Which gun is best

rik · 08-12-2003, 06:01 PM

ok I know that everyone of you probably have a different oppinion, and nows the chance to voice it.

What gun should I get.

Here are the guidlines

1 leaning towards .45 acp, or 9mm
2 semi auto
3 want to shoot mass quantitys of cheap amo
4 acurate
5 jam free
6 around 600$
7 Would like to shoot falling plate with stock gun

rik

If I forgot anything let me know

inplanotx · 08-12-2003, 06:48 PM

1911, 45acp, springfield or kimber.

cd45 · 08-12-2003, 08:11 PM

I agree with inplanotx, I own a Springfield, and have always had a 1911 of some type.

Shooter45 · 08-13-2003, 04:14 AM

1911.

08-13-2003, 05:52 AM

1911 45 cal.

Xracer · 08-13-2003, 08:13 AM

1911, .45acp.

08-13-2003, 08:28 AM

1911 45ACP

merc · 08-13-2003, 08:33 AM

guys didn't get into the reasons or whys
they just went to the solution (good solution-right bottom line--but show how you get there)

1 leaning towards .45 acp, or 9mm
Probably the 2 most common and best choices for targets and self defense

2 semi auto
revolvers are very nice handguns and this is a personal preference catagory. Semis are usually thinner and can be concealed a little easier. Plus most hold 8 to 15 and allow more fun at the range

3 want to shoot mass quantitys of cheap amo
The cheaper ammo is the 9mm. You can get this stuff by the to s and shoot all day for peanuts.
If you reload you can make 45's and shoot all day too

4 acurate
They are all acurate. At least I find that they are all more acurate than I can shoot. If the gun can't hit the paper it is time for a new gun or to stop shooting (I vote new gun)

5 jam free
Problems here---the 9 will afford you less problems with jamming in my experiences. The 45 are a little picky when it comes to ammo. My 9mm will shoot everything and any kind of bullet I buy without jamming. My 45's shoot jam free only when using round FMJ, certain hollow points and my own reloads.
They will not shoot lead reloads or frangibles

6 around 600$
You can get a decent 1911 style 45 for UNDER 600 and a 9mm around 500

7 Would like to shoot falling plate with stock gun
I don't know what your talking about here but either caliber should shoot just fine

MY vote--the 1911 .45 for the versatility and power--just as easy to conceal--and I love the BIG boom it makes

What ever you decide it is a personal thing and I don't think myou will be disappointed with either.
Good Luck

08-13-2003, 09:27 AM

comparing 9's to 45's is comparing apples to oranges.

as far as function and reliabilty , you can solve most problems with a change of ammo and/or magazine.

Shooter45 · 08-13-2003, 02:00 PM

Merc,
Since the weapon is to be used for shooting falling plates, the .45 acp has more power and bullet weight. The plates must fall to be scored. The 9mm round is ok for punching paper but for steel plates or bowling pins the .45 is the way to go.

Xracer · 08-14-2003, 09:04 AM

Rik, if you want to shoot falling plate, then 9mm is pretty much out of it.

As shooter says, for plates and pins you need a large and heavy bullet......and in a semi-auto pistol, in your price range, that's pretty much .45acp. (Another advantage of .45acp is that cheap, standard military surplus GI ball ammo works great on plates & pins.....no hopped-up handloads necessary)

In that caliber, most of us here prefer the M1911......but that's merely our personal preferences.

There are a lot of nice .45 autos out there. You should get the one that's best for you.

Handle as many as you can. Shoot as many as you can (many gun ranges will rent you a gun). Don't worry about price. When you find the one that shoots best for you......if it's more than what you want to spend, start looking for a good used one.

Good luck......and we're always here if you have more questions or advice.

FN_Project90 · 08-14-2003, 11:11 AM

have you guys looked at the Ultra Ten II?
that seems really neat a sub compact thats 10+1

wsmc667 · 08-14-2003, 11:12 PM

i'm gonna make these 1911 lovers hate me... cz 97b is an option, too. i've got their 9mm 75bd model now. super easy to take down, hardly any moving parts. simple gun. i rented a kimber .45 and now i'm thinking that the .45 is more fun to shoot with it's lighter recoil. so i may end up with the 97 and selling the 75bd.

link to CZ 97B review

if i were more serious about firearms and wanted to build up a killer .45, i'd do the research and likely assemble my own 1911 variant. but i've got a couple other "hobbies" taking up a lot of my time now as it is...

chris insane diego

JohnK3 · 08-15-2003, 09:36 AM

Geez, Chris, you sound just like me!

Back in February, I bought a CZ75bd. Started taking it to the range to practice. Decided I wanted to try a .45, so rented a Kimber at the range. Liked it so much, I now want to get a 1911. the CZ97b is a nice gun, but it's not a 1911.

