Hi! Should I get a Colt 1991a1 or GLOCK as first gun?

[ibanezfoo]

This will be my 1st handgun, but I'm going through the 10 days waiting period for a Remington 870 12ga. now.

I have been looking at the GLOCKs a lot because I thought I was going to get a 9mm G17 as my HD/ range plinker. Then after a few weeks perusing the various webpages, I am really drawn to the 1911 pistols, and narrowed it down to a 1991A1 .45ACP from Colt. Both prices are comparable, 550 for the G17, and 600 for the Colt.

I like the G17 because it's a GLOCK, a no-nonsense gun, the name GLOCK just says a lot. The 1911/1991 has great history and is a great icon, also could be a collector's item in the future?

This might be my only handgun, my wife is already aprehensive about having a firearm in the house, the 12ga. It was sort of my birthday gift so she gives in on that, so for the pistol, whether it be the G17 or 1991A1, I need to consider as if it's the only pistol I will have. So any insights, suggestions, comments are appreciated

A side question about CA gun law, how many firearms can a Californian purchace in any given period, any restirctions?

Thanks!

My opinion, for what its worth, is go with the Glock. They just work. Not saying anything negative about the 1911/1991 before anyone gets their panties in a bundle. When I take people shooting people tend to be unsafe or confused about any levers or "stuff" on the weapon when I give them a Beretta or whatever. When I hand them a Glock, they just point and squeeze. As others have said, 9mm is cheaper too.

-Bryan

[mike452]

[20!2]

Is a 9mm 1911 less of a 1911? Is there a reason to get the 1911 in 9mm?

I'm thinking now that might be the right compromise, but being a purist, I do appreciate things that should remain the way they are supposed to be.

I'm not well-versed at all in the 1911 pistols to know the lineage of that caliber within that model.

Is a 9mm 1911 a freak?

[mecam]

Why waste money on a 9? Go BIG even for a first gun.

[guns_and_labs]

Is a 9mm 1911 less of a 1911? Is there a reason to get the 1911 in 9mm?

I'm thinking now that might be the right compromise, but being a purist, I do appreciate things that should remain the way they are supposed to be.

I'm not well-versed at all in the 1911 pistols to know the lineage of that caliber within that model.

Is a 9mm 1911 a freak?

9mm, .38 Super, .45 acp, 10mm, .50 GI... they're all good. Collect them all.

In fact, there's a GREAT .38 Super over in the for sale forum... good place to start! [/shameless plug]

[Dilinger23]

20!2 try shooting the glock and 1911 and see how they both feel to you.. then chose what is comfortable to you...my opinion is 9mm is a good caliber and its has some reasonable price just to shoot aroun the range.
REMINDER: The gun is only fun in the range if you have ammo.. with out them, and not to use the gun kinda beats the purpose...

[E. Fudd]

Is a 9mm 1911 less of a 1911? Is there a reason to get the 1911 in 9mm?

I'm thinking now that might be the right compromise, but being a purist, I do appreciate things that should remain the way they are supposed to be.

I'm not well-versed at all in the 1911 pistols to know the lineage of that caliber within that model.

Is a 9mm 1911 a freak?

You'll have more choices in better than factory aftermarket mags sticking w/ the .45 1911.

Maybe for your third or tenth handgun for grins, but for your first I'd go with either the Glock or the 1911 (in .45 ACP), whichever fits you best.

[God Bless The Mauser]

I want a Glock 18

[Dilinger23]

me too....

[20!2]

I shot both the 9mm and the .45. I feel the .45 is definitely too much for my wife and I myself need to get used to shooting it and that will take a while.

This is how the wandering trajectory goes these last couple of days:

Springer XD-9 > G17 > 1991A1-.45acp > 1991A1-9mm > Beretta 92FS > HK USP-9 > 1991A1-9mm / G17.

The bells and whistles and lots of unnecessary lines of the Beretta and Hk really hurts my eyes after the initial flash wears off.

So, back to square one, nothing beats that two great icon of modern semi-auto pistol. The G17, and the 1911 styled 1991.

The problem is, I can't find a 1991A1 in 9mm...

If anyone can point me to the right listing that will be great. I looked at gunsamerica.com, gunbroker.com, auctionarms.com etc.

[20!2]

I just want to update and thank you all for the comments! Very helpful.

I dropped by City-Arms in Pacifica today and started my 10 days for a G17. After much agonizing, I think this is the right decision. Can't wait to take that baby home!

A note about the folks at City-Arms, great people! Dimitri is low-key and knowledgeable as always. I did called a few other shops, the people at Reeds however, sounded snobbish and even when I dropped by the store, the two coots there always looks like they'd rather serve a gun nut than a middle-aged new shooter like me, shame on them.

Anyways, have a great weekend!!!

[MedSpec65]

If you're primary interest in owning a handgun is punching holes in paper targets at the range, go with the Glock 17. It's cheap, reliable, accurate and incredibly easy to field strip and maintain. If you want a handgun that will get the immediate attention of any attacker, drop 'em like a stone if a modern commercial round is placed in a vital area at CQB range and is almost as easy to maintain, go with the Colt. I know a retired San Jose LEO, now a US Marshal who once placed 7 rounds into a BG with a Glock 17 and wound up fighting for his life with the guy on the sidewalk when he continued charging him.

[20!2]

I know a retired San Jose LEO, now a US Marshal who once placed 7 rounds into a BG with a Glock 17 and wound up fighting for his life with the guy on the sidewalk when he continued charging him.

I certainly hope there is a 1911 in my future. The two pistols, GLOCK and 1911 pattern are great examples, which is why the decision was so hard. But in all honesty I think I just DELAYED buying the 1911 to a later date.

My primary reasons for the G17 are practical and economical. The G17 is easy to start getting into shooting, cheap to own and cheap to shoot, easy to understand and easy to clean.

With so many 1911s out there, I got really confused, plus they all starts around 700-800, and the really purdy ones that has all the upgrades goes up to 2000.

[blindluck]

great choice on the glock. Although It's probably too late unless the gunshop is cooperative, I would strongly recommend a glock 19 over the larger 17. There is no advantage as far as i'm concerned to the larger size of the 17. The 19 still holds 10 rounds, has a long enough site radius to be as accurate, has a long enough grip to get a good hold of it and is as reliable. The biggest plus side is that IF (HUGE if) you ever need to carry it concealed, its a lot easier with the 19. The glock 26 is even smaller but I personally can't seem to shoot it as well.

[RECCE556]

The Glock 22/17 has a better grip than the 23/19. Unless you're conceal carrying or have storage space restrictions, I don't know why you would want the compact models.