Next Gun? A Challenge for a Rainy Weekend

[Redcoat3340]

So I've got all the carry guns I could possibly carry.

Plenty of range toys and the home is well defended.

My S&W pistol "collection" is pretty collected except for a 459 which I'm looking for at a good price (cheap, but shooter grade is just fine). I've got some Walthers (P1, P4, P5); a couple of Sigs (220 in 9 & 45, 226 in .40, and a 250), and three Berettas (1951, 92s and 92FX). Also well kitted out in .32 acp and .380 (my EZ pretty much trumps any other .380 offering out there.)

For revolvers I've got a bunch of 38 S&Ws, 38 specials, 2 357s (66-2 and 28-2) and a Colt 1917 in .45. (My kids relieved me of the burden of a SW625 and a .44 mag and I'm forever gratetful.)

(And I confess, after 50+ years of shooting and only selling when I could trade up, I've got way too many guns.)

So the challenge is: What's Next? (I still like finding something I'm looking for and still appreciate a well-made firearm. And as my game-hunting days are behind me big bore and shotguns are out, and I rarely shoot my milsurps any more. It's handguns now.)

So I would appreciate some suggestions for a pistol or revolver that's: "iconic" (I don't need anything in plastic or striker fired); affordable (for a guy on social security and a pension and that means $500 is probably too high. I just scored a Star Super B in great shape for $210); shootable but not in "collectors" condition (don't need NIB); and with even a bit of "history" behind it (not the actual gun, but the design ala a Smith 39).

It doesn't need to be practical as I've got some very practicable guns (that Star Super B isn't really practicable but it's fun) so every time I think of something in a Ruger P series, I say to myself that I've got that covered in spades with my Smiths, Sigs, and Berettas.

Okay, enough. Too long a post is what happens on dreary, raining Saturday afternoons like we're having in the Pacific Northwest right now. I forgot to watch the Army/Navy game and the cadet/midshipmen march on (I "marched on" for a US Merchant Marine Academy vs Coast Guard Academy football game once and it devolved into a near riot when someone grabbed somebody's hat and we all got tangled up in a melee until the USCG band played the national anthem and we all stopped fighting, stood to attention, and saluted. Pretty clever of those shallow-water sailor musicians).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might come up with.

 

[Valmet]

You can sometimes find vintage J-frames in the sub-500 range these days if you look around.

 

[LVSteve]

Zastava M70 in 7.65 AKA 32 ACP. All steel, single action, built like a brick outhouse, firing system like a miniaturized Tokarev, a fine example of a Cold War arm from the former Yugoslavia.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

You can always venture into that expensive subset of S&W's , older PC guns . They are great shooters , hard to find equals .

Then there's another brand that also has a subset of fine weapons , Sig . Their older pro shop , from when it was in Germany , put out some mighty fine weapons . A friend from here joined our range group , made up of Cape Canaveral retirees . He's brought several out for show and tell and shoot . It may be blasphemy , but those Sigs might be better than the older PC guns .

If you decide to go with one of these options , be ready to open up that wallet , and I mean open it up wide . But as you know , 1/2 the fun is the hunt and the other 1/2 is the fun of shooting a fine gun . Good luck which ever way you decide to go .

 

[MTC(SS)Ret]

If you want to go on the cheap how about 22LR in a single action revolver?
Heritage Rough Rider, Ruger Wrangler, etc?

 

[alwslate]

Ruger Wrangler, Browning Buckmark 4" bull barrel version, Used High Standard Sport King, Well used Colt Challenger or Huntsman from GB. Used Ruger std Model. All cheap to shoot with .22 LR.

 

[mikerjf]

Detective Special, Colt SAA, Thompson Contender. Come to think of it, I need to buy those too.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

So the challenge is: What's Next? (I still like finding something I'm looking for and still appreciate a well-made firearm. And as my game-hunting days are behind me big bore and shotguns are out, and I rarely shoot my milsurps any more. It's handguns now.)

Well, if you simply must buy another handgun.......

CZ 75 Compact DA/SA 9mm Pistol Review - USA Carry

© 2023 USA Carry LLC

I'm pretty sure you can find these under $500 and they're very cool; I really like mine but I will note that for the cocked and locked crowd this is right up their alley but for the typical double action crowd you do need to gently lower the hammer after racking the slide and getting a round into the chamber. I admit I'm good at that but it's not everyone's favorite cup of tea.

The newer ones might have a decocker, which removes the issue - I'm almost certain that they do, actually - mine is a bit older so I just deal with it by leaving it loaded and ready to rock-n-roll.....

 

[Marshwheeling]

I have a ČZ75 with a decocker. Hard gun to beat. I would really like to come across a ČZ 82 or 83. Something to consider.

