What auto do you recommend?

[4x4moses]

Hello all. I am an old "wheel-gun" fanatic who's finally stepping into the modern world of semi-auto pistols. Back in my cop days, we still carried S&W 64s, 65s, and 66s. I recently bought a Taurus PT92AF that I really liked, but someone offered me more than I paid, so I sold it. I'm thinking of getting another semi-auto, but don't really know whether I'd prefer a steel frame, alloy frame, or polymer. Also, being an old revolver guy, I think I'd prefer one with an exposed hammer, and I think I'd prefer a frame mounted safety (rather than on the slide). I'd like this to be a S&W or Ruger, but most of them have slide-mounted safety. To keep the wife happy, I need to keep this gun under $700. I'm certainly not opposed to buying used, if it's in good shape. So tell me, what do you recommend, and why?

 

[shouldazagged]

The second-generation Smiths I've had dealings with were completely reliable, and from what I hear the more common models can be bought pretty reasonably these days.

 

[murphydog]

An M & P 9 or 40 with the manual safety seems to fit your needs. Light, high capacity, reliable and easy to shoot.

 

[BruceB]

Or, if you would like to keep the wheel-gun type trigger pull, any of the 3rd gen models in DAO would suit, and no safety to deal with.

 

[shawn mccarver]

M&P operates like a DAO revolver, which is all the rage now, and it can be ordered with a thumb safety. It meets all of your qualifications except the exposed hammer, which you do not need. Thus, think of the M&P in 9mm as a 17 shot Centennial with thumb safety (or 15 shots in .40).

 

[Lost Lake]

I always recommend the M&P compacts for a first semi-auto because they are so versatile. You can change barrels if you get a .40 to shoot .357 or 9mm. You can use longer mags with a filler piece to have a full size grip. The guns come with three back straps for a great fit.

The M&P45 is a reliable polymer available in compact (a tad bigger than the .40/9mm) and a full size.

Another group I recommend is the third gen Smiths. The 3913 is widely considered the best 9mm ever made. The 4513 is a compact .45 with a punch but mild recoil. The 5906 is a full size all steel gun carried by officers for years. A cream puff to shoot and reliable as the morning sun.

S&W has pretty good pricing for LE... The new M&P's can be had for $399 with 3 mags and free shipping.

.

 

[OKFC05]

Being an old revolver guy, I recommend you get a standard M&P 9mm and forget all your preconceived notions about safeties, hammers, etc.
You just draw the M&P and pull the trigger to shoot it (sound familiar?) and the long trigger pull should not send you into hysterics, since it is similar to a very good DA revolver.

 

[Rpg]

Sounds like you want a Colt 1911 Series 70. 'The American fist'

 

[retired_diver]

Sounds like you want a Colt 1911 Series 70. 'The American fist'

Try and buy one for $700, I'll take two.

 

[VTHokiesDuckHunter]

I'd be looking for a clean 6906 or 4013. Don't worry about the safety/de-cocker on the slide. You will come to love it.

Alternately, I'd get a SIG P239. The Gen II SAS models are very sweet and are rounded and de-horned for better CCW.

 

[Wee Hooker]

An M & P 9 or 40 with the manual safety seems to fit your needs. Light, high capacity, reliable and easy to shoot.

Agreed. The M&P doesn't have an exposed hammer but it is one of the most user friendly semi auto's out there. ( It's also closer to $500) The adjustable grip size and low bore axis significantly reduces felt recoil over many other like caliber semi auto's. The M&P was this revolver guys first poly framed semi due to it's simplicity and superior ergonomics. I fell in love with it's firing behavior on my first trip to the range and now have several. It's also my favorite 9mm ever (and I've owned (all gen) S&W, Rugers, Sigs, Berettas, CZ's, Brownings, Walthers......) That said, my choice if I could only have one semi would be for a enhanced 1911 in 45 acp. It's just a classic firearm that is hard not to love. You could find a Ruger or used S&W 1911 for under $700 is you look around.

