Which Pistol?

[Pliablemoose]

Unless you're in a Jackie Chan movie, the extra 3 rounds in a preban mag don't make a difference, most confrontations use @ the most 3 rounds....

Not many people are able to do much of anything with 3 .45 rounds in them...

 

[Pliablemoose]

Gun Tests has started putting out a monthly email listing all their tested gun for sale, this one is new as of today:

TEST INVENTORY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

From: Todd Woodard, editor, Gun Tests
To: Gun Tests Readers

Because of repeated inquiries from readers, we are making some of our
tested equipment available to Gun Tests subscribers. If you?ve emailed
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TEST INVENTORY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE as of October 1, 2001

BERETTA

ALLEYCAT Model 3032 Tomcat semi-auto pistol, .32ACP, 2.4" barrel, matte
black finish with black plastic grips, Trilux H3 "Big Dot" front sight,
fixed white line rear sight, one 7-round magazine. $285.
GT/October 2001 Conditional Buy

Model AL391 URIKA semi-auto shotgun, 20 gauge, 28" ventilated rib barrel
with three chokes, walnut stock. $715.
GT/October 2001 BUY IT

CHARTER

Model 2000 FIELD KING bolt action rifle, .270Win, 22" barrel, stainless
steel finish, drilled and tapped receiver, black composite stock. $315.
GT/July 2001 Conditional Buy

GLOCK

Model 17 semi-auto pistol, 9mm, 4.49" barrel, two 10-round magazines,
white dot front sight, fixed white outline rear sight. $485.
GT/July 2001 BUY IT

Model 31 semi-auto pistol, .357Sig, 4.49" barrel, two 10-round
magazines, white dot front sight, fixed white outline rear sight. $465.
GT/August 2001 BUY IT

Model 32 semi-auto pistol, .357Sig, 4.0" barrel, two 10-round magazines,
white dot front sight, fixed white outline rear sight. $475.
GT/August 2001 BUY IT

Model 33 semi-auto compact pistol, .357Sig, 3.4" barrel, two 9-round
magazines, white dot front sight, fixed outline rear sight. $475.
GT/August 2001 Conditional Buy

KIMBER

Model SLE semi-auto pistol, .45ACP, 4" match type fitted barrel, matte
stainless steel frame and slide, one 7-round magazine, black serrated
post front sight, black serrated low-mount rear sight (windage
adjustable), high ride beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety,
match grade slide stop, match grade trigger, combat hammer, and black
rubber grips. $745.
(being tested)

Platinum .22 Caliber conversion kit with two magazines. $329.
(being tested)

REMINGTON

Model 870 EXPRESS Magnum pump shotgun, 12 gauge, 18" cylinder choked
barrel with bead front sight, black synthetic stock, 5-shot capacity.
$285.
GT/January 2001 Conditional Buy

RUGER

New Model Single Six Convertible single action 6-shot revolver,
.22LR/.22Mag., 9-1/2" barrel, blue finish, serrated ramp front sight,
adjustable rear sight. $245.
GT/September 2001 BEST BUY

SIGARMS

Model SP2340 PRO semi-auto pistol, .357Sig, 3.9" barrel, Nitron finished
stainless steel slide, polymer frame with two interchangeable grips,
white dot front sight, white bar rear sight, two 10-round magazines.
$485.
GT/August 2001 Conditional Buy

SMITH & WESSON

Model 340SC AIRLITE Scandium double action 5-shot revolver, .357Mag,
1-7/8" barrel, scandium alloy "J" small frame and shrouded barrel, matte
stainless/gray finish, titanium cylinder, internal hammer, black
serrated ramp front sight, integral fixed notch rear sight, black Hogue
Bantam grip, S&W jewelry case. $460.
(being tested)

Model 360SC AIRLITE Scandium double action 5-shot revolver, .357Mag,
1-7/8" barrel, scandium alloy "J" small frame and shrouded barrel, matte
stainless/gray finish, titanium cylinder, black serrated ramp front
sight, integral fixed notch rear sight, Hogue Bantam grip. $455.
(being tested)

