.40 S&W: steel on steel

[30mag]

So, I'm 17. I own a Mossberg ATR-100 in .30-06, and a Remington 1100 in 12 gauge.
Just a little about myself. I'm pretty new to this forum. This is my second post... ANYWAYS...
I'm looking for a handgun. I want something pretty powerful. I've been looking and looking and looking and looking. First I thought I wanted a .357 magnum, but I've decided that I really would rather have an semi-auto than a revolver.
I don't want a polymer frame pistol. I'm sure they're wonderful firearms, but I don't like the idea of extensive use in plastic in a firearm. I'd rather have a revolver than a polymer frame semi-auto. Moving on, I think I've decided on a Baby Eagle in .40 S&W. I bought my .30-06 (my first and only bolt-action rifle, before that the only firearm I had shot was a 12 gauge and a Marlin .22) because I wanted a powerful firearm. A rifle that would keep me on my toes, something that would be a challenge to shoot. Same thing for the pistol. I've thought about the .357 alot, and decided ammo is pretty expensive compared to 9mm, so I was thinking about a 9. But I've decided to move up a step in power level, just because I don't want to buy a nine and be disappointed by the lack of "boom" (and the .357 is still in the back of my mind). But, I think a .40 ought to be a good balance. Ammo is cheaper than .357, and more powerful than 9mm.
Now, the question is which handgun?
I like the Baby Eagle because it has a steel frame, isn't very expensive, and made by a reputable company.
I am open to suggestions. I would REALLY prefer steel-framed handguns only. Highest priority is cost. I'm kinda poor seeing as how I'm only 17. If you can make an argument for a revolver as opposed to an automatic, I would like to hear it. I'm pretty open-minded at this point.

 

[wnycollector]

The best deal on a metal framed .40 is the CZ40B. For $289 you get a colt commander look and feel in .40 cal with the internals of a CZ 75 plus several upgrages such as a stainless recoil-rod and a braided recoil spring. Also Mecgar CZ75 compact 12 round mags fit the 40B.

 

[texas bulldog]

don't know what state you're in, but i thought 18 was the minimum age to purchase a handgun...21 in some states. not that i have a personal problem with it, and maybe i'm wrong...

anyway...based on your criteria, i would look into a sig in .40S&W. they may look polymer, but they are steel.

 

[30mag]

blah

 

[MAKster]

That sounds like an illegal straw purchase to me.

 

[mr.trooper]

Have your dad buy it for himself, and then he can transfer it to you when your old enough.

long story short, you don't really need a handgun yet. Take the extra year to save up more money, and think about it some more.

 

[Josh Aston]

That sounds like an illegal straw purchase to me.

It's not. The minor doesn't own the firearm, the parent does. The minor is allowed to use/possess the firearm with permission from the parent. Once the minor reaches legal age the firearm can be gifted to the former minor.

 

[30mag]

blah

 

[ashtxsniper]

Eaa Witness in 10mm if you want powerful and steel on steel.

 

[30mag]

Another thing, what's the DA/SA, DA, SA crap I keep reading...?
Is it DA first shot SA rest of clip, DA all time, and SA all time? (respectively)

 

[30mag]

Isn't 10mm pretty brutal?
I think .45 is pretty near my top end of recoil control.

 

[ashtxsniper]

Its not brutal unless you are recoil sensitive. If you can handle full house 357 mag loads you can handle a full size 10mm. Doubletap loads in a EAA witness do have a pretty hard recoil but I like recoil so to each his own.

 

[MAKster]

The OP said the pistol was being bought with his money, but the father was filling out the paperwork. If the father bought it with his own money and allowed the son to shoot it under supervision that would be different than what the OP described.

 

[Taurus92 in KyleTX]

CPO Sig P226/229 in .40S&W... when you're legal to buy.*

Bought mine for $580, but they can be had for less. They meet your criteria for steel on steel.

If you're really tight on budget, think about a Taurus PT-96. I like my PT-92 in 9mm. Paid $380 for that one.

*For future reference, posts like mine aren't making judgements. But, you should take the advice not to put legally questionable methods of obtaining firearms IN PRINT, ON THE INTERNET, IN PUBLIC FORUMS. Also, thumbing your nose at the BATF while doing the above ain't the wisest, either.

Oh, and anytime someone says they're "kinda poor" and cost is "highest priority", I recommend reconsidering the 9mm. As many have said, if you can't afford to practice with it, after you buy, then it ain't much good.

 

[30mag]

I turn 18 on October 3rd. Which is 7 weeks away?
I won't be underage then. I can legally own a handgun, although I cannot BUY one legally from a dealer. My father will purchase the handgun, and then I'll buy it from him. Which IS legal. Now, please quit worrying about whether or not I'm going to take part in a straw purchase, and think very hard about good firearms with metal frames made in .40 S&W.

 

[30mag]

blah

 

[velocette]

With all due respect, and no "blahs" Perhaps one should consider a Browning Hi-Power in .40 S&W. A superb firearm with outstanding feel and handling. Also it is single action and a John M. Browning (+a frenchman) design. All steel, accurate and of excellent quality.

Roger

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I think .45 is pretty near my top end of recoil control.

A lot of folks, myself included, find the .40 S&W less pleasant to shoot than the .45 ACP. I suggest the 9mm firstly for its decreased ammo cost, then for the increased increased control.

Honestly, if you feel the 9mm has ''lack of boom,'' a .40 S&W probably won't do it for ya. Placement, placement, placement.

If you insist on a steel framed .40, I recommend of the full-stainless SIG's.

 

[Nero_Atrum]

Im confused, my post disappeared...

 

[SDDL-UP]

CZ-75B, Witness, Baby Eagle - they are all good. I'm a CZ fan, but I am probably going to pick up a Witness Elite Stock in 10mm and get a 40 S&W barrel for it one of these days.

 

[Loomis]

Smith and wesson model 4009. They are going used for 300 bucks as police trade ins.

 

[The_Sheriff]

Get a Glock 22, I know it has polymer but you'll love it and you can get it for a great price new, used, or facory refurbished like I did. They can run anywhere from $320 used to $500 new.

 

[BlindJustice]

I was lucky enough to spend my teens in the '60s, in a farming community
in central Wash. State,. I started out with a .22 LR Hi Standard semi-auto, on loan from an Uncle. I saved up lawn mowing $$ & my dad matched what I had and I got a S&W Model 18 .22 LR revolver at age 13 - then we bought a farm - the S&W served me well with learning to make shots count on rabbits, snakes, and it sure made coyotes run faster. I also shot centerfire
handguns on occaision, and the experience with the .22 LRs served me
well in stepping up in power.

All too often on revolver threads a guy wants to get a .44 mag. as hjis first revolver. ENds up being a gun bragged about often, shot seldom, and
the target pattern not shown at all just the piece of mild steel with a
hole blown through it but who knows how many shots it took to do it.

Go with your father and rent some handguns kiddo

Randall

h

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

 

[30mag]

We own a Ruger super six.
Which is a .22 revolver with an additional .22 magnum cylinder.
It was the second firearm I ever shot. The first was a Marlin semi-auto .22.
I can shoot pistols, I just have to learn to handle recoil.

Thank you for the advice though, I agree.