Boom stick questions. Point me in the right direction.

In reply to logdog (Forum Supporter) :

I picked up an FN Hi Power. They are really nice.  Highly recommend.  If you are looking for a used one, look for either a T series serial number or one that lists Belgium as the MFG and does not say that it was assembled in Portugal. These are made in Belgium and assembled in Belgium at FN and are supposed to be assembled by hand and have a bit better fit, finish, and quality control. They are a little pricy. The second would be an FN assembled in Portugal.  

These are great shooting Pistols—smaller than you think. If you were local, I would let you try mine.

When I was looking, I found that you can also get Girsan-manufactured Hi Powers. They are much cheaper and have a good reputation. I have not shot one. Rodan actually recommended them to me, and I was all set to purchase one when I came upon a good deal on a virtually unused 1978 FN Belgum one.  

 Rodan said:

In reply to dean1484 :

High powers...

Check out the  Girsan High Powers ...  I have not fired one, but they have a great reputation online.  For a shooter, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of these.  And take a look here:  https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/741566905254

That site will give you a live inventory search sorted by price.  The basic black Girsan Hi-Power can be found for under $400.  It's a clone of the mid-80s Browning with the matte finish and extended ambi safetys.

 

Other all-metal things to consider.

Beretta 92 (pick your flavor from bone stock to their competition model)

I have a CZ75d Compact PCR.  It has an alloy frame.  Very nice pistol.  Can be used for CC if you want. Same as the P01 but different. Reliable as gravity great sites.  Has that swiss watch feel to it.  

1911

Walter has some all-metal versions of their PDP but I find them to be unacceptably snappy compared to other similar pistols.

Canik Rival has an all-metal version

In reply to logdog (Forum Supporter) :

1911?

Or if we are talking something similar to the cz75 ( full sized hi cap 9mm) my favorite steel framed 9mm is the Ruger P Series. They are kind of a brick but it fits my hand well and people are starting to catch on to them so prices have been creeping up 

For 1911, take a look at the Tisas/SDS offerings.  Very, very good quality even disregarding price, and almost unbelievable at what they sell for.  All forged steel parts, no MIM.  Wide variety of models/features/calibers.  I have several and they are excellent.

This is a smokin' deal, again from PSA...  M1911A1 .45ACP $299

It's the most basic 'military issue' model.  I just bought one to shoot in a military two-gun match locally that requires rifles/pistols that were military issued prior to 1950 (or reproductions in the same configuration).  I haven't shot it yet, but the fitting, lockup and trigger are amazingly good.

I forgot about the older S&W lineup.  They made a bunch of stuff.  Like the 4506, 4006, 639, 1006, 4566, 659, 952-2, 5906, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

In reply to dean1484 :

I've got a 4516-1. Good shooting little pistol. The DA is smooth and not as heavy as some I've shot (like the 92 or Cougar). Still prefer my 1911's. 

The older S&W autos can be very accurate due to their excellent barrel bushing lockup design.  Prices are going up on the older Smith autos, and magazines can be a bit hard to find.  Stay away from the DA only .40s... saw lots of problems with those.  IMHO the .45s are the best, but like Bob, I still prefer a 1911. 

In reply to Rodan :

I got mine with another DAO 4586. Did not like it. the 4516 just felt better with the DA/SA.

Think on an EAA Witness.  I have the Witness match and it is amazing and super reasonable cost wise.  Big heavy metal gun so not a great carry idea if that is on your list.  Fantastic shooter with great trigger etc.  

Initial range report on the $299 Tisas 1911A1 mentioned above.  20 rounds of my 200gr SWC handloads at 10 yards:

I'm pretty happy...  the vertical stringing is me:  I prefer a flat mainspring housing and long trigger, and this has an arched mainspring housing and short trigger.  I will swap those out and it should steady it up for me.  Looking forward to shooting a match with it.

In reply to Rodan :

Which raises the age-old philisophical question: Is it possible to own too many 1911's...?

In reply to stroker :

My problem is I usually come home with something else whenever I go to the shop to look at them.  I have 4 or 5 things that were purchased this way.  

In reply to stroker :

Nope!  14 and counting... LOL 

dean1484 said:

In reply to stroker :

My problem is I usually come home with something else whenever I go to the shop to look at them.  I have 4 or 5 things that were purchased this way.  

theres something else? What is this blasphemy?

Rodan said:

In reply to dean1484 :

High powers...

Check out the  Girsan High Powers ...  I have not fired one, but they have a great reputation online.  For a shooter, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of these.  And take a look here:  https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/741566905254

That site will give you a live inventory search sorted by price.  The basic black Girsan Hi-Power can be found for under $400.  It's a clone of the mid-80s Browning with the matte finish and extended ambi safetys.

 

Thanks! I had forgotten about these. Ordered one last night from PSA...