GUNRUNNER · 08-15-2003, 11:44 AM

Kimber Ultra Carry II Stainless. Hard Hitting, Accurate, Dependable, Very Concealable.
Proven Caliber. ,45 ACP

wsmc667 · 08-25-2003, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JohnK3
Geez, Chris, you sound just like me!

Back in February, I bought a CZ75bd. Started taking it to the range to practice. Decided I wanted to try a .45, so rented a Kimber at the range. Liked it so much, I now want to get a 1911. the CZ97b is a nice gun, but it's not a 1911.

hehehe, yeah, not a 1911 in many ways. but still throws that same nearly 1/2" bullet downrange with more than acceptable accuracy?? hehehe. i don't see devoting the time to competition anytime in the near future, so once we get the missus to shoot a kimber, i may start down that path.

antediluvianist · 09-04-2003, 11:28 PM

" i've got their 9mm 75bd model now. super easy to take down, hardly any moving parts. simple gun. i rented a kimber .45 and now i'm thinking that the .45 is more fun to shoot with it's lighter recoil. "

You seem to be saying that a Kimber .45 kicks less than the CZ 75bd 9mm. That's really how you perceive the recoil?

I shoot a full-size .45 1911 and a Tanfoglio Combat 9mm. (similar to a CZ75bd) . Sure does seem like the 1911 .45 kicks more.

frosty · 09-05-2003, 01:43 PM

1911-A1 in .45 FULL SIZE ,I have a Springfield in stainless. I am sure the Kimber is just as good.

I would have to agree 9mm is cheap but I reload for the .45 and I love it. Big Bullet, Big Boom and a Proven man stopper.
I got rid of my Glock 21 in .45 and saw the light of the 1911,..... never looking back.

1911 all the way.

pickenup · 09-06-2003, 11:24 PM

Try an H&K in 45.
Who knows, you may like it.

denfoote · 09-07-2003, 04:34 AM

If you want to shoot falling plate why not get a Ruger P97 for about $400!! I paid $411 for mine with tax. Since the gun is only a couple of months old, I have not had a chance to fire a whole lot of rounds through it, but it handles hollow point and ball with equal ease, is accurate and you will have $200 to buy ammo with!!

As for self defense, I carry mine in a Bianchi 7L pancake holster covered with a loose t-shirt or if you live in a colder clime than the vast Sonoran desert, a light jacket will do nicely!! Ruger is also offering $40 rebates!!

Why spend a whole lot of money if you don't have to!! Of course, if you want the "I own a Kimber" or "Make mine a springfield" rush, then go for it!! It's your money!!

But, if you want something that won't break your piggy bank that will do the job, then Ruger is the way to go!!

bigboom338 · 09-07-2003, 03:35 PM

I would have to agree with XRACER on this one, handle as many as you can and get what is right for you.
Denfoote has a point about Rugers they are cheaper but every single guy I have known who has bought a Ruger auto loader has sold it in a short period of time. I am a Ruger guy myself (rifles and revolvers) but after handling their autoloaders I decided that I would never own one.
Just get what works/fits you. As for the caliber .45 is the only way to go.

wsmc667 · 09-08-2003, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by antediluvianist
You seem to be saying that a Kimber .45 kicks less than the CZ 75bd 9mm. That's really how you perceive the recoil? I shoot a full-size .45 1911 and a Tanfoglio Combat 9mm. (similar to a CZ75bd) . Sure does seem like the 1911 .45 kicks more.

that's how it felt. the kimber rolled back while the cz75 had a sharp jolt. with the 9, i felt like i had to really clamp onto the gun to keep it in my hand, while i just had to hold the kimber with only a little more force than enough to keep it on target.

that's why i plan on draggin the missus down there with the 75 and having both on the bench ready to go for back to back testing.

chris

antediluvianist · 09-08-2003, 03:30 AM

Ah, Chris, yes, I understand. Indeed the 9mm. "snaps" whereas the .45 "rolls".

As far as I understand it, the recoil of a .45 is greater (a .45 slug has roughly twice the mass of a 9mm. slug). The .45's momentum (mass X velocity) backward is greater (even given the 9mm's greater velocity, which is NOT twice that of a .45) , but it is spread out over a longer period of time.

So the 9mm "snaps" more abruptly - less force overall but in a somewhat shorter period of time.

Well, that explanation may or may not be accurate, in a physics sense, but yes I agree with you that the 9mm "snaps" and the .45 tends to "roll".

That's why I fire 9mm. in full-size, heavyish guns. Light 9mm. pistols really jump.

Good luck.

rglbegl · 03-04-2004, 03:52 PM

9mm will be the best for ammo price. Look at the beretta 92fs, they are hard to beat. I am a .45 fan, but I love my buddies beretta. Cheaper ammo than my .45, just as accurate, and it will outlast you and me both. If you havent tried a glock, do so. I hate them, but you may fall in love. Let us know what you get

Marlin · 03-04-2004, 04:49 PM

Do as I, Get one of each!!

