Thoughts and Opinions Needed

[Corelogik]

I lost all of my guns in a Divorce about 4 years ago. Don't ask long story, and no there was no legal reason, I didn't do anything wrong, damn community property laws.

Since moving to Nevada 2 years ago, I have been rebuilding the supply/collection but it has been a mix & match sort of thing. I have mainly been adding rifles that I could not own while in California, and that are likely to be banned, if/when another ban happens.

I'm going to be in the market soon for a pair of pistols, one 9mm and one .45. I have certain requirements and thoughts on what they should have. I, however, need your trusted advice on which models to get.

Scenario:
It is my thought that these guns will be the last I will be able to get for awhile where I have a choice, think SHTF.

Requirements:

Action Type: Open
Sights: Fixed
Manual Safety: Open
Barrel Length: 4" - 5"
Capacity: Open
Must be as simple with as common parts as possible. Tactical holsters (thigh rigs) must be available or able to fit into a universal style holster.

I of course want to get the best quality I can for the least price. Consider $500 as the upper limit, I'm not made of money like most of us. I may be able to exceed that by up to 10% but as close to $500 sticker as I can get the better, after all I still need mags and accessories. ; P

Sets I'm currently considering; (but not limited to these models, and no both pistols do not have to come from the same company but it would be a nice bonus)

Glock 19/21
Ruger P95/P345
RIA 1911/FM Hi Power (the clone one)
Taurus 1911/PT92
Taurus PT111/PT145

You can get the sense of where I'm headed here. I have experience with the Glocks and Rugers, but minimal to none with the others.

I want something that is as simple as possible with the fewest parts and the least amount of "tweaking" needed as I can get. With parts likely to be common and available if needed during SHTF scenarios.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

[collegeb]

I can only speak to the RIA. Its not the best pistol by any means but it was my first since it was affordable on minimum wage pay. I believe it is great for self defense since it is in .45. The gun is simple as I have been able to do all my own work on it such as change out parts and file things down as needed. Also if it gets scratched, and it has, I am not as concerned as I would have been if I bought a kimber or the like. Just have some decent mags for it, and maybe change out their smooth wood grips if you dont care for them. Sorry to hear you lost em all. Good luck finding the pieces that are best for you.

:usa::2guns:

[moonie42]

I haven't handled one myself, but everything I've seen/heard about the Taurus has been very positive, mostly stating incredible value.

[NotSoFast]

Go with the Glocks. they work time after time. As long as you leave them stock and don't be messin' with 'em, Glocks are good for multiple thousands of rounds without a failure.

Pleasantly boring would be my description.

[Corelogik]

Just got a look at the Springfield XD(M), now adding a pair of those to the list. Whatcha think?

[NotSoFast]

My dealer recommended both of them, each being about equally reliable. I handled both and I preferred the Glock because of the ease in racking the slide was for me and the way it felt in my hand. I am sure you would be comfortable with either one.

If you want more info on the Glock, check out www.glocktalk.com

Chuck

"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” ~George Washington

[Joe Garibaldi]

As for parts availability in a SHTF situation, I don't know how readily available anything might be, and that's depending on what type of SHTF. There are probably more 1911's and Glock's out there than anything, but don't know how easy parts would be to find. If you find an intact specimen, why break it down to fix yours, which is already broken? Also, what is your level of gunsmithing expertise. From what I understand, many parts, especially firing pins, need fitting that most people (myself included) wouldn't have the tools or know-how to fix.

If you mean ability to stock up spare parts, I suggest FNP. They are DA/SA, with a hammer and a de-cocker. Available for under $500, and with Blade-Tech holster and magazine holder thrown in (you have to mail in for them but mine showed up within a week). The main reason for the FNP is this: they have replaceable rails.

With most semi-auto's, the rails are built into what is legally deemed the "receiver," and thus they're a giant pain to replace, because you're essentially buying a new weapon. With the FNP's, if the rails wear out or are damaged, you can stock spares.

Finally, even the blued FNP's are made of stainless steel. No matter the finish, if you're looking long term, you can't beat stainless, even in Nevada.

[Metalhead]

If the grip and width doesn't bother you I'd choose Glock 19/21 for the reliability,capacity,low maint., simplicity of design and durability.

I'm really a 1911 lover but there's no denying the reputation of Glock designs.

Springfields XD models would probably be my next choice to Glock.

[Corelogik]

A matched set of Glocks, G19 & G23, was once the pride of my collection. I carried both off alternating between them for years working armed security. I am intimately familiar with them and their design.

As I grow older I find my taste in things changing, that includes my firearms. I merely wanted to explore other options.

[Metalhead]

Exploring is pricey, dicey and fun :), I've gone full circle. I started with the 1911 in the military and finally wound up carrying it once again because that's what works for my needs. I have or had glocks,Sigs,Beretta,Smith and Wesson,Taurus,Rossi, freedom arms for non 1911 weapons and Kimber, Springfield and Colt for 1911's. I carry the 5" 1911's mostly and my Glock 36 (for summer carry).

The 1911/Glock combo works for me I guess and the manual of arms/feel of each are very different so there's no thinking about do I swipe the thumb safety or just pull the trigger. I have a Sig P-220 that I don't carry because I tend to confuse the feel of it with my 1911's (no thumb safety on the P-220 though). I guess the problem would be carrying my 1911 and thinking it was my P-220, pulling the trigger and nothing.

I think if the manual of arms in Glock is what you're used to and have trusted then stick with it.

[centurion]

I own Rugers an A couple glock , as for as my honest opinion for the money and A super strong 45 you can not beat the Ruger P90 , I have the stainless model KP90 , AN 9MM Ruger KP89 an A Glock G17 , The glock parts are reasonable an plentyfull an the Glock very easy to field strip to clean , the Ruger P89 super strong pistol some parts restrictive , but you may never need anything for this pistol its one of the strongest pistols made an ruger does have good service dept.

another choice CZ 75B 9MM Very well made an about the same price of the ruger both Ruger p89 an cz75b been made for years , both good choises

the Taurus 1911 model is a new model , the downfall to the Taurus is very poor customer service .

my opinion for the money an quality , Ruger , Glock , CZ . Good Luck .

[BlenderWizard]

go with glock

[planeflyer21]

Go with what fits your hand best. Of the ones you mentioned, I would go the the XDs, because they fit MY hand best.

Jon

[freesw]

Go with what fits your hand best.

Yep, an important consideration. Can't beat a Glock, so if a Glock 21 (or 21sf) grip isn't too big for your hand, you'd be well served selecting that and a Glock 17.

My choice? Glock 17 and Ruger P90. Both really fit the reliable, rugged and simple requirements.