[ArtFWTx]

Hey Man !!

I'd decide if this is a business pistol, a fun pistol, or both. DocGKR posted this a couple months ago about service pistols. I quoted it because it has a lot of good insight from an industry professional. Go down his list if you're looking for another business pistol.

For me, the platform picked tends to dictate the caliber. For example, Glocks and Sigs tend to run best in 9 mm, the S&W M&P is the first .40 S&W pistol that seems to offer an ideal ergonomic and shooter friendly package, while a properly customized 5" steel-frame single-stack 1911 in .45 ACP is a superb, unparalleled choice for the dedicated user willing to spend a significant amount of money to get it properly initially set-up and considerable time to maintain it. For folks who want a .45 ACP pistol, but don't want to invest the funds and effort into getting a good 1911, they would be better served with a S&W .45 ACP M&P or HK45.

Everyone should have a J-frame (hopefully w/Lasergrip and w/o lock) as they are ideal BUG's and are good pocket guns when you don't feel the need to be armed...

The best out of the box pistols for reliability and durability remain the Glock 17 and 19--I have no problems carrying them.

In some recent USG testing, the XD's reportedly had the highest parts failure rate of any of the pistols tested...

CZ's, Walthers, and Rugers do not have an enviable track record of use by U.S. agencies and organizations.

Let's not talk about Beretta...

The Sig P226 and P228/229 work well, but the P220 has been prone to significant failures and the newer Sig's are not well proven over the long term.

The older FN Hi-Power is a time tested pistol, although they do not handle high round counts as well as the 1911; the newer FN's don't have enough of a track record in the U.S. to know how they will fare over the long term.

The HK45/45c appear to be good pistols, however, there are not many agencies/organizations using them yet, so we don't have as much data on them over long term use. The other HK pistols also run reasonably well, but are not a good ergonomic fit for many folks.

1911's can be quite reliable and are very durable when when properly configured, however, as mentioned it is going to take more money, effort, and time to initially set them up and keep them running compared to more modern pistols. I do feel well armed with a good 1911.

Whatever you choose, make sure you fire at least 500 and preferably 1000 failure free shots through your pistol prior to using it for duty. If your pistol cannot fire at least 1000 consecutive shots without a malfunction, something is wrong and it is not suitable for duty/self-defense use.

S&W MP 45 would be a nice business partner for your Glock and 1911. Or how about a Sig 226, either the Blackwater (edited, sorry) model, or the Navy model? You can get cool tutones in Sigs also.

Or if you want to do something different... Go for a cool revolver? SW brought back the Model 29 (Dirty Harry's) this year in their classic series. Or buy one of the Emergency Survival Bear Defenders the Model 500ES and have the biggest 50 cal SW snubbie ever made!! If you do CCW.. cool JFrames with Crimson Trace grips are sweet. I know you hunt, so how about a large frame hunting revolver? I carry a Model 29 with me when I'm hunting.

I didn't know if you wanted to stay similar to what you have already or move into another line of handguns. Let us know what you come up with.

 

[ArtFWTx]

I read that Springfield's custom shop works on XD's including trigger work. Springfield may bring out a XD "M" in 45 too. Their new XD M 9 holds 20 9mm in flush mag. My brother likes his 45 XD. He has the 5 inch Tactical. Click on "custom" ..

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php

 

[ArtFWTx]

You need a revolver! Either a J, K, or an L frame IMO.
Or a hicap 9mm (I am looking at getting a CZ75 SP01 myself next week) or a 10mm (Glock 20?)

Or all three...err...6....

I hate it when that happens. You go into a gun shop or gun show with the best intentions of going straight to your favorite dealer and buying the "one" gun you planned to. Then you end up leaving with the target gun and 2-3 others you just couldn't do without. :roll:

 

[ArtFWTx]

Wait a minute ! I see vacant space below the Ruger 22. You could squeeze another handgun or two in that space between the rifles. What about that space?

Have fun with the XD.

 

[ArtFWTx]

CZ's P01 and P06 look good. I really need to add a CZ 75 and a Browning High Power to my collection. I've eyed them for a while but end up getting other things instead.

I know you wanted the CZ, but J-frames are fun too, plus they make great CCW handguns.

 

[ArtFWTx]

Dude you have to have a big ol revolver! my favorite hand gun is a 454 casull, so much fun to shoot I had to take up reloading. I don't seem to be saving any money though. still broke! :?

I like "big ol" revolvers too, but I draw the line at the "snub nose" versions of them. I was at Cabela's on Monday afternoon and they had a Freedom Arms 454 with a 2-3 inch barrel! Next to it were the SW 500 emergency bear pistols with a 2 inch barrel in 500SW. My Model 29 is one of my favs, and I've rented a Ruger 454 at the gun range and had a blast (literally) with it, but those snubbie big revolvers just have to "HURT" after a few rounds. Yes, I would probably buy one even though I live in an area with zero grizzlies or moose to worry about.