Next gun - Durable semi-auto

fallingbranch · February 8, 2013, 08:21 PM

Hey all,
long time reader first time poster. I recently picked myself up a sp101 4 inch in 357 and love it. Im working towards my next handgun purchase and am thinking it should be a semi auto of some sort. i like the 45acp but am open to any caliber really. The gun would be primarily for target shooting, sd and to have while i car camp and backpack outwest. brand isnt super important i guess, as long as its durable and reliable and has better ergonomics than a glock. so what do you all think?

chris in va · February 8, 2013, 08:27 PM

Welcome to the board.

There are so many handguns on the market that would fit the bill. Best thing to do is handle all you can at the gun store, see what works for you ergonomically.

Generally speaking 9mm will be comsiderably less expensive to shoot than 45. Unfortunately the 'gun scare' of 2013 has depleted most stocks of ammo so that point is moot for a few months.

Personally I'm biased toward CZ but that doesn't mean it will work for you. Only you can make that determination.

BarryLee · February 8, 2013, 08:28 PM

Well, you did not specify a price range, but you might consider a higher end 1911 like maybe a Colt XSE, HK45, SIG P220 or maybe a S&W M&P 45.

fallingbranch · February 8, 2013, 08:37 PM

absolutely right, i should have been specific on the price point! rookie mistake. i was looking at maxing out at around 800-850, prefering something lower obviously. i have handled cz75s before and i must say they felt beautiful in the hand

bigghoss · February 8, 2013, 08:46 PM

Quote:

as long as its durable and reliable and has better ergonomics than a glock.

Well that is a matter of opinion since many love the feel of a glock. We need a lot more info than what you've provided unless you want 50 suggestions and have to research all of them.

Off the top of my head:
H&K
M&P
CZ
Ruger P95 (or other used P-series)
Sig

fallingbranch · February 8, 2013, 10:31 PM

of course, i should rephrase. i really liked the ergonomics of the cz75 ( the b model specifically) and 1911s that i have had a chance to play with. i have handled several glocks and havent been wowed with how they feel, really wanted to like them but they just didnt do it for me.

pat701 · February 8, 2013, 10:34 PM

Sig P226 in 9mm or Sig P220 in 45acp. buy once buy right.

SauerGrapes · February 8, 2013, 11:56 PM

Someone told me once, the military thought the 1911 was pretty durable. May have just been a rumor though.....

6.8 · February 22, 2013, 05:14 AM

Buy a gun made in the USA. FN,Beretta,Smith,Ruger Colt you get the picture. God Bless America

6.8 · February 22, 2013, 05:19 AM

Sigs are made here now as we'll. They are good guns, but overpriced. Plus they come with a cheap finish for top dollar, I don't get it.

tristar viper · February 22, 2013, 06:56 AM

Sigs are not over-priced. I get so sick of hearing that comment about Sigs, H&K's, etc. There is an old adage; you get what you pay for, and it applies to guns too.

thedudeabides · February 22, 2013, 07:48 AM

Most Colt 1911s will last you a few decades.

weblance · February 22, 2013, 08:11 AM

I agree on the Sig not being overpriced for the quality you get. The people who post these things are the people who dont own them. I have one Sig, a P238 and it is, by far, the best 380 pistol available. That being said, I would seriously consider a Ruger P95 or any of the SR Series... SR9c, SR9, SR40, SR45. Ruger makes some of the best value priced handguns available. With Ruger, value priced doesnt mean poor quality. They are excellent handguns. Save the rest of your cash and buy some ammo so you can get some trigger time with your new handgun.

dfsixstring · February 22, 2013, 08:31 AM

Your price range really leaves you open to many options. I personally love Sigs, but the price keeps me away. I think they are worth it and are probably the #1 on the market, but my kids like to eat - so I don't own a sig.

Ruger makes some great pistols and you could almost get two Rugers for the money. The SR9c was top selling pistol a few years back. I've had mine for over a year and love it. It is my EDC. Do I think it will last as long as a P226? No.

If you're not going to CC, you could look at a number of service pistols - Beretta 92, Sig P226, etc. I wouldn't buy one right noe regardless. I'd wait for this insanity to blow over first. Hopefully the prices will come back down and ammo will become available.

bjw741 · February 22, 2013, 09:17 AM

I prefer 9mm.

You can get either the Sig SP2022 and the Stoeger Cougar new for around $400 - $450. Both have 15 round mags but the Stoeger comes with 2 mags rather than just one for the Sig.

loose_holster_dan · February 22, 2013, 10:04 AM

cz 75b or sti spartan v in 9mm are my 2 favorite durable range toys.

rprouty · February 22, 2013, 10:31 AM

My Sig P290RS came with two magazines..

