What auto do you recommend?

[M29since14]

+2

If you have taken away a bunch of 1911s you owe yourself one. With a little shopping you should be able to find a decent used 1911 for close to your $700 figure. I see used S&Ws going for that every now and then.

Other possibilities... maybe a used SIG P220 or P226?

I would stay away from the plastic pistols if you might be inclined to compare their accuracy with the accuracy of the S&W revolvers you are used to carrying.

 

[GoodMornin]

No safety, then try a DAO gun by S&W, if you can find a third gen at a good price
S&W 5943TSW, alloy frame-stainless slide, I love mine!

 

[ladder13]

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 $.

 

[lhump1961]

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.

I thought that was why the op asked for advice...to gain information.

I agree with most of the replies...any of the 3rd gens or M&P's should fit the bill. The 1911, while a great gun (I have a couple) is SAO and can be a bit of an adjustment when it comes to "cocked and locked". It is a different animal than most other autos.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[4006990]

Used SigSauer P220 or P239

 

[BobC357]

I'm an old wheel gun guy that loves N frames and went with the M&P 9mm and love it. I always take both to the range so I can enjoy the pleasures of each.

 

[4x4moses]

I am uninformed!

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.

No offense taken. Truth is, when it comes to semi-autos, I AM UNINFORMED, that's why I'm asking advice & counsel on this forum! As a former cop, I used a firearm as a tool of my trade. Now out of that field, I am a casual shooter & collector. I have no safe queens, I insist on shooting everything I own. I make no claim of being a firearms expert, I'm just trying to learn a few things. We all have to start somewhere.

 

[4x4moses]

That is one sweet 1911!

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 ran across a Ruger SR1911 on grabagun a few days ago. With shipping and FFL transfer, it would have been around $725. I thought about it a couple of days and decided to bite the bullet. When I went back, they were sold out. Guess it wasn't meant to be. Whatever I decide on, I'm pretty sure it's going to be a 9mm or .45acp. The scarcity of those calibers at the LGS indicates to me that they are the most common. In a SHTF situation, the right ammo in storage can become like money in the bank - readily traded for other things of value/need!

 

[Peakes]

4516

Compact size, lil beefy, accurate,bet your life on it dependable, big hole. Very reasonable price. But I am a lil biased!

 

[Raider]

Being an old guy and a Smith & Wesson man, I would go with the S&W 39-2. Its a single stack 9mm with great ergonomics, pretty to look at and more accurate than most folks can shoot. A small woman can shoot it as well as a big guy. It works for concealed carry as well as just a range gun. Parts are readily available. It has an outside hammer, its in your price range and its a real classic.

Charlie

 

[4x4moses]

Thanks for all the advice and comments. I've decided to go with a full size M&P9 Pro. As I said in my original post, I bought a Taurus PT92AF, which is a close cousin to the Beretta 92FS. I really liked it, and will probably buy another - if I can find one at the under-$400 price I paid for that one. But for now, I'm looking forward to getting a new M&P 9. Again, thanks for all the input!

 

[NYHawk]

I know this is a S&W forum, but I'd suggest a Beretta Storm PX4 G Model. The PX4 is available in 9mm, 40s&w, and my favorite, the 45acp. The "G Model" has a decocker lever and not a safety, though a model with a safety is available. It has an external hammer and can be decocked safely, and your back to DA like a revolver. The rotating barrel design is very reliable and it is a great gun to shoot.
This gun goes for well under $700 and all accessories easily available, magazines, holsters etc.

 

[GKC]

I bought a Taurus PT92AF, which is a close cousin to the Beretta 92FS. I really liked it, and will probably buy another - if I can find one at the under-$400 price I paid for that one.

As I was reading down the various posts, I was thinking, "If he liked the PT92, then why not just buy another one?" I don't usually recommend Taurus guns, but the PT92 has the best record of all their products. Academy Sports lists them on their website for $379 (I think...it was under $400) for the blue finish.

I think you will be very happy with the M&P pistol...and S&W's quality and customer service is excellent.

 

[rwsmith]

I'm having a similar crisis......

