Posted on 01/06/2003 10:27:26 AM PST by 2oakes
I am trying to choose a handgun for a variety of purposes - target, practical pistol and also for home defense.
I used to shoot a bit when I was in the UK until they took our guns away, but since moving to the US and gaining citizenship, I wish to take up shooting again.
I have been pointed to the Sig Sauer P226 which fits my hands just fine (the Glock 21 is just too big) but would like to seek the opinions of other Freepers before buying.
Thank you
David
Agreed. Heavy recoil with a .45 is pretty much myth. I have an alloy frame .45 (Taurus PT-945) and the recoil is still minimal, absolutely nothing like a .357. I don't think I'd want to have a .45 in an ultra-light polymer gun though.
Also, the nice thing about the H&K USP series is that you can carry it locked in single-action mode also if you want. One of the features I've always liked about that pistol is that you can carry it in either SA or DA depending on personal preference at the moment.
And I second the H&K USP recommendation. Excellent pistols and great performers.
LOL!!!! (I had to restrain myself, really I did.)
We hear you loud and clear.
We're trying, we're trying, believe me!
I have an Army issue .38 Enfield and a .455 Webley still chambered for its original caliber (a lot of them over here have been modified to take .45 ACP with half moon clips).
Have you considered the Webley? Although you would have to reload for it, think of the advantages . . . huge cloud of flame and smoke intimidates the opposition, enormous lead pill albeit travelling about the speed of a fossilized snail with lumbago, and if you empty the cylinder you simply smite the opponent over the head with the empty gun and knock him unconscious . . . (g) Actually, I love my Webley, people laugh when I sit down to the piano but it's a surprisingly accurate revolver and absolutely no recoil (because it weighs a ton. You'd have to carry a brick in your other pocket so you wouldn't tip over . . . )
While the choice between a Glock type pistol and an non plastic 1911 is a personal choice (I own both types) that I won't argue with anyone, a 1911 does not cost 1500 bucks. You can buy a fine used piece for less than a third of that and a new loaded springfield for about 600 bucks with night sights. I never had a problem with my 1911 failing in any way. No FTF, FTE, and have used junk and top end mags with it.
You can convince people that Glocks are better than 1911s without pretending the only ones on the market are top end custom jobs that cost more than a teenager's auto insurance premium.
Bravo. And Ditto. Well said.
That's pretty much what I've got in the Witness, and I love it. The porting reduces muzzle flip and I believe the polymer frame absorbs or at least streches out, the recoil. Wintess is a CZ-75 "clone" although with polymer frame and in a compact configuration.
Did you ever get a chance to fire those fine old Enfields? They have quite a following in the U.S. I started the reloading hobby with .303 British and a well-used 1941 Lee Enfield No. 4, MK I.
I have bought old military junkers for a couple hundred in perfect (but rattly) working order. I don't think I've ever spent more than about $600 for any of 'em, on some I've sunk a hundred or two into customizing, but nowhere NEAR $1500! That's stratospheric!
Compared to what? No, 45ACP is not that hot, but it certainly recoils MUCH harder than 9mm, and somewhat harder than 40SW.
Anybody that can shoot a full house 45 well, will usually shoot a 9mm or 40 better, at least where speed is a factor.
doing what I can...
As you may have noticed, it's possible to rent a gun by the hour to shoot at indoor commercial pistol ranges. Look 'em up in the Yellow Pages. Since you've some experience with the 1911 and revolvers, you might start there. See what else they've in the rental case, and try them, too. I played that game for several months before finding "true love" with the XXXXXXXX pistol. That was the one that felt like it was designed to fit my hand. And I can shoot it quickly and accurately. With any luck at all, you'll have a similar experience. It might even be your old buddy the 1911. It wasn't for me, though.
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