Robk · February 22, 2013, 11:15 AM

I'll just 1+ for a 1911, and pretty much any Sig. If you do not mind buying used, Sigs can be had for a very good price. Also new from a dealer on an auction site is within your budget. But best would be to handle it before buying. My short list for you,

P220
P226, 9mm, .40S&W/.357 Sig. pick one
P225
Beretta 92/96 90-two,if you can find one
Any quality 1911

Good luck with the search. Mind you, these are my favorites, but may not be yours.

model18 · February 22, 2013, 11:21 AM

Best bang for the $$ in my opinion!

Mr_Jumper · February 22, 2013, 11:34 AM

^Agreed. I too recommend CZ75B, especially if you handled it already and like the feel. I bought mine NIB for hair over $500 out the door about a month ago.

Others good ones are already suggested, SIG, Ruger SR series, that is in your price range.

If you like steel frame, I'd highly recommend CZ75B or Beretta 92fs/m9.

If you like polymer, there are so many different choices, just check em out at your LGS or gun shows. Good luck.

Constantine · February 22, 2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

I agree on the Sig not being overpriced for the quality you get. The people who post these things are the people who dont own them.

I couldn't agree more. I have 3 SIG's. A P220, P226, & 1911 XO. Amazing handguns and they're so well made and accurate, that you truly do get what you pay for.

I'm carrying my Glock 17 right now... :| it doesn't feel right in my hands anymore. I did so because of magazine capacity. But I don't know...It feels...

plastic.

lol..... I'd go with SIG Sauer OP!

Hal · February 22, 2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

I recently picked myself up a sp101 4 inch in 357

It would be tough to beat what you already have w/the .357mag for all the reasons you list for wanting a new gun.

JWT · February 22, 2013, 12:54 PM

The CZ75 series are very well made guns for a reasonable price if you want a 9mm. My first new semi auto was a CZ PCR. It has never had any malfunction and is a good affordable shooter..

I've become a big fan of .45 ACP 1911's. There are a large number to choose from in all price ranges. The Ruger SR 1911in either full size or the new commander are made in the US and excellent guns for the price in my opinion. I own both and they are accurate and have been flawless. The selection of 1911's is almost endless. Everyone seems to be making one.

jasmith85 · February 22, 2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

My Sig P290RS came with two magazines..

Not all Sigs are the same. Sig only ships one mag with the 2022. Although a great gun, they consider it their budget gun and include only 1 mag to cut costs.

GregInAtl · February 22, 2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6.8

Buy a gun made in the USA. FN,Beretta,Smith,Ruger Colt you get the picture. God Bless America

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6.8

Sigs are made here now as we'll. They are good guns, but overpriced. Plus they come with a cheap finish for top dollar, I don't get it.

I owned a Ruger SR9 and an M&P45c and currently own a Sig 226 9mm. While there is nothing wrong with the Ruger or M&P, my Sig is a much better built gun, IMHO.

February 8, 2013, 08:28 PM	#3
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 2,104	Well, you did not specify a price range, but you might consider a higher end 1911 like maybe a Colt XSE, HK45, SIG P220 or maybe a S&W M&P 45. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

February 8, 2013, 11:56 PM	#8
SauerGrapes Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: S.E.PA. Posts: 522	Someone told me once, the military thought the 1911 was pretty durable. May have just been a rumor though..... __________________ NRA member, DCF&S member, PAFOA member

February 22, 2013, 08:31 AM	#14
dfsixstring Member Join Date: August 3, 2012 Location: Fayetteville, TN Posts: 56	Next gun - Durable semi-auto Your price range really leaves you open to many options. I personally love Sigs, but the price keeps me away. I think they are worth it and are probably the #1 on the market, but my kids like to eat - so I don't own a sig. Ruger makes some great pistols and you could almost get two Rugers for the money. The SR9c was top selling pistol a few years back. I've had mine for over a year and love it. It is my EDC. Do I think it will last as long as a P226? No. If you're not going to CC, you could look at a number of service pistols - Beretta 92, Sig P226, etc. I wouldn't buy one right noe regardless. I'd wait for this insanity to blow over first. Hopefully the prices will come back down and ammo will become available.

February 22, 2013, 10:04 AM	#16
loose_holster_dan Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 2,059	cz 75b or sti spartan v in 9mm are my 2 favorite durable range toys. __________________ Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK Favorite .22LR - Browning Buckmark "A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."

February 22, 2013, 11:21 AM	#19
model18 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2006 Posts: 368	9mm Best bang for the $$ in my opinion!

February 8, 2013, 08:21 PM	#1
fallingbranch Junior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 3	Next gun - Durable semi-auto Hey all, long time reader first time poster. I recently picked myself up a sp101 4 inch in 357 and love it. Im working towards my next handgun purchase and am thinking it should be a semi auto of some sort. i like the 45acp but am open to any caliber really. The gun would be primarily for target shooting, sd and to have while i car camp and backpack outwest. brand isnt super important i guess, as long as its durable and reliable and has better ergonomics than a glock. so what do you all think?

