suggestions on semi-auto

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dpostel83

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ok guys , heres the deal. I am going to be purchasing my first semi-auto in the near future and i need some suggestions on what to look for. my biggest problem with the ones that i have handled are that they are too small for my hands.. i am looking for a large framed .40 or .45 that will be a good fit.. i am planning on spending most of saturday looking/trying out some of the guns.. i have been suggested a SIG 228 or 229 (dont remeber which) and i a 1911 (if i can find one with a deep enough grip i might go that way. )

any recommendations??? the problems that i have found with the ones i have handled, is that finger placement on the trigger does not seem natural. almost like the trigger is to close to the grip.
 
The 1911 is virtually the original "modular" gun.

You can get fat grips, an arched mainspring housing and long trigger.

If you like loooong trigger reaches, look at the CZ's
 
First off, which models were shown to be "too small" for your hands. That would be useful information.

Regardless, speaking of Sig Sauer, it is my opinion that these handguns sport some of the best ergonomics available, out of the box. I personally would recommend taking a hard look at the P226 (9mm or .40 S&W) or the P220 (.45ACP) for starters.

Also, as much as it pains me to say this, maybe try the Glock (.45ACP), if you have not already done so. I would not bother with the .40, however. Either way, these seem to have a rather "large" grip, excluding certain models. Another option (my preference, aside from the Sig) would be the Springfield Armory XD series.

Of course, keep in mind that many aftermarket grips exist which could help in compensating for your current problem.
 
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What David E said.

Get to a rental range and try a few options. Remember that when the 1911 was first issued, the average height (and hand size) of the average American male was much smaller than now. It has been adapted to fit many hand sizes.
 
A set of Hogue rubber grips with the wrap around finger groves will make even the most svelte pistol into a pig.

4%20Autos.jpg
 
SIG P226, Beretta 96, Or a double stack 1911 / 2011 STI or a Para Ordnance. I prefer the STI to the Para, but if I could ony own 1 pistol it would be my SIG P226 with the night sights. The SIG has over 20K rounds without any type of failure, it came in .357SIG and I got the .40S&W barrel for it , like 2 pistols in one.
 
VegasAR15 said:
If you are going big, might as well get a Glock in 10mm.
Click to expand...

Yep, I Love my Glock 20SF 10mm.
The Glock also gives you the versatility of shooting .40, .357 Sig, and 9x25 Dillon with just a simple barrel swap. The same magazine works for all of them.
 
If you choose a SIG-SAUER handgun, I
would highly recommend the .45 caliber
P220A (full size, 4.25") barrel length.
Accurate, and reliable right out of the
box; with a DA first shot~! ;)

However, you can't go wrong with a quality 1911. Some of these are
known too be fincky 'bout ammo they are fed. Also, remember some of
the "higher end" (aka: $$$$) guns require a "break - period". Most of 'em
recommend a minimum of 200 rounds~! :scrutiny: :uhoh:
 
Thanks guys.... i got off work a little early today and made it to a local gunshop,(unfortunately i was in a huury and they were busy, so i dint get to ask many question in there) But I did get to handle a few different guns and now I have some questions... i tried the Glock 20(520 nib) and 31(new 540) , a kimber eclipse 2 custom(925 nib), and a sig 226(650 used with .40 and 357 barrels). they are all a little more of what i am looking for..and not out of my price range(upto $1000 or so, if fit and quality are right) the kimber seemd to fit the best. ok first off, as origionally posted this will be my first semi-autoand my first time with these manufacturers. i need to know about these companies: product quality and how well they handle warranty(if needed) and some of you mentioned different grips available for them... are there any that are not hard like the plastic and wood ones that were ont he guns i saw today? of the ones i looked at which is better, has the least known problems. anything that will help me decide would be great. i still want to find a local dealer that handles walther(I havent really looked for one yet) and i am going to call the ranges and see if any of them have rentals or whatnot that i could try out.
 
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i always recomend the xd series of guns, i have a service model in .40 with over 17,000rds, and i am buying an exact model again soon. If you have big hands, maybe a glock 23, would be good for you.
 
The aftermarket grips that are available from different suppliers can be found in softer materials. I prefer Hogue grips on my large frame pistols and Pachmyers on my small frames. Hard to go wrong with a Kimber but then Sig are also very good quality guns with excellent customer service. The springfield XD and suprisingly no mention of older S&W autos.
 
Walther P99 in .40 S&W. You'll be glad that you took a look; it's accurate, reliable, with excellent sights, adjustable backstraps for a better hand fit, and enough horsepower via caliber and magazine capacity to satisfy most self-defense needs.
 
1911 (if i can find one with a deep enough grip i might go that way. )
Click to expand...

As David E said:

The 1911 is virtually the original "modular" gun.

You can get fat grips, an arched mainspring housing and long trigger.
Click to expand...

I've got pretty big mits as well; A stock flat MSH and stock grips are way too small to me. The Hogue wood grips (thicker than the rubber ones) and an arched MSH is an easy fix for ~$100. That's what I did with my Kimber.

KimberStainlessTargetII10mm.jpg
 
dpostel83 said:
i tried the Glock 20(520 nib) and 31(new 540) , a kimber eclipse 2 custom(925 nib), and a sig 226(650 used with .40 and 357 barrels). they are all a little more of what i am looking for...this will be my first semi-autoand my first time with these manufacturers. i need to know about these companies: product quality and how well they handle warranty(if needed) and some of you mentioned different grips available for them... are there any that are not hard like the plastic and wood ones that were ont he guns i saw today?
Click to expand...

All three are well known and make good, if not great, firearms. As far as the Glock, you cannot replace the grip since it is part of the polymer frame. Also, the Glock does not have a manual safety and is striker fired. Being new to semi-auto pistols, I'm not sure if you are okay with that or you would want hammer fired pistols with manual safety like the Kimber or Sig.

The Sig can be carried with the hammer down and all you have to do is pull the trigger to cock and fire the 1st shot. The Kimber though is like any 1911 and will need to potentially carried with the hammer cocked and the safety on to be ready to fire. You have to figure which type of action you are comfortable with at this point in your shooting experience.

I think just because of grip options, you won't want the Glock. Although the Glock makes a great point and shoot defensive firearm.
 
I am also looking to add a semi auto. I have looked at the 1911 A1 models and even fired two models Springfield and S&W but they are on the large size and was also considering the Ruger P345. I am trying to stay with US made if possible and appriciate any comments or suggetions on a reasonably price model in either .40 S&W or .45 apc.
 
i have large hands as well. my beretta 92fs fits great.same with my sig p226 40. but my favorite is my kimber pro carry with rubber grips. something about shooting a 45cal. 1911 it just makes you smile. however .45 is not cheep to practice with. but i feel you are definitely looking at quality firearms. renting some or trying a frinds is a good way to see which you like better.
 
I have looked at the 1911 A1 models and even fired two models Springfield and S&W but they are on the large size
Click to expand...

If you find a factory thin grip panel, flat main spring housing 1911 too big, you're probably SOL for .45's.
 
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