Precision handgun for $600???

I have never really pushed myself to improve my pistol accuracy. I am looking for a very accurate hand gun with a crisp trigger. Kind of a new begining to improving my close range lethalness  

I would recommend that whatever you get, also get a good precision .22 LR pistol, so you'll be able to practice more often with much less expense.  I love the S&W M 41.  I have one, and it's the most accurate .22 pistol I've ever shot, but it's expensive.  I'm also a fan of the Ruger Mark series pistols, and the MK III Target or Competition is a good choice.

As for centerfire autos, I'm a fan of Sig P series, mainly because I shoot them well (or, I've just been lucky with them), but everyone has their own preferences.  I also like the now-discontinued H&K P7 series "squeeze cocker" pistols, but they too are pretty expensive.  The grip feel of a P7 is perfect for me, and that, in combination with the low barrel axis, fixed barrel, polygonal rifling, and excellent trigger has been very good to me in the accuracy dept.  Both have been extremely reliable, running without a single FTF or hiccup in 1000's of rounds fired.

I don't have a Springfield XDM, but I like the way the grip feels, and folks I know who do own one seem to like it. 

EDIT:  I just realized your $600 limit in the thread title after I typed this.  Within that budget, I would highly consider the CZ 75.  You didn't specify what caliber choice(s) you're considering.


Edited by RifleDude - April/21/2012 at 22:12

I carry/conceal a S&W 642/.38 +P airweight snubby in the summer & a S&W 640/357cal snubby in the winter.The accuracy of any gun comes from PRACTICE,PRACTICE & more you guessed it" Practice"

+1 Rifledude

RifleDude is correct, the S&W 41 is an OUTSTANDING pistol, but expensive.  Let me suggest the S&W 22a.  It is 90% of the 41, but 1/4 the cost...  I've fired over 1000 rounds through mine with never a jam.  After a couple of bricks of 22LR, I'll probably clean it...

If you are used to rifle triggers you may be better off with a 1911 style .45ACP because of its light single action trigger.  $600 for a handgun eliminates most of the really good stuff. It does leave Glocks, Springfield XD pistols and is getting close to Ruger's 1911 and Taurus's 1911.  I have learned to like glocks a lot but you either love them or hate them and for many years I turned up my nose at those plastic pistols. I have been carrying a Glock on duty for many years now and it has held up to a lot of abuse. The Glock 35 is the target version with a 3.5Lb trigger in 40 S&W and the Glock 34 is the target version in 9mm.  Left to my preference I would be just fine carrying a 44 mag Smith and Wesson but the more energy the pistol cartridge has the better I like the caliber consequently I no longer wish to own anything in 9mm or .380 and am happier with a 45acp than a 40 and happier with a 44 mag than a .357mag but you should pick based on what your needs are and if you will only ever shoot paper the least expensive ammo may make the choice for you. So one size does not fit all. I suggest you attempt to shoot something in the caliber you are considering before buying. Also go to youtube and watch the Hickock45 videos.

define precision in a handgun, then define handgun

Okay, Dale.  Even though you are referring to another post I'll throw some thoughts out there to start the discussion.

not what you consider--- the orginal poster,

Dale Clifford wrote: not what you consider--- the orginal poster, don't know what guns he is considering or not. A precision pistol to me will shoot under 1"  at 100 yds, (T/C, merrel, XP) a bullseye 45  1" at 25,  etc.--- but certainly these are out of the price range given. does the op want a 22LR? the op needs to qualify the question.

I interpreted from your statement "I love the looks of 1911's but dont really like how most feel in my hand" that you had ruled out 1911s.  It's hard to shoot a pistol well that doesn't feel right to you. One advantage to the 1911, besides the huge variety of aftermarket parts for the platform, is the fact there are several good 1911 style .22's or (in the case of the MK III 22-45) have a 1911 style grip shape, so your inexpensive rimfire practice reinforces the feel and indexing of your defensive pistol.


