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Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


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Old 06-06-2018, 06:05 PM
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Default One gun, limited finances

This would be one gun for travel, home, owb. I’m looking at the M&P 9 compact 2.0, or a revolver. I’ve had a 9c before, but not a revolver. What are your thoughts? Money is an issue.
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Old 06-06-2018, 06:18 PM
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M2.0C hands down. 16 rounds should be plenty for HD/CCW.
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Old 06-06-2018, 06:32 PM
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A 'Compact', regardless of brand (G19, SR9c, M&P9c, XD Service, etc) makes for a very good 'All-Around' handgun.
(Range, Home Defense, Carry and even Competition)

Last edited by RobzGuns; 06-06-2018 at 06:35 PM.
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Old 06-06-2018, 07:00 PM
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I Love my M&P .380 Shield EZ. 2.0 Rocks.
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Old 06-06-2018, 07:35 PM
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Honestly if all I had was a choice of one gun with limited funds then I'd seriously consider a police trade Glock 22/23 or M&P 40. They can be had for around 300 bux.

If you really like revolvers then consider a new s&w 642. They can be had for around the same cost, 300 bux +/- a few.
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Old 06-06-2018, 07:46 PM
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Agree, LEO trade-ins are the way to go.
Haven't been "Bubbaed".
There are some crazy bargains here, especially if you go for the now unfashionable 40 S&W.
M&P 40 $265.
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Old 06-06-2018, 07:56 PM
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For me, it would be a snub revolver hands down. The 642 is a good choice.

I own several semi-autos's, but I progressively have less and less practical use for them.

The autoloaders primary advantages are capacity and quicker reloads, but the need for those qualities just isn't really there for the armed civilian. See how many civilian self-defense encounters you can find where 5 rounds was inadequate or a reload was necessary. Then see how many cases you can find where an auto experienced a malfunction during the course of a defense situation and compare that with ones you can find involving a malfunction with a revolver.

Civilian defense encounters generally unfold quickly at very close distances and are resolved one way or the other in a very short time frame. The snub revolver(in particular enclosed hammer models) offer numerous advantages in extreme close-quarters. An enclosed hammer snub is simply very hard to beat in these types of reactive close-quarter scenarios.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RobzGuns View Post
A 'Compact', regardless of brand (G19, SR9c, M&P9c, XD Service, etc) makes for a very good 'All-Around' handgun.
(Range, Home Defense, Carry and even Competition)
Yeah, I would go along with this. A compact or possibly a full sized pistol from one of the major manufacturers is going to be easier and more enjoyable to carry as well as provide better capacity than a revolver or sub-compact pistol.

Shop around, handle and shoot, if possible, as many guns as you can to avoid buyers remorse. If you decide to sell a gun you just can't live with you stand to loose money so you want to be pretty sure you will be happy before you lay your money down.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy used to save a few dollars if you are on a tight budget. If you are not sure what to look for when examining a used pistol there are plenty of tutorials on the WWW (use Google) or bring a friend who knows guns intimately when you go shopping.

Oh, one last thing. Whatever brand you go with I would suggest you get it in a 9mm. The 9mm is a proven self defense round, is widely available and less expensive than any other centerfire round.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:11 PM
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Its hard to beat a M&P 9 — and the compacts, either 3.6 or 4 inch barrels, seem to be great all around guns. There are some very good basic new guns for even less, down around $300, such as the SD9VE or the Ruger Security 9. Or a used Model 10 trade-in.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:25 PM
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I’d suggest a 1911 in Commander configuration: 43/4” barrel, alloy frame.

With a little training and practice, it’s easy to shoot very well and very quickly.

The 45 acp is pleasant to shoot (much more so than the 40 cal) and effective.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:39 PM
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Look for a Glock police trade in 9mm or 40. Most have low round count and were well maintained.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:42 PM
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You don't say how you liked your previous 9c......
The 2.0 isn't going to be all that different. Just a little bigger.
Personally, I prefer the 1.0 to the 2.0 in the 9c.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:47 PM
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2.0 Compact ... can be had for about $399 at various times on Grab a Gun. Confirm your FFL's transfer fee before ordering (mine is $15 cash locally) and $7.99 to ship, and should be no sales tax at time of sale for you in NC. Save some $$ for extra mags and holster.
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Old 06-06-2018, 08:51 PM
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I’m another one who would go w/the small .38 because this is a gun you can always carry, regardless of how you’re dressed. As to whether it’s equal to the task of defending you, I survived three deadly force encounters during my career w/my issued thirty-eight so I trust that platform implicitly.
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Old 06-06-2018, 10:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&W Rover View Post
Its hard to beat a M&P 9 — and the compacts, either 3.6 or 4 inch barrels, seem to be great all around guns. There are some very good basic new guns for even less, down around $300, such as the SD9VE or the Ruger Security 9. Or a used Model 10 trade-in.
Agree on the SD9VE on features, capacity, purpose, price, and warranty... under $300.

