What DA/SA pistol would you recommend?

[GKC]

Can you even buy a quality non-polymer auto for $600 or less these days? My recommendation would be to keep dropping change in the piggy bank until you can afford a Sig P229.

It is difficult to find a metal frame semi these days for $600 or less. This thread has mentioned some makes/models that I have no experience with, and will certainly explore...if I can find them locally. He doesn't mind ordering a gun, but he wants to hold it in his hand (at least the same model) before he does. That may be a problem with some models...finding one in a shop locally.

We discussed this thread over coffee this morning, and my brother-in-law is leaning toward the Beretta 92FS/M9. I've seen them previously in gun shops for around $600 new, and Academy Sports has a 92FS on its website for $600. Gun Genie has a M9 for an average price of $650 through dealers in my area...which is the way I'm going to encourage him to go, if he finally decides on a 92FS/M9, since Gun Genie has a lifetime warranty, and Beretta's warranty is limited to 3 years (1 initially, plus 2 if you register) and their CS is not the best.

I've also been watching the Taurus PT92 thread that is going on here now...it may be worth having him take a look at that model. I wouldn't ordinarily recommend a Taurus, based on my experience, but the PT92 seems to be the most reliable gun they make. Plus, if he buys it from Gun Genie, they have their own lifetime warranty...I know Taurus does too, but their CS is (or was) very bad in my experience. Gun Genie's average price for the stainless model is $585 through gun dealers in my area....Academy has them listed for $380 (blue) which is a lot less, but then you have to deal with Taurus CS if you have a problem. Since there is very little price difference between the Taurus and Beretta from Gun Genie, if he goes that route he might as well get the Beretta.

Other than that, when it comes to a DA/SA pistol, SIG is my favorite...and I agree, he should kick in a few more dollars and get a P229...or a P228, without a rail (I don't like rails on my guns) but it's his money and his gun.

He could buy a used SIG and send it in, and they will strip it down, clean it, replace all the maintenance parts and springs, and install new night sights for $145. It still won't have the warranty, but it should function with no problem after that, since they also function test it before returning it. (Does S&W offer anything like that for the Gen3 guns?)

There are still the poly framed guns to consider. I like being a personal gun shopper...it could be my new career!

 

[BillXL]

SP2022 Sig or CZ P07. Both are dead reliable and accurate, good capacity, light, and comfortable to shoot. They also fit my hand really well. Both are readily available under $500 in these parts (Texas).

 

[GKC]

SP2022 Sig or CZ P07. Both are dead reliable and accurate, good capacity, light, and comfortable to shoot. They also fit my hand really well. Both are readily available under $500 in these parts (Texas).

I have had and do like the SP2022...my quibbles with that model are very minor (like, I don't care for the take down lever; it's very sharp - or mine was - where you push it in, on the RH side of the gun; looks like they could have made it solid, or very well rounded.) This particular SIG with the small grip fits my hand better than any other SIG other than the e2 grips. My brother-in-law, though, has monster size gorilla hands...so "small" isn't something he needs in a grip. My only other quibble is that you only get one magazine with the gun, and SIG magazines are expensive. Of course, what isn't these days?

 

[duppie]

It is difficult to find a metal frame semi these days for $600 or less. This thread has mentioned some makes/models that I have no experience with, and will certainly explore...if I can find them locally. He doesn't mind ordering a gun, but he wants to hold it in his hand (at least the same model) before he does. That may be a problem with some models...finding one in a shop locally.

We discussed this thread over coffee this morning, and my brother-in-law is leaning toward the Beretta 92FS/M9. I've seen them previously in gun shops for around $600 new, and Academy Sports has a 92FS on its website for $600. Gun Genie has a M9 for an average price of $650 through dealers in my area...which is the way I'm going to encourage him to go, if he finally decides on a 92FS/M9, since Gun Genie has a lifetime warranty, and Beretta's warranty is limited to 3 years (1 initially, plus 2 if you register) and their CS is not the best.

I've also been watching the Taurus PT92 thread that is going on here now...it may be worth having him take a look at that model. I wouldn't ordinarily recommend a Taurus, based on my experience, but the PT92 seems to be the most reliable gun they make. Plus, if he buys it from Gun Genie, they have their own lifetime warranty...I know Taurus does too, but their CS is (or was) very bad in my experience. Gun Genie's average price for the stainless model is $585 through gun dealers in my area....Academy has them listed for $380 (blue) which is a lot less, but then you have to deal with Taurus CS if you have a problem. Since there is very little price difference between the Taurus and Beretta from Gun Genie, if he goes that route he might as well get the Beretta.

Other than that, when it comes to a DA/SA pistol, SIG is my favorite...and I agree, he should kick in a few more dollars and get a P229...or a P228, without a rail (I don't like rails on my guns) but it's his money and his gun.

He could buy a used SIG and send it in, and they will strip it down, clean it, replace all the maintenance parts and springs, and install new night sights for $145. It still won't have the warranty, but it should function with no problem after that, since they also function test it before returning it. (Does S&W offer anything like that for the Gen3 guns?)

There are still the poly framed guns to consider. I like being a personal gun shopper...it could be my new career!

Difficult but not impossible... The CZ 75 line depending on model, finish and features can be had for less than $500.00 when available from several vendors. I've dealt with Angus at CZ Customs for awhile now and have a 2075 Rami on order. You'll have to wait but in my estimation it's well worth it.

 

[carpriver]

MY favorite SA/DA is

686 loaded with 130g +p rounds.

 

[USMCHEROS]

Try looking at the Springfield XD 9mm 4'' service model 9mm. It's a real nice weapon to carry and too shoot I have one and I carry it and shoot it at the local range and shoots amazing. I also had installed is the Powder River Precision easy trigger kit that replaces the stock trigger kit (7lb) pull to a amazing 4lb pull. I never had a problem with since owning this weapon.

 

[GKC]

Try looking at the Springfield XD 9mm 4'' service model 9mm.

I've owned a couple (XD and XDm) and they are good pistols. They aren't DA/SA, though, so they don't meet his desired criteria.

I'm going to encourage him to shoot some SA pistols (like 1911s) or some striker fired pistols (like M&Ps) as a point of comparison. He can shoot mine, or we can rent some if there is something he wants to shoot that I don't have. I don't know if he will change his mind, but right now he's pretty focused on DA/SA...I just want to encourage him to try a few other types. At the end of the day, though, it is up to him.

 

[GKC]

Update: well, he bought a handgun. His final choice surprised me, but...it was his choice, and not one that I fault him for making, at all.

He bought a S&W M&P 45 Full Size.

Not DA/SA, not metal, not 9mm...so, basically nothing like his original criteria. However, it is a very solid choice, and so far, he is very happy with it.

He can always buy more...and different...

 

[Dragonfly]

However, it is a very solid choice, and so far, he is very happy with it.

Agreed--it is a very good choice. I've got one in .40 that I really like. For its intended use, it's probably better than any of the original candidates.