I've changed my "collecting" (accumulating?) strategy.

I began by buying good, solid, shoot-able pistols at good prices.

I ended up with a bunch of S&W's, FEG/HP clones, Tanfoglios, Taurus, and some Stars...both pistols and revolvers.

I gradually upgraded and filled in with a Browning HP, Berettas, Walthers, and now Sigs.

I've got five pistols I could sell/trade for one or two really good guns. I really like these five guns, but in the scheme of things they are not as "good" or historic, or iconic, as some others and they don't fill any particular niche for carry (my Shield is for that) or bedside (Sig 2022 with light for that).

(I'm not chest-thumping or anything...but have some nice 9mm Walthers, Sigs, Berettas, S&Ws, Stars, a BHP, and Lahti M40.)

I'm thinking about trading/selling one or two or all of these guns for one or two "grail" type 9mm pistols.

Here's what's on the potential for sale list: S&W SD9VE, Star 30PK, Astra A100, Cougar 8000 (the Turkish one), and a completely refurbed Taurus PT99.

My question is: what to get?

My list has Sig 210, Sig 220 in 9mm, Walther P88, and Luger P08 on it.

What else might fit into the category? I'm not looking for a collector's piece or anything with a Nazi stamp on it. I don't need a souped up race gun or something for competition. Just a great, shootable, classic gun in place of a bunch of very good, shootable, not-so-classic guns.

I'd be happy to keep what I have, but I think I'd be happier with something really nice.

Suggestions? Comments? Am I goofy?

Buy what you like not what others tell you to get.

If you want a shooter then you should get a gun that's comfortable for you to accurately shoot. If you want a collector just spend the money and put it away.

That's my suggestion.

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Jorge

No, not goofy at all! I've been a collector of this and that all my life and one thing I know for sure is that from time to time things must go in order to get what is really special.

Your grail list includes the Sig P210. I'm very fortunate to own a vintage one from 1952. The first time I put this gun in my hands it just screamed QUALITY! For fit, finish and aesthetics, I believe it to be the finest gun I own. However, due to its pristine condition it is a safe queen. I hope you can get one of your own.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

The P210 would be high on my list as well. One other consideration might be an H&K P7. I prefer the single stack M8 over the M13. 9mm, of course. It represents engineering genius, high quality, excellent functionality and good accuracy. It is also really cool looking.

All good choices. The "right" Hi Power could be on that list as well.

The Sig 210 is an excellent choice. I would also suggest any of the S&W 952's. A Sig X5 is an excellent choice as well.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

A nice Mauser, perhaps, but they're pricy.

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It doesn't get more classic than a P08. Nice shooters condition guns can be found in the $1000-1500 range.

I do enjoy mine.

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Bill Bates

Narrowing it down to three:

H&K P7M8; Sig 220 9mm; and P08 (but I really gotta figure these out. I want a shooter grade, don't care/want any Nazi marked as I don't collect that stuff; it's gotta be one I'm not afraid to shoot 'cause it's soooo valuable as collector's piece.)

Also would be on the lookout for Walther P4 (short-barred P38/P1) and any of the other German police "P" pistols ala Astra P3 (600/43); H&K P10 (USP here in US); and P8 (H&K USP compact).

Think my next step is to see what I'd get from my LGS for the five guns I'm willing to trade in and/or sell them on the local Armslist, WA gun forums, and maybe gunbroker.

It 's a nice hobby, when one isn't actually shooting there's still interesting ways to enjoy the sport.

Sounds to me you don't need to do anything except enjoy what you have. It's always better to want something than to have it. Ask anyone who married a pretty woman.

You know the strange thing about "grail" guns????? ...no matter what, they always slip through your fingers, because once attained they are no longer the grail. I have several "former" grail guns.

Sodacan beat me to it, I'm lucky enough to own a H&K P7 PSP, the original P7 squeeze cocker. I think it is an engineering marvel. I believe there are only 4 moving pieces in the entire pistol. The P7 M8 version is the "Americanized" version with the frame mounted magazine release, rather than the heel clip or "European" magazine release. The M8 also has a small plastic heat shield over the trigger guard that prevents one of the problems of the P7 - it gets very hot after repeated or rapid firing. Frankly, I've never had an issue with the heat, but I'm not one of those "high-speed, low-drag" types. The main problem with the H&Ks is the one that has always existed - the high cost. They are pricey, but they are nice.

By the way, I wouldn't mind owning a Luger or a Sig 210, either.

Best of luck,

Dave

SIG 210 first choice and P08 next. That is how I would do it.

Another vote for the Sig 210. The 2 that I have had the pleasure of shooting were scary accurate. The fit and finish were superb as was the action.

A 210 is on my "grail list" too. Someday.

TRE

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Fine guns and fine smokes.

No handgun collection is complete without a P08.

"H&K P10 (USP here in US)"

The German military version of the USP would be the P8 , the police have the USP compact as a P10 but it is barely issued, from what I know and not commonly known under that designation..

The P49, also known as a P210-4 was iissued to the BGS and demands a premium over the P210 civilian guns, without giving much of an advantage to a shooter.

A good P.08 shooter should be Mauser made ( or Swiss) because of superior metalurgy and my P88 is retired since over two decades.





If you want shooters, a Swiss P210, Mauser P.08 and surplus P1 will do.

I took a peek inside my P7 When I first got it. A LOT more than 4 pieces there.
I think that it;s a toss up between shooting my P7 and my shooter grade P08.
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I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

Yes...but I said MOVING pieces.

Regards,

Dave

Why not go for the......................"Trifecta" of European Police guns.....

Walther P-5

Sig P-6

H&K P-7


throw in my favorite....... Beretta 92 Compact Type-M...... single stack (8+1) compact 92

I'm holding out for the best of both worlds--the Webley-
Fosbery Self-cocking Automatic Revolver. Just waiting for the prices to drop a bit...

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de minimus non curat lex

I'd vote for a Sig P210 or P49. The slide on mine feels like it's running on lubed ball bearings and is the most accurate 9MM I own.
My grail gun is a K31 serial # 876799. It was issued to the soldier who was the previous owner of my P210. I'd love to reunite the two.

With you owning a Swiss P210 you are prejudiced and spoiled! Just as much as I am .

Lots of P210 love here. Here's mine from ca. 1952. I've posted these before but oh well.

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I'm gonna grow fins.