a tank, and/or want to haul the heavy load associated with the .44 mag, I wouldn't even consider it as a carry gun unless that was all I had.

Bottom line. It is not the size of the bore, or number of rounds you are packing in a self defense situation. It is simply how well prepared you are to face a bad guy, and make your shots count.

PeterF. · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2005, 02:41:35 PM »

Just to clarify (and in response to your question and stated critera): .45 Colt is a round typically only used in revolvers; so, if you want a semi-auto, that's out. Same with .44 Magnum and .357 Magnum. Since you've stated a preference NOT for 9mm, that leaves you pretty much with .40, .45 ACP, and .357 SIG (well, 10 mm too).
I think Rockbilly is not quite correct, 'cause my understanding is that the SIGs are in EITHER 9mm OR .40-interchageable-with-.357-SIG ... but not interchangeable between all 3. That said, however, the SIGs are an excellent choice (including the 220 in .45); FWIW, I've heard that, in actual SIG pistols, .357 SIG has proved more accurate than the .40. As several have mentioned, the CZs are definitely worth looking at; they're very rugged and have a decent double-action (quite a choice in calibers and sizes too). It's important that you have NOT indicated that concealed carry is one of your selection criteria, as that opens up your choices to some of the larger, more rugged guns (like the Ruger and CZ). Once concealability is a primary factor, your choices get much more limited. Just my 2 cents.

williamlayton · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2005, 07:35:53 PM »

There are a couple of rounds not mentioned.
It would only make a difference if the recoil was an influence.
The Super .38 and a .38 would be softer shooters, the .38 would/could be a pretty soft round and if you reloaded the .38 super could be loaded up or down. Up to .357 mag speed in 124 grain bullet. Both can be shot in a .38 super but the cost may be a little more depending on the neighborhood you occupy.
One thing you may count on, and it is kinda like reaching puberty, it will not be the only one you date. It is a pure addiction and only gets worse. The good thing is --it is legal.
Blessings

jro45 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:25:57 AM »

I would say the 45 L.C. for around the farm or the 10mm shooting 180gr bullets. You never know when a bull might think you're after his cow friend.

bigger e · « **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:34:17 AM »

Thanks everbody for your replies. I probably can't do this until spring, what with Christmas expenses and all. I was focused primarily on CZ or Ruger, but you have opened my eyes to the Sig. I have read reviews of all of them here and on other forums and websites. I have yet to read a bad review of a Sig concerning reliability or accuracy, and the interchangeable barrels is a definite plus.I guess the next step will be seeing how they fit in my hands and catch my eye. Thanks for opening up a new possibility. Shopping is just the start of the fun, and I enjoy reading and doing research.

poncaguy · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2005, 04:22:57 AM »

Really hard to be a RUGER for the money and reliability.........

bigger e · « **Reply #15 on:** November 14, 2005, 07:33:50 AM »

Quote from: poncaguy

Really hard to be a RUGER for the money and reliability.........

You know I'm a Ruger man. I own two now. I will definately look at a P series.

poncaguy · « **Reply #16 on:** November 14, 2005, 08:00:47 AM »

I have 3 P series........never a problem.........have 8 Rugers. :lol:

bigger e · « **Reply #17 on:** November 14, 2005, 09:14:08 AM »

Quote from: poncaguy

I have 3 P series........never a problem.........have 8 Rugers. :lol:

8 Rugers? I guess I'm a lightweight by comparison.Not sure I'd know what to do with 8 guns.I've got two handguns, two rifles, and a shotgun.And not enough time to enjoy them.

rockbilly · « **Reply #18 on:** November 15, 2005, 01:09:41 PM »

I own two Rugers, keep them in my tool box, they make wonderful hammer. :-D :-D :-D

Sorry, when my butt is on the line I want to be packing a Sig. They are tried and true, thats why most military special forces world wide have gone to them. I have packed several different models, all were reliable, accurate and never let me down.

I do own a couple of Rugers revolvers that have earned a place in the safe.

Savage · « **Reply #19 on:** November 16, 2005, 02:41:58 AM »

I'm not a huge fan of the Ruger Autos (other than the 22s). It was back in 96 I believe, that I bought my wife a KP95-DC. She picked it out because she could easily rack the slide. The gun saw service as a loaner at the range and IDPA matches, with never a malfunction after tons of reloads and factory ammo. It doesn't have the "snob appeal" of a Sig or 1911, but does the same job for less than a third of the price. This gun has proven it's self to be a real performer. I don't carry/shoot the gun much as I have others that I favor. If it came down to carrying this gun or a new Sig, to save my life, guess which one I'd reach for!
Savage

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 16, 2005, 04:50:43 AM »

I use to think the Sig attraction had a lot to do with snob appeal also, then I shot a couple, played with them at the dealer, traded for my first, bought my second and now looking for the third. There really is that much difference in the quality.

Savage · « **Reply #21 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:20:57 AM »

I agree that the Sigs are of excellent quality, and quality costs money. While some of us own them because they are an efficient, quality, firearms. There are many who buy them for the name and precieved status that goes with that. One of the posters stated that he wouldn't stake his life on anything else. I also own other high quality pistols who some might consider to have snob appeal. I shoot these guns occasionally at matches or when I just want to do it. Ok, I admit it! Sometimes I carry them for show. Generally my everyday carry guns are Glocks and .380 kel tecs. My point is, there are a lot of good reliable guns out there that don't cost in excess of $1000. The "P" series are among those.
Savage

vsparto · « **Reply #22 on:** November 16, 2005, 05:22:03 AM »

I have a Springfield Armory hi-cap .45. You can get a 13 round hi-cap Springfield Armory .45 for $500 or less depending on where you live. They shoot fairly accurately to 25 yards and you have enough rounds to spray if need be. You can probably get a used Para ordance hi-cap .45 for around $500 also. Either way you can use Para 14 round mags and have 15 shots of .45 acp. FMJ American Eagle ammo you can get for $10 a box. If you reload costs about half the price. If you wan't to plink get a lost cost 9mm pistol (plenty for around $200) and blow the bejesus out of those coke cans. I have a FEG 9mm Hi-power clone for plinking have 13 round mags and can get ammo for $6 bucks a box. Don't have time to reload right now but will this summer.

rockbilly · « **Reply #23 on:** November 16, 2005, 12:01:21 PM »

Savage. I assure you my attachment for the Sig has nothing to do with "snob appeal."

As a former LEO, and 24 year military member I had the opportunity to carry many types and brand name sidearms. My attachment to the Sig is based solely on the reliability of the gun. I have packed one in several different locations, both desert and jungle, they never failed to do what they were intended to do when I wanted them to do it. They are well made, accurate, very easy to maintain, and after firing many rounds, I never had one fail, or know of one failing a team member.

My admiration for the Sig is based on how well it served when I needed it. That experience has promoted my desire for a Sig when the chips are down. If you have that kind of experience and confidence in the Ruger, they I hope you have one when your butt is on the line. :grin:

Savage · « **Reply #24 on:** November 16, 2005, 02:25:48 PM »

Rock,
I too have several proven favorite guns. Mine are of several different manufacturers. The Ruger is not on my list of favorites. I was just pointing out that an cheaper gun doesn't always mean less reliable.
Savage

bigger e · « **Reply #25 on:** November 17, 2005, 01:03:29 PM »

Great to see a little passionate debate. At my price point it will come down to a new Ruger or CZ vs. a used Sig. My mind says Sig, my heart says Ruger, my friend says CZ. Its a nice problem to have, I will enjoy reading the many reviews and comments on this and other websites. It might come down to the "feel" of the gun in my big ol paws?