What's Missing In My Collection?

[Martowski]

Several years back I felt like I wanted something new, but couldn't think of anything that was really unique or different than what I already had (or had tried) in handguns. That resulted in someone suggesting a 9mm 1911, which I have now owned three and enjoyed each one (current one, a Dan Wesson PM9, is a keeper). Well, I'm kind of in the same situation now.

I own a number of 9mms, some striker fired, some DA/SA, and (as previously stated), 1911s. I own several .45 1911s, both with and w/o rails, and an FN FNP-45 for a non-1911 .45. I've got a couple striker fired .40's, and a few revolvers in .38 and .357. Have a couple .22 handguns as well.

What am I missing that is handgun Nirvana? I don't want to go outside .22, 9mm, .38/.357, .40, or .45 at this point if I can help it (but will admit a 10mm has crossed my mind). I've tried a number of other handguns, including CZ-75 and various variants.

So, what's not here? I have thought about picking up a Luger at some point, but that would be for no practical purpose and just for the fun of it.

[TXAZ]

What’s your budget ?

[Martowski]

Depends on the item. This is more about adding something over the course of the next year vs. Running to the shop tomorrow. Would like to stay around $600.

Have thought about a P220, might still need to go that route. Just picked up a 5906 TSW for something different.

[Martowski]

If the right handgun came along I'd go higher. Picked up a like new condition 1996 Les Baer a few months back. Cost me more than a few bones, but got a great deal.

[Kwik2010]

Maybe something off the wall like a Blackhawk .357 with a 9mm conversion cylinder? Not sure it's all that practical but I love having at least one single action in my collection and this one would fit your available ammo 3 fold. Not knowing what use you're looking for that's my suggestion.

[Hal]

You need a .44 Remington Magnum.....

@ this point in my life, I'm even willing to conceed that a Ruger would be acceptable , instead of a S&W M29 .

It's like twice your budget though,,,,,,but,,,oh so much fun!

[old bear]

Martowski, it sounds as if all of your handguns are auto loaders, why not try a revolver, this time? Being a died in the wool Smith and Wesson guy, I would suggest either a model 19 or 66 as a Start.

[jonnyc]

Hi-Power, Luger, P38, Radom....

[Martowski]

Great suggestions. I actually have a few revolvers: a 6 inch 686, 4 inch 67, Blackhawk in .357, and a Hi Standard Sentinal in .22. Unfortunately, my range does not permit magnum handgun loads so even if I were to pick up a .44 Mag I could only shoot specials through it (odd, yes, I know, but not my rules). I do have a Hi Power Practical and a Walther P1 (alloy framed post war P38), but no Luger.

Old Bear, I love the S&W revolvers. I won't buy one with the safety lock, and my 67 is an older pinned barrel pistol. My 686, of course, isn't as old, but still a 686-1. :-)

Keep the ideas coming! :-)

[Targa]

Find a new range so you can sling the magnum rounds and pick up the .44mag Hal suggested.... I know you wanted to stay in certain calibers but the .327 has certainly been enticing me lately.

[lee n. field]

Originally Posted by Martowski

Several years back I felt like I wanted something new, but couldn't think of anything that was really unique or different than what I already had (or had tried) in handguns. That resulted in someone suggesting a 9mm 1911, which I have now owned three and enjoyed each one (current one, a Dan Wesson PM9, is a keeper). Well, I'm kind of in the same situation now.

I own a number of 9mms, some striker fired, some DA/SA, and (as previously stated), 1911s. I own several .45 1911s, both with and w/o rails, and an FN FNP-45 for a non-1911 .45. I've got a couple striker fired .40's, and a few revolvers in .38 and .357. Have a couple .22 handguns as well.

What am I missing that is handgun Nirvana? I don't want to go outside .22, 9mm, .38/.357, .40, or .45 at this point if I can help it (but will admit a 10mm has crossed my mind). I've tried a number of other handguns, including CZ-75 and various variants.

So, what's not here? I have thought about picking up a Luger at some point, but that would be for no practical purpose and just for the fun of it.

Single action revolver.

[BillM]

Revolver in 45 ACP. Colt or S&W 1917 if you like old iron. S&W made several newer models--I have a 5" 625 and a 1917. Would love to find a decent 1950 Target!
If you are more into single action Ruger makes a Blackhawk in 45 Colt/45 ACP.

[Martowski]

Ranges are kind of a limited asset. I'm in the north DFW area and it's hard to find good, laid back outdoor ranges that aren't super crowded.

