What auto do you recommend?

[vipermd]

I wanted an SA trigger in an auto but I've changed my thinking and just gone with a 3rd gen S&W 9mm DAO trigger. I believe that the newer styles are inherently safer. (I never trusted semi autos because I know of too many tragic or nearly tragic accidents). [ QUOTE]
You did not trust the SAO or DAO or any semi? JUst curious why?
Be Safe,

 

[4x4moses]

I know this is an old thread, but I just have to do a follow-up. After much consideration (and shopping around), I bought myself a brand new M&P 9, full-size, no thumb safety, internal lock, etc. I've actually had it for quite some time, but to satisfy the wife I agreed to keep it in the box until Christmas. Well, Santa brought some nice accessories, ProMag magazines, and several hundred rounds of Winchester white box practice ammo, and nice Cree light. All I can say is WOW! This is one fine pistol. I'm glad I made the jump from wheel-guns to a "plastic gun." Even with my fading eyesight, I'm getting some nice groups at 25 yards (even better at 15!!!). With a little more practice, I may even get something like what I'm accustomed with my K-38, and 66-2.

 

[TexasG]

I can't believe I'm saying this , my first Ruger in many years. A 1911 Commander size, lifetime warranty, brand new $715 OTD. Hard to beat for the $.

I really like mine too. It's top shelf and entirely made in the USA!!!

 

[rwsmith]

I wanted an SA trigger in an auto but I've changed my thinking and just gone with a 3rd gen S&W 9mm DAO trigger. I believe that the newer styles are inherently safer. (I never trusted semi autos because I know of too many tragic or nearly tragic accidents). [ QUOTE]
You did not trust the SAO or DAO or any semi? JUst curious why?
Be Safe,

Somewhere I said that there are so many different kinds of semi autos and that in years past many of them functioned differently. I feel the newer guns are inherently safer than the old ones. I do trust a DAO (I have one) because there is nothing tricky about it. Pull the trigger and it fires, don't pull the trigger and it doesn't. WHATEVER semi auto I had I would make sure that I was intimate with how it works, but I don't think everybody does that. I've known two negligent discharges by semis that were close calls by people that were well versed in firearms. One shot through several apartments full of people and the other shot an office floor and bounced into a couch a guy was sitting on. I know of a high ranking member of an exclusive gun club that shot and killed himself by accident. The circumstances were not clear because nobody saw him do it but it wasn't thought to be a suicide.

That is one reason I've always preferred DA/SA revolvers. They all work the same way.

 

[nocents]

I can't believe I'm saying this , my first Ruger in many years. A 1911 Commander size, lifetime warranty, brand new $715 OTD. Hard to beat for the $.

if I was 1911 fan...for that kind of money.....that Ruger would be hard to pass up.....I like Ruger's ....they just work...nothing fancy....they are like the Chevrolet of firearms

 

[4x4moses]

My concerns with switching from revolvers to semi-autos has always centered on the "safety" issue. As you say, with a wheel gun one doesn't have to worry about "Is the safety on/off?" nor whether or not it will fire with a round chambered and the magazine ejected. One of the first things I did with my new M&P9 is to prove to myself that IT WILL FIRE WITH A ROUND IN THE CHAMBER, AND THE MAGAZINE OUT. Yes, I know, S&W clearly stamps that on the side of the pistol, but I wanted to prove it to myself. Once I get accustomed to the long trigger pull on the M&P, I think I'm going to like it ALMOST as much as my trusty revolvers.

 

[M29since14]

The trigger action should improve a bit with use so if you are getting along nicely with the gun now you're on the right track. Being a die-hard 1911 hack from way back, I still would have recommended a nice 1911 )) but I understand your thinking and trust you will continue to be well served by the S&W.

I take it that you bought a 4.25" Pro rather than the 5" model?

Come back to this with some follow-up on your shooting. Shooting impressions with the M&P9 seem to vary quite a bit so the more we know the better. If you end up shooting it as well as you did your revolvers, S&W must have done a good job with your gun.

 

[4x4moses]

Latest impression of my new M&P 9:
I recently ran about a hundred rounds down the pipe, and noticed one thing that causes me some concern. At least twice, when inserting a full magazine into the pistol (with the slide locked open), when I pushed the magazine in the slide moved forward without me touching the slide release. Is this a common problem? Also, I've had some issues with ProMag aftermarket magazines not feeding the last round. Has anyone else experienced either (or both) of these issues?

 

[GKC]

At least twice, when inserting a full magazine into the pistol (with the slide locked open), when I pushed the magazine in the slide moved forward without me touching the slide release. Is this a common problem?

Yes, it is fairly common, certainly not rare...and it has been known to happen in other guns too. Whether or not it's a "problem" is how you view it...it could speed up reloads, or it could throw you off. If it happens consistently and you like it, it could be a good thing...if it happens only occasionally, and it startles you, it could be a problem. Does it happen with all your mags, or just specific ones?

Also, I've had some issues with ProMag aftermarket magazines not feeding the last round. Has anyone else experienced either (or both) of these issues?

Personally, I've never used any aftermarket mags in my S&W pistols. I have read about some people having problems with ProMags in other guns, but I don't think I've ever read about anyone using them in an M&P. Of course, I didn't even know there were aftermarket mags available for the M&P, so you might want to consider my comment as not exactly well informed.

 

[colts4u]

Ok, ok, forget all these wanna be autos.

Go and get yourself a 1911. Your price limitation might be a bit hard to meet, but with determination they are out there.
My first recommendation is of course a Colt, you just wont find a better shooting auto.
Now, I just got a new S&W SW1911, which is why I'm on this forum. Its really pretty, I hear nice things about them, but until I get it out to shoot, I am holding my opinion on it. Street price on a SW1911 is around the mid $800's, still depends on the dealer pricing scheme. A used colt can be had in the same price range, a new one $1050-1250 for the basic models.

Good luck to you, shopping for a new gun is like it used to be when buying a new car......real exciting!! Now buying a car at these prices is depressing!

 

[RonS]

Pistol, Caliber .45, Model 1911A1

Shop around, you are close on price unless you want fancy. For shooting enjoyment my short list would be

Springfield Range Officer. Heads above the rest for a range gun due to feature set, including sights and fitting.

Colt 1991 full size

Almost any S&W non lightweigh full size

Ruger full size

Some are more expensive than others. I think all of the above have really solid service, as in lifetime.

A couple of friends have Remington R1s and like them but I think they have a one year warranty.

Or you could join the herd and get a Glock 19, join GSSF and come out for some easy, inexpensive & fun matches and the chance to win more glocks.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

I think you would be happy with any TSW 3rd gen or even some Shorties either the 40 or 45. Also 700 could buy a nice used sig 228 or similar, if you want new and do not mind plastics then like has been said a MP or XDM would work.

 

[poorbroker]

I am an old S&W revolver guy as well and had no S&W Pistols until a few years ago. I now have several 3rd gen S&W's in 9mm,.40 and .45. I really like them all. I recently bought a,NIB S&W 4046 for around $450. It was an unissued LE trade. It has no slide mounted safety, is DAO with that long revolver trigger pull and is a real joy to shoot. But really you can't go wrong with any 3rd gen pistol but be warned, they are habit forming!