We have a Browning Hi-Power 9mm

AND

a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 in .45.

08-12-2003, 06:01 PM	#1
rik Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 31	Which gun is best ok I know that everyone of you probably have a different oppinion, and nows the chance to voice it. What gun should I get. Here are the guidlines 1 leaning towards .45 acp, or 9mm 2 semi auto 3 want to shoot mass quantitys of cheap amo 4 acurate 5 jam free 6 around 600$ 7 Would like to shoot falling plate with stock gun rik If I forgot anything let me know --> Last edited by rik; 08-12-2003 at 06:25 PM..

08-12-2003, 06:48 PM	#2
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	1911, 45acp, springfield or kimber. __________________

08-13-2003, 08:33 AM	#8
merc V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pelham, NH Posts: 309	guys didn't get into the reasons or whys they just went to the solution (good solution-right bottom line--but show how you get there) 1 leaning towards .45 acp, or 9mm Probably the 2 most common and best choices for targets and self defense 2 semi auto revolvers are very nice handguns and this is a personal preference catagory. Semis are usually thinner and can be concealed a little easier. Plus most hold 8 to 15 and allow more fun at the range 3 want to shoot mass quantitys of cheap amo The cheaper ammo is the 9mm. You can get this stuff by the to s and shoot all day for peanuts. If you reload you can make 45's and shoot all day too 4 acurate They are all acurate. At least I find that they are all more acurate than I can shoot. If the gun can't hit the paper it is time for a new gun or to stop shooting (I vote new gun) 5 jam free Problems here---the 9 will afford you less problems with jamming in my experiences. The 45 are a little picky when it comes to ammo. My 9mm will shoot everything and any kind of bullet I buy without jamming. My 45's shoot jam free only when using round FMJ, certain hollow points and my own reloads. They will not shoot lead reloads or frangibles 6 around 600$ You can get a decent 1911 style 45 for UNDER 600 and a 9mm around 500 7 Would like to shoot falling plate with stock gun I don't know what your talking about here but either caliber should shoot just fine MY vote--the 1911 .45 for the versatility and power--just as easy to conceal--and I love the BIG boom it makes What ever you decide it is a personal thing and I don't think myou will be disappointed with either. Good Luck __________________ Merc Living without Liberty is not Living

08-14-2003, 11:11 AM	#12
FN_Project90 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 803	have you guys looked at the Ultra Ten II? that seems really neat a sub compact thats 10+1 __________________ Things n' Stuff

09-05-2003, 01:43 PM	#18
frosty V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 374	1911-A1 in .45 FULL SIZE ,I have a Springfield in stainless. I am sure the Kimber is just as good. I would have to agree 9mm is cheap but I reload for the .45 and I love it. Big Bullet, Big Boom and a Proven man stopper. I got rid of my Glock 21 in .45 and saw the light of the 1911,..... never looking back. 1911 all the way. __________________ BEER POCKET BOOK ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

08-12-2003, 08:11 PM	#3
cd45 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mcloud, Oklahoma Posts: 63	I agree with inplanotx, I own a Springfield, and have always had a 1911 of some type.

08-13-2003, 04:14 AM	#4
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,747	1911.

08-13-2003, 05:52 AM	#5
Zigzag2 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	1911 45 cal.

08-13-2003, 08:13 AM	#6
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	1911, .45acp.

08-13-2003, 08:28 AM	#7
warpig Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	1911 45ACP

08-13-2003, 09:27 AM	#9
Zigzag2 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	comparing 9's to 45's is comparing apples to oranges. as far as function and reliabilty , you can solve most problems with a change of ammo and/or magazine.

08-13-2003, 02:00 PM	#10
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,747	Merc, Since the weapon is to be used for shooting falling plates, the .45 acp has more power and bullet weight. The plates must fall to be scored. The 9mm round is ok for punching paper but for steel plates or bowling pins the .45 is the way to go.

08-14-2003, 09:04 AM	#11
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Rik, if you want to shoot falling plate, then 9mm is pretty much out of it. As shooter says, for plates and pins you need a large and heavy bullet......and in a semi-auto pistol, in your price range, that's pretty much .45acp. (Another advantage of .45acp is that cheap, standard military surplus GI ball ammo works great on plates & pins.....no hopped-up handloads necessary) In that caliber, most of us here prefer the M1911......but that's merely our personal preferences. There are a lot of nice .45 autos out there. You should get the one that's best for you. Handle as many as you can. Shoot as many as you can (many gun ranges will rent you a gun). Don't worry about price. When you find the one that shoots best for you......if it's more than what you want to spend, start looking for a good used one. Good luck......and we're always here if you have more questions or advice.

