Non-Polymer Frame options? .40 or .45?

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brtt485

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I am looking into a new handgun and given what I currently own, I want to go with a mid-size compact, preferably with a non-polymer frame. I currently own a Walther P99c, a Walther P22, and a Ruger LCP. These are obviously all polymer frame weapons and of the DA/SA variety (except the LCP). This new gun will be a range/home defense weapon but I still want something that I can comfortably carry if I so choose. I love the P229 and was set on buying one in .40 S&W but then someone posed the question as to why not go with a .45 to which I had no answer.

I live in MA so my options are more limited but my question is this: Knowing I like the size and feel of the P229 (I wouldnt want anything bigger but am ok with a little smaller) what are my other MA compliant options in .40 or .45 that do not have polymer frames?

I have also heard some heard some folks talking about quality issues with Sig as of late. Is this something I should worry about or is the P229 as tried and true as ever?

Thanks all!
 
There is nothing wrong with the 229 in 40, i had one for a while and loved it, it was da/sa. I never carried it but i shot it a lot. It was accurate and easy to handle, a lot of people have a problem with the 40 because it is a "sell out"'? I personally like the 40, similar ballistics to the 45 in a more concealable package. I like the sig because you have the availability of pre ban mag. I love 1911s but you are limited to 8 rounds if you want a flush mag.
Just my 2 cents
 
The P229 is a bit on the large side IMHO but if you like it, go with it. Preban mags are available for it which is a nice bonus.

You'll have 500 people crawl out of the woodwork and tell you than new American Sigs suck, but 499 of them will be passing on internet rumors or 20th hand info that they heard from some guy at the range who most likely doesn't even shoot Sigs. I have both American made and German made Sigs and both are great guns.

Similar size in .45 - maybe a P220 carry? The catch is you'd give up a significant round count. I think the P220 carry only has an 8 round mag as opposed to the 12 round in the p229. (Or 13 if you go with the 9mm.)

Non-Sig metal frame, .40 or bigger: Kahr MK series, older S&W non-M&P autos, compact 1911, maybe a compact Beretta, I think H&K makes something, I'm sure there are others.


Just out of curiosity, why no 9mm polymer frames? They're great CCW guns.
 
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ranger4-7 said:
Smith 1911PD (.45 ACP). The commander size 1911 with a scandium frame makes it very comfortable to carry IWB or Out.
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I appreciate the recomendation. I have never been a huge 1911 fan myself, though I certainly appreciate the history of the gun. I should have mentioned that I do like the accessory rail option and the Sig is probably at the top of the budget. I did look at the 1911PD and it seems a little bit bigger than the Sig.
 
Why not another P99 (full size)?

If you are any good at shooting the P99c you will HATE the reset on a standard P series sig, unless you get one that has SRT. The standard P series sig is about a mile long compared to the 99's SA reset. (which, if you do it right, you can get the pistol to bump fire, that's how short the reset is!)

-Mike
 
jasons said:
You'll have 500 people crawl out of the woodwork and tell you than new American Sigs suck, but 499 of them will be passing on internet rumors or 20th hand info that they heard from some guy at the range who most likely doesn't even shoot Sigs.
Click to expand...

I was afraid this might happen but had to ask! I personally dont know anyone who has had an issue with a P229 or any other Sig for that matter but I know my exposure has been limited compared to many on here.

jasons said:
Similar size in .45 - maybe a P220 carry? The catch is you'd give up a significant round count. I think the P220 carry only has an 8 round mag as opposed to the 12 round in the p229. (Or 13 if you go with the 9mm.)
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I was thinking this as well. I have not shot one before. Is the carry model compliant in MA? I am not sure how concerned I am about the mag capacity if I go the .45 route but its too bad Sig put a single stack mag in the P220.

jasons said:
Non-Sig metal frame, .40 or bigger: Kahr MK series, older S&W non-M&P autos, compact 1911, maybe a compact Beretta
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Thank you! I will check these out.

jasons said:
Just out of curiosity, why no 9mm polymer frames? They're great CCW guns.
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My Walther P99c is 9mm.
 
drgrant said:
Why not another P99 (full size)?

If you are any good at shooting the P99c you will HATE the reset on a standard P series sig, unless you get one that has SRT. The standard P series sig is about a mile long compared to the 99's SA reset. (which, if you do it right, you can get the pistol to bump fire, that's how short the reset is!)

-Mike
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I would really like to add something that does not have a polymer frame. And being a casual shooter I have never bothered to be overly concerned with the trigger reset from one gun to the next. Not that I shouldnt be, it's just not something I have ever found to be an issue and I have shot the P229 many times.
 
brtt485 said:
My Walther P99c is 9mm.
Click to expand...

