Recommend me a Semi auto that fall under these criteria

[M@chete]

Hi folks,

I was hoping to get some recommendations from the community that would fit these criteria that I'm looking for in a semi auto handgun. Hopefully I'll remember to post pictures and range time when I make the purchase sometime next few months. I know what I'm describing, a 1911 would be ideal but I'm already planning to get one later next year. (Although 1911 recommendations that are reliable out the box and don't need work done to shoot hollow points would be nice to know)

The criteria Im looking at are:

Caliber: 45 acp (optional capability of 22 lr conversion)

Frame: Full metal frame, much prefer not to get a poly.

Size: Full length slide, at least 4", and grip that are fit for small/medium hands

Safety: Manual thumb safety (preferably ambidextrous)

Action: Any but preferred SA, DA/SA, or lightish DAO. Nothing striker.

Price: <$1000 absolutely

An example that fits well with my criteria is a CZ 97 B, although no 22 lr capabilities with frame I believe...

Thanks Calgunners!

Edit: New or used, don't matter much to me.

[barron123]

1911 or used sig p220

[MarikinaMan]

Buckmark has 1911 ergo. Buy one and forget about a conversion kit.

[king kong]

p220 sao or 1911

[John Joseph]

New or used?

[Tovarish]

Yes, in modern guns you are looking mostly at a P220 SAO, a CZ 97B, or a 1911.

Smith & Wesson and Ruger both formerly produced guns that meet your criteria. Go on the Calguns marketplace and grab a Smith 45xx (probably 4506) if you want to spend $800 to $1200. Or a Ruger P345 or P90 if you want to spend less than $500.

[MosinVirus]

sounds like you are looking for 2 1911s.

[Tovarish]

Where are you located?

[003]

Sig 227 if you can find one here in California. It matches your criteria exactly.

[_TomT_]

One of my favorite overall Sigs is the P220 Combat. There's a user in Sigtalk named lunde or something with black checkered grips on his which I could never find. That thing is pure sexy...

[sloppy joe]

Yup Sig 227

[_TomT_]

Or a MK23, that thing is a pure head turner.

[perpetual otter]

Glock 17.

[CouchOperator]

P220 Combat

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by M@chete

... and grip that are fit for small/medium hands

An example that fits well with my criteria is a CZ 97 B, although no 22 lr capabilities with frame I believe...

The grip on the CZ97 is really thick.
It makes the grips on the H&K USP-45 and Glock 21 feel slim.

[deephouse]

If ambi Safety/decocker is a must you can kiss most Sigs goodbye.




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[Tovarish]

Can't seem to find the manual safety on my P220 Combat. You guys have to help me with that.

[Canucky]

[QUOTE=_TomT_;18571583]One of my favorite overall Sigs is the P220 Combat. There's a user in Sigtalk named lunde or something with black checkered grips on his which I could never find. That thing is pure sexy...

[/
Lunde is a member here as well.

[bazineta]

Second the 220 Combat. However, it's got a decocker, not a safety. Still, I'm a serious 1911 guy, and I love the 220. If you absolutely must have a thumb safety, the SAO model would be worth a look, but the DA/SA with decocker is IMO very nice.

[M@chete]

Thanks everyone for the rapid responses.

I'm in SoCal in LA county.

Thanks for the 1911 recommendations, I know what I'm looking for is basically a 1911, but I'm already going to get one.

On the sig recommendations, I'd like to hear some others that aren't décocker, rather manual safety.

I'm interested in the 3rd gen smith autos but I have a hard time finding those, and in the 45 variety.

[Germ1]

Glock 19

[M@chete]

Any thoughts on a EAA witness? They even come with a 22lr combo variety.

[Tovarish]

I used to have a Witness and it was solid. That would be perfect. Realize that they come in both metal and plastic, and they are very hard to find.

Actually all of these are going to be hard to find. Except the CZ and maybe the Sig P220 SAO.

[perpetual otter]

Originally Posted by Germ1

Glock 19

LoL! I'm glad you get it.

[Tovarish]

Originally Posted by Germ1

Glock 19

Friggin' Glock people, I swear.

A Glock 19 is the polar opposite of what OP wants.