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). All of the pistols worked a little differently from others so familiarity with one weapon didn't always carry over to another). If one day I truly want an SA trigger I'll get a 1911 model pistol. It's a known quantity as the manual of arms is the same for any 1911.

I don't think that buying an M&P auto today could be a mistake by any stretch.

 

[rwsmith]

I know it....

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.

I KNOW about the tilt and lock, but I've never seen a video, illustration or series of pictures that explains it well. I've tried manipulating the pistol to get an idea of how it works but I can't simulate a cartridge going off. I'm actually fairly mechanical minded (I was a mechanical designer) but this one eludes me. (magic is actually involved with some gun actions).

Update:

I found this that shows it better than anything I've seen:

http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/Racking-The-Slide-Of-Your-Gun

 

[4x4moses]

As I was reading down the various posts, I was thinking, "If he liked the PT92, then why not just buy another one?" I don't usually recommend Taurus guns, but the PT92 has the best record of all their products. Academy Sports lists them on their website for $379 (I think...it was under $400) for the blue finish.

I think you will be very happy with the M&P pistol...and S&W's quality and customer service is excellent.

Back in the early 80's, S&W and Taurus were owned by the same parent company. They shared much R&D and manufacturing methods. My first handgun was a Taurus .357 mag, identical to the S&W model 65/66. Just about any Brazilian-made Taurus is trustworthy IMO. I like the PT92 because it looks like the classic Beretta 92, but with what I think are some significant improvements.

As for the wisdom of buying a S&W, I've owned more S&W handguns than any other brand, and I have come to know them as dependable beyond expectation. My only hesitation about going with the M&P9 was the polymer frame; and I think I have overcome my doubts. My new M&P9 ship this week, I'll know soon enough how well I adjust to a "plastic gun!"

 

[Black69]

I have a Smith 639 and 559, a Glock 30 that was my duty weapon for many years and I recently bought a Ruger SR1911. I really like the Ruger, it was also decently priced. I also love my Smith's, but shoot the Ruger better due to the trigger.

 

[4x4moses]

Beretta PX4

I know this is a S&W forum, but I'd suggest a Beretta Storm PX4 G Model. The PX4 is available in 9mm, 40s&w, and my favorite, the 45acp. The "G Model" has a decocker lever and not a safety, though a model with a safety is available. It has an external hammer and can be decocked safely, and your back to DA like a revolver. The rotating barrel design is very reliable and it is a great gun to shoot.
This gun goes for well under $700 and all accessories easily available, magazines, holsters etc.

A friend of my son, who often comes to my house to shoot, has a PX4. Right after buying my Taurus, he came over and we shot and swapped through a couple of boxes of FMJ 115gr. He liked my Taurus, but the grip on his 9mm PX4 seemed odd to me. Like you, I know that Beretta has a name for quality - and it is well-deserved. But if I'm going to own a Beretta, it's got to be a M9 / 92fs - I just love the look.

 

[OKFC05]

Thanks for all the advice and comments. I've decided to go with a full size M&P9 Pro.

Quite a few of my students pick M&P, and I have both the 5" and 4 1/4" Pro versions of the M&P.
I would be very interested in your comments after you have shot it awhile.
Good shooting!

 

[Tom_R]

So many options out there.

I have a Sig Sauer p226. It is an aluminum frame steel slide gun. Fully loaded it is perfectly balanced, and is extremely accurate. You can find a good used one for $700, I would think.

If you like old school Smith and Wesson, get a nice used 39-2, or 439. I own one of each, and I can tell you, you will not be disappointed. They are perfect in your hand, and are some of Smith and Wesson's best work.

I would NOT recommend getting a 1911 style gun for your first auto. A used one could have been a failed project by a kitchen table gun smith, and they tend to need more maintenance, and need a decent amount of break in. Have a nice Kimber 1911 safe queen that I never carry and only have 200 rounds through. That's ok, I have always wanted a 1911, but my Sigs and Smiths are more fun to shoot.


An H&K USP may be worth considering, it is part plastic, but is a damn fine gun.

If you want to do a lot of shooting, I know it doesn't fit what you are looking for, but Glocks are a lot of fun.

But Sig and S&W have some nice product to try.

Again, tons of choices, but you will not be disappointed in a p226. I promise you.