Looking for a new pistol

[SV_Dude]

So, I'm looking for a new pistol and need some input. I'm really looking for a .45 because I have been buying ammo for one because I was telling myself that was the next gun I was going to buy. I am a big fan of the 1911 design but am not opposed to a polymer pistol, just not glocks. I need one with a rail system on the bottom and the price needs to be around 1k or less.

I'm not opposed to a .40 but I was told that due to the .40 being a high pressure round that the gun wears out faster than it should... Any input here?

Given the above information, what gun would you buy? Btw, it needs to be a full size 4.5" barrel. I already have an emp9 so the full size gun will be for the truck and home use.

 

[aha2988]

So, I'm looking for a new pistol and need some input. I'm really looking for a .45 because I have been buying ammo for one because I was telling myself that was the next gun I was going to buy. I am a big fan of the 1911 design but am not opposed to a polymer pistol, just not glocks. I need one with a rail system on the bottom and the price needs to be around 1k or less.

I'm not opposed to a .40 but I was told that due to the .40 being a high pressure round that the gun wears out faster than it should... Any input here?

Given the above information, what gun would you buy? Btw, it needs to be a full size 4.5" barrel. I already have an emp9 so the full size gun will be for the truck and home use.

with the .40 being high pressure it will wear faster than say a 9mm or a .45 but your talking 50,000 rounds until it even becomes a differing factor. An it's the barrel that wears out which is typically replaceable relatively inexpensive. The barrel just wears to the point where accuracy is lost. It's not like the gun is going to explode in your hands once you reach a certain number of thousands of shots fired. I have a Glock 22 full size .40 as a EDC and love it. It's a second gen retired police training pistol so it's been used and has a little wear but even after the police training and my target practice it still fires true and accurate as a new one with the unknown amount of rounds it has seen. just for reference the police departments retire there training pistols every two years.

I'd recommend a glock as far as the polymer pistols goes (just my favorite gun not really everyone has that opinion) but you said your not interested in one of those so your looking at either XD or an S&W m&p to get the rail on the front. There may be other options but these are what i'm familiar with. The 1911's are just pain nice lol but I've never seen them as a tactical style weapon. Basically I'd never put any attachments on a 1911.

with that said If i had to choose between S&W or an XD. I'd go with the XD I seem to prefer there grips better. all in all these are my opinions to take witha grain of salt but I figured I'd jump in a perhaps a learn a thing or two.

 

[Hulley]

If you already have an EMP (very nice BTW) then I would definitly stick to the same platform. I've always heard good things about Springfield Armory so I would look there. S.A. would be my first choice. You could save weight by going with an aluminum frame and a 4" Commander size. Full size is 5" and in an all steel gun is pretty heavy. I had a SS PT1911 fullsize and it was 44oz empty, shot like a dream though.

If it were me, I would look for a Sig P220. Great gun, simple manual of arms and very reliable and accurate. Plus could be had for under $1k.

 

[bofa]

In that price range you have a lot of options, so it might help to list some preferences. That's BS about the 40... just get what you are comfortable with. I will also throw 357 sigma into the mix because I had a lot of fun shooting that recently. Also keep in mind that, depending on the pistol, you may need to get it before July 1st, that is if you want higher cap mags.

So do you have any preferences in brand, ammo, features aside from the rail? Hell for 1k you could probably land a quality polymer and a low end (but decent quality) 1911. Two guns is better than one! :reddance:

 

[LandCruiser]

Sounds like you want a Colt Commander (they run about 900).

Sig P220 would also suit you well, they're cheaper and come with Siglite H3 sights for about 800.

 

[bofa]

Was just checking some prices... For $1000 you could get a nicer 1911 or a decent full sized Sig like mentioned above. You could also get a nice Beretta for a little less.

For the two gun route, you could get a full size Taurus 1911 in .45 (or RIA if you have something against Taurus.... I haven't had any problems with either) AND a S&W Sigma (SD9VE is 9mm or SD40VE is 40) or maybe even a full size MP (comes in 9, 40, 357s, or 45).

