Finally found the one I want

[katokat]

I've been actively shooting with my husband for a year and a half now - not too much, range a couple times a month and steel matches when I can. I've been using his S&W 9mm semi and S&W .40 semi Performance Center. LOVE the .40, but it's a bit big. The 9mm fits my hand well, but it's double- single- and a pain to deal with in the matches. So I tried out a S&W 952 Performance Center today at the range - and that's the one! Smooth as the .40 but fits much better. Now I've got him looking around for a gently used or new one (he loves the chase and I don't have time) before our 4-day class at Front Sights in late Oct. He's got a post up in the WTB forum and on the S&W forums.

I just wish it wasn't so darned expensive. But definitely will be worth it.

[69Mach1]

Performance guns are nice. A 952 is hot. Sorry you had to fall for one.

[midvalleyshooter]

Hey katokat,

Those S&W 952's are very nice shooters. One other pistol to consider is a 1911 in 9MM. The 1911 has some advantages over the 952. Parts availability, gunsmith's who know their way around the pistol and the safety is easier to operate. With different grips and main spring housing the pistol can be fit to a specific hand easier. Here is a deal on a used one:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=225856

For the difference in cost you can buy a lot of ammo or reloading components.

Keith

[katokat]

Keith - I did try one, similar to my husband's 945 but in 9mm. It was pretty nice, but I just didn't like the feel of the grip in my hands. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

[midvalleyshooter]

Well trying them out is the way to go. But I think in the long run something like this would be a better choice than the 952:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141030592

But you do what you want to
Keith

[Steyrlp10]

Speaking of the 1911 frame, have you ever tried a Colt .38 Super?

I was sighting in mine after the sear was repaired along with my .45s, and my husband shot the .38 for fun. He was surprised at how smooth it was as far as recoil, but with the same grips as a .45 since it's a 1911.

[midvalleyshooter]

Here is a nice article on 9mm 1911's:

http://www.stiguns.com/USPress/complete-handguns/bookofhandguns.html

Keith

[midvalleyshooter]

And one more

http://www.stiguns.com/USPress/a_handgunner/Tactical2004/AHTactical2004.html

K

[Bigballaizm]

Nice choice, good luck on your search!