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Good, inexpensive, semi/auto

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Fat Boy

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Joined
Sep 23, 2007
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753
Location
Kansas Plains
I am continuing my search for a semi-auto to add to my collection- My requirements (if that is the right word) are for durability, reliability, strength, and so on.

I looked at a few examples today in the local shop- included :

Ruger p90 $379
Ruger p95dc (Polymer) $319
FEG - copy of Browning High Power $319

I liked the FEG for looks, I am a sucker for blue steel and wood. But I am unsure about the actual function, and issues mentioned above.

I know the Ruger p90 is stout- but it isn't exactly pretty-

I am really thinking about the FEG- why should I avoid this gun?

I know the Ruger p95 runs on polymer "rails"-

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
 
I would highly recommend that you check out the awesome SIG SP2022 also. They usually can be found for about $400.

Here is mine if you have never seen one. Close to 1000 rounds now and not a single problem of any kind.

SP2022target052211B.gif
 
Sheriff Jim Wilson did a 5000 rd test with the P95 and it did extremely well.

The FEG may be a good deal, but their quality, metallurgy and durability factors are unknown.
 
Is this going to be for the range or for home defense/carry?

I'd go with the Ruger P series for home defense in this case. I dont like the trigger pull, or the uglyness, BUT is is definately reliable and durable. Ruger overbuilds their guns, so you dont have to worry about it not being durable. Although they are too bulky and heavy for conceal carry.

Also, the S&W Sigma SW9VE would be a good option for this IMO.

As for range shooting, the P series and Sigma arent my favorites. I dont have any experience with Hi Powers or their clones.
 
Rugers always make good guns at good prices. I would look at a Ruger first if cost was a primary concern.
 
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I agree that you should look online. Go look at CDNN or some of the other places that sell used pistols. You can usually find them in shotgun news. They'll have Sigs, Glocks, Smiths, etc. Good pistols, not marginal ones, but for the same price as the marginal ones. They even had HK P7's for like $500 or so awhile back.

I don't like the Ruger pistols, never have, I like the Browning, but not the copies. Now the Ruger is known to function, but it is too bulky for what it does. They also feel cheap to me, but not as cheap as a Hi-Point (I can't believe they are still in business!).
 
Ruger p90 $379
Ruger p95dc (Polymer) $319
FEG - copy of Browning High Power $319

Honestly, In my opinion, I wouldn't pick any of these at that price point.

I would get either a SIG Sp2022 ($379) or a Ruger SR9 (~$400).

My brother has an SR9, and it is a vastly nicer gun than a Ruger P-series pistols.
 
how about an eaa witness? / baby eagle. they're pretty affordable, super ergonomics, and seem to hold up well.

I've seen used glocks under 400 too. I just can't make myself like sigs. They're too blocky and tall. the slide sits too high for me to like. I lot of people seem to really like them though, and my complaints have nothing to do with accuracy, reliability, etc.

The FEG hi-power is a pretty good gun, if roughly finished aside from the bluing. The problem with them, from what I have read, is that the steel is not all that hard, and pins can bend (not an issue, replace with FN parts) and pin holes will turn kind of oval in the slide and frame after a lot of rounds. You might try looking for an FM hi-power. kinda ugly, have more of a 1911 front of slide instead of the classic HP look, but they were actually built under liscense and to FN standards.
 
I have a Ruger SR 40 and I love it. Well built , my favorite handgun.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
 
Sig SP2022
Stoger Cougar
Used FEG Hi Power Clone
Used 3rd Gen S&Ws
Used CZs 75B, Compact, PCR etc...
RIA 1911
 
with a sub $400 budget - i would look for a used pistol...a used glock, xd, or m&p can often be found for $400
 
Well, I personally would go for a Springfield XD, XDm, Smith M&P or the Sig SP2022 as of tomorrow I will own all but the XDm, I haven't Fired the M&P as yet, but I can testify that the reliability of the XD is underestimated I've had 4 of them and they have all given top notch performance, I bought my first XD in 2004 and put around 4500 rounds through it without a hiccup! Wish I'd been able to keep that one,:( but I needed the money and got a fair price for it :cuss: But I got another and another and in the times I've shot them they have been top shelf reliable for me. :D I will be Picking up the SP2022 tomorrow and when I get a chance to go to the range, I will let you know what I think about both it and the S&W M&P 40 FS along with the 357 Sig cartridge as I picked up a S&W Sig Barrel for the M&P. I'm looking forward to that, because I,ve never had the opportunity to fire a 357 sig before and look forward to learning how to shoot it accurately:D OK< I'll shut up now, sorry if I was long Winded. :what:
 
CZ 82...
cheaper ammo than 9mm Nato
and THE most gun for the money you'll ever find

Good suggestion if you are in an area where you can get Mak ammo and or can afford to buy bulk online.
 
I will throw up another vote for the SR9/SR40. IMO the best new gun for less than $400. I have a friend with a SR40, and IMO it's a very nice gun regardless of if it's a value gun or not. I prefer it's factory trigger, and sights to a Glocks and I'm very fond of Glocks. The SR9/SR40 has very good ergonomics's, and fit/finish also.
 
There is nothing wrong with FEG HI-Powers. Hi-Powers are SA only. If it's functional and looks half way decent, l I would jump all over one for $319.

The all steel Witness, is also a fantastic bargain. They are DA/SA. Springfield use to import and sell them. They are made by one of Italy's finest firearms maker. Tanfoglio. I hope I spelled it right. : )

A used Glock 19 will also fill the bill. Pistol weight and triggers are significantly different from traditional steel pistols.
 
I'd go with the Ruger P series for home defense in this case. I dont like the trigger pull,

True on the 9x19s I've had/have, a P95 and a P85. But, my P90s trigger is fantastic. I think the P90 is the absolute best of the P series, great DA/SA trigger and transition and very accurate vs my 9s which I'd call adequate accuracy. The P90 is danged near target accurate.
 
Just to throw another solid contender in the mix, the Bersa Thunder HC9 (or UC9/HC40/UC40/UC45) can be found from $350 - $400 and they are very well respected firearms from those who have experience with them, including myself (UC9).

I also love my M&P40c, but I think anything under $450 may have to be used. Of course, some of the best deals out there are in the used/surplus market.

The UC9 (left) with the M&P40c could both be found in the $350 - $450 range.
5891826703_f80284d150_z.jpg
 
You will be hard pressed to find a more durable or reliable semi auto than a third generation S&W. THey can be had in a wide variety of configurations. CDNN has the 9mm 5906 for $299. The compact 6906 for just a bit more. You mention you like blue steel, and the 5904 can be found regularily in the same price range. The stainless 5906 is more common. Also available in .40 40XX, .45 ACP, 45XX, and 10mm, 10XX. THe 10XX guns will be pricey. All the rest are downright cheap on the secondary market.

DSCN0289.jpg
 
i know a guy selling a sig...if youre interested let me know and ill get his email for you or phone number...guy on a local forum

I'm wanting to get a reloading setup so I'm selling my Sig pro 2340.
Sig pro 2340 in 40 cal
Box mark law enforcement
1 yr old night sights Orange/green
DA/SA trigger
2-12 rnd mags
1- 10 rnd mag
$350 ftf
$380 shipped ffl to ffl

images-1.gif

****stock image**** actual pics to follow

.357 Sig barrel
$150 shipped

Crosbreed supertuck RH horsehide non combat cut.
$50 shipped


I have additional mags, but not sure how many. Photo is a stock photo I will take pics of actual items when I get home this weekend.
 
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