xd9x19

I've got an XD9 and like it a lot. The fit of the grip was what made me select it over a Glock when I bought it.

As for a 1911 style pistol, then the Springfield Armory Mil-spec has a good reputation. It's a basic, no frills 1911. I can't decide on whether or not I want the Mil-spec of the GI Model that will "match" so well with my M1 Garand and 1903 Springfield.

vietvet50

Colt Goverment 45 ACP Beautiful weapon.....IMHO

nksmfamjp

If I were buying one right now, it would be the Doublestar milspec model. I haven't done much research, but it retails around $450ish. It says it has no MIM. Wow!

I will have one after I research and sell my motorcycle.

Also, regardless of your choice. . .resist the urge to buy all the bells and whistles. I have 2 with all the bells and whistles. While this is nice, I'm not sure it is worth the extra money.

I do think front strap checkering is worth the money from what I've felt, but I bought bells and whistles instead! I will probably be sending 2 1911's out for this feature in the near future!

stalkingbear

It all depends on which bells and whistles you're talking about. Generally,it's cheaper to buy a factory pistol with the bells and whistles than it is by buying a plain jane model and adding/building as wanted. There's a few items among bells and whistles that's almost universally desired. One thing is a good set of sights. Good sights/sight picture is a MUST,as are a decent trigger. No matter HOW good the rest of package is,if it has a charles atlas trigger,nobody will be able to shoot it well. One thing I HAVE to have is a good beavertail grip safety. I have fairly large,meaty hands,so without a beavertail grip safety,my hands get slide/hammer bite badly. By the time you add all the little things up,you're well over what a decent factory loaded sells for,plus you have the costs of gunsmith installingfitting the parts. A good example of this is the (IF you like that brand) taurus pt1911. It comes from factory loaded so you won't have to change very many parts out. Other brands that's reasonable is springfield armory and (my personal favorite) para ordnance. Of course kimbers are good if you can swing it. Just my .02 Neil

jkm03003

As some of the other guys said, definitely go to the gunshops and handle the weapons. It it will be a carry weapon you wont want something that too heavy empty, because you wont want to carry it when its loaded. I have a glock 23 and love it. If your wanting a compact look at the Ruger LCP, I bought one of those and it shoots great and only weighs about 10 oz.

nksmfamjp

Let me clarify. . .For $450ish, I can get a Doublestar or Springfield Milspec. For a loaded I'm looking $800. In both Springfields, all of the parts are MIM. In the $450 gun, I can replace the hammer/sear parts and the extractor with a Colt or EGW part, use a non-beavertail grip safety, high viz sights and be out the door for under $800. For a gunsmith to do the work, I would guess add another $250. . .or for that matter just shoot my $450 gun and be happy. Even hi-viz sights are optional, albeit a nice option.

RenaissanceBiker

Sell a motorcycle? Unless you have two, that's just not right.

sonnys

BY FAR THE GLOCK.... I carry the Glock 30 as my main carry gun...I always hated them untill I tried them...they conceal well and they go bang 100% of the time.....I wouldnt bet my life on anything else

Mr. Longbeard

Sig GSR1911Keep em in a tennis ball at 20 yards free handed