Advice on a new Semi-Auto purchase
 

The time has come for me to purchase a new semi-automatic. The only problem is I can't make up my mind.

I want something in .40S&W or .45ACP (prefered), around $600-700, and reliable (will NOT be used for Concealed Carry). I don't care about looks. I don't care about how I can dress it up. I just want something that is great for recreational shooting and will do the job when it comes to self defense. I am open for any and all suggestions and criticisms, and please don't turn this into an "XD sucks, get a glock" post, I just want your honest opinion on what is the best you have experienced for the criteria I am looking for. And yes, I know I won't know which is right for me until I can shoot each one, I just want your opinion on what has proven itself to you and why.

Here is a short sample of some of the guns that are on my "Interested In" list:

S.A. XD.45ACP
S&W M&P.40SW
Taurus PT1911 (I like 1911's but am not willing to pay more than $700 at this time)

You can get a base Kimber Custom II for about $700. I have a Compact II that has been reliable for years. I haven't had a single misfeed or stovepipe. The trigger feels really nice and replacement mags are cheap and easy to find.

Taurus PT1911...
 

"Taurus PT1911 (I like 1911's but am not willing to pay more than $700 at this time)"

I understand that the MSRP is $703.00 but one does not have to pay that much in reality. I have seen discounts of up to $150.00 for a new one.

New semi
 

I am partial to the Smith and Wesson. I would look at the M&Ps. Most important is to find a gun that fits your hand. Some folks like the feel of a Glock. You can hardly go wrong with an XD, very natural feel. I just cannot get over the history of Taurus. They made some very questionable products in years past. With that said, they would not be in business if they did not make some drastic improvements. I would rather spend my money on a US made gun, when possible.

You know, I have been wanting to try out that new Taurus 24/7 OSS when it finally hits the street.

I have the XD9, and I have shot a friends XD45. I would like to try out the M&P as well. Ooooh.. and I really want to get a Walther P99... I have heard good things about the Taurus 1911 as well.

Every one that you have listed is good as far as I know. The only one I have shot is the XD45, which I like, but I like my XD9 just a tad better. Of the three, I would get the XD, simply because I have shot it, and it is in .45. I don't have any .40's, and I really don't want to add another caliber..

-Bidah

Yes, understandable. I am dealing with .40 S&W and .380 ACP and do not want to add any other cal to that. Adding more calibers at this point in time just adds to confusion I believe. Confusion adds to spending more money than I can afford to spend. So what is the answer? Pick a caliber and find a handgun that suits your needs and budget. lol Never an easy answer. :)

No, it isn't an easy answer. Since I reload, I want it as simple as possible. I have stuck with 9mm and .45acp, but have thought one time or another about getting .357Sig, 10mm, .400 Corbon and .45 Super. Then I think about reloading and having to stock more brass.. and well there that goes. And for two of those I would also have to stock another bullet as well...

Nope never easy, but we do agree. Find what you want and shoot the snot out of it. I started with a 1911 when an Uncle started me on one, and gave me one as a present. Shot that pistol for years with the supplied reloading equipment. After too many years to name, I branched out to the CZ-75B. I fell in love with that pistol. I actually run it better than a 1911. Since then I have tried 12 or so other pistols, but I keep coming back to these two. I did get the XD last year to try, and it has become a favorite as well, although that CZ is still the queen of my heart (even though it is DA/SA). I just don't utter those words around my 1911.. :)

-Bidah

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1...l003yq1.th.jpg

How about a nice "Baby" Desert Eagle in .45 ACP? They are all steel, inexpensive, (under $500.00 new), run like a top, hold 10+1, and are accurate as hell. They can't be beat for the money! Bill T.

That sounds very good but would constitute adding another caliber for me. I ordered the Taurus Millennium Pro .40 S & W Model 140SSP last night. I am also waiting for the Beretta PX4 Storm .40 S & W in subcompact version that is to start shipping in January 08. Dang. So many choices, so little cash. lol

I'm happy with my Sig Pro 2022 in 40 S&W. I can even change out the barrel to the hot 357 Sig without changing any other parts, including the magazines. You might also want to do some research on the new modular P250.