 

[4x4moses]

No safety issue

Being an old revolver guy, I recommend you get a standard M&P 9mm and forget all your preconceived notions about safeties, hammers, etc.
You just draw the M&P and pull the trigger to shoot it (sound familiar?) and the long trigger pull should not send you into hysterics, since it is similar to a very good DA revolver.

Actually, remembering to flip the safety off is a big concern for me. As you say, with a revolver it's just "point-and-shoot." As for the M&P series, I'm more concerned about the polymer frame than the lack of a safety/decocker.

 

[4x4moses]

One concern I have about the M&P 9, and this is based ONLY on pics I've seen: when the slide is pulled back, it looks as though the barrel tilts up. Is this right, or are my old eyes just distorting what's in front of me?

 

[4x4moses]

Classic 1911 good looks.

Agreed. The M&P doesn't have an exposed hammer but it is one of the most user friendly semi auto's out there. ( It's also closer to $500) The adjustable grip size and low bore axis significantly reduces felt recoil over many other like caliber semi auto's. The M&P was this revolver guys first poly framed semi due to it's simplicity and superior ergonomics. I fell in love with it's firing behavior on my first trip to the range and now have several. It's also my favorite 9mm ever (and I've owned (all gen) S&W, Rugers, Sigs, Berettas, CZ's, Brownings, Walthers......) That said, my choice if I could only have one semi would be for a enhanced 1911 in 45 acp. It's just a classic firearm that is hard not to love. You could find a Ruger or used S&W 1911 for under $700 is you look around.

I truly love the look and feel of a classic 1911 frame. In my cop days, I've confiscated quite a few 1911-type pistols (never a real Colt). I must admit I really like the look; but the grip safety, frame size, and recoil make me doubt I'd get used to one of these. No longer being a cop, and thus not having access to lots of free ammo, my range time is pretty limited these days.

 

[mbliss57]

I think being an ex-cop you would appreciate the SW 1076. They were used by many law enforcement agencies including the FBI back in the 1990. It has a frame mounted decocker with a hammer.
Or a 1026..same gun in DAO. The go for around $600-$700 for a shooter grade with the box and all the paperwork and provenance. The 10mm is a great round. Everyone says you cannot find ammo... I have never been without...never and I do not reload.
Good luck on your quest.

Mike

 

[bdsorcic]

Try a Dan Wesson ECO in .45 ACP. you will not be sorry! Expensive, yes but you get what you pay for! Their engineering will impress you

 

[Nframecollector]

A 1911 of course!

 

[OKFC05]

One concern I have about the M&P 9, and this is based ONLY on pics I've seen: when the slide is pulled back, it looks as though the barrel tilts up. Is this right, or are my old eyes just distorting what's in front of me?

1. The polymer frame on the M&P encloses a metal frame, and the slide rides on metal hard points. It will outlast you.

2. I am stunned you are concerned about the design of semi-automatics having tilting barrels!! Aside from a very few nearly ALL use the "tilt to unlock": (1911, Brn High Power, SIG, etc, etc)
No offense intended, but that seems uninformed.

 

[eveled]

The Sig Sauer P250 is the perfect semi automatic gun, for a revolver guy. It has an exposed hammer, no external safety's, and a true double action trigger. I have the compact .45acp, and it shoots just like a double action revolver, but has 10 rounds of .45, it shoots like a revolver, but carry's like a semi.

It is a modular gun, and is set up to swap grip frames and barrels, so you can have 1 gun that will shoot different calibers, and be compact or full size.

Comes with nice night sights too. The best part you should be able to find a new one for under $500. I paid $400 for mine with 2 magazines.

If you just want a range toy, go with a 1911. Ed

 

[Oscarflytyer]

Sounds like you want a Colt 1911 Series 70. 'The American fist'

+1. My first thought was a 1911 also.