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Started By
Message
SA 1911 or Sig p229 for first handgun
Posted on 2/24/14 at 4:57 pm
Posted on 2/24/14 at 4:57 pm
I turn 21 next monday and I've been doing a lot of research lately to see what I want for my first personal handgun purchase and have narrowed it between the Sig Sauer p229 and a Springfield Armory Lightweight Champion Operator 1911. I've been shooting handguns all my life and wouldn't consider myself a novice but I also wouldn't consider myself an expert by any means. I'm looking for a midsize gun so that when I apply for my WCL (I'm officially a GA resident at LSU) I will be able to carry more effectively than a full-framed weapon without stepping down to a subcompact.
Sig Sauer p229
9mm
10 or 13 rounds
4" Barrel
SA/DA
$949 at Bowie
I was able to handle a p229 the other day and it was the perfect size. It felt great in my hands and with the 10lb DA trigger pull and the decocking lever and I feel confident that it can be safely carried even though it doesn't have a safety. Its cheaper to fire and available at most firearm dealers so I wouldn't have to wait on shipping.
Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911
.45 acp
7 Rounds
4" Barrel
MSRP $800-$900
This is undeniably the better looking of the two, but it is also much harder to find. I haven't been able to get my hands on one so I haven't gotten to try it myself yet. I really like the 1911s and from what I've heard, Springfield makes some of the best. A man behind the counter at Cabela's said they could probably order me one, but it would take 2+ weeks for it to come in.
Right now I'm really leaning towards the Sig, but I wanted to hear from the wisdom of the OB before I make any purchases. I know people are going to try and push their Glocks and M&Ps in here but I'd ask that they hold off on those urges as I have already narrowed it down to these two. I want a full-metal frame as opposed to a polymer frame for my first purchased gun because I find the weight distribution of them much more desirable. I just wanted to see what you folks here had to say on these two.
Sig Sauer p229
9mm
10 or 13 rounds
4" Barrel
SA/DA
$949 at Bowie
I was able to handle a p229 the other day and it was the perfect size. It felt great in my hands and with the 10lb DA trigger pull and the decocking lever and I feel confident that it can be safely carried even though it doesn't have a safety. Its cheaper to fire and available at most firearm dealers so I wouldn't have to wait on shipping.
Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911
.45 acp
7 Rounds
4" Barrel
MSRP $800-$900
This is undeniably the better looking of the two, but it is also much harder to find. I haven't been able to get my hands on one so I haven't gotten to try it myself yet. I really like the 1911s and from what I've heard, Springfield makes some of the best. A man behind the counter at Cabela's said they could probably order me one, but it would take 2+ weeks for it to come in.
Right now I'm really leaning towards the Sig, but I wanted to hear from the wisdom of the OB before I make any purchases. I know people are going to try and push their Glocks and M&Ps in here but I'd ask that they hold off on those urges as I have already narrowed it down to these two. I want a full-metal frame as opposed to a polymer frame for my first purchased gun because I find the weight distribution of them much more desirable. I just wanted to see what you folks here had to say on these two.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:36 pm to GeauxBraves
I'm a Sig guy, and, particularly for a first pistol - with those choices, I would go P229.
I have nothing against the 1911 - it just has less practical application (overall) and, while suitable for defense has a more complicated manual of arms.
I have nothing against the 1911 - it just has less practical application (overall) and, while suitable for defense has a more complicated manual of arms.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:38 pm to renfro meeks
quote:
If you are still open to other weapons, a Beretta 92fs if you are sold on a 9 or the 96 in a 40 S&W. It's the best of both worlds and leave some change for ammo.
As someone forced by the U.S. government to carry one of these things - I'd like to say, while not terrible - suggesting it is "the best" of anything made me chuckle.
Way, way down my list of preferences. Americans, Germans, Swiss and Austrians for pistols - Italians for shotguns.
This post was edited on 2/24/14 at 5:39 pm
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:45 pm to GeauxBraves
Personally of the two I like the Sig. But if it was me I would buy the CZ 75 P01. It will give you everything you want, at a lower cost and is the only NATO certified handgun , 3 years of testing. It looks damn good and even better if add their custom wood grips.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:52 pm to GeauxBraves
Most of the OB I feel is going to say 1911, but I think you're going to carry more than you first see yourself doing.
I say Sig.
Plenty of time to buy a full size 1911 later on down the road, and you'll have room in your budget to buy ammo, grips, etc.
Either way, lookin' forward to shootin' with you! Can't wait to get my M&P.
I say Sig.
Plenty of time to buy a full size 1911 later on down the road, and you'll have room in your budget to buy ammo, grips, etc.
Either way, lookin' forward to shootin' with you! Can't wait to get my M&P.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:55 pm to MisterSenator
I thought the mandatory first handgun was a Ruger P series...
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:59 pm to Voorhies7
p-89 here. Oh to be 15 again...
Posted on 2/24/14 at 6:33 pm to Ace Midnight
quote:
As someone forced by the U.S. government to carry one of these things - I'd like to say, while not terrible - suggesting it is "the best" of anything made me chuckle.
Way, way down my list of preferences. Americans, Germans, Swiss and Austrians for pistols - Italians for shotguns.