Edited by RifleDude - April/22/2012 at 21:27

still at a loss for your precision. none of the guns you have mentioned will be more precise that the glock. not going to happen in a factory pistol, at the least the 9mm is cheaper to practice with. If your referring to a type of precision that has no time factor involved, the one with the longest sight plane and best sites, will be the winner.

RifleDude wrote: I interpreted from your statement "I love the looks of 1911's but dont really like how most feel in my hand" that you had ruled out 1911s.  It's hard to shoot a pistol well that doesn't feel right to you. One advantage to the 1911, besides the huge variety of aftermarket parts for the platform, is the fact there are several good 1911 style .22's or (in the case of the MK III 22-45) have a 1911 style grip shape, so your inexpensive rimfire practice reinforces the feel and indexing of your defensive pistol.

That's the grip safety.  It provides an extra measure of mechanical safety when carrying in "cocked and locked" mode and the top of the grip safety prevents hammer bite on the web between your thumb and forefinger.  All current 1911's have it.

I'm with Dale on the "precision" thing.  No defensive auto pistol in typical "carry" form is really what I would call a "precision" weapon, though "precision" is a relative term.  Those that are geared more toward "precision" are along the lines of the tricked-out .38 Super 1911's and the various custom built 1911s, all of which cost several times your budget.  Generally a "precision" pistol would have a longer sight radius, adjustable sights, and a tighter parts fit than is typically seen on a carry pistol.

Shooting precision with a pistol is hard to define and do anyway because typically you are shooting from a standing or some other funky position and hold the gun in your hands.  The slightest and I mean slightest movement when you depress the trigger can move your POI dramatically.  There are so many things in your technique that can throw a shot it is crazy. 

You have to be an exceptional shooter with prefect technique to be able to really exceed the accuracy potential of even a factory pistol. 

Unless you are very good I have a hard time believing your are outshooting your Glock.  And I don't mean that derogatory towards you.

Unless you are very good I think it has a lot more to do with the shooter than the gun.  When a person is very good they can benefit from the better pistol. 

I have had Glocks, 1911s, XDs, Rugers, Walther, Sigs, XDMs, and I was able to shoot them all pretty much the same. 

HAve you consider putting a 3.5# connector in your glock?  That could make a world of diff for you.

Quick post, skipping what everyone else said, maybe mine will agree, maybe not.

HAve you consider putting a 3.5# connector in your glock?  That could make a world of diff for you.
[/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE]

Rancid Coolaid wrote: Good enough is what works best in handguns.  Because, at the end of the day, a handgun is the tool you use to get back to your rifle.

Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

I love watching his videos.  I've watched all 600 something.

Clint Smith quote from Thunder Ranch is pretty famous, but smith also prefers some rather oddball stuff from what is practical for most shooters. have/shoot a glock 35 and although they look larger are the same dimensions as a 1911. also have a 26,20,19,38,23, and next to the 34 is the easiest to shoot well. Without taking an instruction class the 1911 are the hardest to learn well. Carrying a race gun (really nice 1911) for defense is llike taking a race car to a tractor pull. Carrying a mid level 1911 is a waste of time unless you've trained with them.

It is someone else's quote, I just repeat it to sound smart and salty - but a very true statement nonetheless.

the subject moved away from precision when time entered the equation (steel plate shooting). Game shooting shouldn't be ruled out, not all handguns need be defensive in posture. Children really changes the picture however.  They make exceptional moving targets. Or if this is unsatisfactory, they train easily for reloading,picking up brass, or a  basis for a need to go out and show the kids how to shoot.

For $600 if you want a precision pistol to punch the x-ring out of a bullseye target, then really your only choice is a S&W Mod. 15 or Mod. 25; prefferably a 6 inch barrell. Either will work as a defensive weapon too. You can use them both for competition as well, but you will be at a disadvantage if competing straight up with auto pistols.