time for a new Handgun- recommendations??

[forestswin]

I am thinking about getting another semi-auto pistol.
I currently shoot a High Std Victor ( .22), S&W Model 52 (38 special), S&W 686 6 inch (357) and Colt 1911 GCNM (45 ACP).

From a HANDLOADING and VERY GOOD TARGET gun perspective does anyone have any recommendations??

Can't carry here in MD – so size is not an issue and I don't hunt with a pistol. I prefer the heavier steel guns over the polymer ones, but would be willing to get a polymer if it met the other criteria

9mm, 0.40, 10mm, 38 super????

I looked into the Glock 34 some – might go that way – don't know yet.
any recommendations and thoughts from forum members here will much appreciated

 

[novalty]

Personally, I wouldn't look to add another caliber. I suggest finding one in a similar caliber you have now, that way you don't have to buy additional components/dies. One choice might be a model 625 would get you another revolver but in 45acp.

 

[blujax01]

A 3rd Generation S&W auto in 45 ACP.

The 4506 comes to mind. Dead-nuts accurate, heavy but steady.

This forum is the information source for all of the 3rd Gens...
Smith & Wesson Semi-auto Pistols

 

[tappedandtagged]

I have always been a 40 S&W fan. These past few weeks have reaffirmed this in my mind for the following reason:

I went to the local stores (Gander Mnt, Academy Sports, Wal Mart) and saw that the shelves were bare... with a few exceptions. At all 3 places, I could buy the following items of interest: 40 S&W (ample stock) 45 acp (decent, but not ample) 38 spl (decent) 44 mag (ample) and at Wal Mart .357 mag (ample).

Now I do hand load, but in a breakdown of government event (either nationally or due to a local disaster) I want to be able to run to the store and get my ammo of choice. That is why 40 S&W is my choice (beside that I am issued two weapons in that caliber and carry it every day).

45 acp is not a bad choice by any means either. But a 9mm.... That ammo was the second to leave the shelves, right behind .223.

I do have one 9mm, my CCH. I shoot it only to ensure I "still have it" with that gun, and then clean it, load it back with my Federal Hydrashocks (looking to rotate those out soon, prob. with Speer Gold Dots) and put it back in my waistband.

So, I say pick a caliber that is readily available in times of shortages (such as now) and that components are available for. That is how *I* would pick.

 

[duppie]

At this time when just about any semi auto that can facilitate more than 10 rounds are very scarce. I would still urge you to fire a CZ 75b either in 9mm or .40.
Most who handle and fire one for the first time end up purchasing one,It's a very intuitive and comfortable gun to shoot accurately.

 

[Lou_NC]

From a HANDLOADING and VERY GOOD TARGET gun perspective does anyone have any recommendations??

How about a model 14 in .38 special? Accurate, well made, and reasonably priced.

Another option would be a model 25 in .45ACP. Or perhaps a 625.

Good luck!
Lou

 

[Rule3]

CZ 75 in 9mm.

 

[forestswin]

novalty - I know - that's logical - but actually I am kind of looking forward to adding another caliber - I do single stage - so its not that big of a deal
I should add - my son wants me to get another semi and he wants me to get a 9mm or .40 but I tell him "we'll see"
a 45ACP revolver is on my list for down the road

blujax01 - the 4506 is also dead-nuts gorgeous - a good possibility

tappedandtagged - all good points - I will keep them in mind

duppie and Rule - my cousin has a CZ - I'll try it out - another good possibility

Lou NC - when I find and see a model 14, or possibly a model 15 - I already decided, I'm buying it - that one doesn't count
that's one reason I am looking for a semi-auto now - cause I know I am getting that revolver

keep 'em coming - a gun show is coming up Sunday

 

[Fishinfool]

Well, thinking outside the box, and since you are interested in a quality centerfire that is accurate, how about one of the European .32 target pistols? Walther, Hammereli(spelling ?), maybe a few others make them, or at least did, and they were Olympic grade accurate.

Larry

 

[blujax01]

The 3rd Gen S&W's come in many flavors, including 9, 10, 40, 45, and 357 sig., TDA, DA only, SS, CS, Alloy, 3", 3.5", 4", 4.5", 5", 5.5" and I believe 6. Single stack double stack with or without an accessory rail. Curved backstrap, straight backstrap, square or round trigger guard.