Model 617 double action 10-shot revolver, .22LR, 8-3/8" full lug barrel,
satin stainless steel finish, .500" target hammer, smooth target .400"
service trigger, pinned partridge front sight, black adjustable rear
sight, Hogue rubber grips. $425.
GT/September 2001 BUY IT

SPRINGFIELD

Model ULTRA COMPACT semi-auto pistol, .45ACP, 3-1/2" match grade barrel,
matte black compact frame, Novak night sights, 6-round magazine, black
Hogue finger groove wraparound grip. $675.
(being tested)

TAURUS

Model M85 double action 5-shot revolver, .38 Special, 2" solid rib
barrel, bright blue finish, serrated ramp front sight, fixed notch rear
sight, soft rubber grips. $245.
GT/March 2001 BEST BUY

Model M85CH double action 5-shot revolver, .38 Special, 2" solid rib
barrel, blue finish, serrated ramp front sight, fixed notch rear sight,
bobbed hammer, soft rubber grips. $225.

THOMPSON

Model HAWKEN Cap Lock muzzleloading rifle, .50 caliber, 28" octagonal
polished blue barrel, hooked breech system, adjustable triggers, bead
front sight, open hunting style rear sight, American walnut stock, solid
brass trim, and multiple accessories. $495.

OTHER

ANSCHUTZ 54.18MS bolt action rifle, .22lr, single shot ramp, 22"
competition barrel, oversize right hand bolt handle, 1913 Super Action,
European walnut pistol grip rifle stock (no rail) with high cheekpiece
and fixed buttstock. $875.

END OF LIST

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. For more information on these firearms,
please contact GUN TESTS Product Coordinating Editor Ben Brooks at
713-822-5554 (please leave a message if no answer), or by email:
benjaminbrooks@msn.com

NOTE: All transactions are handled by B.A. BROOKS SPORTS in coordination
with your local firearms dealer (FFL Licensee), and will comply with
federal and/or state regulations as they may apply.

This message was sent to you because you contacted Gun Tests magazine at
some point by email. If you do not wish to receive further inventory
mailings, please reply to this message with "REMOVE" as the subject.

 

[gooseman]

JACKHAMMER, I don't know about the Glock 21 but I have a Glock 22 and a 27, both .40 cal and love them both. Fantastic and reliable weapons. The lack of a manual safety should be considered, although the weapon absolutely will not fire unless you pull the trigger. Safety is in the middle of the trigger, which has to be depressed before the trigger is pulled. I keep the Glock 22 at home and carry the 27. If you want to carry one, you should check your state laws and get a concealed carry permit if it is available in your state. Just my .02 worth.

 

[jehh]

<<

<<

Yea, most people think they need a big bullet to stop someone... It isn't the range, the size, or the speed... It is bullet placement...

I'd rather be shot by a .45 ACP in the arm than a .25 ACP in the chest...

If you cannot put the bullet on the target each and every time, it isn't the right gun for you (for that use anyway, if for fun, own anything you want)

Jason >>



I understand what yer saying 'bout bullet placement. But if you carry for self defense I really doubt that yer gonna have time to take aim and fire if you have to pull your weapon. Odds are it's gonna be "Oh sh*t," unholster and shoot from the hip. All's gonna be said and done in a couple of seconds. If I thought I'd have time to take aim in a self defense situation I'd carry my .22 berretta (Smoothest firing pistol I've ever shot and I can put all 11 rounds in 2" pattern @ 40ft).

Lethal >>



And that is how 4 cops can fire 42 bullets at a guy and hit him three times and he lives... Cause they just sprayed and prayed...

Take your time, draw, aim, and fire one round... It shouldn't take more than that... My Colt Mustang only holds 7 bullets and that is plenty (6+1 in the pipe), if I need more, I'm in more trouble than that gun will get me out of...

Everything else is just so much hollywood crap...

As for shooting from the hip, that works if you're down to 10 feet or less (you don't really need to aim at those ranges to simply hit the person, but once you have shot once or twice, bring the gun up and aim, and put another one in something imporant...

Jason

 

[LethalWolfe]

<<
As for shooting from the hip, that works if you're down to 10 feet or less (you don't really need to aim at those ranges to simply hit the person, but once you have shot once or twice, bring the gun up and aim, and put another one in something imporant...