 

[SV_Dude]

A local gun shop (on post at ft carson) has a Springfield xdm comp series 9mm. I'm really leaning towards that. It has the rail system, full size gun and it has a 19 round mag. The mag cap is a huge reason for me wanting that gun right now because here soon, I won't be able to buy that because of the new retarded laws that will come into effect soon in Colorado.

I think later down the road ill get good sig or kimber 1911.

 

[Thai]

45 vs. 40...i would get the one that has cheaper ammo. Cheap ammo = lots of practice experience without breaking bank.

Is this for carry or just home defense or fun?`

 

[Thai]

A local gun shop (on post at ft carson) has a Springfield xdm comp series 9mm. I'm really leaning towards that. It has the rail system, full size gun and it has a 19 round mag. The mag cap is a huge reason for me wanting that gun right now because here soon, I won't be able to buy that because of the new retarded laws that will come into effect soon in Colorado.

I think later down the road ill get good sig or kimber 1911.

9mm is nice...my favorite because it is cheap to buy (relatively), thus affording lots of practice. I would get Winchester PDX (my favorite) or other high quality hollows at 147 grain.

If this is for carry, then i would pay attention to what type of trigger you want. Personally, I don't favor 1911 nor Glock-like triggers for my carry pistol because of either dealing with safety lever or accidental discharge in a high adrenaline situation. For me, i like DA/SA type arrangement because of the built-in safety of DA but no safety lever to mess around with. DA-only pistols have given me headaches in the past with accuracy and long pulls.

 

[SV_Dude]

45 vs. 40...i would get the one that has cheaper ammo. Cheap ammo = lots of practice experience without breaking bank.

Is this for carry or just home defense or fun?`

This is for home/truck defense and fun shooting. I have an emp9 for a carry pistol.

Not too worried about ammo, usually it's not too hard for me to scrounge up a couple hundred rounds of whatever I need. I do however have a nice stash of 9mm and a few hundred rounds of 45.

 

[Thai]

This is for home/truck defense and fun shooting. I have an emp9 for a carry pistol.

Forgive me for a dumb statement by me...but i never understood the reasoning behind a gun in the car for defense. Why would you leave a gun in a car? I understand if you had to go somewhere that does not allow conceal carry and thus, you leave it in the car temporarily. But, to have a permanent gun in a car just does not make sense to me.

Your gun should already be on your body. Leaving a gun in a car just asking for more trouble if your car got jacked/stolen. In addition, unless it is locked in glove box, the gun is also accessible to other passengers, including kids. (You won't always remember that you have a gun in a car.) And if it is locked up in a car, then what good is it at all?? I don't know what CO laws are like, but are cops comfortable with guns in a car? In Texas, this is OK but unless you're a CCW, it is still a bit uncomfortable for cops. I always announce that i am carrying (or not) when i hand over my license and CCW permit anytime i am stopped by a cop.

 

[aha2988]

Forgive me for a dumb statement by me...but i never understood the reasoning behind a gun in the car for defense. Why would you leave a gun in a car? I understand if you had to go somewhere that does not allow conceal carry and thus, you leave it in the car temporarily. But, to have a permanent gun in a car just does not make sense to me.

Your gun should already be on your body. Leaving a gun in a car just asking for more trouble if your car got jacked/stolen. In addition, unless it is locked in glove box, the gun is also accessible to other passengers, including kids. (You won't always remember that you have a gun in a car.) And if it is locked up in a car, then what good is it at all?? I don't know what CO laws are like, but are cops comfortable with guns in a car? In Texas, this is OK but unless you're a CCW, it is still a bit uncomfortable for cops. I always announce that i am carrying (or not) when i hand over my license and CCW permit anytime i am stopped by a cop.