Will also fit in a M&P holster, too... if and when you want to add the M&P later...
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Old 06-06-2018, 10:35 PM
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Although I now carry the Shield-9, I carried a Model 60 pretty much since new in 1983 or 84, can't remember exactly. Of course, I've never used it in defense, but I trained my self with it to the point that it became like a hand extension. After what must be several thousand rounds fired very quickly, the hammer nose finally broke. That's the firing pin in a semi. For civilian carry, I never felt under-gunned or vulnerable. Competence does that, no matter what weapon is used.

I never train for shooting across a parking lot, or across a street, or at a mall or in a movie theater. Those scenarios are not very realistic. I train up close, belly range out to 15 to 20 feet max.

For that, a snubby can be ideal. Thus, my switching to a semi-auto in the Shield. It is, essentially, a snubby. Like the M-60 (or today's 642), it clears the holster quickly in a sitting position like in a car and it is as accurate as any likely defensive situation may dictate. I find the 2.0C too large in tight quarters and I am used to a short pistol. The 2.0C stays in the house in a mattress slip/holster.

So, if the M-60 is so good, why did I switch?

Simply put, the Shield is as good as the M-60, but has even better attributes such as 8+1 capability vs, 5 in the M-60 and quicker recovery because the long double action trigger on the revolver makes follow up shots more difficult to place. No one should even consider practicing with a revolver in single action mode unless they are purely plinking.

I have not spoken about sights. Why? Because they are almost superfluous at very close range. Defensive practice should be done often and with an emphasis on quickly placing shots in the center of mass, without much regard to lining up with one eye. Just launch the balls and don't short stroke the trigger. Nevertheless, the sights on any S&W semi are much better than those on any model 60 or other fixed sight revolver.

Failures: The only failures I have ever had using the M-60 or the M-66 3" were because of squib loads, and the one broken hammer nose. Not a bad report after decades and many thousands of rounds.

So far, at 2200 rounds for the Shield and over 3000 for the 2.0C, I have had no issues at all. Both have the original triggers and I have simply trained to use them as is.

I'm no marksman with a handgun, but I never blame the gun for that. If you are making a choice between a good revolver and a good semi, the choices have never been better.
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Old 06-06-2018, 10:39 PM
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Carry a Shield 45 because a outlet stack is more work n the Texas heat most of the year. I carry two extra magazines but would prefer those rounds in the gun if I could easily conceal a larger gun.

Having said that, multiple assailants on the street or home invasion is not unheard of, where a compact holding 15+ rounds is more comforting. And you have a rail to place a light for HD.

Everything is a compromise, you have to decide which side of the fence fits your personality. The chances of you needing one round is slim and statistics show less than 3 rounds average fired in self defense.
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Old 06-06-2018, 10:52 PM
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There are some fair priced S&W"s on Armslist in NC
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Old 06-06-2018, 11:16 PM
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Early production model 10-any barrel length from 4-6 in excellent condition + a couple speed loaders, and some practice and a holster.
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Old 06-06-2018, 11:24 PM
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For an only, I would never go for a compact. But then I’m a 1911 guy.

For me I’d go for a four inch 686 in 357 magnum.
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Old 06-06-2018, 11:44 PM
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Thanks for such great replies! I really liked my 9c 1.0. It was a great pistol. I don’t like shooting revolvers, but I do agree that it could be very easy to carry in the situations I foresee.
I’ll check some local prices. I don’t know anyone who could come with me to buy a used gun, but dealers are limited around here.
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Old 06-06-2018, 11:45 PM
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A S&W CS-9 or a 442
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Old 06-06-2018, 11:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spirit4earth View Post
This would be one gun for travel, home, owb. I’m looking at the M&P 9 compact 2.0, or a revolver. I’ve had a 9c before, but not a revolver. What are your thoughts? Money is an issue.
I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THE SEMI AUTOS THAT YOU MENTION, SO I CAN'T COMMENT......

