Recommend a steel handgun

[rubicon923]

I own several Glocks and am very satisfied with them. However, polymer frame handguns in general may not last generations like metal framed handguns because the polymer may eventually become brittle and change it properties.

I don't want to debate the longevity of polymer gun frames. I've been thinking about getting one or more steel framed handguns (no alloy frames) and was wondering what you all would recommend. Here are my criteria:

1. steel frame
2. 9mm or .45 caliber
3. could be either a revolver or a semi-auto pistol
4. relatively trouble free
5. doesn't necessarily need to be capable of high round counts
6. good availability of spare parts
7. can be maintained by owner

I've been thinking of a Ruger GP100 (or SP101) .357 revolver or a CZ 75B. I have three 642/442 J-frames that are alloy (not steel), but not sure how rugged they will be over the long haul.

Anyway, looking for recommendations and rationale.

Thanks,

 

[steak-knife]

Well lets separate the apples from oranges.

If you want a revolver, you can't go wrong with a GP100 with a 4" barrel. The trigger is better than it's smaller brother, the SP101, and it meets your specifications that it's all steel, and durable. Further, it's about $150 less than it's counter-part, the S&W 686, plus the GP100 doesn't have the annoying hole on the side for the lock. If fixed sights is more of your taste, and a shorter 3" barrel, the GP100 also comes in that configuration. Lastly, taking apart a GP100 is fairly simple, amking it easy to work on.

If you want a semi-auto, you have a large selections, but I would highly recommend a Browning Hi-Power in either 9mm or .40, it's a true "old school" gun.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

The CZ-75B is pretty great, as is the GP100. A Rock Island 1911, be it mil-spec or Tactical, or the STI Spartan, would be other good choices.

 

[geronimo509]

I say S&W 4506 or a variant like that. Or some kind of 1911.

 

[sophijo]

steel auto

+1 on the SW 4506; 3rd generation Smiths. You can find LNIB police trade-ins in several versions, 9mm or .45 for $400. Bullet proof and parts all over.

 

[dobrzemetal]

hi power

 

[MovedWest]

Magnum Research Baby Eagle - it's available in either 9mm or 45. I have the 9mm and I love it. Everyone I've let fire it immediately begins looking for one to buy for themselves. It's extremely accurate and the weight makes for quick shot-to-shot recovery. The shape of the handle gives you a grip that fits like a glove. The Israeli's make great firearms.

-MW

 

[dobrzemetal]

CZ-75B also

 

[mbr]

Either of your choices would be fine additions.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

The third-generation Smith autos were pretty sweet, no doubt about it.

 

[10-Ring]

My favorite steel guns: P7M8, BHP & Colt 1911s

 

[woad_yurt]

Star MOD 30.

 

[nhstk02]

Browning highpower, Kahr k9, 1911, Ruger gp100 with 3" barrel and fixed sights.

 

[tprice]

Kimber Custom series in 45 ACP. Choose the barrel length you like best, though I find my Target II an amazingly accurate gun. Never had a problem with it, and over 2000 rounds later (and a new recoil spring) gonna be taking it out for a few hundred more this weekend.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're looking for a gun to pass on to the next generation I would suggest buying a Colt 1911. If you were considering a revolver instead there are way too many good choice to list. I would lean towards a used classic S&W revolver though.

 

[col_tapiocca]

I'd take a SIG P210 or any high quality 1911.

 

[ajohnny50]

CZ-75 or SP01

 

[loop]

A good 1911 answers all your specifications.

It answers a couple better than anything else I can think of. There are more spare parts available for 1911s than any other gun on the U.S. market. They are relatively easy to learn how to detail strip. Their durability and the durability of the design is proven, more so than any other handgun. If you want trouble-free, there are more than enough qualified gunsmiths who can work on one.

I would recommend a high-quality version like Colt or Kimber if you want it to last a lifetime. There are many other versions out there, but when looking at Taurus and Springfield neither one makes a true mil-spec so at some point a part may become an issue. The Filipinos, like Rock Island and Charles Daly have MIM parts that may hold up as well as the forged parts, but we won't know that for 80 years.

Norincos are a really good buy. They are true mil spec and use better steel than even Colt.

Last, but not least, .45 ACP ammo isn't going out of style in the next 50 or 60 years.

 

[Samuel Adams]

I'm partial to the CZs but every man should own a 1911 - women too.

 

[Taurus_9mm]

Sig P226, Taurus PT1911 or Beretta 92FS.

www.gunnerforum.com

 

[rubicon923]

I considered 1911s, but don't know much about them. Shot one a couple of times. Nice to shoot, but "nice to shoot" isn't one of my concerns.

How does a 1911 compare to a more "modern" 9mm pistol (CZ-75B, Browning HP, Sig P226) in terms of ease of maintenance and frequency of part breakage?

I have a Sig P220 that I like, but am a little leary of alloy framed 45s.

 

[Hostile Amish]

CZ-75, Browning HP, or 1911. Can't go wrong with either of those.

Oh, and I suggest a Colt 1911. If you can manage to afford it, an STI or SV.

 

[MCgunner]

Can't go wrong with an SP101. I'm not a Kahr guy, but the K9 is a strong little all steel pistol. Ruger P guns will last the generations, though they're aluminum alloy frames. My P90 (.45ACP) is one of my favorite firearms. Sigs are expensive, but fine guns and have the decocker system I prefer. CZs are strong pistols and offer good value. I have a particular affection for the look of the Smith and Wesson 3913NL, though they're a bit expensive.

Lots and lots of choices, only touched on a few. I'm not much of a 1911 guy, tend to avoid them, but lord knows they fit the "readily available parts" and "user servicable" categories. A good one just costs too much and I don't care much for single actions, prefer DA. I've been there, done that with 1911s. After all the hassles, they're out of my system, now. I want something that's not so finicky about ammo, will feed most hollow points, too.

 

[highlander 5]

Ruger P series semi auto or S&W 625 (not the JM version).
The P series are built like tanks and the 625 with moon clips good power and very fast reloads.

 

[Thomas Garrett]

9mm- Berretta 92FS, .45acp.- Rock Island "Tactical" about $339.00 from Sarco. Another choice S&W 4506. nice, GB-about $500.00, Just bought a 4006 (.40 cal) for $440.00 on GB. Ruger P series, great build, holds up to anything, but feels like a brick, very heavy. Good luck!

PS- Welcome to THR!