Recommend a steel handgun

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3rd Gen S&Ws

I've got a couple of the 10mm 3rd gen Smiths. Incredible build. I hear what you're saying about the polymers-they are nice and light but there's nothing like real steel.
 
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.
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Thats what the wooden boat owners said when the fiberglass boats came out. I bought my boat new in 1979 and the fiberglass hull is still like new.

I like my polymer frame XD40 it does not feel like a brick when I CC it.
 
A Colt is always the right answer!

A quality 1911 will be around, and still working long after we are all gone. With a few spare parts that most people are able to change out you can keep a 1911 up and running.
A 70 series Colt is a quality pistol with very few MIM parts and a history to boot.
A Norinco would be my second choice if you can find one. Then I would go with a BHP.

Ruger and older S&W would make a good choice as well
 
In praise of the 1911...

In response to your questions, Rubicon:
The 1911's Browning recoil system is the basis for most guns today. It just has the advantage of having almost a hundred years of improvement put into it! Modern 1911's are some of the most reliable, if not THE most reliable, semi-auto handguns out there.

A good steel framed 1911, like Kimber, Caspian, Colt, etc will last a hundred years. As long as the recoil spring is changed every 2000 rounds, the only part I've ever heard of wearing out is the slide stop (and that I think was at 20,000 rounds -- but I'm not a great 1911 expert). The gun will outlast it's original owner and still protect its inheritor well.

Maintenance on most 1911's require the use of a tool (bushing wrench) and are a bit more complicated than your beretta/glock/xd/sig in the basic disassembly for cleaning -- however, once you get used to it it's only marginally more complex. Some modified 1911's are a bushing-less design and are at the same level of ease as the aforementioned modern semi's.

If you're not going revolver, the 1911 is the most respected steel framed handgun out there, bar none.
 
For many reasons already explained, I'd recommend a:

1) Colt Series 70 1911, full size or commander ("pre-80" commander, to be exact) for a .45 auto. A Norinco is also a good choice as mentioned. Reliable, solid, and cheaper (last imported 1994, so only used ones out there).

2) A S&W pre-lock 586/686, 27/28, or 19/66 revolver in .357, or a Ruger GP100. A 4" .357 will give you a lifetime of shooting fun and use - HD, hunting, field carry - you name it. It's the "do-all" gun.
 
Rubicon. I find myself in the same position. I'm really looking into the Browning Hi-Power Practical Model. I'm going to research some more history on it, but from what I understand the SAS and British military have used it for decades, and still do in limited use.

There is a picture of Prince Harry in Iraq carrying one.
 
if you want a revolver I'd suggest a gp100, if your not preveously framiliar with revolver maintainance, the gp is about as simple as it gets. and the gun will last centuries.
 
if you want a revolver I'd suggest a gp100, if your not preveously framiliar with revolver maintainance, the gp is about as simple as it gets. and the gun will last centuries.
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I'm leaning towards more GP100s. I have one GP100, fixed sight, 3-inch barrel. In some ways, not as nice a gun as a Smith and Wesson, but maintenance is certainly easier with the Ruger modular design and without the S&W sideplate. I am a little concerned that Ruger doesn't sell all the spare parts for these guns.

Interesting comment about these guns lasting "for centuries". What is that based on? All springs being at rest?
 
Hypothetical Question:

Let's say I buy a new Colt 1911 and a new Ruger GP100 revolver. Each gun is shot several times a year with a total of 100 rounds of target ammo a year through each gun (38 special ammo in the GP100). Both guns are cleaned after every shooting. Once a year, both guns are detail stripped and cleaned. Guns are stored in a dehumidified gun safe when not in use.

Which gun is likely to last longer? Does that fact that the 1911 is magazine fed become a factor? Or will both guns last so long that any difference in longevity is academic? Maybe both guns will last so long that the ammunition eventually becomes obsolete and unavailable?

Any opinions?
 
I think the point is moot with the conditions you described. As described caretaking would be perfect. All you'd need is a few sets of spare trigger springs, etc., and they'd be good for 500 years or so? Spare barrels as well? 25 generations from now you are probably correct; ammunition would be the limiting factor for actually shooting them.
 
Another vote for CZ for the 9mm or Dan Wesson pointman7 in .45. Both meet your specs. I own both and find them to be great guns that are trouble free and easily maintained.
 
1. Walther P5.
2. Walther P88.

No need to look further.




Neither of them have a steel frame.
 
Go with the Ruger revolver (or a S&W revolver).

While autoloading pistols themselves are generally very durable, the recoil springs and magazines are not so durable.
 
I thought through the same question last year. I own, carry, shoot, work on, and am issued Glocks. But just how long does the polymer last? Granted, the thought process went into the Zombie realm of realism...

But I ended up with a Springfield GI 1911 and Smith 686. Parts are readily available and, in theory, if they are not available it would be easier to manufacture them on my own.

I have since reminded myself that I live on planet earth and stopped worrying about it. Of course, that was after I got the guns...
 
Modern 1911's are some of the most reliable, if not THE most reliable, semi-auto handguns out there.
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As a 1911 fan, I will say that a well put together 1911 with quality components will be quite reliable. Though unfortunately with so many people making them, there are a considerable number of factory built and buba'd turds floating around out there.
Maintenance on most 1911's require the use of a tool (bushing wrench) and are a bit more complicated than your beretta/glock/xd/sig in the basic disassembly for cleaning -- however, once you get used to it it's only marginally more complex
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The bushing wrench is need for most models equipped with the full lengh guiderod. Keep it simple (GI-style partial length guidrod) and other basic, GI-style components and you can detail strip the entire pistol using just your hands, it's own parts and a 45 ACP cartridge (to unscrew the grip panel screws). Pretty engenious design, really.

1911s are pretty easy to field strip, though not as simple as a Glock or XD. Then again, you don't have to pull the trigger of a 1911 as you do on a Glock or XD (XDm excluded). And though I've never detail stripped a Glock or XD, most that have agree that detail stripping a 1911 is far easier.


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As for the GP100, it is an excellent revolver that will give you years of enjoyable, reliable service. Though you did state you were looking for a gun in 9mm or 45 ACP. Anyway, the GP (available in 38 Spl or 357 Mag) make exellent nightstand guns as well (long, heavy trigger pull, no safety, no slide to rack). Though I'd handle a S&W 686 as well, which I myself preferred to the GP. While your looking, you might as look at other classic Smiths, from K Frame Model 19s to N Frame Model 27s.

And if you are interested in 45 ACP, you might look at used N Frame S&W model 25s and 625s.
 
I know I'm new here but I recommend the CZ 75b. The only downside, in my opinion, are the plastic grips which can easily be replaced for $16 + tax. Like always, support your local gun shop. Try 'em out before you buy if you have the opportunity.
 
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