I do not like green eggs and ham...

 

[jackpearl]

Personally, I wouldn't look to add another caliber. I suggest finding one in a similar caliber you have now, that way you don't have to buy additional components/dies. One choice might be a model 625 would get you another revolver but in 45acp.

+ 1
I have 2-1911's and 4-45acp S&W revolvers. You will enjoy a 625 with moon clips--whole different ballgame and a hoot to shoot!

 

[Rule3]

If you like heavy all metal guns with hammers with or without decockers, SA or DA The CZ is one of the best guns out there. It is used by more military and police than any other gun (we are talking the rest of the world) not what you see here in the US.

I have several and a real expensive CZ 75 SP01 Shadow target.A tack driver one hole wonder.

CZ are used in a lot of competition shooting

The regular CZ 75 will shoot as well it just does not have the enhancements, aluminum grips, and really tweaked trigger work. Less money also. Will last forever.

 

[Titegroups]

Sounds like a bullseye set up. Id pick up a m&p in 9 and have some fun with it but it will be your least accurate handgun.

 

[forestswin]

I was off on the CZ & S&W sites.

S&W doesn't make these anymore?? Do they have anything comparable? seems all steel guns are only in 45 ACP & 22. Why do these companies discontinue their great products.
Colt with there Python and Woodsman S&W their Model 52 and 14 & 15, etc.

I plan on checking into used - but want to go new.

Rule - I was looking at the CZ 75 SP01 ShadowTarget on their website for the last 1/2 hour - exactly what I was looking for!! Somehow I'm of the opinion that target guns should have adjustable sights - but I'm a rookie pistol guy - so don't really know
I'll see if I can handle one at the gun show this weekend.
I may end up starting with the 75B - my son will probably adopt/steal it - then I'll have to get the "SHADOW" for myself

 

[forestswin]

Sounds like a bullseye set up. Id pick up a m&p in 9 and have some fun with it but it will be your least accurate handgun.

that's exactly how I picked them - I'm no bullseye shooter, I only compete against myself - I doubt I could group 8" one handed with any but the Victor - but I don't want any inaccurate guns and plan on passing them onto my sons.

 

[Titegroups]

You made excellent choices, you're missing a model 14 though.

 

[duppie]

I was off on the CZ & S&W sites.

S&W doesn't make these anymore?? Do they have anything comparable? seems all steel guns are only in 45 ACP & 22. Why do these companies discontinue their great products.
Colt with there Python and Woodsman S&W their Model 52 and 14 & 15, etc.

I plan on checking into used - but want to go new.

Rule - I was looking at the CZ 75 SP01 ShadowTarget on their website for the last 1/2 hour - exactly what I was looking for!! Somehow I'm of the opinion that target guns should have adjustable sights - but I'm a rookie pistol guy - so don't really know
I'll see if I can handle one at the gun show this weekend.
I may end up starting with the 75B - my son will probably adopt/steal it - then I'll have to get the "SHADOW" for myself

Check out CZ Customs for all the upgrades you'll need,target even full race guns. Angus is also a CZ international competitor and a real good guy to deal with.

 

[shovelwrench]

38 Super.

As accurate if not more then most, You allready buy bullets for the 9mm too, right? (same bullets).

Personally, I'd find a six inch with adjustable sights, but, I could settle for a 5"....

 

[novalty]

If you want a 9 mm, and like the looks of the CZ, then you may also want to consider a Browning Hi-power. CZ modeled their grip design from the BHP. If you want a stainless gun, then you might want to consider an EAA Witness, which comes in a couple of the calibers that have been discussed, and their Witness Match line has adjustable sights.

 

[forestswin]

You made excellent choices, you're missing a model 14 though.

thanks - its not that I'm wise - just smart enough to figure out who to listen to - my choices were mostly made from the good advice given here on this forum

and yes Titegroups that has become obvious to me in the past 2 months - that it's "the missing gun" in the line up. I classify it as "buy immediately" when I come across one. I love the looks of the Model 14-5 with the full underlug