I have this debate in my head every time I leave my gun in the truck. It's useless in the glove box. As well I'm always worried what if someone broke into the truck and stole the handgun specially someone that shouldn't be able to have a gun to begin with. The only time i have it in the glove box is when I pull onto property I'm not aloud to carry on otherwise it just rides in the passenger seat ready to use. When pulled over or in a traffic situation where I'm I.D'd by a cop, they just ask for permission to run the serial numbers and typically like to remove the firearm from my reach (such as placing it on the hood) until our conversation is completed then they hand it back to me. That's North Carolina for you though open carry is aloud throughout the state. I just keep my hands on the steering wheel until asked to do anything else. I haven't had any law enforcement give me any trouble they just appreciate not having a potential threat while conducting there duties.

I never leave the gun in the truck over night or unattended for any extended amount of time. Also when anyone under the age of 18 gets into the vehicle it goes right into the locked glove box useless there yes but at least the adolescent are not in reach.

 

[bofa]

I kind of understand the gun in the truck. I typically carry but if for some reason I leave it at home or find myself in a situation where I wish I had brought it with me or need a back-up, I'd rather have that option. Plus if your SO is not licensed to carry but may need access in the car, then locked up but accessible is a good alternative. Also, if going to a place that doesnt allow guns or loaded guns, it may be less conspicuous to not have to disarm in the parking lot. I wouldn't leave it out in the open or unlocked, but it doesn't seem totally out of the question to me.

 

[bofa]

9mm is nice...my favorite because it is cheap to buy (relatively), thus affording lots of practice. I would get Winchester PDX (my favorite) or other high quality hollows at 147 grain.

If this is for carry, then i would pay attention to what type of trigger you want. Personally, I don't favor 1911 nor Glock-like triggers for my carry pistol because of either dealing with safety lever or accidental discharge in a high adrenaline situation. For me, i like DA/SA type arrangement because of the built-in safety of DA but no safety lever to mess around with. DA-only pistols have given me headaches in the past with accuracy and long pulls.

Meh, the 1911 has a grip safety as well so you don't necessary need to use the lever safety, although I do if that's what I'm carrying. That said, it's probably one of the easiest safeties to manipulate in a high pressure situation.

As for the trigger, I guess it's just preference, but if LEOs trust their life to them I can't see why I wouldn't. If accuracy is a problem, it's probably not the trigger.

I'm fortunate to say I've not been in a high adrenaline situation as you describe, but I don't draw with my finger on the trigger either.

 

[Thai]

As for the trigger, I guess it's just preference, but if LEOs trust their life to them I can't see why I wouldn't. If accuracy is a problem, it's probably not the trigger.

I'm fortunate to say I've not been in a high adrenaline situation as you describe, but I don't draw with my finger on the trigger either.

Well, LEOs also practice & train more than me (i hope). As for accuracy, i am sure that it is me, but a long DA pull has never been a poster child for accuracy. And long DA pull is the new thing now with all DA-only triggers. (My past experiences with long DA-only pull include Sig P290, P290RS, and Kahr PM9...so, i am ONLY talking about my eperiences with THESE pistols.)

For me (again, a beginner by all accounts), having a safety lever is just one EXTRA thing that i have to think (or train for) about when crisis hits. You're right, your hand should never be on the trigger until it needs to be...but this again, is why i don't like safety levers. In a crisis situation, my adrenaline is pumping, my mind is probably in panic mode...do i trust that my muscle memory will remember the trigger safety lever?? Same for glock triggers...how many stories have we heard of TRAINED glock owners/cops shooting themselves in the groin (femoral) during shooting competition/training?? I have heard a few. Enough to scare me away from it.

Again, note, i am ONLY talking about myself and my paranoia. I am a chickensh!t by nature.

 

[bofa]

Well, LEOs also practice & train more than me (i hope). As for accuracy, i am sure that it is me, but a long DA pull has never been a poster child for accuracy. And long DA pull is the new thing now with all DA-only triggers. (My past experiences with long DA-only pull include Sig P290, P290RS, and Kahr PM9...so, i am ONLY talking about my eperiences with THESE pistols.)