SINCE YOU BRING UP THE MONEY ISSUE, I CAN TELL YOU THIS. IMHO, 9MM IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE CENTERFIRE AMMO ON THE MARKET---AND IT IS FOR SALE EVERYWHERE ! ! !
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Old 06-07-2018, 07:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flintlock1 View Post
Just launch the balls and don't short stroke the trigger.
During private instruction that included stress training, I found out that I often short-stroked the trigger in stress situations on DA handguns. That's why I've settled on a DA/SA with a short reset for EDC and revolvers for woods walks and range only.
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Old 06-07-2018, 07:13 AM
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The SD9VE, if funds are limited (can be picked up on sale for $249), a used M&P can be found for a little more. I’m the oddball non gun snob and have had and still own everything from hipoints to Daniel defense and HK’s. I have taught many people how to shoot with the hipoints c9 and even after 3-4 thousand rounds through them they still shoot with very few if not zero malfunctions. They’re big, they’re cheap, they’re simple, they work. Would I carry one over my 2.0 I’m currently carrying? No, but if it’s all I could afford at $100 used, yeah because it is better than anything else in that price range.


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Old 06-07-2018, 07:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amazingflapjack View Post
Early production model 10-any barrel length from 4-6 in excellent condition + a couple speed loaders, and some practice and a holster.
I’m with you. Except, I would select a 4 inch Model 13 or 65 for the versatility that a .357 Magnum with bring to the selection.
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Old 06-07-2018, 07:37 AM
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So you guys that recommend a snubby, do you actually enjoy shooting it? I've only shot one and have no desire to shoot another.
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Old 06-07-2018, 07:50 AM
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Academy Sports has the Sig SP2022 on sale for $399.99, compact size but slightly thick. AS also has the Sig P250c in stock. These are under rated pistols and thus can be found used in the $300.00 range.
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Old 06-07-2018, 07:52 AM
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Well I'll float 2 options....................

In an auto if you can find a used 3rd Gen S&W 6906/6904....... 12+1 with spare 15-18 round 59xx magazines w/ the +2 grip adapter..... Should run you about $300 for the gun

Revolver...... a great all around gun ..... if you can find one( people who have them keep them)..... a 3" Model 65.

I've had and used both since the late 1980s and while there are 'newer" guns ...... there are none better IMHO
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Old 06-07-2018, 08:03 AM
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S&W 442 or 642 . . .

Quote:
Originally Posted by spirit4earth View Post
This would be one gun for travel, home, owb. I’m looking at the M&P 9 compact 2.0, or a revolver. I’ve had a 9c before, but not a revolver. What are your thoughts? Money is an issue.
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Old 06-07-2018, 08:11 AM
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Going from an auto to a wheel gun is a lot harder than the reverse. If money is an issue he won’t be able to afford the ammo it will take to train with a wheel gun to become proficient.


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Old 06-07-2018, 08:14 AM
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One gun sounds like a perfect reason to buy a Glock 19
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Old 06-07-2018, 08:16 AM
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One gun sounds like a perfect reason to buy a Glock 19


Out of his budget for sure and with the 2.0 compact why bother with a 19? I have one I haven’t shot since getting my 2.0. It just collects dust next to my 22, 23, 17, and 26. If I didn’t have almost 100 mags for the glocks I would sell them.


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Old 06-07-2018, 08:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN View Post
Agree, LEO trade-ins are the way to go.
Haven't been "Bubbaed".
There are some crazy bargains here, especially if you go for the now unfashionable 40 S&W.
M&P 40 $265.
Slightly better prices for used guns in the free world compared to California:

Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: M&P40
Caliber: 40s&w
Location (city or county): Ontario (Calif)
Price: $850 obo
Will ship (Y/N): no
Other info: almost new. Maybe 300-400 rounds thru it.
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Old 06-07-2018, 09:22 AM
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My vote for travel and home use is a S&W 649. If I was going into close quarters combat again, I would have two 1911's and a 12Ga trench gun. But I expect if that need arises on the streets in the USA I will have enough time to get to the safe to get them out. In the meantime, I have put aside the high caps and 1911's in favor of a S&W 649 which in most situations I put myself in to will be quite adequate. If I am going into questionable territory I will either stay home or take along a 1911 shortie .45.
I had no problem switching from a semi auto to a decent revolver. Matters of actual need, adequacy, concealability, carry options, and comfort took me there without much trouble, but I will admit that age had a lot to do with it too.
Which ever you choose, become quite familiar with it. Practice situational awareness, safe handling, prompt presentation and readiness, and instinctive accuracy. These issues truly are your best company when you need to defend yourself, making the actual carry piece itself somewhat less of an issue, and vastly widening the field of items available to meet your need. Just be certain to get a reliable piece/format.

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Old 06-07-2018, 09:30 AM
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Switching back and forth between guns isn’t an issue. Its a person who’s never shot a revolver. DA trigger pull takes lots of practice to become proficient.

If you only have 5-6 shots you better be good with shot placement because if you have to engage multiple threats in close quarters and have to reload you’re dead.

Learning to shoot until you can’t miss is a lot more expensive endeavor than shooting until you make the shot. Add in shooting under stress and it gets even more expensive.


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Old 06-07-2018, 09:37 AM
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Out of his budget for sure and with the 2.0 compact why bother with a 19? I have one I haven’t shot since getting my 2.0. It just collects dust next to my 22, 23, 17, and 26. If I didn’t have almost 100 mags for the glocks I would sell them.


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19s are readily available used in the $400 range, have a much larger aftermarket, including used items which will be important on a budget. I'm sure the newer M&Ps are fine guns, but the 19 has been the quintessential one gun option for decades now and always manages to keep being so despite all the other polymer attempts.
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Old 06-07-2018, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by waffles View Post
19s are readily available used in the $400 range, have a much larger aftermarket, including used items which will be important on a budget. I'm sure the newer M&Ps are fine guns, but the 19 has been the quintessential one gun option for decades now and always manages to keep being so despite all the other polymer attempts.


With that rationale the 1911 is the better choice.


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Old 06-07-2018, 09:57 AM
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Not knowing your actual budget, other than "money is an issue," it's hard to make specific recommendations. And don't forget, expenses don't end when you buy the gun...there is ammo, holster(s), and with a semi-auto, additional magazines. Cleaning products should be easily used by either gun...semi or revolver.

There have been a lot of good recommendations here so far...I personally would favor a semi over a revolver for all around use. It's better to have more ammo on hand than not enough. Even if you never use it, no one was ever killed for bringing too much ammo to a gun fight.

If your budget is around $300, I would recommend the SD9VE. Simple, basic gun, but highly reliable. It's revolver-like trigger should feel familiar to you. If your budget is more, I'd get the most gun I could get, for your only handgun. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend the M&P 9mm 2.0 Compact. S&W has the best service in the industry, so you know they will support your purchase.

Now, I'm really going out on a limb here...I've not made a secret of my general disdain for Taurus products. BUT...Taurus now has the G2C (which is a newer version of the PT111 G2) and it's getting excellent reviews. It also has second strike capability, which some like and some don't. If you do look at one, buy it from Gun Genie (I am in no way affiliated with them)...which provides its own lifetime warranty. (Taurus is evidently going to a one year warranty.) I looked at them on Gun Genie, and the price including taxes, shipping, and fees to my LGS was $262 out the door. I was going to buy one myself, figuring at that price, how bad could it be? But some unplanned expenses (car repair, wife's surgery) have put that off for a while.

Whatever you decide, good luck and happy shooting.
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Old 06-07-2018, 10:05 AM
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With that rationale the 1911 is the better choice.


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A more finicky platform, more recoil, 8 round mags, more weight, and more expensive ammo vs the 19 (to say nothing of sights on the lower end options, manual safeties, etc). I was merely saying it was silly to dismiss the 19 due to being expensive (they're not), and offering input as to where it will save some money
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Old 06-07-2018, 10:22 AM
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With that rationale the 1911 is the better choice.
I've owned 25 1911s to date, in all barrel lengths, and from various makers. As much as I love the platform, I'd never carry one unless it was the only option I had. To me, they are heavy, low capacity, and (this may be my issue only) I don't want to ding them up carrying them everyday. I'd much rather have a high capacity polymer gun to carry. Which, of course, is only my opinion, and that with $2 might get you a small soda somewhere.

