I enjoy collecting pistols, and I really enjoy finding good deals. I try to fit my purchases into groups (ammo, design characteristics etc), to tie the guns into each other, and definitely to save on shared ammo.

Gonna keep this short and sweet- I'm budgeting $300 ($325 max), and want to go in 2 specific classes:

1. 9mm Fullsize Metal Frame, preferably DA/SA, hi-cap, thinking 70's to 90's vintage.
   • not going over the hard ceiling
   • no glocks, or other polymer guns
   • I have the following: CZ 75, Beretta 92FS, Sig P226, Star 30MI, S&W 915 (and 39-2), Zastava CZ 99, FEG 9HP
   • Don't want duplicates, or near-duplicates, unless a fantastic value comes my way.
   • No, I don't want a new SAR or any such thing, not now.
2. .32 ACP, metal frame, old- pre-80's for sure, preferably pre WW2 vintage
   • I have the following: CZ 27 (in early, prewar condition, with slanted slide serrations), Savage 1907
   • These are my two newest purchases, and they were good deals, both $225 or under

Regarding the 9 mm's, I'm starting to hit a wall. Some guns (Walther P88, HKP7 series etc) aren't ever going to be found that low; some (S&W 5906) are very similar to what I have, and yet others are going to be in an even tighter price range (for example, after getting the CZ, Sig and Beretta for a hair over $300, I'm not going that same price for a Ruger P85. Now, I got the FEG and the Zastava for approx $200, that's more reasonable, relatively speaking).

Not sure what all is left; I do see the occasional Daewoo DP 51 in that range, and was considering one when I found the Sig. Beyond that, maybe(?) a PA 15, if I get very lucky; or the budget models like Ruger or Taurus (although the PT 92 is both a budget gun, and a near clone of the Beretta; two strikes there. Would have to be both nice looking and a smoking deal).

Re the .32's, this looks a little more like an open field. I want to keep them older.

What are suggestions? Thanks!

While I am NOT going to tell you what to get I WILL suggest that instead of buying a gun based mostly on price but based on what you really want. I'd suggest a few things.......

1) shoot examples of different guns until you decide what you want.
2) if it's more than you want to spend ($325) SAVE UP a little more and get what you REALLY want instead of settling. When you buy price - - you buy twice!
3) also consider ammo caliber, price & availability. Are you planning on reloading for it?
4) In the end, the best way to proceed is to collect QUALITY and NOT quantity!! Just my .02 cents.........

Hi there OP,

In 9mm, what about a Bersa Thunder Pro 9?
It's the sidearm of the Argentinian Police and Military.
I had one and stupidly sold it. Really great gun, many reviews available.



In .32 ACP, I'd go for a Colt 1903 or 1908.



Or a CZ 50 or 70.



Have fun on the hunt!

In the mid 80's nobody wanted 32 ACP's. You could find any number of pre WWII 32's for under $50! Now pocket pistols are in and the prices are up. But for less than $250 you should be able to find many Astras, Rubys, Mauser's, and even Berettas. You should find Kel-Tec 32 for less than $300 new, but only a little less used. The Walthers and Colts are going run a lot more! (But as late as 2005 I saw great condition Colts at $350).

I have always enjoyed 32's, both autos and revolvers (Nickel, top break revolvers are lovingly called "Pimp Guns"), I buy every box of 32 ammo I find cheep! I have an ammo can full of Winchester and Remington ball ammo with price tags from stores that went out of business 30+ years ago: Buckeye Mart, Woolco, Gold Circle and a few others. Retail was around $3.79, but the seasonal close out was usually 50% off. And when they went under, I got several boxes at 90% off! (I have several thousand 22's that way also)

Ivan

Good points, thank you.

I don't NEED a new gun, haven't for a long time now. I am completely satisfied with what I have.

I have been, since I got my CZ 75. It's a '92, round trigger guard and no firing pin block. I absolutely love that gun.

Like my post states, I am looking at 80's/90's era, hi-capacity, metal frame, full size DA/SA pistols. I currently have 6 different pistols that meet that condition. 3 are still current production, but the oldest is a 91, the newest is a 94.

I have listed the manufacturers of the ones I have: Sig, Beretta, CZ, S&W, Zastava, Star.
Forget price, as that can confuse the issue ...

what all is left, that is an original design?

Yeah, a couple years ago a LGS had a Colt 1903 or 1907 for $400, somebody refinished it but it looked nice. I passed, haven't come across one at that price since. Argh.

Re the CZ 50's and 70's; I'm kind of looking earlier; but maybe I should broaden the field.
I remember them being $100 at gun shows, now they are climbing the same as the Makarovs. I did get in on those, maybe I better move on the Commie era CZ and FEG .32s (heck, a good FEG in .32 is mighty close to a Walther, for a lot less).

As for .32 ACPs, you might still be able to find a few FN 1910s and 1922s (John Browning designed and licensed to FN) laying around at a decent price. A 1910 was my first carry piece, back in the Stone Age, and it was a great little shooter and CC pistol. Both are all steel and very high quality, but SA only.

Good hunting.

1. PM sent on a 32 acp
2. The Colt 1903 & 1908 are gonna start around $500.