Well I have never had to carry one for military use I do have 2 and have shot at least 7k rounds through them. I have never had an issue with either.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 6:38 pm to GeauxBraves
quote:
I'm looking for a midsize gun so that when I apply for my WCL (I'm officially a GA resident at LSU) I will be able to carry more effectively than a full-framed weapon without stepping down to a subcompact.
This is the biggest question in your post, in my eyes. Do you actually plan on carrying this weapon daily (when you're not on campus)? If you do, the Sig is gonna be a much huger pain in the arse to carry because it is so much more wide than the 1911.
While the 1911 will be thinner, it will still be heavy compared to other carry options since it has a metal frame. All of my carry guns are polymer and although you may not want to hear this, you will be more likely to carry a polymer handgun unless you are willing to put up with the weight of a metal one (ask King Ranch - he carries a Colt Delta Elite daily).
As a home defense gun or general range gun, these are both GREAT. A full sized, metal-framed pistol will be extremely soft shooting and fun at the range. And if you have a girlfriend that you would like to learn how to shoot, either of these would be a great starting place for her to learn.
Before I throw out any more information, I think you should watch my YouTube video. It would probably answer a lot of questions.
First Time Firearm Buyers
If you have any other questions, there are plenty of people here to help.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 7:15 pm to GeauxBraves
Like Bapple said the 1911 will be easier to carry but I personally prefer a da/sa for carry.
And to the guy that said beretta 92, wow, that gun would be way down the list. I mean way down. It's a full size first and foremost and it just isn't the same class as the two he has listed.
And to the guy that said beretta 92, wow, that gun would be way down the list. I mean way down. It's a full size first and foremost and it just isn't the same class as the two he has listed.
Posted on 2/24/14 at 7:32 pm to bapple
quote:
you will be more likely to carry a polymer handgun unless you are willing to put up with the weight of a metal one
Thanks for the advice. I've considered this and I am very likely to buy a polymer gun strictly for CC down the road once it is in the budget. For now I'm looking for a solid multi-purpose pistol.
Do any of ya'll have any suggestions of FFLs that I should check out that could get there hands on one of those 1911s rather quickly?
Posted on 2/24/14 at 7:34 pm to GeauxBraves
My suggestion for you if you are about to start carrying is to talk with and have the name / phone number of an attorney you can contact day or night if you are involved in a defensive shooting. Take care of this before you begin carrying a weapon capable of killing another human being.
I mention this often because too many people give little thought to the aftermath of an event.
I will also ask, are you planning to receive any training before carrying? Are you mentally comfortable with the idea of employing deadly force? Are you prepared to have your life changed forever should you have to kill someone?
I am pro-concealed carry and think it is great when more people buy firearms. However, it isn't something to be entered into lightly. Just some things to consider if you haven't already.
Lecture ON {OFF}
I mention this often because too many people give little thought to the aftermath of an event.
I will also ask, are you planning to receive any training before carrying? Are you mentally comfortable with the idea of employing deadly force? Are you prepared to have your life changed forever should you have to kill someone?
I am pro-concealed carry and think it is great when more people buy firearms. However, it isn't something to be entered into lightly. Just some things to consider if you haven't already.
Lecture ON {OFF}
This post was edited on 2/24/14 at 9:27 pm
Posted on 2/24/14 at 8:20 pm to GeauxBraves
I agree with Weagle that you need to make sure you can actually handle the responsibility to carry. This can be handled after you purchase the handgun and practice with it but it's definitely not something to skim over. It is a big responsibility and there is a lot of information to know.
And here is the biggest issue. You will have to compromise somewhere. If you don't buy a gun dedicated for each role and require one to do both, you will be forced to compromise. Buying any item to fill two roles rather than getting each one with a specific role in mind is true with any purchase.
There are plenty of small polymer carry guns between $400-$500. And you also don't have to start carrying immediately. I would actually side with Weagle and say that you should wait some time before carrying to see if you can handle the responsibility.
Use Gun Broker, Bud's Gun Shop, Slick Guns, GunsAmerica, etc. to find a good deal online and use a local store to receive the transfer. Call both contacts before making the purchase to smooth out the process.
If you prefer to purchase it locally, it may take them some time for the FFL to receive the firearm from the manufacturer. But this is also an option.
For transfers or ordering, my first choice is LA Gun and Reloading in Baton Rouge. You could also use Precision gun range for your transfer.
quote:
For now I'm looking for a solid multi-purpose pistol.
And here is the biggest issue. You will have to compromise somewhere. If you don't buy a gun dedicated for each role and require one to do both, you will be forced to compromise. Buying any item to fill two roles rather than getting each one with a specific role in mind is true with any purchase.
There are plenty of small polymer carry guns between $400-$500. And you also don't have to start carrying immediately. I would actually side with Weagle and say that you should wait some time before carrying to see if you can handle the responsibility.
quote:
Do any of ya'll have any suggestions of FFLs that I should check out that could get there hands on one of those 1911s rather quickly?
Use Gun Broker, Bud's Gun Shop, Slick Guns, GunsAmerica, etc. to find a good deal online and use a local store to receive the transfer. Call both contacts before making the purchase to smooth out the process.
If you prefer to purchase it locally, it may take them some time for the FFL to receive the firearm from the manufacturer. But this is also an option.
For transfers or ordering, my first choice is LA Gun and Reloading in Baton Rouge. You could also use Precision gun range for your transfer.
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