Pondering a new purchase

[dmg1969]

With the State Legislature attempting to pass anti-gun legislation, I have decided to purchase another handgun. The wife says I can take some $ out of the tax refund to get one. In fact, she thinks it woould be a good idea...no wonder I married her.

Now I need to decide what to get. I already have the .38, so I want to get a semi-auto in either 9mm or .45 ACP. I ran to Gander Mountain over lunch to see some different models up close as opposed to online. I definately want something small enough for CCW. I also would be more comfortable with a thumb safety as opposed to just the trigger and drop safeties of the Glock, M&P or SA-XD line.

One I am seriously considering is the Para Ordnance Wart Hawg in either .45 ACP or the "Hawg 9" in 9mm. They are certainly more money than the above mentioned lines...in the mid to upper $700s.

Dave G.

[billamj]

I've heard good and bad about the Paras so what I would suggest is either finding someone you know who has what you are looking for or a range that has rental guns. That way you can try them for yourself and base your decision on what you like and are comfortable with. You might also want to look at the Springfield EMP. It is a purpose built small nine that might work for you. Just my 2 cents.

[96D]

1969

Get yourself a Beretta!!!

[Jay5oh]

I love my para...no problems with mine.

[Mike45]

Pondering a new purchase, I have one word for you dmg, Colt Lightweight Commander...Mike45

[ithinkimamedic]

I had a Para Warthawg.. I figured it would be a good carry gun for the pocket and while it did fit well and as comfortable to carry I could NOT get it to feed consistantly. I tried the full gambit of 230gr FMJ ammo and that worked out very well with the exception of the slide failing to lock back on an empty mag. This can be solved (so I've been told) by changin the mag springs but it seems the overall downfall of this handgun is its magazine. Additionally I had various results with JHP's sometimes they would feed... sometimes they wouldnt. After aprox 700 rounds or so I decided it was time to go, first firearm I sold and it was the first one I bought NIB... I was sad to see it go. I have heard VERY good things about this exact gun and I've heard great things about the HAWG 9. Good luck with your decision... thats a lot of coin to drop on a pistol but it can be money well spent. I just thought I would throw some thoughts on the pistol.

[dmg1969]

Thanks all for your input. Still undecided. I did the taxes last night (I LOVE turbotax) and while we will get a nice chunk back, the wife doesn't want me going warthog wild. After talking, we agreed at around $500 for a new piece.

I think I decided on going the 9MM route. I did see a few at Gander Mountain which would fit the bill. There was a S&W model 910 in stainless for $500. They also had a Stoeger (sp?) Cougar, which I believe is made by Beretta, and that was in my general price range. I may also consider a Taurus Millenium Pro as I've always had good luck with Taurus.

I have been looking into a Charles Daly Field or M-5 since the importer (KBI) is right down the road from me at work. I contacted one dealer from their website and he has never been able to get a price list form them. I e-mailed another and never heard back. So, I called them directly and spoke with a guy in sales. He was going to check with several dealers and see if he could find what I was looking for. I like the Field 1911 in either 3 or 4 inch. Good looking gun and the one dealer said he did like them and they are well made, but hard to get since they are imported.

We'll see. I guess I'll take a day when the tax refund comes back to go around form store to store and check out as many as I can. Does anyone know of any stores in the Harrisburg area where you can try some out before buying? Not many places have a range on site. I know Danny's does.

Dave G.

[fultonCoShooter]

dont buy from gander mountain you can get better prices online like

www.budsgunshop.com and a few other places

[phillyd2]

I think Stoeger is one of the best values available today. The Cougar was selling for about twice the price when it was under the Beretta name. Now its made in Turkey under Beretta using all of the original tooling. Other than the name there is no difference except the great price.

If you decide against the 9mm then the XD45 is the way to go. Or you can be like me and get both!!!!!

[dmg1969]

Thanks for the link, Fulton. I'll check them out.

Dave G.

Originally Posted by fultonCoShooter

dont buy from gander mountain you can get better prices online like

www.budsgunshop.com and a few other places