Jason >>



This was my point. If someone pulls, lets say, a knife to rob me he's not gonna pull it 15-20ft away and charge me. He's gonna get w/in striking distance (3-4ft) before he makes his move. I'll have enough time to draw my weapon (assuming I'm backing up, and trying to put more distance between him and me) him and fire "at him" once before A. he closes the disantce and it turns into a struggle or, B. My one round killed him, or knocked him on his ass. If my first round just "wings" the guy I'd much rather knock him on his ass w/a .45, then wing him w/a .25 and just piss him off.


I totally agree w/you 'bout bullet placement being more important than bullet size in most situations. But in a self defense setting where, odds are, it's gonna be close and quick, bullet size is paramount 'cause bullet placement becomes "just hit the target"


Lethal

 

[Sneezer]

All are fine choices. Although I have no direct experience with the H&K, I have heard nothing but praise for it. I personally own a Colt 1911, one of the newer versions. One of my favorites, and rock solid reliable. As a pistol, it is an excellent choice. I have never had a problem with recoil or accuracy, and upgrades abound to tailor it to your specific needs. Although I do not like Glocks myself, they are reliable weapons, but they do have a very different feel to them. Some people are happy with it, others are not. I would suggest you try some at a local range if possible to make sure you make the right choice.

As far as other rounds are concerned, I also own a Taurus PT92C police edition, which has also been a solid companion. The 9mm is an ok round, but I prefer the .45 personally for stopping power. However, the old Black Talon rounds, Remington Golden Sabre and Starfire are good defense rounds for the 9mm, and enhance its stopping power considerably. I also have a Star Firestar Plus, a compact SA 9mm (10 rds) that is quite small and easy to conceal for me (6' 2" 250 lbs). You might also look into a SIG, as they are very good pistols.

Out of your 3 choices, I would opt for a 1911 style, as that is my personal choice. You might go for a Kimber, as you can get alot of the more common upgrades standard for only a little more than a good Springfield.

 

[Johnnie]

My G23

 

[jehh]

<<

<<
As for shooting from the hip, that works if you're down to 10 feet or less (you don't really need to aim at those ranges to simply hit the person, but once you have shot once or twice, bring the gun up and aim, and put another one in something imporant...

Jason >>



This was my point. If someone pulls, lets say, a knife to rob me he's not gonna pull it 15-20ft away and charge me. He's gonna get w/in striking distance (3-4ft) before he makes his move. I'll have enough time to draw my weapon (assuming I'm backing up, and trying to put more distance between him and me) him and fire "at him" once before A. he closes the disantce and it turns into a struggle or, B. My one round killed him, or knocked him on his ass. If my first round just "wings" the guy I'd much rather knock him on his ass w/a .45, then wing him w/a .25 and just piss him off.

I totally agree w/you 'bout bullet placement being more important than bullet size in most situations. But in a self defense setting where, odds are, it's gonna be close and quick, bullet size is paramount 'cause bullet placement becomes "just hit the target"

Lethal >>



Ok, I see your point... If the situation is such that you cannot aim, rather you're just shooting from the hip, then a larger bullet is better...

That being said, I've yet to find a .45 that I can conceal here in Texas heat wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I do own a .45, but I can only carry it in the winter or when I have a sport coat on... 9 months out of the year, I can only conceal a small pocket pistol... A .25 ACP on you is better than a .45 ACP back at home...

Personally, I'd just as soon have open carry... That way I could just carry my full size .45 everywhere...

I'd like to know what happened at some point that made carrying a gun a bad thing... :|

Jason

 

[ShotgunSteven]

<< I have decided I want a .45 The three I am considering are

1. Glock 21 - does anyone have any experience with this "safety system" (no switch)
2. H&K USP .45
3. Springfield Arm 1911


I can't find a price on the USP (didn't see any in the shotgun news) but the other two are around 500-700. Just wondering if anyone has had experience with these guns. >>



I own an H&K USP-40, which I paid roughly $525.00 for, new. Depending on if you want the black oxidized finish, stainless, etc., prices will vary.

Also, if at all possible, test fire one at a rental range. The USP is a large pistol, and unless you have large hands, you may want the USP-45 Compact.