I think they're all good choices so it boils down to how you feel. I generally know without a doubt when I'm going to buy a gun... it's kinda like the light-bulb lighting up in the old cartoons. Only question I wonder about is if you've tried a S&W M&P? They're pretty much state-of-the-art now for double-stacks in that price range... I like 'em a lot and they're extremely reliable.

I actually havent, i'm glad you brought that up, I forgot about it. I'll have to find one to try it out

I'm a bit confused buy your, "no 9mm" statement yet Beretta 92fs is one of your choices. Yes, some similar Beretta guns fit your requirements, and I strongly suggest you check them out.

Beretta 92FS is a 9mm, Beretta 96FS is a .40 cal.

Originally Posted by maddogg7888

- I have heard good things about CZ, just dont know much about them.

You can start here... CZ 75 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Best would be to handle one, and shoot it if possible.

Also, the SigPro 2022 falls within your budget.

typo fixed sry, the best shop thats closest to me has a website here ( Miller Rod and Gun ) so any of those guns I would be able to play around with hands on

Typos happen easily, especially when identifying guns where there are regularly more than 10 variations of the same gun (22 variations of the CZ 75 are listed on the link a couple posts above.) I like your choice of .40 caliber for a defense gun, but I don't think I would go with one of the Glocks do to some problems I have read about regarding their performance with .40 caliber ammunition. There are too many other choices to choose a pistol about which there are performance questions. The best piece of advice I have to pass along is to not buy any gun you have not had a chance to fire. A gun may feel great when you hold it, but that does not mean it will feel great as you shoot it.

Have you ruled out an economy 1911 like Para, or a good used 1911? The 1911 platform is such a great target gun in .45 acp.

I recently purchased a used S&W 4506 (5-inch) and a used S&W 4566 (4-inch). Both are stainless steel, .45 ACP, traditional double/single action. The 4506 is BIG, heavy, and will digest anything; no failures so far. I haven't shot the 4566 yet, but I don't expect anything different. Both were under $400.

You've got the right idea. Try as many as you can get your hands on, before long one will start being what you compare the others to. Thats the one to get. And don't overlook used, some good one there with out the huge price tag.

Originally Posted by sgms

You've got the right idea. Try as many as you can get your hands on, before long one will start being what you compare the others to. Thats the one to get. And don't overlook used, some good one there with out the huge price tag.

Why no 9mm , On the range i use both .45 and 9mm . 9mm ammo is a good bit cheaper . A cz 75 with 19 rounds of 9mm would deter most criminals. Dont get too tied up in nonsese abought 9mm not being effective . As for .40 i dont see the point of the caliber when you have 9mm and 45 .

I would have bought a Glock 21 or 21SF if either gun was a confortable fit for my hands. If your hands are big enough as you say, that would be my choice.