Which should I buy first?

[chaim]

I guess "should" is a bit strong (I have plenty of guns and don't actually "need" any), so I should word this "which would you buy first."

I am in the market for guns in three different categories. Depending upon how much money I spend, and with some trades/sales, I can buy one or two now and the other(s) later.

A while ago I sold my SIG 229 in .40S&W. I needed the money more than the gun so I don't actually regret the sale, but I really miss both my SIG and having a mid-sized .40S&W. SIGs have gotten pretty expensive, even used, so I will probably wait a year or two on getting a SIG, but I would like to buy a mid-sized .40S&W soon. I have several models I'm considering, but this particular thread isn't about feedback on the models I'm thinking about, but which category of gun you would/I should get first. However, the one thing that might push this category ahead is that one of the guns I'm considering is the S&W SW40VE (the newer version of, and much improved, Sigma) and they currently have a great deal from the factory ($50 off or 2 free mags) that only lasts until the end of December.

Another category is a pocket pistol in a decent caliber. I've decided on a Kel-tec so price isn't too bad (if I'm lucky I might be able to trade my .32ACP NAA Guardian in an even trade for a Kel-tec in 9mm, and if not, I certainly wouldn't need to pony up any cash with both my Guardian and my Bersa in .380).

The last category, is a new carry revolver. I'm looking at several from pretty economical (Taurus and Rossi) through pretty expensive (the nearly $1000 S&W Nightguards).

For all of these there is no "need" for one category to push ahead of the others (unless I go with the Sigma/SW40VE in order to get the current offer). I have pocket guns- my NAA Guardian (though I'm not fully happy with such a small caliber anymore) and my S&W 442 (though I want a pocket auto as well as a revolver). I have decent CCW revolvers- my S&W 65LS (when it is my only gun, its a bit heavy with a backup) and my Taurus 85CH (though I'd like more rounds or a stronger caliber) are good for this. For the mid-sized .40, I don't have one right now, but I do have a compact .40 (my Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro) and a mid-sized .45 (my Commander sized S&W 1911SC). So, this is more about what I want, or evolving CCW preferences, than about anything I need.

If I go with a more expensive model in the .40 (SIG) or revolver (Nightguard) I will only be able to buy one, even with strategic trading and selling of some guns I'm thinking about replacing/getting rid of. However, even if I go with the cheaper choices, I can't get more than two right now. Even with $300ish guns in each category (Sigma, Kel-tec, Taurus or Rossi), MD has a one gun a month law. There is a provision that I can get two at once if I buy both from the same dealer at the same time and do the state paperwork for each gun at the same time, but then my waiting period before I can buy a new gun becomes two months. So, at best, I can get all three categories filled by February (and realistically, it would probably be spring before I fill all three categories).

So, if it was you, which would you buy first and why?

 

[CoRoMo]

So, if it was you, which would you buy first and why?

None of them. My next pistol will likely be an XDm or a Ruger Mk III.

I apologize for that, but phrasing questions/posts like that don't always bring about the most informative responses. Had you asked for members' experiences with each gun, you might be able to make a decision based on the responses. But if your asking what I would do, I'm going to have to tell you the truth.

As for my experiences with one of the guns you referred to, I carry a P11 everyday and can't find anything that beats it. I'll most likely buy another one someday if no .45 is ever developed that has the size and capacity of a Millennium Pro. I can't buy a MillPro because of the hoards of testimonies that I've found all over the net. The P11 has been absolutely perfect for daily carry.

 

[chaim]

What would you do given the above parameters?

Sorry, but phrasing questions/posts like that don't always bring about the most informative responses. Had you asked for members' experiences with each gun, you might be able to make a decision based on the responses.

I think I was pretty clear what kind of information and feedback I was looking for, and that I'm looking for a discussion of the categories and not specific models (I have threads in the appropriate sections of this board for that).

 

[BCRider]

Sounds like you've been around the block a couple of times on this. I'd say you should let your past Sig ownership and regrets (however valid) lead you. Buy quality and along with quality a higher degree of pride of ownership and don't look back. If your desire is to have all three then do so over time as it is comfortable on the economic front. You've got years ahead of you yet so don't let a two month wait time pressure you. Just don't extend yourself beyond what is comfortable. If you do buy one too early regrets and financial pressure may lead you to selling one or more again and then you're right back where you started.

With that in mind since you still have a love affair with the Sig I'd say start by refilling that niche.

 

[CoRoMo]

I didn't mean to be a jerk.

It would be hard for me to suggest another carry revolver. I'd definitely trade the .32 for a Kel Tec. Especially if it would be an even trade. Spend the cash filling another category.

 

[chaim]

I didn't mean to be a jerk.

I thought about throwing in some smilies over the worry that with only the written word, some meaning might be lost without tone and body language. I didn't think you were being a jerk, and I was trying to be a little playful and smart-alec with my posting. Sorry about that.

It would be hard for me to suggest another carry revolver. I'd definitely trade the .32 for a Kel Tec. Especially if it would be an even trade. Spend the cash filling another category.

The revolver category could probably wait the longest since I have guns that fit that category well. However, on the "want" side- I love revolvers on the one hand, and on the other I really would like either more power or more capacity over my 5 shot .38spl Taurus 85CH and less weight than my K-frame S&W 65LS. Of course, if I go with the cheaper options and trade and don't keep the 85CH I should be able to go with a small cash outlay.

For the pocket gun, I figure if I sold my NAA on consignment a good used Guardian around here would probably go for over $300 (so at $300 for a quick sale my take would be $240). If I trade it will probably be closer to $200. Still, it wouldn't take much additional cash to get the Kel-tecs from there (and with my Bersa too, I should get cash back).