Having said that, a 1911 is fun to shoot, mine (with one notable exception) have all been reliable, and they are the pinnacle of the gun maker's art.
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Old 06-07-2018, 10:25 AM
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M&P 2.0 compact.

I believe that pistol will be considered one of the best all around autos ever made 5 years from now.

Also.......you can probably find one on Gunbroker for around $350 bucks.

Last edited by ClaytonG; 06-07-2018 at 10:30 AM.
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Old 06-07-2018, 10:35 AM
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Default ONE GUN * ONLY* AND INEXPENSIVE.

If $ is a BIG issue, the cost of ammo to become proficient could easily be more than the gun. IF your planned uses/interests may include hunting, trap/skeet/ home defense a different approach might be a pump shotgun with 2 barrels. 1 longer Barrel for hunting/clay & a shorter bbl for H/D, slugs (larger game) and possibly a pistol grip to go with it. Used the cost is low. Odds of hitting what you want to are higher. Stopping power, no comparison. Conceal carry/travel, not so great. Only owning 1 gun and being on this site??? That shouldn't last long, hold off on the CC for a bit??? If it MUST be a handgun, police returns for me.

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Old 06-07-2018, 11:05 AM
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If money is an issue get a 9mm, you can practice more frequently. Ammo is cheaper than 40 and a lot cheaper than 45.
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Old 06-07-2018, 11:13 AM
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I won't offer a brand/caliber suggestion. There are just too many variables to consider and I have no idea of your partticular preferences.

Instead, I'd like to suggest seeking estate sales for potential good deals. Good luck!
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Old 06-07-2018, 01:02 PM
FloridaS&W FloridaS&W is offline
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The M&P line is very affordable as a brand new purchase. For this reason I would not spend your money or trust your life on a "used" firearm.
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Old 06-07-2018, 04:24 PM
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If I were limited to one handgun it would be a revolver.
I know you said you have never owned a revolvers but a K frame S&W in 357 magnum is the most versatile handgun you can ever own.
It will shoot everything from light 38 special target loads to heavy magnum deer hunting loads. Bullet weights range from 105 grains all the way up to 200 grain .
Any power range and any bullet profile can be fired in a revolver.
That can't be said of a semi-auto.
A model 66 would be sweet and there are many police trade ins that show up if money is an issue.
I have a trade in , carried a lot , shot seldom and the stainless steel shows little wear.
Gary

Last edited by gwpercle; 06-07-2018 at 04:29 PM.
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  #48  
Old 06-07-2018, 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by amazingflapjack View Post
Early production model 10-any barrel length from 4-6 in excellent condition + a couple speed loaders, and some practice and a holster.
I would luuuuuv me a nice M-10 with a 3" heavy barrel and round butt. Those have all but disappeared.
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Old 06-07-2018, 08:03 PM
jakebrake jakebrake is offline
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just my 2 cents. if You are used to an automatic, go with that. If You are used to a revolver, go with that.

shoot (rent or borrow) the living crud out of a revolver before You use it to protect You Or Your family if You haven't owned one before

they are a total different animal. I love 686 revolvers. No way I'd want to carry one again after shooting autos forever.
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Old 06-07-2018, 08:06 PM
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During private instruction that included stress training, I found out that I often short-stroked the trigger in stress situations on DA handguns. That's why I've settled on a DA/SA with a short reset for EDC and revolvers for woods walks and range only.
That's a problem that is addressed by training - often. But yes, it is experienced a lot in rapid fire, stressed shooting against a clock. It happens with pump shotguns as well.

One positive aspect of that issues is that it forces follow-up discipline. It's real easy to rapid fire a revolver and completely miss the pie plate at ten feet. They are not as easy to shoot as many semis. But I'm probably not telling you anything new. Revolvers take a different approach to practice. I never attempt to double tap with a revolver. Steady, controlled fire - one shot every .75 seconds is best for me. They all go into a 3" circle at 10 feet and a 5" circle at 20 feet. Somewhat better with the M-66-3" barrel (when I owned one), possibly due to the orange ramp front sight, even though I don't use the sights much for that type of practice.

Master a revolver for close range defense, and you are not under-gunned at all.
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