I carried a P99c (mine was in .40) for a long time until I went kind of Sig crazy. I sold it and played with a few things before I settled on a Kahr PM9 for concealed carry. The P229 is a bit too big and heavy for me personally to conceal well, but it might work for you.
 
jasons said:
I carried a P99c (mine was in .40) for a long time until I went kind of Sig crazy. I sold it and played with a few things before I settled on a Kahr PM9 for concealed carry. The P229 is a bit too big and heavy for me personally to conceal well, but it might work for you.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. I dont want anything bigger then the P229 and have no plans on it being a primary carry gun but I have thing complex about not buying a gun that it is too big to carry if I wanted to. Not sure that makes sense but...................

Sounds like you were happy with your Sig experiences though?
 
Sig P220 carry would be a good choice, and as Mike says, the SRT is a must have for any SIG. The P220 carry isn't approved in MA yet as far as I know so you may hove some trouble finding one. I know you said metal frame, but if you haven't tried out a G30 you should if you are looking for .45.
 
beaker said:
Sig P220 carry would be a good choice, and as Mike says, the SRT is a must have for any SIG. The P220 carry isn't approved in MA yet as far as I know so you may hove some trouble finding one. I know you said metal frame, but if you haven't tried out a G30 you should if you are looking for .45.
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Is the G30 compliant in MA? I had a G29 (10mm) before I moved to MA.
 
brtt485 said:
I agree 100%. I dont want anything bigger then the P229 and have no plans on it being a primary carry gun but I have thing complex about not buying a gun that it is too big to carry if I wanted to. Not sure that makes sense but...................

Sounds like you were happy with your Sig experiences though?
Click to expand...

For some reason I seem to shoot Sigs, specifically the P226, better than anything else I've tried. I go with what works. I actually have an Comp-Tac IWB holster for the P226 and I have carried it, but it's a lot like CCWing a brick.
 
Have you considered the S&W M&P Series. Yes you have to do a trigger job. I installed an Apex DCAEK and love this gun!! I have the M&P9c, carries like a dream.

The 1911 is my all time favorite, I know you don't prefer them but the S&W Pro Series 3" .45acp is real sweet!!!!

What ever you choose enjoy your new firearm!!
 
TBalls said:
Not trying to be a dick, but did you read the OP?
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Nope your not being a dick at all. In the first paragraph I took "I want to go with a mid-size compact, preferably with a non-polymer frame." to mean still open to consider.

But you are right later on he is more clear that polymers were out.

My bad on that...should have read it more closely.[sad2]
 
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Thanks guys. I actually was considering the M&P initially, before I decided to go with a metal frame.

I understand I can buy a P220 Carry via FTF, thats how I was able to get the LCP. The problem I have always found though is that they can be tough to find and when you do find them you pay a premium because it isnt MA compliant.

I am thinking I might be between the P229 and the P220 Carry (which could be a challenge to find).

Uh oh................now begin the .40 vs .45 debate!!!!!
 
Why do you need the P220 carry? The regular P220 isn't that much bigger. The ass end of the gun, which is the part that is harder to conceal, is the same size anyways.

-Mike
 
SSW1911A1 said:
The 1911 is my all time favorite, I know you don't prefer them but the S&W Pro Series 3" .45acp is real sweet!!!!
Click to expand...

This one: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766210_-1_757895___ProductDisplayErrorView_Y???

When I was checking out ranger4-7's 1911 recomendation I came across this one and I like it. Not sure how it compares to the Sig in terms of quality and reliability but it is certainly priced in the same range! Thoughts on that?
 
drgrant said:
Why do you need the P220 carry? The regular P220 isn't that much bigger. The ass end of the gun, which is the part that is harder to conceal, is the same size anyways.

-Mike
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More of a personal preference than anything but you're right, I think they are the same width and height with the P220 being about 1/2 inch longer than the P220 Carry.
 
Smith and Wesson Third-Gen Semi-Autos are plentiful, inexpensive, and absolutely reliable. The .45 variety (4506) will have a single stack 8 round mag and the .40 type (4006, 4013) will have a variety of mags depending on if you want full size or mid/compact size. Options include traditional DA/SA, DAO, a Sig style decocker lever, and frame rail. Preban mags are available for the .40. If you look around these pistols can be had for <$400, especially the .40.

Chris
 
Executive said:
Smith and Wesson Third-Gen Semi-Autos are plentiful, inexpensive, and absolutely reliable. The .45 variety (4506) will have a single stack 8 round mag and the .40 type (4006, 4013) will have a variety of mags depending on if you want full size or mid/compact size. Options include traditional DA/SA, DAO, a Sig style decocker lever, and frame rail. Preban mags are available for the .40. If you look around these pistols can be had for <$400, especially the .40.

Chris
Click to expand...

So it looks like the 4516 would be more in line with the size I am looking for then?
 

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