February 8, 2013, 08:27 PM	#2
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,718	Welcome to the board. There are so many handguns on the market that would fit the bill. Best thing to do is handle all you can at the gun store, see what works for you ergonomically. Generally speaking 9mm will be comsiderably less expensive to shoot than 45. Unfortunately the 'gun scare' of 2013 has depleted most stocks of ammo so that point is moot for a few months. Personally I'm biased toward CZ but that doesn't mean it will work for you. Only you can make that determination.

February 8, 2013, 08:37 PM	#4
fallingbranch Junior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 3	absolutely right, i should have been specific on the price point! rookie mistake. i was looking at maxing out at around 800-850, prefering something lower obviously. i have handled cz75s before and i must say they felt beautiful in the hand

February 8, 2013, 10:31 PM	#6
fallingbranch Junior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 3	of course, i should rephrase. i really liked the ergonomics of the cz75 ( the b model specifically) and 1911s that i have had a chance to play with. i have handled several glocks and havent been wowed with how they feel, really wanted to like them but they just didnt do it for me.

February 8, 2013, 10:34 PM	#7
pat701 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 153	Sig P226 in 9mm or Sig P220 in 45acp. buy once buy right.

February 22, 2013, 05:14 AM	#9
6.8 Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2013 Posts: 178	Buy a gun made in the USA. FN,Beretta,Smith,Ruger Colt you get the picture. God Bless America

February 22, 2013, 05:19 AM	#10
6.8 Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2013 Posts: 178	Sigs are made here now as we'll. They are good guns, but overpriced. Plus they come with a cheap finish for top dollar, I don't get it.

February 22, 2013, 06:56 AM	#11
tristar viper Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 819	Sigs are not over-priced. I get so sick of hearing that comment about Sigs, H&K's, etc. There is an old adage; you get what you pay for, and it applies to guns too.

February 22, 2013, 07:48 AM	#12
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 511	Most Colt 1911s will last you a few decades.

February 22, 2013, 08:11 AM	#13
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 309	I agree on the Sig not being overpriced for the quality you get. The people who post these things are the people who dont own them. I have one Sig, a P238 and it is, by far, the best 380 pistol available. That being said, I would seriously consider a Ruger P95 or any of the SR Series... SR9c, SR9, SR40, SR45. Ruger makes some of the best value priced handguns available. With Ruger, value priced doesnt mean poor quality. They are excellent handguns. Save the rest of your cash and buy some ammo so you can get some trigger time with your new handgun.

February 22, 2013, 09:17 AM	#15
bjw741 Member Join Date: March 24, 2011 Posts: 21	I prefer 9mm. You can get either the Sig SP2022 and the Stoeger Cougar new for around $400 - $450. Both have 15 round mags but the Stoeger comes with 2 mags rather than just one for the Sig.

February 22, 2013, 10:31 AM	#17
rprouty Member Join Date: July 14, 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 25	My Sig P290RS came with two magazines..

February 22, 2013, 11:15 AM	#18
Robk Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 207	I'll just 1+ for a 1911, and pretty much any Sig. If you do not mind buying used, Sigs can be had for a very good price. Also new from a dealer on an auction site is within your budget. But best would be to handle it before buying. My short list for you, P220 P226, 9mm, .40S&W/.357 Sig. pick one P225 Beretta 92/96 90-two,if you can find one Any quality 1911 Good luck with the search. Mind you, these are my favorites, but may not be yours.

February 22, 2013, 11:34 AM	#20
Mr_Jumper Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Posts: 67	^Agreed. I too recommend CZ75B, especially if you handled it already and like the feel. I bought mine NIB for hair over $500 out the door about a month ago. Others good ones are already suggested, SIG, Ruger SR series, that is in your price range. If you like steel frame, I'd highly recommend CZ75B or Beretta 92fs/m9. If you like polymer, there are so many different choices, just check em out at your LGS or gun shows. Good luck. __________________ Let's wait until we actually see concrete legislation before we go off half-cocked. ~ Tom Servo

February 22, 2013, 12:54 PM	#23
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,824	The CZ75 series are very well made guns for a reasonable price if you want a 9mm. My first new semi auto was a CZ PCR. It has never had any malfunction and is a good affordable shooter.. I've become a big fan of .45 ACP 1911's. There are a large number to choose from in all price ranges. The Ruger SR 1911in either full size or the new commander are made in the US and excellent guns for the price in my opinion. I own both and they are accurate and have been flawless. The selection of 1911's is almost endless. Everyone seems to be making one.