[gc94]

Am I missing something with why the P227 would be a good fit? There's no thumb safety. There's no 22 conversion, "although modifying a magazine could work while using a 22 P226/p220 slide". A 1911 or P220 grip will also be thinner.

[Tovarish]

Originally Posted by gc94

Am I missing something with why the P227 would be a good fit? There's no thumb safety. There's no 22 conversion, "although modifying a magazine could work while using a p220 slide". A 1911 or P220 grip will also be thinner.

Because people don't read and these threads are immediately polluted with people who want to just plug their favorite guns.

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by gc94

Am I missing something with why the P227 would be a good fit? There's no thumb safety. There's no 22 conversion, "although modifying a magazine could work while using a 22 P226/p220 slide". A 1911 or P220 grip will also be thinner.

The P227 frame is not compatible with P220 and P226 slide assemblies.

[M@chete]

The sigs are awesome, although a manual safety would help make my handguns all have the same kind of safety and make my training more uniform.

LOLZ on the glock comments.

There's a pawn nearby that sells quite a lot of firearms and they seem to have some EAA witnesses in metal frame with a 22lr combo, although I heard some issues running them in a couple of forums I've visited.

[Ferrarif430]

Why anyone wants a safety on a pistol is BEYOND me, I'd never want one, EVER. It gives a false sense of safety.

[Tovarish]

Originally Posted by M@chete

The sigs are awesome, although a manual safety would help make my handguns all have the same kind of safety and make my training more uniform.

LOLZ on the glock comments.

There's a pawn nearby that sells quite a lot of firearms and they seem to have some EAA witnesses in metal frame with a 22lr combo, although I heard some issues running them in a couple of forums I've visited.

You've gotta tell me what pawn shop that is. PM me if you want. I won't buy a Witness.

Supposedly the metal Witnesses used to crack in the larger calibers but that has been fixed.

I don't know if kneelingatlas is still active here but he's one of the foremost experts on Witnesses. He sold me one. He may have advice for you.

Edit: Here is his profile. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/member.php?u=194907

[GMG]

Kimber makes a 1911 + a .22 cal. kit for it. I sold one to a member hear some time back.

[deadcoyote]

.45 acp AR pistol?

[Waffleobill]

Hi-Point 9mm.

[tbc]

Nope. I've got nothing that fits OP's criteria.

But this one comes close:

CZ SP-01 with a Kadet kit
$1,300 for gun and kit
Metal frame (not alloy)
9mm/.22LR
It's a full size gun
DA/SA and can be converted to SAO
Safety lever can be upgraded to ambidextrous
Grip is perfect for small/medium hands

Here is the bonus. The Kadet Kit will eat any .22 ammo.



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[M@chete]

Thank you all for the input.

@Tovarish: Carson pawn is one that I found, and their inventory is viewable online as well as prices. and thanks especially again for your valued input.

[sd joe]

97B makes a 1911 feel like a compact. I wouldn't consider a 97 if you have small hands. I have large hands and the gun feels big.

[M@chete]

Originally Posted by sd joe

97B makes a 1911 feel like a compact. I wouldn't consider a 97 if you have small hands. I have large hands and the gun feels big.

Thanks I will highly consider that, also another user posted the same finding.

[M@chete]

Originally Posted by GMG

Kimber makes a 1911 + a .22 cal. kit for it. I sold one to a member hear some time back.

Thanks, this might just be what I needed. All the criteria is basically a 1911, Although I'll just have to get over the fact that I'll have another 1911 again later. I was just reading apparently the conversion 22 lr kit is made to fit most brands mil spec 1911s.

[floyd7]

Originally Posted by M@chete

Any thoughts on a EAA witness? They even come with a 22lr combo variety.

I have a 9mm witness that I love, can't get one here unless it's private transfer now but you can get one of these super inexpensive and about $400 in ammo to practice with:

Tombstone Tactical

Rock Island Armory 51431 M1911 A1 FS Tactical Pistol .45 ACP 5in 8rd Parkerized
IN STOCK
1 Available
Phoenix
Phoenix
IN STOCK
$444.59

Entire Order Ships
for FREE (excludes ammo)!