Automatics

[El Chivo]

I was looking at some pistols the other day; the indoor range now has new guns for sale.

I held 9mms from Beretta and Springfield Armory; I liked the SA but the Beretta seemed like better quality. They also carry Glock and Ruger.

One thing I noticed about automatics is they are shorter than wheel guns. A 5" Beretta was still a pretty compact gun.

[COSteve]

I was looking at some pistols the other day; the indoor range now has new guns for sale.

I held 9mms from Beretta and Springfield Armory; I liked the SA but the Beretta seemed like better quality. They also carry Glock and Ruger.

One thing I noticed about automatics is they are shorter than wheel guns. A 5" Beretta was still a pretty compact gun.

That in part is because the barrel length on an automatic includes the chamber, i.e. its from the breachface to the muzzle while the barrel length of a revolver is measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle and the chamber in the cylinder is completely separate. The other main reason is that the chambers of a revolver typically are positioned back from your trigger finger with the grip swinging in an arch back and down, adding considerably to the revolver's OAL, while an automatic's chamber typically extends in front of your trigger finger and the grip is more vertically positioned, adding little to it's OAL.

ETA: I guess I qualify as liking semi-automatics what with my custom G20/21L and G24.

[piller]

I do like Semi-Automatics for handguns. My favorite has a 5 inch barrel, slab sides, and is made off of blueprints of a John Browning design. Semiautos are indeed shorter and thinner than the revolvers of similar or same caliber. I have one of the old Ruger P-85s that was sent back to the factory for the original upgrade to the safety. It is accurate enough for anything I do with it, and it has never failed at all. It is as reliable as a Ruger, Colt, or Smith &Wesson revolver. By that, I mean you can bet on it working when you need it to work, like when your life depends on it, just like a good 1911A1.

[Canuck Bob]

Even as a foreigner I sure loved my Colt Mk4 Series70 45 ACP. They can handle swampy trench conditions and keep feeding 45 thump.

Always wanted an Officers model in 38 Super. Perfect concealment pistol for a big bellied man.

[AJMD429]

Plus, they are FLAT. That is a great advantage for 'pocket' or concealment use, especially for those who must wear tailored clothing, or for women who don't have the 'extra space' some of us males have to tuck away bang-bangs...

[olyinaz]

Get yourself a handful of Glock G36 and you'll be amazed at how tidy that much smack can be.

Looks like dung, goes bang every time.

Oly

[Old Time Hunter]

Personally, they have never made a better 9mm semi auto than either a P-1 or P38 Walther.

[Sixgun]

There's only ONE semi-auto--the Browning 1911 -----------Sixgun

[AJMD429]

Get yourself a handful of Glock G36 and you'll be amazed at how tidy that much smack can be. Looks like dung, goes bang every time.

Same goes for the Para Ordnance P-12 or similar 1911 double-stack guns...

[RustyJr]

El Chivo, what purpose are you wanting to fill with the "automatic"? I like my 44 sixgun for hunting and woodsbumming but I prefer a semi-auto for daily carry and self-defense. I carry a Glock 23 in 40S&W. The compact size makes it easier to carry than a full size yet its easier to be accurate at longer ranges than with a sub compact. I have a full size 1911 in 45 ACP that feels great in my hand, yet I prefer the Glock for its extra magazine capacity and because of the hot weather here in Florida, having a pistol that can ride against a sweaty body all day and be ok is a definate advantage. The 40S&W is also used by most of the LE agencies in my area. If your just wanting it for home defense I'd say go with full size, but if CCW is a possibility you might want something smaller. I advise shooting and handling as many as possible before buying and as long as you like it and it works for you thats all that matters.

RustyJr

[O.S.O.K.]

I like the autos as much as the DA revolvers and SA revolvers.

Variety is the spice of life!

It is hard to beat a small auto for personal defense carry. You can fit 7+1 rounds of 9mm into a very light, small and flat package and it compares very favorably to 38 Spcl +P.

If concealment isn't a problem then I tend to favore a good wheel gun or a larger auto.

Like I said, I like em all!!

They're kinda like women that way.

[COSteve]

Deleted

[JB]

Personally, they have never made a better 9mm semi auto than either a P-1 or P38 Walther.

I have several WWII era P38's in my collection. I love them for the history but have found some P38/P1 guns don't handle all hollowpoint rounds well. The hammer block is also subject to breaking on the older guns. Years ago I had a guy show me the decocker/safety on his Ruger P89 while telling me what a groundbreaking design Ruger had. I had to break his heart and show him a PPK from the 30's.

[Spamtown_.45]

I can't emphasize what Rusty said enough....know what purpose/roll your new pistol will fill. Also handle and fire as many as you can. It sounds like that shouldn't be a problem with your local range. I was in your shoes earlier this spring and debated for quite awhile between the Glock 19, Glock 17 and the Springfield XDM. I liked the G19 the best, as it had the lowest bore axis and just felt more comfortable that the others. The simplicity and reliability of the Glock also factored in to my decision. I should also add as a disclaimer that I do have a 1950's Colt 1911. Not military issue, but the civilian/commercial variety. Having both a 9mm and a .45ACP is lots of fun at the range.

[Blaine]

I was just haveing fond thoughts about .45acp....this is my favorite Thumper...The Para Ord NRA-ILA model....

[rossim92]

I love my taylor smokewagon sa in a .357 to compliment my rossi levergun in same caliber. But, I also like my glock 21c Almost hard to beat out a 13 rd. clip loaded with .45 acp's.. I know glocks not the prettiest thing in the world, but even with the breakin of over 500 rds. it has not missed a beat. Just needed something a little bigger to knock the wings off of flys with. also own a henry levergun thats shoots .22 lr for when I don't want to spend a lot for ammo. Happy shooting yall!