Got the SA revolver covered with the Blackhawk, but thanks!

[PatientWolf]

I own a number of 9mms, some striker fired, some DA/SA, and (as previously stated), 1911s. I own several .45 1911s, both with and w/o rails, and an FN FNP-45 for a non-1911 .45. I've got a couple striker fired .40's, and a few revolvers in .38 and .357. Have a couple .22 handguns as well.

You have 1911s and an FNP-45 and a "bunch of other guns". Sorry, but for me that makes a suggestion for what you are missing difficult since I really don't know what you have.

[tony pasley]

HK USP Tactical in 45 acp.
Luger p 08
Colt 1st. Gen. SAA

[Powermwt]

If you are interested in going outside the box how about black powder... TC Patriot or some such.

Also, along the same vein a single shot pistol like the TC Contender or Encore.

For that price I'm not sure you can get something like a S&W 41 .22...

[CDR_Glock]

I have a lot of guns and they range in caliber from 22 LR all the way up to 500 S&W. I outlined my journey in the last year when I bought a 44, and went incrementally up to the 500. I’m also a reloader, so it was a learning curve for me to reload single stage large bore Magnums. My intention is to hunt with them. I’ll use my S&W 460 or one of my 44 Magnums.

Here are some suggestions:

Kimber K6S 6 shoot revolver but it’s out of your budget.

Rock River TCM 22/9mm 1911. It rivals the FN 5.7 pistol.

Smith and Wesson 22 LR revolver.

You could get an optics ready pistol, but optics can vary in price from $200 to $500 for a quality optic.

But it sounds like you really don’t need anything. Particularly if you want to stay in those calibers.

I personally have the 22 LR, 22 WMR, 5.7 mm, 380 ACP, 9 mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, 460 S&W and the 500 S&W. I reload for the 357 and up, in Magnums, as well as the 45 ACP.

Your other option is to get into reloading ammunition.


Instagram: MuzzleblastMD

[BBarn]

Bisley Blackhawk in 45 Colt, Dual cylinder 45Auto/45 Colt, or dual cylinder 357/9mm. Blows well past the $600 budget though.

[Prof Young]

Martowski:
Do you own some little guns? Derringers or an NAA revolver? They are fun range toys. I've shot an NAA 22LR. Hard to hang on to, it wants to jump out of your hand, but fun to shoot. I've owned shot, enjoyed a bunch and sold off a 22 magnum derringer. Seriously a lot of fun. How about a Seecamp semi auto. Pricey but supposed to be well made and a seriously different little gun.

Just a though.

Life is good.
Prof Young

[Martowski]

Interesting suggestions, thank you. I'm already reloading for all my pistol calibers so that part is covered (using a four hole Lee Classic Turret press).

I'm begnning to wonder if another "modern" design isn't really what I need, but maybe think about saving some more pennies up for a longer period and picking up a decent shooter P.08 at some point. Wouldn't be a practical pistol, but might be just plain fun to own.

[surveyor]

S&W 17,18,25-2,625 would be my choices in 22 and 45 acp.

[44 AMP]

When you get to the point of asking "what's missing from my collection", you are past the point of needing something to be practical as justification.

or, at least, I am...

SA .357 is good, the classic caliber is .45 Colt, so that might be a possibility. USED guns are more likely to be in your price range, and used guns aren't ALL beat to death, though some that aren't look like they are on the outside.

A P.08 is a good addition, a piece of history, but don't look for one in the $600 range unless you have a time machine.

In a completely different direction, the single shot Contender is something you might consider. I wasted about 30 years by never considering one, because its "only" a single shot. One nice thing about a Contender is that you can get barrels to match all the other pistol calibers you have. It can get expensive, but no one says you have to get them all at once..


Lots of possibilities, you can go for another variation of what you already have and like, or you can go in radically different direction, its all up to you.

[jetinteriorguy]

Browning HiPower. Until you've had one you don't know what your missing.

[FITASC]

HK P7 - unique squeeze-cocking mechanism that is fun t shoot and accurate; but it will be over $600.

[Ricklin]

I too suggest the Contender, def. different. Very very accurate.

I love love love the trigger on mine, breaks like that proverbial glass rod. I have yet to buy more barrels, but always have my eyes open for them.

Mine is in .44 mag right now, I think my next barrel will be .17 or .22 centerfire.

I do like scoped pistols, and the new barrel will be wearing a scope.