[gar-dog]

I think I would like another pistol or two and am looking for some advice.

Here is what I have:
S&W 686 .357 revolver
Antique Hi-Standard Target Pistol .22LR
Cheapy Belken? 9mm copy of Beretta (Egyptian)
Antique S&W Govt. Issue WWI .38

I feel like my collection is not very functional. At a minimum, I'd like a nice quality and reliable auto as my primary home defense gun. Also, shouldn't everyone have a .45 1911?? What about 9mm too? Maybe one auto not so huge, maybe a medium to small size.

I'd like nice guns, nothing off-brand so to speak. Not the most expensive, but money is not a big issue. Think middle-class to upper middle class as an analogy.

Can you help? Which two pistols should I buy?

Thanks,
G

 

[Paul F.]

Double post... see my comments in the General section. :wink:

 

[jakes10mm]

For you 1911 45acp void, there's only one option.....Colt 1991 Government Model (NRM- New Roll Mark). There is honestly something about the way Colt makes a 1911. I have a couple friends who were anti-Colt, Kimber and/or Springfield fans. Through persistence, I convinced them to try out Colts. They are now unloading their "other" brands and picking up Colt's. One just added a Colt Special Combat model to his growing Col collection. If Colt's aren't to your flavor, I have "nearly" equal respect for S&W SW1911's and Springfield 1911a1's.

Regarding 9mm's, from personal experience, I've owned a Browning Hi-Power and CZ-75BD. Of the two, I would definitely enjoy owning a CZ again. Very accurate and smooth double action trigger. Of the more modern offerings, I would be tempted by the S&W M&P or Springfield XD. I have heard good reports on both. There are a lot of Glock fans out there, but I cut my handgunning teeth with 1911's and the Glock grip angle is hard for me to get accustom too.

Hope this helps.

 

[Paul F.]

Given that Colt has abandoned the shooting public, per se, I have abandoned them. Between S&W for revolvers and Springer for the 45's... I have no need of Colt. :wink:

 

[BigDog]

I'm a big fan of the 1911 - and have several in a variety of calibers but if I were to list the best of the 1911's ( for overall finish quality, best triggers, durable, reliability, accuracy right out of the box, etc ) regardless of price, I would rank them personally as: 1. Wilson Combat 2. Les Baer 3. Kimber(custom shop - gold combat, raptor, etc) 4. Sig Revolution series 5. Springfield then the rest ....

I recommend you pick up a 1911 in a .45 ACP / then consider adding one down the road in a 9mm. Personally, my favorite 1911 in a .45 ACP is the Wilson tactical super grade $ 3,800 or the Close Quarters Battle $2,200 in a full size - both great guns. Wilson Combat is also making 1911's in 9mm now - and I would recommend either one of the same models. Les Baer monolith in a 9mm is also a very nice gun, about $2,500. For a new gun, from either Wilson or Les Baer wait time in 4 - 8 months right now. If $1,500 is more your price range then look at the Kimber custom shop - gold combat stainless or the Raptor models personally. They are good guns - but they would need a trigger job on them to put them near to where a Wilson Combat is, in my opinion.

If you want to add a .40 S&W down the road, I would look at one of the double stack Sig's ( like the 226 stainless ) about $1,000 with nite sights, etc. Sig also makes a very nice gun in the 226 X Five available both in 9mm and .40 S&W for about $2,300 .

Go to the range and shoot as many of these models as you can - although you won't find many rental guns from Wilson or L. Baer but some of your buddies may let you fire one of theirs - and take them up on it. And no matter what - have fun with the process.