Golddiggie
Well-Known Member
Personally, I really enjoy firing .45 ACP rounds. The recoil is softer than what you get from a 9mm or .38 [super]. The 1911 style pistol is a classic and time proven design. My father's 1911A1 still fires wonderfully as does my clone (a Para Ordnance P14, high capacity 
).
IF you're really concerned about the cost per round/box, then get into reloading. You'll have some initial hardware expenses, but your cost per round should go down. Plus, you then have the option of making the rounds as YOU want. Well, provided they make the pistol function properly/fully.
I reloaded when shooting competitions. Mostly because I couldn't buy ammo as I wanted. I was using 255 grain bullets, with charges to push them at 700-725fps. With the pistol slightly modified (recoil suppression guide rod and variable strength spring) I had about a 1-2" muzzle rise. Made it easy to take the follow-up shots on target.
I would get a 1911 from one of the major makers if I was looking for one. Kimber, Springfield, S&W, Colt, Glock, Taurus, etc. For an used pistol (or any gun for that matter) have a qualified gunsmith (that you know and trust) give it a FULL inspection before you purchase it. Look for excessive wear where the barrel meets the frame (talking pistols, 1911 especially), how smooth the slide moves, wear where the guide rod meets the frame (towards the chamber), etc. If you can, I would go with either steel (first choice) or synthetic frames, not alloy frames. I had an alloy frame on my P14 and had to replace it after about 5000 rounds (was showing more wear than I was comfortable with, especially with a competition gun).
If you get it at a gun store that doesn't have a range there, or one very close, have them meet you there so that you can test fire what you're looking at. Not to say the shop is dishonest, but firing a magazine, or two,or a box of ammo, will tell you a good amount about the pistol/gun.
I've been either shooting, or have owned, guns for most of my life. My father was a NRA certified instructor for many years. From all those years I've learned one pretty much universal truth... Quality isn't cheap, and you NEED quality when you're talking guns. You don't need to blow a ton of money to get quality, but if you go with one of the makers KNOWN for quality, selecting the model for your needs, you won't regret it. The bas e P14 I purchased years ago wasn't too expensive, of course I did a lot to it to get it where it ended up. I would start looking at manufacturer's sites to see what they offer in the budget level you're thinking. Then see what those models are selling for used (but well maintained). Also check different manufacturer's ammo prices. Not all ammo is created equally. Again, go with brands known for producing high quality, with extremely tight QC. IMO, this is critical with ammo.
).IF you're really concerned about the cost per round/box, then get into reloading. You'll have some initial hardware expenses, but your cost per round should go down. Plus, you then have the option of making the rounds as YOU want. Well, provided they make the pistol function properly/fully.
I reloaded when shooting competitions. Mostly because I couldn't buy ammo as I wanted. I was using 255 grain bullets, with charges to push them at 700-725fps. With the pistol slightly modified (recoil suppression guide rod and variable strength spring) I had about a 1-2" muzzle rise. Made it easy to take the follow-up shots on target.
I would get a 1911 from one of the major makers if I was looking for one. Kimber, Springfield, S&W, Colt, Glock, Taurus, etc. For an used pistol (or any gun for that matter) have a qualified gunsmith (that you know and trust) give it a FULL inspection before you purchase it. Look for excessive wear where the barrel meets the frame (talking pistols, 1911 especially), how smooth the slide moves, wear where the guide rod meets the frame (towards the chamber), etc. If you can, I would go with either steel (first choice) or synthetic frames, not alloy frames. I had an alloy frame on my P14 and had to replace it after about 5000 rounds (was showing more wear than I was comfortable with, especially with a competition gun).
If you get it at a gun store that doesn't have a range there, or one very close, have them meet you there so that you can test fire what you're looking at. Not to say the shop is dishonest, but firing a magazine, or two,or a box of ammo, will tell you a good amount about the pistol/gun.
I've been either shooting, or have owned, guns for most of my life. My father was a NRA certified instructor for many years. From all those years I've learned one pretty much universal truth... Quality isn't cheap, and you NEED quality when you're talking guns. You don't need to blow a ton of money to get quality, but if you go with one of the makers KNOWN for quality, selecting the model for your needs, you won't regret it. The bas e P14 I purchased years ago wasn't too expensive, of course I did a lot to it to get it where it ended up. I would start looking at manufacturer's sites to see what they offer in the budget level you're thinking. Then see what those models are selling for used (but well maintained). Also check different manufacturer's ammo prices. Not all ammo is created equally. Again, go with brands known for producing high quality, with extremely tight QC. IMO, this is critical with ammo.