 

[A10]

One of the newer HiPower clones....they are faithful reproductions.

Or find an old HiPower. You could also start looking at P08s, but plan on mortgaging the house!

 

[BC38]

One of the newer HiPower clones....they are faithful reproductions.

Or find an old HiPower. You could also start looking at P08s, but plan on mortgaging the house!

Or even an old HiPower clone like a FEG, or a Kareem.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Try the RUGER MK IV 22lr pistol.
Multiple choice interchangeable barrels.
Fiber optics sights, Iron target sights, red dot or scoped.
Lots of fun with cheap 22lr ammo.

 

[weatherby]

Something in 32 S&W long you lack.
Quite Fun to shoot.
Cheap and easy to reload.

 

[ACORN]

I'm happy to say all my accumulating desires have been fulfilled. Once my 3" adj. sighted M60 is liberated from my LGS I am through.
Unless I run across a mint blue M27, an exposed ER Dick Special, a Colt 1903 or a 1908, M1006, another Hi Power or a true clone, a 327 Taurus, M1 Garand, CZ452 455 or 457, a stainless Ross R92 in .357, the list goes on. So I guess I'm not done.

 

[scooter123]

I'll add to the CZ-75 recomendation, however my version is the TZ75 made by Tangfoglio and reputed to feature a tighter slide to frame fit than the CZ. Note the TZ75 came with plain wood grip panels so you can add the challenge/Joy of hand checkering the grip panels to keep you busy for a good week of rainy days.

Another one to look for is the original Wondernine, the S&W model 59. They are great pistols although takedown can be just a bit of a challenge. Good news is with practice you'll become skilled enough to do a Field strip easily.

Note, takedown for the CZ75 and 59 are very similar, you depress the slide to the correct position and pull the slide lock/takedown pin which is basically a copy of the same part on the 1911. Just be aware of the slide will need to be fully controlled as you release the tension on the recoil spring.

 

[Golddollar]

How about some "shooter specials" that have been after market chromed or nickel plated? The collector value is obviously gone, but they still shoot and you don't have to worry that you might put a scratch on it. I have a Luger, Enfield No. 2 Mark I and Highway Patrolman that were later chromed and I have seen at least one P-38 at a gun show that was chromed. Buy them at reasonable prices and shoot the heck out of them.

 

[Baxter6551]

I'll add to the CZ 75 recommendations. I had to sell my 75B back to friend I bought it from but still have 75B SP01. Both have full action jobs by CZ custom. Amazing shooters.
But…. I don't see any mention of .22LR in your post and definitely would recommend one. For your budget look for a nice Ruger MK Target. Or if you get really lucky a budget priced model 17 or 18

 

[Echo40]

Iconic yet affordable, huh?

How about a Taurus Judge? It's iconic, inexpensive, and fun to shoot!

It'll definitely turn heads at the range and it makes for a heck of a conversation piece, no matter how you swing it.

No, alright then, how about a Taurus PT92? It's definitely iconic, sharing a lineage with the Beretta 92, inexpensive, and a pleasure to shoot.

I honestly like the PT92 better than the 92FS because the frame-mounted safety feels more natural and it can be carried cocked and locked just like a 1911. In addition, being built based on old Beretta blueprints, it has all of the reliability and smoothness of a Beretta, at a mere fraction of the cost. Also, the stainless models are just gorgeous with their high-polished Stainless Steel slide and aluminum frame.

 

[Bumpus13]

Well, if you simply must buy another handgun.......

CZ 75 Compact DA/SA 9mm Pistol Review - USA Carry

© 2023 USA Carry LLC

I'm pretty sure you can find these under $500 and they're very cool; I really like mine but I will note that for the cocked and locked crowd this is right up their alley but for the typical double action crowd you do need to gently lower the hammer after racking the slide and getting a round into the chamber. I admit I'm good at that but it's not everyone's favorite cup of tea.

The newer ones might have a decocker, which removes the issue - I'm almost certain that they do, actually - mine is a bit older so I just deal with it by leaving it loaded and ready to rock-n-roll.....

The CZ75 Compact PCR features a decocker. They're great shooters, and not half bad carry options either.

Mine was purchased used a few years ago for under $500 (came with 5 magazines)

Or, one might opt for the full size CZ75 Omega (convertible - comes with decocker installed, and the safety you can swap in for it if you prefer) for about the same price.

Lots of 9mm fun.

 

[CH4]

You can sometimes find vintage J-frames in the sub-500 range these days if you look around.

Deals are out there. I just picked up these two cherry J frames:

30-1 with two boxes of ammo for $550
49 $325