08-14-2003, 11:12 PM	#13
wsmc667 Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: sandy eggo Posts: 45	i'm gonna make these 1911 lovers hate me... cz 97b is an option, too. i've got their 9mm 75bd model now. super easy to take down, hardly any moving parts. simple gun. i rented a kimber .45 and now i'm thinking that the .45 is more fun to shoot with it's lighter recoil. so i may end up with the 97 and selling the 75bd. link to CZ 97B review if i were more serious about firearms and wanted to build up a killer .45, i'd do the research and likely assemble my own 1911 variant. but i've got a couple other "hobbies" taking up a lot of my time now as it is... chris insane diego

08-15-2003, 09:36 AM	#14
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Geez, Chris, you sound just like me! Back in February, I bought a CZ75bd. Started taking it to the range to practice. Decided I wanted to try a .45, so rented a Kimber at the range. Liked it so much, I now want to get a 1911. the CZ97b is a nice gun, but it's not a 1911.

08-15-2003, 11:44 AM	#15
GUNRUNNER Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 7	Kimber Ultra Carry II Stainless. Hard Hitting, Accurate, Dependable, Very Concealable. Proven Caliber. ,45 ACP

09-04-2003, 11:28 PM	#17
antediluvianist Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 22	" i've got their 9mm 75bd model now. super easy to take down, hardly any moving parts. simple gun. i rented a kimber .45 and now i'm thinking that the .45 is more fun to shoot with it's lighter recoil. " You seem to be saying that a Kimber .45 kicks less than the CZ 75bd 9mm. That's really how you perceive the recoil? I shoot a full-size .45 1911 and a Tanfoglio Combat 9mm. (similar to a CZ75bd) . Sure does seem like the 1911 .45 kicks more.

09-06-2003, 11:24 PM	#19
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,837	Try an H&K in 45. Who knows, you may like it. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

09-07-2003, 04:34 AM	#20
denfoote V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 80	Falling plate .45 If you want to shoot falling plate why not get a Ruger P97 for about $400!! I paid $411 for mine with tax. Since the gun is only a couple of months old, I have not had a chance to fire a whole lot of rounds through it, but it handles hollow point and ball with equal ease, is accurate and you will have $200 to buy ammo with!! As for self defense, I carry mine in a Bianchi 7L pancake holster covered with a loose t-shirt or if you live in a colder clime than the vast Sonoran desert, a light jacket will do nicely!! Ruger is also offering $40 rebates!! Why spend a whole lot of money if you don't have to!! Of course, if you want the "I own a Kimber" or "Make mine a springfield" rush, then go for it!! It's your money!! But, if you want something that won't break your piggy bank that will do the job, then Ruger is the way to go!! __________________ John Lennon was right. Happiness IS a warm gun!!! I traded my manners for a handgun. Last edited by denfoote; 09-07-2003 at 04:37 AM..

09-07-2003, 03:35 PM	#21
bigboom338 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Dakota Posts: 399	I would have to agree with XRACER on this one, handle as many as you can and get what is right for you. Denfoote has a point about Rugers they are cheaper but every single guy I have known who has bought a Ruger auto loader has sold it in a short period of time. I am a Ruger guy myself (rifles and revolvers) but after handling their autoloaders I decided that I would never own one. Just get what works/fits you. As for the caliber .45 is the only way to go. __________________ "Aim Small Miss Small"

09-08-2003, 03:30 AM	#23
antediluvianist Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 22	oh, the 9mm "snap" versus the .45 "roll" Ah, Chris, yes, I understand. Indeed the 9mm. "snaps" whereas the .45 "rolls". As far as I understand it, the recoil of a .45 is greater (a .45 slug has roughly twice the mass of a 9mm. slug). The .45's momentum (mass X velocity) backward is greater (even given the 9mm's greater velocity, which is NOT twice that of a .45) , but it is spread out over a longer period of time. So the 9mm "snaps" more abruptly - less force overall but in a somewhat shorter period of time. Well, that explanation may or may not be accurate, in a physics sense, but yes I agree with you that the 9mm "snaps" and the .45 tends to "roll". That's why I fire 9mm. in full-size, heavyish guns. Light 9mm. pistols really jump. Good luck.

03-04-2004, 03:52 PM	#24
rglbegl Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dana point CA Posts: 531	9mm will be the best for ammo price. Look at the beretta 92fs, they are hard to beat. I am a .45 fan, but I love my buddies beretta. Cheaper ammo than my .45, just as accurate, and it will outlast you and me both. If you havent tried a glock, do so. I hate them, but you may fall in love. Let us know what you get

03-04-2004, 04:49 PM	#25
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,854	Do as I, Get one of each!! We have a Browning Hi-Power 9mm AND a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 in .45. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*