Graduation gun... what to choose?

[Nojoy621]

Have you looked at single action revolvers? I picked up my first a couple months ago. It's a Ruger Vaquero in 44mag with a birdshead grip and I absolutely love it..it serves no carry purpose, and ammo is expensive but it's one of the most fun to shoot guns I own.

 

[hog slayer]

I'd say one line of caution: When I go shopping for a gun and have a limit, by the time I'm done I've probably gone over that limit. You know, taxes, and the newer model and night sights and fancy wood and such. If I were paying and gave you a limit, I'd not be terribly upset but just a tad disappointed if you didn't factor all those things in and keep me within my budget.

 

[wtfd661]

Dan Wesson 1911

 

[gregkl]

I know you already have a CZ but I would consider selling my recently purchased CZC Custom Target Shadow. It has about 5 mags through it on one range trip. PM me if interested. It would be below your $1500 and you could have the custom made holster, mag carriers and extra mags.

But if I was in your position, I'd get a nice 1911!

 

[bobjones223]

You guys looking for a brother by a different mother because the gifts you guys give are worth considering changing families!

 

[throttletony]

You guys looking for a brother by a different mother because the gifts you guys give are worth considering changing families!

Ha, thanks. I will say that he's in a comfortable spot to be able to offer this. Moreso than the other siblings, and even our parents.
I certainly count myself as blessed. He and I have both become "gun guys" in our mid-late 20s and it's now one of the ways we bond. We grew up shooting .22 rifles, but it wasn't a big part of our identity - mostly reserved for visiting the grandparents' ranch in MT and shooting gophers.
No real hunting and no handguns to be found in our house in the 80's & 90's.

 

[throttletony]

I know you already have a CZ but I would consider selling my recently purchased CZC Custom Target Shadow. It has about 5 mags through it on one range trip. PM me if interested. It would be below your $1500 and you could have the custom made holster, mag carriers and extra mags.

But if I was in your position, I'd get a nice 1911!

Thanks for your offer, I'll pass on the Target Shadow (though I'm drooling to shoot one of those)
I think I'll go the 1911 route

 

[Thor]

Really can't go wrong with the 1911. Good decision. The S&W in .45 wouldn't have been bad either...go buy one after you make some money from that new high falutin sheep skin!

 

[Areoflyer09]

1911s are always a solid choice!

I'd almost go with something a bit under budget so you could have something custom done to it, like having your graduation date engraved or something along those lines. Just a unique touch to make it yours and just that bit more special.

 

[ru44mag]

If someone offered to buy me a pistol in that price range, I would get a Nighthawk. "BHP all slicked up"

 

[ru44mag]

If someone offered to buy me a pistol in that price range, I would get a Nighthawk. "BHP all slicked up"

Only problem with that suggestion, is they retail at $3195.00!!!! Oops...

 

[Dean C.]

This is the treadwinner right here, Dan Wesson beats the socks off Smith and Wesson, Colt, Sig and Springfield Armory (may they go under quickly) nothing those manufacturers make in that price range can touch a Valor full stop end of story I have owned / shot pretty much all of them.

Now for ~$1500 you are in the stainless end of things as the black duty treat is an extra ~$250 (but worth is as it is tough as nails), my suggestion is the VBOB its small enough to carry but big enough to fight with. Kinda like a Glock 19 but better in every way.

 

[gwingo]

I'm a 357 man so I recommend the revolver. Since you're open to Ruger, they now have available a Redhawk in 357 with 8 round capacity. Good luck.

 

[9mmfan]

Ruger Redhawk vote here. They are a tank. I really want one.

 

[jbombelli]

If someone offered to buy me a pistol in that price range, I would get a Nighthawk. "BHP all slicked up"

Only problem with that suggestion, is they retail at $3195.00!!!! Oops...

Now THESE gentlemen know class and style.

At this price point I would probably just get a standard HiPower, get a little work done on it to make it "mine" , and several mags and some ammo.

 

[JAL]

First, congratulations on your PhD. That's an achievement an entire order of magnitude beyond a MS program.

I recommend a 1911 .45 ACP if you've never owned one. Take your pick, which is just about (but not quite) everything available with the budget you have. My first handgun was a Ruger .357 magnum 45 years ago, which I no longer have, but if I were to get another revolver, it would be a 4" GP100. You've already got wheel guns though, and the classic semi-auto pistol that has withstood the test of time for over 100 years is the 1911, the longest handgun model in continuous service with the U.S. military, by many decades.

John

 

[Indynic]

I highly recommend the Wiley Clapp series 1911s made by Colt. It has all the modern features that one would want in a 1911 at an excellent price point. Can be had for under $1100.

Plus, it's a Colt. All these other 1911s are fine and dandy, but to only have one, get a Colt.

https://grabagun.com/colt-wiley-clapp-gov-ser-70-45acp.html

Features include:
Series 70
Upswept beavertail
Novak combat sights, brass bead front
Enhanced frame (undercut trigger)
25 lpi front strap checkering
25 lpi mainspring housing
Internal frame bevel at the mag opening for smoother mag changes.

 

[indiucky]

I am going to go against the grain here and say a very nice Smith and Wesson K Frame 22 revolver.....Either vintage (maybe a birth year?) or a new 617...

Carry guns often change due to various factors but a classic .22 revolver is timeless, elegant, and never tiresome...

IMHO....

Vintage....

New...

 

[gregkl]

I am going to go against the grain here and say a very nice Smith and Wesson K Frame 22 revolver.....Either vintage (maybe a birth year?) or a new 617...Carry guns often change due to various reasons but a classic .22 revolver is timeless, elegant, and never tiresome...

IMHO....

I love my 617. I have an older one(6-shot) but that is one I would not sell. It is so much fun to shoot and the most accurate .22 I have ever come across.

 

[Benp]

The 1911 is timeless, beautiful, and a pleasure to shoot. Congratulations on your degree!