For me (again, a beginner by all accounts), having a safety lever is just one EXTRA thing that i have to think (or train for) about when crisis hits. You're right, your hand should never be on the trigger until it needs to be...but this again, is why i don't like safety levers. In a crisis situation, my adrenaline is pumping, my mind is probably in panic mode...do i trust that my muscle memory will remember the trigger safety lever?? Same for glock triggers...how many stories have we heard of TRAINED glock owners/cops shooting themselves in the groin (femoral) during shooting competition/training?? I have heard a few. Enough to scare me away from it.

Again, note, i am ONLY talking about myself and my paranoia. I am a chickensh!t by nature.

Yep, no worries - it's all about what you are comfortable with. Just don't let something new and uncomfortable deter you from training yourself. I practice drawing a lot from various places and positions with different guns (unloaded or with snap caps if I have them). I too don't want to be one of those dumbasses that gets anxious with the trigger and shoots himself. My theory is if you are pulling the trigger that soon you probably had no intent on actually aiming in the first place.

 

[aha2988]

I've tried multiple times to get my glock to fire without me pulling the trigger or having the weight of the gun held up my trigger finger on the trigger and it just won't or hasn't done it. Not saying it's impossible but I have to feel as if something went horribly wrong in the accounts of accidental fires of glocks.

**note the next story is extremely unsafe and not recommended as well as in violation of all hand gun safety**

I've even tried the old "cow boy" trick of spinning the glock around my trigger finger loaded, still no firing until i stopped the gun and actually squeezed the trigger. Again not saying it's impossible but I've at least tested the trigger safety for my own personal knowledge of the operation of my handgun.

yeah I'm a little dumb and risky at times, sometimes my curiosity gets the best of me.

 

[bofa]

I've tried multiple times to get my glock to fire without me pulling the trigger or having the weight of the gun held up my trigger finger on the trigger and it just won't or hasn't done it. Not saying it's impossible but I have to feel as if something went horribly wrong in the accounts of accidental fires of glocks.

**note the next story is extremely unsafe and not recommended as well as in violation of all hand gun safety**

I've even tried the old "cow boy" trick of spinning the glock around my trigger finger loaded, still no firing until i stopped the gun and actually squeezed the trigger. Again not saying it's impossible but I've at least tested the trigger safety for my own personal knowledge of the operation of my handgun.

yeah I'm a little dumb and risky at times, sometimes my curiosity gets the best of me.

Man, get yourself some snap caps before you shoot your eye out. :lol:

I wonder if those with AD modified their trigger any. I know when I put in a ghost trigger in mine I had to do some trial and error adjusting before it operated correctly. Oh, and sorry for straying off topic SV... this forum does make for some good gun conversations though.

 

[Thai]

My theory is if you are pulling the trigger that soon you probably had no intent on actually aiming in the first place.

I understand what you're saying...i just hate new things! (I also got burned badly with being one of the first owner of Sig P290!)

The above quoted statement is true...and i am going to take it OUT OF CONTEXT...so bare with me.

For me as a CCW holder, if i do draw my gun (from my hip IWB holster), then i am going to use it to defend myself...not to scare. Now, in all likelihood, this will ONLY happen if something dangerous is coming at me at very close distance...or something horrific is happening right in front of me. (Note, i am no cop.) So, with that in mind, my first shot will be at (very) close range. I will NOT have time to aim...it won't be needed. Remember, this is a desparation attempt to defend me and my family. THIS is why i am perfectly OK with a DA (double action) trigger. Obviously, afterwards, the SA will help with follow-up shots (if needed).

In other words, IF you have the time to aim (or need to) on your first shot, then IMHO, you should NOT be drawing your weapon out in the first place. I would not think that a juror will see that as defending yourself from imminent danger. Again, i understand that many folks have been judged innocently for these similar actions. I applaud these folks. HOWEVER, this is an area that can be very "grey" in many cases and to the juror...and laws may not protect you in such circumstances if evidence leans away from you (for any reason).

Again, you guys know that i am an NRA member and gun supporter. Just stating what i think.

 

[aha2988]

Man, get yourself some snap caps before you shoot your eye out. :lol:

lol I did test the idea with the gun cocked but not chambered, with a full mag. Then I just had to test it while loaded. Probably not my smartest move but it was a learning experience