Looking for the right pistol

[5-Shot]

As the header says, I'm looking for the right carry pistol. I already have a big pistol...H&K USP...and a little one...Ruger LCP ii. Love them both. However, I'd like to have something in between. Here are my tastes: It must be a hammer fired double action/single action like my H&K and have a single stack magazine. I prefer 45's but if only 9 mms exists, I can live with it.

I'm an old revolver guy wandering around lost in an auto world so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Ed

 

[uncleted327]

Check out the Sig P239. Sounds like it checks most of your boxes. They are available in 9, 40 and 357 Sig. I think they are one of the finest single stacks ever made, and I'm a wheel gun man myself.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Sig made the 245 and 220 Compact, smaller versions of their P220 in .45ACP. They've been discontinued, but you may be able to find examples on the used gun market.

There are also some compact, single-stack, DA/SA S&W 3rd Gen semi-autos in .45ACP out there. The 4516 comes to mind. I believe there are others, but I'm not that familiar with them. They're also discontinued, but may be found on the used gun market, too.

 

[JohnnieBoy]

If you want to carry a small wheel gun, then I recommend an M36 or an M60. Since you are already familiar with the HK platform, I recommend a P2000 or especially the P2000sk (sub compact version). It/they are available in 9mm or .40. I have 3 Hk's and the P2sk (.40) is my most common edc. Great little pistol!

 

[BloodyThumb]

Personally, given your stated criteria, I would second the P239 suggestion, and add the USPC in 45 or HK45C.

 

[Jon651]

You don't mention anything about weight or a preference in the perpetual "plastic vs. all-steel" argument, or even anything about capacity other than wanting a single-stack 45.

That being said, I will double-down on the prior recommendation of the 4516. It's a 3rd Gen S&W semi-auto that is unfortunately no longer being produced but you should be able to locate on on the used market without too much effort. They are solid stainless steel, built like tanks, and easy to work on. The extra weight also helps soak up the recoil compared to a plastic pistol.

That being said, if you are a revolver guy then there is nothing wrong with... (drum roll, please!) - a revolver! A nice 686+ will give you 7 rounds of .38SPL or .357 or a Model 66 Combat Magnum might work for you as well. Plus if you are already comfortable with the type then why go looking for complications?

Good luck in your search!

 

[OldRN]

My light-weight summer carry and bedside pistol is a Sig P938. The mag in the grip is a Kimber Micro-9 mag that I did a bit of handwork on the plastic base. Gives a bit more grip for my big hands and adds 1 round. Otherwise it is virtually identical to the Sig mag. Functions flawlessly. And yes, I routinely keep it in Condition 1 "Locked and cocked".

 

[diyj98]

I know it's not a huge difference in size, but the HK45C is bit smaller and easier to conceal. I know you said single stack, but the HK P2000 and P2000SK are fairly thin for double stacks.

 

[max]

Smith & Wesson 457.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Sig 245 / 220 compact.... nice guns if you can find one..... I've had mine since about 1993

S&W 4516, 4513, 4513TSW, Chiefs Special in .45acp

9mm; Chiefs Special, 3913,3914, NL versions...... compact double stacks versions are the 6906/6904

Several CZ 75/85 Compact versions

 

[dusty3030]

I would agree with others on a Sig (239, 245, 220) also look for a Sig 225 or P6.
Reason being you are already used to sweeping your thumb down to the frame to decock. The manual of arms would be very similar with the Sig versus a Smith or Beretta with the lever on the slide.

Beretta has a single stack / compact variant of the 92 series as well that is a fine pistol if you every can find one.

 

[bigwheelzip]

... hammer fired ... double action/single action .... single stack magazine.

In a perfect world, this would be my preference also. Not many choices, especially not in current production.

The expensive SIG DA/SA single stack I looked is about the same grip width as the double stack CZ PCR I already had, and then they stopped making the SIG. The CZ RAMI is another double stack alternative.

Since the higher cost single stack 9mm SIGs are about the same size and weight as a higher capacity 9mm double stack CZ PCR, maybe getting the SIG in a larger .40 or .357 caliber makes sense.

 

[NY-1]

I've heard good things about CZ's metal framed pistols. Not sure if they make any single stacks though.

Kahr still makes the K9, albeit in 9mm.

 

[Kanewpadle]

The real question is what's available? What are you looking to spend? Your choices will be limited.

A good used Sig P225 is a good choice.

 

[DCW]

Question

Question: For that 'tween, do you most desire "plastique" or "heavy metal?"

DC

 

[Dan Zulu]

Bam Bam's thread above is exactly what I was going to type. There is also a 4516 for sale in the classifieds.

 

[5-Shot]

[Question: For that 'tween, do you most desire "plastique" or "heavy metal?"

DC]

I can go either way but if I had a choice it would be metal.

Ed

 

[ladder13]

I've heard good things about CZ's metal framed pistols. Not sure if they make any single stacks though.

Kahr still makes the K9, albeit in 9mm.

If CZ made their 75D PCR in single stack it would be the cats meow.

 

[Dan Zulu]

Sig 225 is similar to a single stack CZ PCR.

 

[mauser9]

Guess I would suggest a Sig 239 or a S&W CS-9.